Traveling by yourself can be an amazing experience, but it is not without risk. When traveling alone, be sure to stay safe. Continue reading to learn more about keeping yourself out of that vulnerable position.

Watch out for faux cops or faux government officials in foreign countries, as they may be criminals. Do not give over your personal information, as you could end up with no identification fast. If you are advised that you need to return with them to the police station or another office, travel with them only by foot. Perhaps the most important thing is to never allow yourself to enter a strange person’s vehicle.

Pack lightly when traveling. The less you bring with you, the less you have to lose or get stolen. Limit the pairs of shoes you carry, as they are often the largest and heaviest items you will be bringing on your trip.

When visiting a foreign country, use caution when taking a taxi. Make sure you are taking a taxi that is legit. Anyone can place a “TAXI” sign atop their vehicle, which means you can be in danger.

Before getting off the cruise in a port city find yourself a hotel with free parking. Ask the staff at the hotel if they offer any parking discounts even if they don’t have any published.

Research before booking anything. Seek websites that offer actual traveler reviews of your desired destinations. Ask your friends and relations about their travel experiences. You can be better prepared by doing your homework. Plus, you can plan out the activities of the trip.

Alarm Clock

Be sure to check the room’s alarm clock. It is not surprising to have an alarm clock go off in the dead of the night, sometimes set by a previous traveler or even set as a prank. To make your vacation as relaxing as possible, turn it off, or set it to when you plan to awaken.

Always go out of your way to tip any bell station and housekeeper appropriately. The typical tip is a dollar per bag of luggage and anywhere from two to five dollars per day for housekeeping. You will find that this simple act will make your stay overall that much better, and the people who work there will go out of their way to please you.

Stores tend to overcharge for these items, and the space saved is minimal, so save the money. Try to save space in other ways, like packing more efficiently or eliminating unnecessary items. Doing this can give you a surprising amount of space in your suitcase.

Travelers frequently experience jet lag. This is almost impossible to avoid, but the effects can be lessened if you sleep more a few days prior to the flight. Rest frequently when possible.

If you’re taking a trip that requires a rental car, try reviewing the insurance policy of the car before you leave your home. You probably don’t need the extra insurance the salesman wants to push on you. Vehicle insurance may have basic third party coverage. Look at your policy coverage before leaving home, as you could save money over time.

Try to get local rates at any hotel you stay at. Many hotels give people living in the area a special deal in order to try to fill their rooms. Knowing someone who lives in the city you are traveling to can be beneficial. Have them call the hotel and ask about the availability of a deal. You can save a lot this way.

Jet Lag

Stay awake until 8 PM in the time zone you are in if you want to adjust to the time zone you are in. Going to bed too early can keep you set to your natural time zone; that will make jet lag worse. You will overcome jet lag fast if you help your body quickly adjust to the time zone changes.

As mentioned before, traveling solo is a great thrill, but it can be more dangerous. There are a variety of precautions that you can take. Follow the suggestions you’ve read to make sure you stay safe on your trip.