Solo trips are becoming trendy. They promote happiness as you do not have to worry about anyone’s demands or moods. Also, you can take as many stops as you need and spend as long as you want in each place. However, safety must always be your number one priority, especially when traveling to new and unknown places. Always look after yourself when on a solo adventure.
Anything and everything can happen when you are alone in a new place, which is why it is essential to prepare for any situation. For instance, nobody will be hiking alongside you or by your side when kayaking. You will only be responsible for your safety and must take the necessary precautions. Strangers may be friendly and helpful, but you cannot be too trusting. Additionally, if you are far from people or in an isolated area, help may not be readily available if something happens.
Here are five items that will help improve your safety on a solo trip.
- First aid Kit
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Never leave home without a first aid kit, especially during solo trips. Accidents happen all the time, even when careful. You could get a splinter in your toe while hiking or twist your ankle while running. A first aid kit will help you deal with minor injuries until you get proper medical help.
Pack a small first aid kit even if you are only going for a short walk in the park. Items to include in a first aid kit include a bandage, pair of tweezers, painkillers, antiseptic cream, and sterile pads. Also, carry your medicine along if you have allergies or medical conditions. Include close contacts, your doctor’s information, and your insurance details in the first aid kit to help during an emergency.
- Adventure Tool Box
How will a toolbox help in emergencies? Adventures involve many risks, and your gear can get damaged. A small hand-held gear repair toolbox will help you fix minor problems like a broken shoelace or a torn pocket. Also, you will have the tools to make a small shelter if you get stranded in the wilderness overnight.
You can build your emergency toolbox using readily available materials and toolsets. Include items like a whistle, fire starter, Swiss army knife, multi-purpose keychain tool, and paracord. Various high quality outdoor subscription boxes also come with adventure gear and repair tools to help you in certain situations.
BattlBox brings you monthly outdoor subscription boxes that deliver the top gear you need for your next adventure. Your adventure can be as simple as a day hike or an overnight camping trip. Crate Club is another option when you intend to engage in extreme activity. Their tactical and survival boxes include outstanding products for pro adventurers and soldiers. These two provide everything you need for your next solo trip.
- Portable Door Lock
Stories of hotel doors broken into are not uncommon. Carry a portable door lock if you stay in a hotel or Airbnb. This simple tool can save you on any door, regardless of the setup, as long as the door is hinged.
All you need to do is install it when going out. You need no special tools to add this safety feature to your door. The portable door lock is lightweight and small, making it easy to carry wherever you go. Use it on the doors of public restrooms, hostel dormitories, and any other place you feel unsafe.
- Self-Defense Keychain
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A self-defense keychain is a small, lightweight weapon you can use to protect yourself from an attacker. It has a sharp point that inflicts pain and can leave a wound. The last thing an attacker wants is an injury. Hold it in your fist with the pointed end facing out. Swing your arm in an arc and make contact with the attacker.
Understand that this tool cannot be effective when facing a ferocious animal. Use it as a last resort when there is no other way to escape. But if you must fight, go for the face, eyes, or groin area. The attacker will be in so much pain that they will back off, giving you time to escape.
- Pepper Spray
Walking alone in dark corridors, parking lots, or quiet alleyways can be scary. You do not know what is hiding in the shadows. A can of pepper spray will give you the confidence to walk with your head high. It is a non-lethal weapon that can temporarily blind and immobilize an attacker.
This safety tool can be effective against muggers, sexual assailants, and wild animals. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, derived from chili peppers. It causes a burning sensation in the eyes and throat. The attacker will be in dyspnea and momentarily incapacitated, giving you time to escape or call for help.
In Summary
Traveling solo can be intriguing and liberating. You can visit that new place, try out a different activity, and meet new people. But preparation for any eventuality is essential. These five items will help you stay safe on your solo trip. They are easy to carry and do not take up much space in your backpack. Pack them along the next time you venture out into the world alone.
