How to Stay Safe While Traveling: Essential Safety Tips for Digital Nomads and Solo Travelers in 2026

For a lot of people, safety is the biggest concern when deciding to pack up their comfortable home life and explore the world. The unknown can feel scary and daunting, especially when you're going solo.

But here's the truth: traveling as a digital nomad doesn't mean throwing caution to the wind. It means being smart, prepared, and aware. With the right strategies in place, you can minimize risks while living your best life on the road.

Let's jump into the practical safety tips that actually matter in 2026.

Guatapé, Colombia by Milo Miloezger

Research Your Destination (Beyond the Tourist Guides)

Before you even think about packing your bags, dive deep into research about your destination. But don't just read the glossy travel blogs. Get real information from multiple sources.

Where to look:

• Government travel advisories (UK Foreign Office, US State Department, etc.)

• Recent posts on Reddit (r/solotravel and r/digitalnomad for posts from the last 3 to 6 months)

• Nomad List for digital nomad-specific insights

• Local news apps (download Google News and set alerts for your destination)

• Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads in that specific city

What to find out:

• Which neighbourhoods are safe and which to avoid

• Whether it's okay to wander alone at night

• Current local situations (protests, strikes, safety issues)

• Where other nomads are actually staying

A reality check on travel warnings: Government warnings are important to know, but take them with a pinch of salt. Sometimes they're overly cautious or outdated. Balance official warnings with recent firsthand experiences from travellers currently there.

Understand Local Laws and Customs

What's legal and accepted in your home country might land you in serious trouble elsewhere. Laws and customs vary dramatically from country to country.

Things to research:

• Dress codes (especially in conservative countries)

• Photography restrictions (military sites, government buildings, even some religious sites)

• Alcohol and drug laws (some places have zero tolerance)

• Public displays of affection

• LGBTQ+ rights and safety

• Laws around working on tourist visas

Nothing ruins your digital nomad lifestyle faster than ending up in legal trouble in a foreign country. Seriously, don't skip this research.

Sort Out Your Health Situation

No one wants their dream adventure ruined by illness, especially when you're alone and don't know anyone.

Before you leave:

• Check required vaccinations at CDC Travel Health or TravelHealthPro

• Schedule vaccine appointments well in advance (some require multiple doses)

• Get prescriptions for any medications you take regularly, plus extras

• Research water quality (is tap water safe to drink and cook with?)

• Find out where reputable hospitals and clinics are located near your accommodation

Pack a basic first aid kit with:

• Pain relievers and fever reducers (this is NON-NEGOTIABLE, trust me)

• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Antihistamines for allergies

• Band-aids and antiseptic

• Any prescription medications with copies of prescriptions

• Rehydration salts

Pro tip: Save addresses and phone numbers of recommended clinics offline. When you're sick and panicking, you don't want to be researching healthcare options.

Get Travel Insurance (Yes, Really)

I know, I know. You'd rather spend that money on adventures or sangria. But travel insurance is genuinely worth every penny, and skipping it is one of the biggest mistakes new nomads make.

What good travel insurance covers:

• Medical emergencies and hospital stays

• Emergency evacuation (can cost $50,000+ without insurance)

• Trip cancellations and interruptions

• Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings

• Adventure activities (if you upgrade)

Best options for digital nomads in 2025:

• SafetyWing: Monthly plans starting around $45, designed specifically for nomads, covers you globally

• World Nomads: Popular with long-term travelers, good adventure activity coverage

• HeyMondo: Growing in popularity with comprehensive coverage options

What to look for:

• Coverage for tech and gear theft (vital for digital nomads)

• Adventure activity coverage if you plan to dive, hike, or ski

• Trip interruption for 2025 risks like transport strikes or sudden unrest

• At least $100,000 medical coverage

Get the policy document and save it offline. You'll need it when WiFi is down and you're in an emergency.

By Rudy Dong

Make Copies of Everything (And Store Them Smartly)

Imagine losing your passport in a foreign country. Nightmare scenario, right? Here's how to avoid total disaster.

What to copy:

• Passport (photo page)

• Visa documents

• Travel insurance policy

• Flight itineraries

• Accommodation bookings

• Credit and debit card numbers (plus international contact numbers)

• Prescriptions and medical information

• Emergency contacts

Where to store copies:

• Encrypted cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox with two-factor authentication)

• Email them to yourself

• Physical copies in separate bags (one in your backpack, one in checked luggage)

• Share digital folder with a trusted person back home

• Print a copy of health info and emergency contacts to keep in your wallet

2025 upgrade: Create a digital travel folder with everything organized. Share access with one trusted emergency contact at home.

Set Up Emergency Contacts and Protocols

Always have contact information readily accessible, even if your phone dies or gets stolen.

Essential contacts to save offline:

• Your country's embassy or consulate in each destination

• Local emergency numbers (911 is NOT universal!)

• Someone back home as your main emergency contact

• Your accommodation address and phone number

• Travel insurance emergency hotline

Register with your embassy: Programs like STEP (US citizens) or equivalent for your country provide critical alerts and assistance in emergencies.

Set up an emergency protocol: Designate one person back home as your main point of contact. Everyone else knows to call that person in an emergency. They have access to your digital travel folder with all your important documents.

Memorize key numbers: At minimum, memorize your emergency contact's number and the local emergency services number.

Always Have a Backup Plan

This is crucial. You probably won't need these plans, but having them reduces panic if things go wrong.

Plan for:

• Lost or stolen phone (know how to access email, cloud storage, and contacts without it)

• Unable to access your bank (have backup cards, some emergency cash, alternative payment methods)

• Natural disasters (especially in earthquake-prone areas like Nepal, Mexico, or Indonesia)

• Lost passport (know where your embassy is, have backup copies)

• Accommodation falling through (know backup options, have some emergency savings)

Emergency cash stash: Keep $100 to $200 USD or euros hidden separately from your wallet. But don't carry too much cash or keep it all in one place.

By Priscilla Du Preez

Get an eSIM Before You Leave Home

This is one of the smartest travel moves you can make in 2025. An eSIM gives you instant connectivity when you land, without hunting for SIM card shops.

Why eSIMs are game-changers:

• Contact people in emergencies immediately

• Book a safe taxi or rideshare right at the airport

• Navigate to your accommodation with Google Maps

• Check that your taxi is going the right direction

• Share your location with emergency contacts

• Look up that phrase you need RIGHT NOW

Popular eSIM providers for 2025:

• Airalo (affordable, easy to use)

• Holafly (unlimited data options)

• Umi (this is the one i use)

• Nomad (good coverage in multiple regions)

Set it up before you leave home. Future you will be grateful.

Stay Aware and Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is one of your strongest safety tools. If something feels off, it probably is.

Situational awareness basics:

• Keep one earbud out when walking around

• Don't look lost (even if you are). Step into a cafe or shop to check your map

• Be aware of who's around you, especially in crowded tourist areas

• Use official taxi stands or verified rideshare apps (Uber, Bolt, Grab)

• Track your ride and share it with someone if traveling at night

When meeting new people:

• Making friends while traveling is amazing and part of the experience

• Be smart about what information you share with people you just met

• Don't disclose your accommodation address to strangers

• Don't share your detailed itinerary with people you barely know

• If someone makes you uncomfortable, you owe them NOTHING. Leave

If you're alone and uncomfortable:

• Say you have friends or a partner waiting at your accommodation

• Don't walk back alone at night with people who give you bad vibes

• Trust that feeling in your stomach. Better to seem rude than unsafe

Pro tip: Practice "safety pauses" throughout the day. Just take 30 seconds to look around and be aware. This keeps you alert without being paranoid.

The "Say We, Not I" Strategy

This is especially important for solo travelers. Create the impression you're not alone, even when you are.

In practice:

• "We're staying near the old town" instead of "I'm staying..."

• "My partner is meeting me at the hotel" (even if you're solo)

• Don't announce to strangers that you're traveling alone

• Consider wearing a fake wedding ring in areas where it might help

• When checking in, you can casually say "we" even if it's just you

Important: You don't owe anyone the truth about your travel situation. Your safety comes first.

Photo by La So

Smart Social Media Practices

Your online presence can affect your real-world safety, especially with public accounts.

The golden rule: Don't live post your exact location

Instead:

• Post that cute coffee shop photo after you've left

• Share beautiful sunset photos the next day

• Wait until you've left a city before posting specific landmarks

• Never tag your accommodation while you're staying there

• Disable location services on Instagram stories if posting in real-time

Why this matters: Public accounts broadcasting your exact location in real-time can make you a target for theft or worse. Just delay by a few hours or a day. Your followers won't mind.

Basic Security That Actually Works

Some safety measures are so simple yet so many people skip them.

In your accommodation:

• Lock doors and windows (seriously, every time)

• Use the safe for passport, extra cash, backup cards

• Check that windows are secure or on the latch

• Familiarize yourself with emergency exits

• Consider a portable door lock or door wedge for extra security

When you're out:

• Close all zippers on your bag

• Wear your backpack in front in crowded areas

• Use anti-theft bags with slash-proof material and locking zippers

• Keep phone and wallet in front pockets or secure inside pockets

• Don't flash expensive jewelry or tech

RFID protection: Get an RFID-blocking wallet or card sleeves. Digital pickpocketing with RFID skimmers is real in 2025.

Keep Someone Updated on Your Location

This is non-negotiable for solo travelers, especially if you're doing anything remote or adventurous.

Regular communication:

• Tell family or friends your travel plans, cities, and accommodation details

• Check in regularly (daily for some destinations, weekly for others)

• If going off-grid, tell them exactly when you'll be back online

For remote activities:

• Tell your accommodation where you're hiking and when you'll return

• Share your planned route for treks

• Set up location sharing with a trusted contact

• If you don't check in by the agreed time, they know to take action

Apps for continuous sharing: Google Maps lets you share your real-time location with trusted contacts. Turn it on when doing anything potentially risky.

The 2026 Scam Watchlist

Scams evolve constantly. Here are the current ones to watch for:

Airport and transportation scams:

• "Official" taxis that aren't official (pre-book through your hotel or use verified apps)

• Fake tour offers at transport hubs

• People offering to "help" with your bags who then demand payment

Digital threats:

• More sophisticated RFID skimmers

• Fake WiFi networks in cafes capturing your data (always use a VPN)

• Romance scams targeting solo travelers online

Classic scams with new twists:

• Overly friendly locals inviting you "somewhere else" (often ends in robbery)

• The "broken taxi meter" (always agree on price before getting in or use apps)

• Distraction tactics (one person distracts while another pickpockets)

Best defense: Research common scams specific to your destination before arrival.

Photo by KaLisa Veer

Special Considerations for Long-Term Nomads

When you're staying somewhere for months, not days, your safety approach needs to evolve.

"Home" security:

• Treat your Airbnb or long-term rental like your real home

• Check all locks when you first arrive

• Know emergency exits

• Build rapport with neighbors or building staff (they'll notice if something's wrong)

Avoid routine predictability:

• Vary your routes and times slightly

• Don't become too predictable in your daily movements

• Change up which cafes and coworking spaces you use

Build community:

• Connect with other nomads through coworking spaces and meetups

• Local nomad friends offer safety through numbers and local knowledge

• They can also check on you if you go silent

Data security for remote workers:

• Always use a VPN on public WiFi (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark)

• Enable two-factor authentication on everything

• Don't leave your laptop unattended in coworking spaces

• Use a privacy screen to prevent shoulder surfing

• Back up your work to encrypted cloud storage regularly

Alcohol and Safety: Know Your Limits

Enjoying local nightlife is part of the travel experience, but excessive drinking makes you vulnerable.

Smart drinking abroad:

• Know your limits and stick to them

• Watch your drink being made

• Never leave your drink unattended

• Pace yourself (altitude, heat, and unfamiliar alcohol can hit differently)

• Have a plan for getting home safely before you go out

• Use verified rideshare apps, never unlicensed cabs when drinking

The buddy system works: If you've made friends, go out together and look out for each other.

When Things Go Wrong: Don't Panic

Despite all precautions, sometimes bad things happen. Getting robbed, having belongings stolen, or facing emergencies happens even to experienced travelers.

If you're robbed:

• Don't fight back. Your life is worth more than your stuff

• Everything can be replaced (yes, even your laptop and passport)

• Report to local police (you'll need a report for insurance)

• Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen

• Call your bank and insurance immediately

After an incident:

• Don't feel ashamed. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong

• Share your experience in nomad groups to warn others

• File insurance claims promptly

• Take time to process what happened before moving on

The Bottom Line: Preparation Equals Confidence

Staying safe while traveling isn't about living in fear. It's about being prepared, aware, and smart so you can fully embrace the adventure.

Think of safety as the foundation that lets you explore freely. When you've got insurance sorted, copies stored, emergency contacts set up, and good situational awareness, you can focus on the amazing experiences rather than constant worry.

The world is full of incredible places and wonderful people. Most travelers have overwhelmingly positive experiences. By following these practical safety strategies, you're setting yourself up for a truly memorable journey filled with confidence, not anxiety.

Safe travels, and may your adventures be filled with wonder, joy, and countless unforgettable moments! 💕☀️

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