I travel from New England to Pennsylvania and to Florida alone, when asked where my husband is, I say “he’s waiting for me in the car”. They think someone is watching for me. Safe travels.

Just discovered your channel. You’re great. I’ve lived alone all of of my adult life. Now I’m a retired university professor taking care of my 90 year old mother. Many people have tried to make me feel odd for my choice to live alone. Your channel makes me feel good about my independence.

@lillianbarker4292

3 ай бұрын

You have no idea of how many couples wish they lived alone-at least some of the time 😂. My husband and I take separate trips sometimes just to get a break.

My first solo trip (divorced a year ago, 62 years old) was to Iceland January 2024. Iceland is a great place for solo women travelers.

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

It's on my list! Welcome aboard!

I travel solo 95% of the time in my life starting in college. Being a tiny Asian, I didn’t stand out too much in third world countries. I don’t drink, don’t go to bars and dance halls, don’t take drugs. Most of the time I was back in my lodging before 7pm. I don’t wear ear buds to hear footsteps. When sleeping in bus/train stations and airports, i would limit my liquid intake to not have to use bathroom during the night. I don’t get into ocean or trails by myself. I’d rather go with a group or a local guide.

@sandyk6949

3 ай бұрын

Sounds like good advice to travel safely!

@andrascarmonaiii2258

2 ай бұрын

Thank you

This should be obvious but you'd be surprised how many people forget the basics. Lock the doors and windows in your hotel or Airbnb, and car rental. Don't leave anything unattended. Use the safe in your room or front desk to store valuables, and put items in the trunk of your car rental. Avoid street-level accommodations and opt for higher floors. Never open the door to unexpected guests. Inform your host (or hotelier) that you must have advance notice via text or phone call before you allow anyone in.

American 🇺🇸 here. When I’m traveling alone which is most the time. I always call one of my sons when walking into a rest stop bathroom keep them on speaker as I’m walking in. Our conversation is scripted-I’ll say so where you at? My son will respond- I’m about to pull into the rest stop now see you when you come out. ❤ This will in my mind make myself and my vehicle less of a target. Making the next vehicle that arrives look like it is with me. I had a friend get luggage stolen from her car while in a rest stop bathroom. That’s why I’m extra careful.

I love to travel alone. I’ve been to New York several times by myself. It’s so much more fun. I can do what I want when I want. I don’t have to waste energy on syncing time with another person. I also meet people much easier. When you are with someone, people tend to leave you alone with your travel companion. When I am by myself, people are always much more inclined to speak with me. I have actually made many friends while traveling alone. It’s so much more fun.

I write down credit card numbers and customer service numbers, copy of passport/id, embassy phone numbers and addresses, insurance member number and customer service number, and anything i might need in email and save as a draft. As long as there is internet access i can get to my email to get important info in case of theft.

I can't seem to make it out of state, let alone out of country! But I WILL go somewhere, someday!

@monicaluketich6913

3 ай бұрын

I'm in Texas. I finally snuck out last month to Oklahoma for a weekend! First time out of Texas in 8 or 9 years.

Thanks! I’m 52 and do a lot of traveling on my own. I lean toward road trips. I had another woman recommend to me to wear a baseball cap when driving. It makes it harder to tell it’s a woman alone in a car.

@cherylmcnutt9905

3 ай бұрын

That’s smart! I’ve been on my own pretty much since I was 17, and I’ve had some pretty harrowing experiences in the road locally and far away. The weirdest of which is men bumping my car with theirs to ask me out. Has anyone else had this issue? Seriously! The first time, I was 17. Home from college for Winter Break. Heading to a mall to buy Christmas presents. I’m in the middle of Main Street, in traffic. The car behind me hits my car, not too hard, but hard enough to stop and exchange insurance information. Because traffic was awful and everyone wash rushing around to the shops, he suggested we move our cars to an auto dealership lot on the corner. I drive and pull into a parking spot. He pulls his car in BEHIND mine, basically boxing me in. It was at that time I noticed the dealership had closed (gone out of business). I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. We exchange registrations and insurance cards. While I’m writing down his info, he asks me if I want to go to a party with him. 🤷‍♀️ I said no, that I was on my way to meet friends (I lied). Fortunately, it was still light out, but it was getting near dusk and he kept talking. Finally, I asked him to move his car because I was going to be late meeting my friends, and jumped back in my car. He slowly left. Whew! It hasn’t happened often, but it happened to me again four more times, once every 10 years. How weird is that?!? Each time it happened near a holiday. The last time I was 57, and it was dark out. I was heading home from having Thanksgiving Dinner with friends. I kind of understood why it happened in my younger years, but who hits a 57-year-old woman’s car and then he offers to buy her a drink?? There are crazy people out there, so stay vigilant and stay safe!

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Great tip!

@linak7155

3 ай бұрын

@@cherylmcnutt9905 I'm sure it has been potentially dangerous but a tad humorous in the way you relate it. It may have something to do with the way you drive? some sort of a chick magnet in reverse going on? Lol! Thank you for lightning up my day!😊

I always wear a wedding ring when I travel solo.

Pack CONFIDENCE! Head and chin up, shoulders back and go for it!

So many good points, not just for singles but for everyone. Not exactly a safety tip, but bring a copy of eyeglass and medication prescriptions in case they go missing while you're traveling. You may be in a different time zone than your doctor. I've never had a problem getting pre-authorized before a trip.

I kinda wish I had known of van travel years ago, although I could not have done it anyway until my Mom passed away 9 years ago and I was already 70 so now I travel with KZread and dream. Thank you.

@sylviaskinner6849

3 ай бұрын

Isn’t it wonderful that we can travel with KZread. I love it. I’m 65 and just retired and went through a divorce a couple years ago so I don’t think I will have the money to try abroad. But that’s OK because I can certainly see it on KZread and live it through their eyes.

Good tips. I would recommend not to rely too much on all your phone has to offer though. It can get damaged, stolen or malfunction. Have the important things in paper and a Plan B. Bon voyage!

@lillianbarker4292

3 ай бұрын

When I lost my phone in a Mexican village it was scary. If I hadn’t been with a group I wouldn’t have been able to contact my husband to tell him I was safe. I had paper copies of flights and hotels.

Carry some small change of whatever country you are in, someplace handy. Some public toilets require you to pay for use. And keep some tp handy too!

Super important: NEVER TAKE A RIDE OR CAB YOU DID NOT CALL. You can be driven out and robbed and left somewhere. Also - Never let someone convince you to go to their bar or a certain bar. You can be drugged and robbed. These things happen!

@XzadforSpacefox

3 ай бұрын

Also never let a stranger use your phone. People have lost money when a stranger using a phone used a cash type app to send money from the phone owner and robbed them digitally.

This was all new to me. I'm 70 years old and I had to fly through countries I didn't speak the languages, I went through security twice and everything else by myself. One of my planes was rescheduled. I was just going home, the rest of the trip was with friends. I was so proud that day.

Trust your gut. Always. I travelled alone years ago and found that I instinctively knew who to speak to and who to ignore. One person I had an icky feeling about followed me all day (without me realising) and made a grab for me near the YHA. I yelled the place down and they let me go.

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

How scary!

I never carry a purse and especially not across my body an attacker can grab your purse and use the stape to choke you. I carry all my cards and cash and id's in a RFID blocking men's wallet

The thing about a crossbody bag is that if someone in a car or on a motorbike grabs it, you can be strangled.

I find your videos to be very relaxing and peaceful. I will sometimes just listen in the car, even if the topics aren’t especially relevant to me. Keep up the good work!

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you

Never understand people travelling without insurance. Some people's idea of a plan is setting up a "Go fund me" if things go wrong. Thanks for the tips 😊👍

I am so happy to follow you - I appreciate your calm and direct way of sharing your experiences to de- mystify how to be a solo traveler. 😊

All great tips. Also, it helps to check in with your phone company, as well as your bank / credit company before you leave so you can use these services as expected. Be wary of people that approach you like a friend or seem very willing to help in some way when you didn't ask for it. I like to keep as much distance as possible between me and anyone else and avoid crowds where possible.

I have travelled solo to Europe a number of times. Most of these I have used and they are invaluable. I always stay on a higher level floor and the bldg if not a hotel is locked and then of course my room. I avoid tourist areas always later towards evening. I get up early and arrive back before dark. I stayed in Paris and was unaware the subway finished at midnight. It was the Fifa games and it took ages to locate a cab. Luckily for that trip I was with my daughter so there were 2 of us and I can speak some French. I never did that again. I always check ahead of time is there any large event going on that would add more people, chaos or transportation issues. Thanks for the video. good for solo and others.

I've just discovered your channel. I'm in my 40s and I'm wanting to start solo travel. Thank you for all of your informative videos.

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard!

@lillianbarker4292

3 ай бұрын

It can be a little scary at first. Start with an easy place (Europe, the US or Canada). I like to sign up for small, short group tours or workshops at the location to stave off loneliness. I have a small journal and a kindle when I eat alone in restaurants.

I'm 56. I travel solo quite often. Thanks for the video 🎉

Great travel tips, Jen -- thank you! I also walk as if I know exactly where I'm going when I'm travelling; especially, when solo travelling 😊❤

Love your channel. Thank you for your videos. I struggle with my third act, similar situation to yours. You are very inspiring and informative.

Great ideas. Thanks for the video.

great reminders! Thank you.

Great tips. Thank you for sharing.

Glad I found your videos - such great tips

When I traveled to Mexico by myself I didn't tell anyone at the resort that I was alone.

this was eye opening for me.

Great tips, very technology heavy which is great for me. I'm tech savvy but not always up-to-date on it.

Came at the right time....thank Jen!

love what you are doing on KZread! keep up the good work john

These were all great tips! Some ive learned the hard way. TY

Thanks for all these tips.

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

All great tips, especially the insurance. My friend travels a lot and has used it all several times. I agree with you, don't tell people you are alone even when you travel locally. I go back and forth from Florida to New Mexico and when asked I say he's around. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you!!!! ❤❤

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

Awesome! 👍😎🇨🇦

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Great tips, Jen!

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Great video!! Thank you.

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Good tips. The problem is though family will be waiting at the airport or friends so the skill I have to work on is the making sure my purse and mobile is safe. Being in Greece for the last few years means that when you're in more rural areas we take a backpack because you may have to take important medical info, umbrella etc so unless you're in Athens it's a lot safer and comfortable for back and leg problems. But helpful ideas esp in areas of a lot for theft and crimes. Thanks ❤❤GREECE.

Thank you.

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Welcome!

Great video

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thank you for your excellent post. I am really enjoying your channel

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Jen you are so knowledgable ! Thank you , what an incredible video, full of important and useful tips for solo travellers.

@silverandsolo

18 күн бұрын

You are so welcome!

Thank you , great tips ! We're traveling to England next month and i always have firm grasp on mt cross body bag . I've never used VPN so looking into it . Appreciate all your tips . 💕🇨🇦

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

Ah, love England! Enjoy!

I just made a stupid mistake on a solo trip to Mexico. I forgot my debit card. Luckily I got a good amount of cash at the airport, and I was also able to pay for things with a credit card. But most taxis didn’t take credit cards and since I’m 74, I was using taxis. Even a bank wouldn’t give me cash with my credit card and the many airport banks couldn’t help me. It was only cash exchange booths that could. Then I lost my phone! Luckily I had printed all my flights and hotels. What a trip!

@looloo4029

2 ай бұрын

😳that would have been very scary!

Great ideas. I'm planning on some solo travel in the future so this was so pertinent to me. I travel light and never bring valuables, I"m a pretty causal kinda gal. LOL. I'm not going to be traveling in another country but most of these tips apply.

For men, carry your wallet in the front pocket of your trousers. You'll know if someone is groping around to steal it. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

I've heard of this tip for men before, thanks for adding it!

Hi Thank you so much for these really helpful tipps. Can you tell something about preparing a trip to far countries for women? Like choosing the destination, what you take in consideration? What or which locations you avoid? Which routes do you choose (city, landscape, nature etc.), which means you prefer (car, plane, foot, train etc.) and why, how you keep yourself from dangerous situations and so on? Thanks 🫶🏻

I've always purchased insurance before I go. If you're take several trips a year, an annual insurance policy may be worthwhile. In the US, Allianz provides this type of insurance.

Thanks for the insurance link!

Thank yo Jen. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓

There is so much to learn! Mobile pay technology? I had not even heard! Oy! Frankly, this technology stuff scares me. Your parents may be boomers (so am I) but open n obviously quick to learn. I have visited a total of three countries, and aside from currency exchange and travelers checks, I did not plan for much else. TY for the great tips!

@teresaforsyth6185

3 ай бұрын

Travelers checks? Not making fun----I didn't know they still existed.

@linak7155

3 ай бұрын

@@teresaforsyth6185 No offense taken.😁 Travelers checks were once an item when going abroad, but with the widespread use of credit cards, they are no longer as common.

When my girls were young drivers I thought of making a life-size torso of a man to prop up in the passenger seat. He could be a cowboy, lumber jack, construction worker depending on the hat, asleep in the passenger seat. I have heard of police using something like this in a parked patrol car to slow traffic. Didn't do it but I think is would work.

Pepper spray and a knife helps too (for US travel).

❤

Great tips here - excellent video. I also ensure I know where the Canadian embassies are in the countries that I’m travelling to in case I need their help.

My husband died and I’ve been alone since then. It was like pulling a rock off my feet, hasn’t been able to discover. Fortunately, I don’t like to travel. I don’t like to deal with long lines, TSA, flight delays and so on. I work from home and I enjoy being with my pets very much. I’m a happy camper. But I should admit, I don’t like people so it does get very lonely.

@lillianbarker4292

3 ай бұрын

I’m not crazy about people, but we humans need some social interaction. You can meet like minded people by volunteering, taking a class or joining a club. You may be surprised by how much you like it.

@Sarah33Kaufman

3 ай бұрын

Been there, done that, no thank you!

Excellent tips. What do you do for health insurance when you travel? Or does the travel insurance cover that?

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

I have supplemental health insurance through my employer which covers me for up to three weeks abroad. Anything longer than that I buy health/travel insurance together.

@jaadeer912

3 ай бұрын

@@silverandsolo Awesome, thanks!

I stupidly became locked out of my online Canadian banking while spending a month in Spain last year. Guess what? The 800 numbers that are posted on the bank’s website don’t work from europe so I was unable to get it sorted until I returned to Canada. Fortunately my debit card still worked so I was able to get cash but had to really fly by the seat of my pants as I couldn’t check my account balance.

Fairly new here and enjoying your articulate, rational content. Also trying to read the titles on your bookshelf....

@silverandsolo

3 ай бұрын

One of these days I'll make a video about the bookshelves....there are more...so many more.... :) Thanks for dropping by!

Put your cash in more than one place on your person. In certain countries athleisure wear clothing-leggings, yoga tops/bottoms, bright colors, baseball caps scream tourist.

Learn your numbers, basic questions of information and Google translate if necessary. Ask politely if someone speaks English.

Here is another tip. Freeze your credit at the credit reporting agencies. It’s free and no one can open an account in your name! Prevents fraud.