When you have a teen travelling solo, there’s some amount of fear and uncertainty. And that’s fair as a parent to be concerned. Preparing for a solo adventure needs careful planning and execution, including basic packing, important documents, purchasing tickets, and maintaining communication.

1. Plan your finances
All solo travel tips for a teen must encompass key pointers such as safety, health, money, budgeting, and staying in touch. One of the most crucial travel tips for a teen is teaching them to use an ATM, saving some backup cash, and keeping essential documents safe. In case your teen plans to head for a solo adventure trip abroad ensure that you register your child’s travel plan and itinerary with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

2. Be vigilant
As a solo teen traveller, one has to be vigilant and aware of the surroundings and people. This is where you must travel as much with other people and perhaps choose popular destinations and not very remote ones. One of the best solo travel tips for a teen is to connect with groups on social media that are specially designed for teens and students.

3. Don’t ignore your health
Do ensure that while travelling, your teen has access to travel cards, credit cards, and debit cards; it is important that the teen understand the basics of saving and spending. Also ensure that you have a valid health insurance account number and that you carry essential information such as emergency numbers and the contact of your family doctor.

In case of emergency, teach your teen basic first aid training. You must know how to treat certain mild infections and allergies — doing that requires a basic understanding of the medicines you carry. Carry a few dry and ready to eat items to save that extra cash and time without the need to look for eateries and restaurants.

4. Carry a mobile phone
Staying in touch is the most essential travel tip for any traveller. With advanced technology you are just one video call away from your near and dear ones. Do carry a good travel phone that comes with a long lasting battery life. Ideally you must have access to local calls, international calls, and internet service.

Travel as light as possible and try to check in to youth hostels or places for backpackers. This will be a lot cheaper and you also get an opportunity to hang out with new buddies. Many hostels also offer social outings and you get an opportunity to indulge in some of their on-site activities such as movie nights, poker, barbeque, among others.

As a teen, although you may have an organized travel plan, you might end up in an impromptu getaway. It is preferred that you look for tourist information at the place you are staying and keep an account of the crime rate as your safety is important.