Be safe when travelling solo
More Australians are choosing to travel alone, embarking on solo trips that inspire the freedom to go wherever, whenever they choose.
With this in mind, leading provider of assistance services, Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) has released ‘The 5C’s For Solo’, a safety guide for solo travellers to ensure they remain vigilant and enjoy a worry-free trip.
Over 13 million Aussies went travelling in 2015, of which 1.7 million went it alone, a jump of 3.5 percent on the previous year. Most significantly, travellers aged between 18 – 24 years led this charge. Not surprisingly, solo travellers were the only group that has grown in the past decade, with no signs of slowing down.
Here is a great way to ensure travelling solo safely.
C – Connect
It’s important travellers stay connected while travelling. Having a mobile phone and a SIM card with mobile roaming will ensure family and friends are just a phone call away if needed. It will also allow access to valuable tools like maps, Internet banking and social media.
C – Communicate
Being able to communicate effectively when alone in a foreign country is a must. Travellers should aim to learn one or two key phrases of the local language before they visit. No time? The Speak & Translate app translates a message into a preferred language.
C – Cash
There are plenty of options for travellers today when it comes to money, with dedicated travel money cards and credit cards with contactless payment. While these methods are convenient, solo travellers should always carry some cash on their person or hidden in their luggage in case of emergency.
C – Check
Meeting people and arranging plans is inevitable as a solo traveller. If possible, travellers should check out those they plan on travelling with. Checking out their social media profiles to get a sense of who they are, who they associate with and any other details will help provide a sense of character.
C – Cover
According to research commissioned by AGA, just 10 per cent of Australian travellers consider travel insurance to be a holiday essential, yet it’s one of the most important items for travel. The average cost of an insurance policy is $114.75* – an extremely small price to pay when considering the potential consequences of being caught in an unfortunate situation without cover.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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“A smartphone with a SIM card and mobile roaming” certainly is a useful thing to have with you when travelling, but it’s expensive. I always prefer to go with an international SIM card – GO-SIM are pretty good.