Smartphone tips for solo travellers
Smartphones have the ability to transform the way people travel, providing information, safety and connectivity. Solo travellers have a particular need for safety, without a companion to turn to in times of need.
Following our tips and tricks for using your smartphone wisely, whether for navigation or communication, people travelling alone can ensure they get the most out of their adventures and stay safe in the process.
Set a digital budget
Whilst you’re travelling alone you will want to make sure you spend your money wisely, and don’t run out too early. Online budgeting apps have made it easy for anyone to track their spending and set a realistic budget. While many digital banks such as Monzo and Sterling now have spending trackers, other dedicated apps such as Plum and Emma have more rigorous methods of tracking your money, allowing you to view all your bank accounts from one place.
Save important information
To prevent frantically searching through your phone for documents or addresses whilst travelling, create a one-stop-shop for all your important information. Create a folder in your email app and move all relevant emails into it, to make it easier to find bookings for hotels and activities. Pin the address of where you are staying to your maps, so you can always find your way back home. Save your boarding pass and other travel cards to the wallet on your phone so you can access them in just two clicks.
Lock your apps
Solo travel requires more vigilance when it comes to safety, and the advancement of technology means a lot of our personal information is stored in our phones. There are a few measures you can take to protect yourself, including locking apps on your phone that may contain sensitive details, such as your messages, notes apps and emails.
• On iPhone go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits
• Android users can go to Settings > Security > Advanced > Screen Pinning
Download offline maps
When visiting rural areas you aren’t always going to have an internet connection, which can prove challenging when trying to navigate an unfamiliar place. Fortunately, many apps allow you to download maps offline, including Maps.me and All Trails. It’s worth doing this for each city or region you are planning to visit ahead of time, so you’re never without direction.
Join meetup sites
If you become lonely during your solo holiday, or planned to make friends from the jump, joining meetup sites can help you meet likeminded people to spend time with. Apps such as Bumble BFF and Tourlina work just like dating apps, pairing you with other travellers based on age, hobbies and location, so you can grab a coffee, go hiking or join for the rest of your time away.
Check in with family
A smartphone's greatest function is the ability to keep us connected with loved ones, even from the other side of the world. It’s important to regularly check in with family members when solo travelling to let them know you’re safe, sharing your location each time you move to a new city in case of an emergency. It can also be comforting to speak to familiar faces and update them on the exiting stories from your travels.
Once you’ve set up these tips for making use of your smartphone when travelling alone, you’ll be ready to get out and explore. Many travellers are also switching to eSIM, and our guide to activating one shows you how you can make it easy to transfer network carriers in new countries.