10 Reasons Why Traveling Solo Is Safer Than Group Adventures
Traveling solo has a reputation for being bold and life-changing, but it’s also painted as riskier than sticking with a group. But is that the case? It might be smarter and safer to go alone, and it comes with some surprising perks that group travel can’t match. It’s not just a safe way to explore the world, it can actually be safer than joining a group in some cases.
Many safety perks of solo travel aren’t necessarily obvious right away. If you’re on the fence about going solo, keep reading to learn why solo travel can be safer and more rewarding than traveling with a group.
You Have Full Control of Your Itinerary
If you travel alone, you’re in charge. Now there’s no one else to think about, so you get to pick where you go, how long you stay, and what you skip. When you are in a group, you might find yourself agreeing to go where everyone else is going, even if you’re not sure about an activity or neighborhood. With this freedom of choice, you can leave areas that are not comfortable for you, and make safer decisions as you go.
Better Situation Awareness
When you’re alone, you’re naturally more aware. No one else’s agenda to keep track of, no conversation to distract you. You’re more in touch with your surroundings and can pick up on things you might not notice in a group. It can help you focus in on any potential dangers early on and give you a better chance to avoid the uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
Reduced Risk of Peer Pressure
In a group, you may be pressured into making a choice that doesn’t feel right so that you don’t come off as rude or uninterested to the rest of the group. Traveling removes this pressure so you can make decisions that feel right to you, without having to worry about what other people think or how you’ll come across to others.
Better Control Over Valuables
It’s easier to keep track of your belongings when you’re alone. In a group you may be inclined to leave your bag unattended to take a photo or ask a friend to watch it. If you’re solo, you’ll be more likely to keep your valuables close, which reduces the likelihood of loss or theft.
Less Noticeable to Pickpockets and Scammers
Pickpockets and scammers love groups of tourists. Like beacons, they are more noticeable and often distracted, so they make easy targets. On the other hand, it’s easier for solo travelers to blend and people can’t see you as a target as easily. It also means you’re less likely to fall for common tourist traps when you’re alone, and being alone keeps you alert and aware, which reduces the risk of falling.
Easier to Make Quick Exits
Being alone makes it easier to get out of a situation if you feel something is off, but in a group, you’d have to gather everyone up, which can be a hassle and in some cases, draw unwanted attention. Without coordination, the risk increases, and solo travelers can quickly change their path, duck into a store, or grab a cab.
The Ability to Leave When You Want
Leaving early or changing plans in a group isn’t always easy. When you’re solo you can just move on if something doesn’t feel right. It’s a safety net that so many solo travelers love — to leave a crowded market that’s just a little too crazy or skip a questionable part of town altogether.
Lower Chance of Standing Out
A large group is less likely to blend in than a solo traveler. If you’re in a place where large groups of tourists are a glaring target, this can help mitigate that risk. Solo travelers who dress simply and purposefully can get around without garnering much attention, especially in pickpocket notorious areas.
More Interaction With Locals
Locals will often look out for people traveling alone, or give advice to them. Solo travelers are more likely to meet locals who can point them in the right direction and recommend safe spots, and places to avoid, or even lend a hand if they need it, but group travelers tend to stick to each other and lose out on advice from helpful locals.
Deal with Changing Circumstances
Solo travelers make quick changes to their plans based on new information or sudden developments. A street protest or an area to avoid can be easier to handle when don’t need to coordinate an entire group. This adaptability can come in handy when you are in unfamiliar places, and you can stay safe without giving up your travel experience.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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