Bar Safety 101 for Solo Travelers

First off if you are traveling alone, especially ladies, I have a few tips for late nights in a foreign country. Typically when I am not home I would say I am conservative when I go out drinking especially while traveling solo. I have never had a situation during my travels that has made me fear going out, despite unfortunate events, but I am also conscious of my surroundings and I always trust my gut. I don’t think there is anything wrong in going bar hoping or out for a night on the town solo. Chances are wherever you go you can find a bar hopping buddy or a group to just chill with that is in a similar situation as you. But here are some tips for solo travelers in general.

One: Get a lay of the land. This was a hard one for me because I am directionally challenged but it's so important. It doesn’t have to be complicated but make sure when you go out that you know how to get home, especially if you are drinking. Scout out the bars in the daylight and take mental notes of landmarks. Save your hostel or hotel info in your phone or write down the information so if you take a cab you can get back. Remember there isn’t GPS on a tuktuk! Plus language barriers can complicate directions so be prepared with information that’s needed to get you back safely. Also know the liquor. Bars at home are different than bars abroad. Watch who is making drinks be aware of how they are poured and try to know what the alcohol contents are. If it doesn’t look right or taste right don’t drink it. Keep an eye on your drink; don’t leave it unattended. Same goes for party favors. Drugs can be common and can be given as party favors or sold at bars. Be smart.

Two: Only carry what is absolutely necessary. If you have read my previous articles you know I was robbed in Thailand and I lost everything on my way home from a bar. Sober… So this lesson I learned first hand. My tip about this is take only what you absolutely need. ​​Outside the United States and Europe (even most times here) you don’t need your passport to get in anywhere and if they ask for it, say you don’t carry it, getting into a bar isn’t worth the chance of getting your passport stolen. Chances are 98 percent of the time you will be perfectly fine with that response. If you are worried about being turned down carry either your drivers license, or a copy of it. Don’t carry your bankcard. You don’t want to loe that either its your access to cash. And for cash budget how much you want to spend and take that. Only that. If you are worried about running out of money take a credit card. My rule of thumb; take only what you are prepared to lose for the night and don’t risk taking anything you can’t travel without.

Three: Make friends. I can’t tell you how easy this is. Even if you are introverted or its your first time traveling solo there will always be travelers around, or locals looking to just have a chill time. Introduce yourself or talk to people at your accommodations and see if you can tag onto a group who is going out. Its always safer to travel in numbers no matter where you are, its not always necessary so obviously this is more of an optional tip but it can really make the night to find the right group of people.

Four: Learn how to say NO and mean it. This is really important. It too me a long time to really learn this. It might seem like a “well duh” concept but after a few drinks this can be challenging. Remember the importance of saying no. If you are uncomfortable or you have hit you line be confident when you say no and be consistent. Even in situations that might make you uneasy if you can portray confidence and be solid when you tell people you are done it will go along way. And no matter where you are “No” is more universal than any other word.

​Five: Know your limits. This is also important. At home you have your community when you are traveling there isn’t always the same security network for when you over extend. ​​Know your limits and if you feel like you're approaching them make a plan as to what you're going to do before you can longer make a conscious one. I have no judgment against people who over extend and as a bartender I see it almost everyday at work, but when you're traveling you probably have less resources and less access to resources than home so make smart decisions when you can so you can have fun safely.

Six: Trust your gut. I will probably say this more times than anyone when I talk about safety. But ladies, I mean you, I can’t say this enough! There is an instinct that we all have that says enough is enough. Listen to it. I have never met someone who said they were disappointed in their decision to leave or walk away. Remember you have the power and ability to say no.

“I went out with a guy who once told me I didn’t need to drink to make myself more fun to be around. I told him, I’m drinking so that you’re more fun to be around.” ― Chelsea Handler, Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea