An important part of traveling solo is that you will have to be responsible and confident when it comes to looking after your own money, as there will be no one else to turn to if something does go wrong. However, this is not a reason to be cautious or a reason to avoid traveling solo, as the smart solo traveler can take a variety of different steps to make sure that even if something bad does happen, then it is still possible to continue the journey.
By planning ahead and making sure you know what to do if you do lose a purse or wallet, then you can be confident that it won't have a major impact on your holiday or long term trip.
Securing Your Money
Different people will have different methods to keep their money safe while they are out and about, but one important tip is not to keep a wallet or purse in a bag or in a rear pocket of your trousers where it can be easily pinched. Some people will choose to keep their wallet in an inside pocket, while others will go one step further and will wear a money belt beneath their clothing to keep their money secure. If you are traveling in an area where petty crime is particularly common, it can also be a good idea to split your money up into different areas of your body, with socks, hidden pockets and coin pockets in trousers all good places to conceal money that are difficult to get to.
Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket
When it comes to carrying your money around when you're on holiday, one of the best pieces of advice is not to have all of your cash and cards in one purse or wallet where the loss or theft could be devastating.
Leaving some cards or cash hidden in your baggage or in a hotel safe is a smart way of making sure that you won't be left high and dry if pickpocketing does happen. This also applies when it comes to carrying your cash with you, so having a small amount of cash in a separate pocket or a hidden inside pocket can help to give you a backup if somebody does steal your primary wallet or purse.
Common Travel Scams To Avoid
There are so many scams that tricksters will use to try and get hold of your money as you are traveling, so researching your destination and finding out the most common local tricks is a good idea. One of the most common is the condiment scam, where someone will 'accidentally' splatter you in ketchup, mustard or another such mess, and someone else will then approach with tissues to help clean up, while also cleaning out your pockets. Another common travel scam is the shoe shine scam, where somebody will approach you and begin a conversation, and will then bend down and start to clean your shoes. Once they have shined your shoes you will get a hefty bill, and the shoe shiner may well have friends nearby if you try and dispute the fee.
Carrying A Dummy Wallet
If you are traveling in an area where armed robberies or crimes are common, having a wallet that you can concede to a thief is a very good idea. Keeping a single card and a small amount of cash in the wallet should be enough to convince the robber that they aren't being short changed, while you can also be confident that the rest of your money is secured elsewhere on your person.
Have A Backup Plan
Whether it is Western Union or a friend who can help you with money via PayPal while you are abroad, if the worst does happen and you have no money or cards, then the backup plan can be a vital way to allow you to continue to travel. It is worth looking into where the nearest money transfer stores are when it comes to collecting cash, and having a way to contact friends that can loan you money is also a smart idea.