12 Must-Know Safety Tips For a Student

For most students, traveling solo to a different country is often a goal that ends up not being achieved for different reasons. For some, traveling as a student looks like too much work, and with a busy schedule, there’s just not any free time left to even go outside the state for a weekend. Others think traveling is a costly affair only left for the rich. While all these reasons are valid, it is possible to travel solo as a student.

In fact, the best time is to do it while young, preferably while still in college. That’s because if you wait until you graduate, you might end up with responsibilities, including a job that makes it hard to travel as often as you want.

Why Travel Solo?

Traveling with family or friends can sometimes lead to challenging situations that test your relationship. Additionally, even your closest friends might not make the best travel companions. To avoid this, most people prefer to travel alone. Overall, traveling solo as a student is both fun and educational. The trick is to do it safely and have a plan. Use these tricks to ensure your solo travel is memorable and doesn’t compromise your education goals.

Start Saving Early

Most students live on a tight budget that often falls more on the broken side. However, students who want to travel, especially to a different country, need to limit their spending and include extra ways to make money. The goal is to have enough money to make it possible to travel during school/college breaks. Consider taking a part-time job and tracking your spending. You can also save money and still get quality content by sending “write my paper” requests to affordable writers

Choose Wisely Where To Go

Ask any seasoned traveler, and one advice they will always give is to use the law of supply and demand to determine when you should travel, especially if you are a student on a tight budget. That means off-season is the ideal time because when there’s a demand for tourists, the prices, including those for accommodation and fares, automatically rise.

However, off-season also depends on where you’re going and why. For instance, if you want to do more skiing in any country experiencing winter during the time you travel, consider its peak season. Also, consider whether that particular time in that country is a holiday. Overall, look for a time when the prices drop in that specific destination. Remember that prices are likely to hike when school closes, especially during holidays.

Ultimately, students can find several ways to travel, such as a semester abroad with your university, an international internship, a volunteerism program, or independent travel.

Say Yes To More Local Food

Students travel to experience new cultures and learn from them. So, wherever you go, try local food and drinks. This also benefits the environment and the places you visit by lowering your carbon footprint. But make it a point to eat healthy local food that keeps your energy up and drink water to remain hydrated. Sampling local foods allows you to taste things you might not find elsewhere.

In addition, local cuisine is often more affordable than international or chain restaurants, which can help you stay within your travel budget. Remember, each region has its own unique ingredients and flavors. Make sure to fully enjoy the places you visit and take photos to remember your journey.

Share Your Travel Plans

Always letting a close friend or family member know about your travel plans is a wise habit. Sharing your plans with a loved one is a straightforward yet valuable step to boost your security, overall welfare, and travel confidence. This precautionary action can have a substantial impact in case of unexpected situations during your trip.

Informing someone you trust about your travel plans ensures that someone knows your whereabouts. This helps keep you safe in emergencies or if you get lost. Plus, if you run into unexpected issues like sickness, accidents, or natural disasters, having someone aware of your itinerary can speed up getting help.

Talk To Someone Who’s Done It

When students want to learn from an online subject expert, they buy essay on a reputable platform. The same concept applies to a student solo traveler. Speaking with someone who has prior experience provides insight into what to anticipate and how to make your journey enjoyable, effortless, and unforgettable. While experiences can vary, following advice from an expert greatly increases the likelihood of a successful trip.

Do Extensive Research On The Place

Before your trip, research the places you’re going. Determine whether there are any unsafe zones or locations where you might require assistance. Then compile a roster of emergency contact numbers and familiarize yourself with the country’s regulations and cultural practices.

The key is to avoid feeling embarrassed or losing valuable items, especially if it’s your first time in a new place. So, do your homework, get to know the area and its people, and determine which places to steer clear of during your vacation. Additionally, you’ll discover must-see attractions and hidden gems in the area by researching. This will help you make the most of your visit and ensure you don’t miss out on amazing experiences.

Never Say You’re Alone

You know you’re traveling alone, and your loved ones know. But that’s as far as you should discuss your travel plans. That means not posting it on social media or telling a stranger you’re a solo traveler. If anyone asks, say you’re with your family, husband, or friends. However, always rely on your intuition. If you ever feel uneasy talking to a local, head to a public area or strike up a conversation with a group.

Knowing common phrases in the local language can come in handy. That’s because speaking the local language makes travel more enjoyable. And simple tasks like asking for directions become much easier. Besides, it prevents the student solo traveler from standing out, especially when interacting with the locals.

Pack Lightly

If you can fit everything you need in a backpack, use it instead of a suitcase. Backpacks are great for solo travelers because they’re easy to carry and versatile. They help students keep a close eye on their stuff and make it easier to move around. Plus, traveling light means you won’t pay extra baggage fees. Ensure the backpack fits your body well and is comfortable to carry for extended periods. It’s best to try it on and adjust the straps to ensure a good fit.

Always Have an Emergency Plan

The primary importance of an emergency plan is to enhance your safety while traveling alone. Unforeseen events such as accidents, injuries, or natural disasters can happen, and a well-thought-out plan can help mitigate risks. An emergency plan should include a communication strategy. Knowing how to reach local authorities, your embassy or consulate, and loved ones back home is vital in case you need assistance.

Furthermore, when traveling solo, a student should have a plan for medical emergencies. This includes having access to essential medications, knowing the location of local hospitals or clinics, and having travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

If possible, maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local contacts. This can include local friends, the place you’re staying, and local authorities’ contact information. Finally, continuously reevaluate your situation and the political or environmental conditions of the place you’re traveling to. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

Meet Locals Safely

While making new friends can be rewarding, it’s better to meet locals in public places and exercise caution when sharing personal information. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas at night.

Backup Documents

Students traveling solo in a foreign country should make digital copies of their passports, visas, IDs, and travel insurance policies and store them securely online. That way, digital copies can serve as a backup in case physical documents get lost, stolen, or damaged.

Besides, digital copies can help prove your identity when dealing with authorities, embassies, or consulates. This can expedite replacement processes in cases of document loss. Storing digital copies online or in cloud storage allows students to access them from anywhere with an Internet connection, which is particularly helpful when traveling. Besides, if you need to reference your documents for any reason, having digital copies readily available on your smartphone or laptop is convenient.

Make Your Solo Travel Fun

For a student, solo traveling can be incredibly enjoyable, educational, and rewarding. The trick is to plan activities that genuinely interest you. The benefit of solo travel is that you can create your own schedule. Therefore, plan your trips to coincide with local events, festivals, and cultural activities to learn about the local lifestyle.

Do so while prioritizing safety, but don’t let fear hold you back. Trust your instincts and use common-sense precautions, such as avoiding risky areas at night. In addition, it’s best to leave room for spontaneity in your plans. Sometimes, the best experiences happen when you go with the flow and explore without a strict agenda.