The alert was issued by the Foreign Office for anyone who is planning a solo trip abroad
For students across the country, A-level results day marked the end of years spent in education. Many celebrate with a group holiday to a sunny destination, while others embark on solo trips. However, before planning a getaway, it’s important to check safety advice for travellers.
The Foreign Office has issued an important alert for anyone travelling alone. It includes advice people need to action before setting off on a trip, and it’s relevant to all ages, though it’s particularly pertinent at this time of year as young people plan backpacking trips and gap years.
Sharing the travel advice on social media, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice wrote: “Solo travelling can be a lot of fun – but if you’re alone abroad, you may need to take extra precautions when traveling. Consider leaving an itinerary with someone at home and agree how regularly you’ll be in contact.”
The post on X also shared a link to GOV.UK, which has more information on how to plan and stay safe when you’re travelling independently. While it’s always important to take precautions before you travel, there are extra steps to consider if you’re solo travelling.
GOV.UK explains: “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.”
It states that you should take several steps before you travel. One important step is researching your destination, which could include reading guidebooks and online forums or talking to friends or family who have been to the places you wish to visit.
It’s also advised that you read the foreign travel checklist and check the travel advice pages for the countries you plan to visit, where you can sign up for email alerts when the page is updated. These pages include essential advice and cover a wide range of topics.
Additionally, solo travellers should check they have appropriate travel insurance and make a plan with someone at home so that they know the trip itinerary.
The advice explains: “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.”
It’s also essential to make a plan in case something goes wrong. This includes knowing the accommodation address in case a host or transfer company fails to show up, and knowing about alternative accommodation options.
GOV.UK adds: “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.”