Looking to get away from it all? Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach break or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure holiday, solo travel can offer you freedom and flexibility to take the trip of your lifetime.
However, if you’re off on your adventures alone, there are some important things to think about while planning your trip to ensure you stay safe abroad.
Don’t leave home before reading our top tips for staying safe overseas as a single traveller.
Stick to your plans
When it comes to what to do each day, the world’s your oyster as a solo holiday-maker. However, if you’re happy to do at least some planning before you leave, it’s a good idea to run through your itinerary with someone back at home. Give them your contact details too, and that way, if anyone does need to reach you, they’ll be able to get in touch.
Learn the lingo
Wherever you’re off to, it’s a good idea to learn a few local phrases to help you get by. Not only will people often appreciate you making the effort, doing so could really help when you’re trying to find the best local restaurant or you need directions to your hotel.
Keep in contact
If you can – and it doesn’t disrupt your trip too much – make sure friends or family back home have a way to contact you if they need to. And if you don’t want to take your smartphone away with you, buying a local phone card or mobile SIM card can help keep the cost of calling home low.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also encourages Singaporeans travelling overseas to e-register prior to their trip. All you have to do is log in to the ministry’s website or the SingPass Mobile app using your SingPass then key in your personal particulars, information about your travel itinerary and particulars of an emergency contact person in Singapore. Do this at least three days before your departure date. You’ll then receive information on how to contact the nearest overseas mission, and the ministry can also reach you easily in the event of an emergency, such as civil unrest or a natural disaster, and render urgent help if necessary.
Choose the right travel insurance
When you’re travelling alone, unexpected events like falling ill or flight delays can appear that bit more daunting. Make sure you take time to choose the right travel insurance for your trip and take a copy of your policy documents with you, just in case you need to contact your insurer while you’re away. With Singlife's travel insurance plans, you can choose from Travel Lite, Travel Plus and Travel Prestige plans depending on the amount of coverage you need. You’ll also have the option to enhance your protection with coverage for specific activities not normally covered with regular plans, such as winter sports, extreme water sports and golf vacation. Then you can jet off without much worries.
