Initially reserved for daring wanderers, the concept of going solo is slowly gaining popularity among new age travellers. However, safety still remains a key concern and HolidayMe, the GCC's first customised holiday booking portal, lists some essential tips and guidelines to stay safe.

• Opt for a fully organised tour
Those who are first timers and nervous about their trip can consider booking a fully organised tour that ensures they are in a group of like-minded travellers. They can check the various online travel forums like TripAdvisor, where they can chat with people in the group beforehand, get to know them a bit and make arrangements to travel together afterwards.

• Opt for day tours or trips.
Day tours and trips are ‘touristy’, agreed! But they are also a lot safer and often offer the best way to see a lot within a short span of time. It’s also a great way to meet lots of new people.

• Packing – Less is more!
You possibly have heard this numerous times, and let us remind you one last time – less is more! Packing light is not only about traveller’s convenience (you can move easily with a backpack rather than lugging along jumbo suitcases), but it is also about safety. Moving with large suitcases alongside the street carries a subtle invitation – ‘Rob me, please’! And, am pretty sure, no one's looking forward to that!

• Avoid mid-night arrivals.
Midnight or early night flight prices are cheaper, yet, keep that for group or family vacations. For those arriving at a new place, it would be nicer to opt for day arrivals. However, in case it is completely unavoidable, travellers can check if they could book airport transfers for the hotel or hostel which is hands down the best mode to commute in the dead of the night or wee hours of the day.

• Act like a local
One way of warding off unnecessary attention is not doing things you wouldn’t do in your own country or city. It could mean several things – bargaining, communicating in local language and most importantly not leaking out private information to strangers.

• Keep folks back home updated
Thanks to the advanced technology, keeping in touch is easier than ever before. Even if travellers are looking for a digital detox, it doesn’t hurt to keep in touch with loved ones. Not only will it save them from anxious thoughts, it is important for their own safety.  Drop a message, leave a voice note or send a picture – they can choose any way to communicate but they should make sure someone at all times knows about their whereabouts!

• When you sense danger, scream your lungs out!
If situation demands, don’t hesitate to yell! No matter what country you are in, yelling is a universal sign of being in danger and easiest way to draw people’s attention.

•    Appear confident
Running out of money, losing way or important documents, all these mishaps are common and can happen to anyone; how one reacts to it is more important, especially during solo travels. Panicking, appearing lost and confused is like sending a signal out to troublemakers.

In short, travellers should take a moment, get comfortable in their own skin and give themselves time to adapt to this new mode of travel. - TradeArabia News Service