Solo travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience. So, if you’re planning on traveling by yourself, it is critical to be prepared and have access to resources in case of any difficulties or emergencies. In this blog, we explore four solo travel resources and support essentials to consider.
Solo travel resources: Communication tools
It is important to make sure you have a way to communicate with the world in case of an emergency. If you decide to go to a remote place, having a cell phone, satellite phone, or personal locating beacon (PLB), could save your life. To prepare for your trip, consider discussing your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, make sure to keep in touch with them consistently while you travel.
If you’re visiting the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, and you’re doing it alone, communication tools are a must-have. When visiting the FAB region, you have a wide range of outdoor recreational options to choose from, and having a way to communicate with others in an emergency is very important.
What methods of communication to look for?
Cell Phones:
Nowadays, everyone owns a cell phone, so make sure not to forget to bring yours if you have one. If you bring your cell phone, make sure it is fully charged, and consider buying a local SIM card or international roaming plan. Specially if you travel internationally.
Satellite Phones:
If you are travelling outside your country of residence, where mobile phone coverage is not available, a satellite phone is a very smart resource to acquire. Satellite phones allow you to make and receive calls from anywhere on the earth, but they can be costly to purchase and run.
Personal locator beacon (PLB):
When doing outdoor activities, a PLB could save your life. This is a compact, portable gadget that uses satellite technology to share your location at any given time in case of an emergency. These gadgets are intended to be used in distant places where other modes of communication are unavailable. They are a crucial safety tool for lone travelers.
Solo Travel Resources: Things to remember
Don’t forget to share your itinerary when you go on outdoor tours. Sharing your plan with a trusted friend or family member, is a safety precaution everyone must take. Make sure to also check in with them on a frequent basis during your trip. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts and allows them to contact you in an emergency. It is an extra layer of security.
Don’t forget to look into travel insurance. Doing this can give financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical problems, or lost luggage. Make sure you have a comprehensive coverage, if possible, covering the activities and destinations you will visit.
If you’re looking to purchase travel insurance, consider the following:
- Make sure your insurance covers activities that you expect to be participating in (Hiking, riding, kayaking, birdwatching, etc.).
- Make sure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies. In some cases you might need to cover evacuation and hospitalization, make sure this is included. The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Region is home to a diverse range of natural resources, which sometimes could be dangerous. It is critical to be prepared for any medical challenges that may develop.
- Make sure your travel insurance policy covers trip cancellations. Sometimes you might need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, and it would be nice to have this covered. This can include things like illness, natural disasters, or other situations.
- Make sure that your travel insurance policy covers lost luggage. Thousands of luggage are lost, stolen, or destroyed every season, and you don’t want yours to be one of them.
Make sure to put together an emergency package in case of unexpected circumstances. This package can include local emergency numbers, a first-aid kit, and a plan for finding assistance if necessary. It is also a good idea to become study the local language and culture so that you can communicate effectively if necessary.
A few more solo travel resources
Make sure to build a network of trusted friends and family members for emotional support and encouragement during your adventure. This network should include people you trust, who wouldn’t mind being contacted if you are lonely or homesick. They should care about you in case you require any other type of help.
Consider joining online support groups or forums for single travellers. These clubs provide a sense of community, sometimes sharing valuable tips and advice for you to be safe. This is also an opportunity to network and interact with people who are facing similar problems and adventures.
Overall, being prepared is an important component of solo travelling. Being ready will help to ensure that your trip is pleasurable and incident-free. You may feel confident and secure on your trips no matter where you go by planning and being prepared.
Interested in more solo travel tips? Check out our 5 Solo Travel Safety tips here: 5 Solo travel safety tips in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere
