First-Time Solo Travelers! 7 Rules to Stay Safe in the U.S.

-Preparation and Precautions Before Traveling to Japan

I will discuss some of the preparations and precautions to take before traveling to the United States. Preparation is very important to enjoy the U.S. even if it is your first time traveling alone. First, check your passport and visa. A valid passport and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) are required to enter the U.S., so we recommend that you complete the application as soon as possible.

Next, do not forget to purchase travel insurance. It is important to choose an appropriate insurance plan to prepare for unexpected problems such as illness, injury, or theft. It is also a good idea to prepare security goods to ensure the safety of yourself and your luggage.

You should also prepare in advance the local currency you will use at your destination. It is possible to exchange money at the airport, but it is safer to exchange money in Japan beforehand. It is also convenient to bring a credit card, but since some places do not accept credit cards, it is advisable to have a little extra cash on hand.

In addition, from a safety standpoint, it is also important to research security information on the area around the place where you will be staying. Gather local information from the Internet and travel guidebooks to gain knowledge of safe areas and places to avoid. Also, take note of contact information for embassies and consulates so that you can respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Last but not least, although you have the freedom that comes with traveling alone, be sure to be responsible for your own safety. Since there are many situations in which you will have to make your own decisions and take your own actions when traveling alone, you should always be aware that you must protect yourself. With such preparation and preparedness, you will be able to have a safe and enjoyable time while traveling alone.

-How to choose a safe accommodation

In order to enjoy a safe and enjoyable solo trip in the U.S., it is very important to choose the right accommodations. First, when choosing accommodations, it is important to research information on security in the area in advance. Check the Internet or a travel guidebook for information on crime rates and security conditions in the area, and choose an area that is safe.

Next, remember to check reviews and ratings on the booking site. Feedback from past guests is an important clue as to how safe the establishment is. Reviews that mention security aspects are especially helpful. Accommodations with high ratings are also more likely to be safe and secure.

In addition, it is also important to check if the front desk is available 24 hours a day in hotels and hostels. It is a good idea to have a system in place to respond immediately to any problems that may arise. It is also helpful to have a lockable safe in the room to keep track of valuables.

Also consider location. Accommodations in areas with good access to public transportation or in busy areas are superior in terms of safety. It is also relatively safe to stay in a quiet environment slightly off the main road, or along a street that is well-lit at night.

Finally, your own intuition is also important. If you feel somewhat uneasy upon arrival, do not ignore that feeling and consider changing to another location. Traveling alone requires the ability to make your own decisions, so you will also be relying on your own judgment.

The above is a discussion of choosing safe accommodations. This is an area where you should be cautious because you are traveling alone, but with proper preparation and information gathering, you can enjoy your trip to the U.S. with peace of mind.

-Means of transportation and traffic safety tips

-Means of transportation and traffic safety tips

In order to enjoy a safe and enjoyable solo trip in the U.S., it is important to have a good understanding of transportation and road safety. First, when using public transportation, be sure to check route maps and timetables in advance and choose safe routes. Subways and buses are convenient in large cities, but you should also pay attention to the time of day, as security deteriorates at night in some areas.

When using a rental car, it is important to get used to driving on the right side of the road, which is different from Japan. In addition, traffic rules may differ from state to state, so be sure to check the rules of the state you are visiting in advance. In particular, be sure to drive safely on highways because of the high speeds involved.

Cabs and ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are also convenient means of transportation, but be sure to check the vehicle license plate number and driver information before boarding. Also, from a safety standpoint, it is a good idea to check the route to your destination yourself using a map application on your smartphone.

When touring tourist attractions on foot, avoid streets with few pedestrians and dark areas. Especially at night, it is recommended that you choose to walk in popular areas or on streets with bright streetlights. Also, keep large luggage and valuables out of sight and be wary of suspicious persons.

In the event of trouble, you can ensure your personal safety by shouting for help or running to nearby stores or facilities. It is also a good idea to carry information on emergency contacts such as Japanese embassies and consulates.

By following the above tips, you can enjoy your trip to the United States with peace of mind, even if you are traveling alone. We hope these tips will help you enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.

-How to respond to local emergencies

If an emergency arises while traveling alone in the United States, it is important to remain calm. First, make sure you have local emergency contact numbers in advance and have them readily accessible. In the U.S., dial 911 for emergency calls to the police, ambulance, or fire department. This number is commonly available in all states, so it is a good idea to remember it.

Next, we recommend that you also take down the contact information for the Japanese embassy or consulate. If you lose your passport or get into trouble, the Japanese Embassy is the place to go. It is also a good idea to confirm the location and opening hours of the embassy in advance.

In addition, it is important to always know where you are and share your location with friends and family; sharing your current location with family members through the GPS feature will increase your safety. Also, if you find yourself in an unsafe situation, move to a safer place, such as a busy street or inside a store.

Carry valuables such as credit cards and cash in a dispersed manner and avoid carrying only one wallet. Also, to raise your awareness of crime prevention, stay away from suspicious people and do not go to dangerous areas on your own.

Last but not least, if you should become a victim, it is safer not to resist on the spot but to comply with their demands. Then, from a safe distance, call the police and consult with your embassy. Above all, it is important to put your own safety first. Be prepared and prepared in this way so that you can feel safe when traveling alone.

-What to watch out for while sightseeing

The first and foremost thing to keep in mind while sightseeing is to take care of your valuables. Since pickpockets and locksmiths are common in tourist areas, it is advisable to keep your wallet, passport, and other valuables close to your skin. Especially in crowded places, it is recommended to use a front bag rather than a backpack or to store them in the inside pocket of your jacket.

Next, it is also important to ensure that you have a safe area of activity. There are areas of the U.S. that are safe and areas that are not, so it is a good idea to check the security information for the area where you plan to stay before you visit. Also, be especially careful at night and stay away from deserted streets and dark alleys.

In addition, be on the lookout for suspicious people. Not all people who speak to you in a friendly manner have only good intentions, so refrain from giving unnecessary personal information. Even if someone asks you for help, it is important not to respond alone, but to leave the area and contact the police or other appropriate authorities from a safe location.

And pay attention to traffic rules. In the U.S., driving on the right side of the road is the opposite of the Japanese way. Please check the local rules regarding the use of traffic signals and crosswalks, and move around safely first. Also, when renting a bicycle, be sure to take safety precautions such as wearing a helmet.

Last but not least, please take care to stay hydrated and healthy. Especially during the summer months, when temperatures are higher in many areas, frequent hydration and the use of sunscreen cream are recommended. In addition, since there is a possibility that an unfamiliar diet may cause physical discomfort, it is advisable to consult with your own physical condition when making food choices.

If you keep these points in mind, you will be able to enjoy sightseeing in the United States with peace of mind, even when traveling alone. Please keep each of these points in mind as precautions and make every effort to have a safe and fulfilling trip.

-Communication skills with local people

To enjoy traveling alone in the U.S., communication with local people is very important. Not only will you discover new things through cross-cultural exchange, but it will also greatly help you in terms of safety. Here are some tips for smooth communication with local people.

First, it is important to learn basic English conversation phrases to lower the language barrier as much as possible. Start with simple greetings such as "Hello" and "Thank you. It is also useful to learn phrases to introduce yourself and to ask for directions. It is also important to use smartphone applications and other tools to talk to people in a positive manner.

Next, try to remember to be respectful to the other party. It is important to research the culture and customs of the other party in advance and be respectful of them. For example, in the U.S., individualism tends to be emphasized, so be considerate of each other's privacy.

Body language is also an effective communication tool. It is said that smiling is a common language that transcends national borders, so try not to be nervous and use a relaxed facial expression. However, please note that some gestures are different from those in Japan.

Furthermore, from a safety standpoint, it is important not to force yourself to continue a conversation in a suspicious place or situation. If you feel uneasy, you should have the courage to leave the area. Also, keep in mind that conversations should be held in public places, such as public phones or stores, where people can see you.

Finally, it is important to have an attitude of enjoying the time together itself. Participating in local events and markets will give you the opportunity to meet and interact with many people. The information you gain from these events will be useful for sightseeing and making new friends.

While keeping the above points in mind, please make every effort to create wonderful experiences and memories that are unique to solo travel. The small discoveries you make from each chat will be the greatest souvenir of your solo trip.