So, travel is a big part of your retirement planning. After years spent in meetings, at worksites, or in an office cubicle, you’ve earned the right to go out and see as much of the great, wide world as you desire. Traveling is popular for many people of all ages, and especially for those who are finally ready for adventure that doesn’t involve a conference room or computer screen.
However, staying safe while you travel is key to actually enjoying the trip. Whether you’re finally taking that bucket-list trip to Asia, heading off the beaten path, or just want to explore a new city without looking over your shoulder constantly, a little street-smart planning goes a long way. You don’t need to be paranoid, but you also don’t want to make easily avoidable rookie mistakes.
The good news is, most travel safety is just common sense with a modern twist. Here are actionable travel‐safety tips drawn from experienced intelligence, military, and security‐travel professionals — especially useful if you think like a “keep an eye on things” kind of traveler. Feel free to pick and choose what applies to your style of travel.
Pre-Travel Preparation
People in the military have a saying: Proper planning prevents poor performance. When preparing to travel, whether across the state or to another continent, proper planning can help prevent mishaps and unpleasant surprises.
Research Your Destination
Before traveling to an unfamiliar location, research your destination’s risks and culture. Below are sources of useful information about travel destinations you may be considering.
Within the U.S.:
City-Data: This website provides data and detailed profiles for many cities and areas across the country. This includes population demographics, median income, real estate prices, crime data, businesses, local news sources, and weather.
Crime Mapping and City Protect: These are map-based websites that show data on crimes and law enforcement incidents reported in specific areas.
FBI Crime Data Explorer: Shows crime stats for specific areas.
AreaVibes: Provides information about cities and states, including livability, amenities, crime, and health and safety.
Outside the U.S.:
For destinations outside the U.S., official government travel advisories are often the most authoritative and up-to-date sources for safety, crime, and emergency information:
The CIA World Factbook: Provides basic information about the history, economy, environment, and other characteristics of countries around the world.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories: These include country-by-country threat levels, crime reports, health risks, natural disaster alerts, and contact info for U.S. embassies. They often also provide a color-coded indication of risk levels for specific cities or regions within a country.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)Foreign Travel Advice:Very detailed on political stability, crime patterns, scams, and local laws.
Government of CanadaTravel Advice and Advisories:Offers practical details on entry requirements, medical care, and safety risks.
Overseas Security Advisory Council website: Provides up-to-date information on events and threats affecting various countries.
CDC Travelers’ Health: Provides health and vaccination guidance based on destination.
World Health Organization (WHO): Provides information about infectious diseases and vaccination requirements.
In addition to official websites, you can get helpful information about an area from people who live or have recently visited there. Try viewing Reddit and Expat Forums (e.g., r/solotravel, r/travel,and city-specific subreddits) and search threads posted within the past 12 months about scams or safety warnings from travelers.
Also consult travel blogs, forums on TripAdvisor, and YouTube vlogs about the areas you plan to visit.
Additionally, try searching local news outlets:Use Google News to search for the city name + “tourist scam” or “crime against visitors” for recent reports. You could also search “Is it safe to walk around [city]?” or “Safety tips [destination].”
Pack Appropriately
Before traveling, research your destination’s risks and culture. Use resources like the CIA World Factbook or the U.S. Department of State travel advisories. Don’t look like an obvious tourist (e.g., flashy watch, expensive jewelry, big camera, etc.). Many professionals advise modest dress and keeping a low profile.
Bring clothing and accessories appropriate to the area. Some safety incidents result from misunderstandings. Know the expected attire, especially in religious areas.
The CIA website suggests these additional tips:
Make a paper copy of your passport. While traveling abroad, your passport might help you get home from a widespread crisis. Also, note down some important phone numbers, such as emergency contacts and the U.S. embassy or consulate, and keep the note with you.
Register with your embassy. Registering with the U.S. embassy enables embassy staff to contact you in the event of an emergency or unfolding crisis while you’re in the country. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can register online with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Former FBI agent and CIA officer Tracy Walder uses the “Panic Button” app, which notifies her emergency contacts of her location when a button is pressed. “I think that’s a really important thing to do – and it’s free as well,” Walder says. The app is available for Apple and Google devices.
Staying Safe in Transit
Before you travel, research the transportation infrastructure in your destination: how taxis are regulated, how much a taxi ride costs, which public transit lines are safe, and common scams. The U.S. State Department recommends checking the Travel and Transportation section for your destination on its country-specific travel guidance.
- Drew Dwyer, a former Marine and CIA officer, recommends only using taxis provided by your hotel. Avoid unmarked vehicles or offers for rides at airports.
- Verify license plate & driver ID before entry.
- Sit behind the driver, door unlocked only when needed.
- Solo travelers present a more attractive target for criminals than groups. If possible, hire a reputable driver or travel with a group for parts of your trip.
- Inform a trusted friend or relative where you’re going and when you’re expecting to return. Then notify them when you’ve returned safely.
- Download a GPS app and watch the route being taken so you know if the driver is deviating from the planned route.
Safe Lodging
Now that you’ve arrived at your destination safely, it’s time to think about safe lodging. Here are some tips from CIA operatives:
Choose a middle floor. When choosing a hotel room, look for a room a few floors above the ground. A ground-floor room is more vulnerable to break-ins, but most emergency equipment can’t reach higher than seven or eight floors.
Use the deadbolt. The locks on hotel doors can often be cut. A traveler’s portable doorstop or alarm will provide even more security.
Don’t open the door to unexpected visitors. Don’t open the door unless you can verify who’s knocking. Unexpected maintenance or housekeeping? Special delivery? Unexpected room service? Call the front desk to confirm.
In this video, former CIA officer and security consultant Jason Hanson offers a few tips for travel safety.
Staying Safe Outside
When you’re out and about, enjoying the sights, here are some tips for staying safe, from the CIA website:
Stay attuned to your surroundings. By using all five senses to take in what’s happening around you, you can detect danger signs and also enjoy your destination’s unique scenery even more.
Don’t look like an easy target.As mentioned earlier, you should look and dress like a local as much as possible. Your demeanor can be a deterrent to predators, both in the U.S. and overseas. Don’t stand on the sidewalk with your nose buried in a map or your phone. Also don’t look unsure, lost, or distracted; instead, walk purposefully and confidently.
Avoid any commotion.If you see or hear any disturbances taking place while you’re on the street, the best policy is to stay away. A commotion could be a crime taking place or intended to distract you while someone picks your pocket. Also, stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid isolated areas.
Trust Your Gut
Trusting your gut is crucial for personal safety, because your intuition is your internal warning system. They’re your mind’s quick risk assessment, alerting you to potential danger signals.
Don’t dismiss any feelings out of hand. If you’re sensing something is not right, trust your senses and take immediate action, such as leaving the scene or changing your route. Don’t worry about being impolite or being completely certain that there really is danger.
Here are some ways to listen to your gut’s warning signs:
- Acknowledge the feelings: Recognize and acknowledge any uneasy feelings, even if you can’t think of a logical reason for them.
- Don’t rationalize or minimalize it: Don’t talk yourself out of it or second-guess yourself. Your intuition is your brain’s way of protecting you.
- Take immediate action: If your gut is telling you, remove yourself from the situation. This could mean changing your route home, leaving a group, or moving to a safer area.
- Prioritize your safety: Never prioritize politeness over your personal safety.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Maintain awareness of your surroundings. Knowing what’s normal gives you a baseline to help you recognize when something is off and enables you to respond rapidly to potential threats.
In this video, retired Navy SEAL Chris Sajnog suggests ways to improve your situational awareness.
And here, retired Navy SEAL and bestselling author Clint Emerson explains how you can prepare for most emergencies by being closely aware of your surroundings.
Solo travel can be exhilarating and empowering, as long as you take proper precautions. Just travel smart, stay aware, avoid unnecessary risks, and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing you’re properly prepared.