All travel comes with risk.

However, if you travel by yourself (solo travel), independent of a group or organised tour (independent travel), you can face additional challenges.

Plan your travel

Before you travel, research your destination:

check our country travel advice pages and sign up to receive email alerts when it is updated

read guidebooks and online forums

talk to friends or family who have been to the places you plan to visit

read the foreign travel checklist

Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance, even if you are visiting friends and family, or know the country well.

Leave an itinerary with someone at home and agree how regularly you will be in contact. You may also want to leave photocopies of important documents, such as your passport and insurance policy.

Have a plan in case things go wrong. For example:

make sure you know the address of where you are staying, in case your host or transfer company does not turn up to meet you

know what other accommodation is available in case your original option is not what you expected

Make sure you can access your money while abroad, including if you need to access funds quickly in an emergency.

Stay safe while you’re abroad

Solo and independent travel can be a rewarding experience. However, it may bring an increased risk of being a victim of crime or other risks to your personal safety.

If you are travelling by yourself, without other people or an organised group, consider how you will look after your safety. This is particularly important if you are travelling in a place that’s unfamiliar to you.

Be secure in your transportation

Consider:

arranging airport transfers before you arrive

using only official, licensed and reputable taxis

travelling in busy carriages on a train

avoiding hitchhiking

avoiding carrying large amounts of money or wearing excess jewellery, and keeping valuables close to you

if walking alone, avoiding poorly lit areas, particularly at night

Be secure in your accommodation

Consider:

booking accommodation before you travel, in particular your first night’s accommodation. You are at your most vulnerable when you first arrive in a foreign country as you are likely to be tired and unsure of your surroundings

researching accommodation options carefully, including checking the location and having alternative accommodation as back-up, or knowing where to find alternative accommodation

whether the accommodation has suitable health and safety standards:

fire safety: check there are smoke alarms and appropriate fire exits

carbon monoxide: badly fitted equipment such as water heaters or cookers, or poor ventilation can kill. Read UK Health Security Agency information on carbon monoxide and NHS guidance on how to identify the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you take a portable carbon monoxide detector, ensure it is British Standard-compliant (BS Kitemark or EN 50291) and that you comply with the manufacturer’s instructions

never leaving your key where someone can note your room number

closing your windows, especially if your room is on the ground floor or has a balcony

locking your door when you are inside the room

using the spy hole or chain, if the door has one, before opening the door to visitors, especially if you’re not expecting anybody

bringing a door wedge to place behind your accommodation door

do not be afraid to draw attention to yourself by shouting and making a fuss

If you feel uncomfortable or in danger:

remember that being safe is more important than being polite

contact the local police if you are fearful for your safety or in danger

If you have been the victim of a crime, see the victim of crime abroad advice.

You may face other risks while travelling alone due to your identity. See our advice for women travellers, LGBT+ travellers and disability and travel abroad.