I've traveled solo in 7 countries. Making customized Google Maps is my top tip for staying safe.
- I'm a frequent solo traveler who has ventured alone around seven countries.
- To stay safe while traveling alone, my top tip is to make a custom Google Map of all your stops.
Some kids get annoyed when their parents track their location, but as a 27-year-old frequent solo traveler, I consider it a blessing.
My mom has had access to my whereabouts ever since I got a phone in eighth grade. I'll admit, it used to bother me. But now, as an adult living across the country, I don't mind her checking in to see where I am — especially when I'm traveling alone.
When I'm on a solo trip, I don't just tell my mom what city I'm in — I make a custom Google Map that shows her everywhere I plan to go. I also send her my itinerary detailing when I will be arriving at and leaving each location.
For example, when I took a two-week backpacking trip through Europe last year, I spent a week traveling by train alone in Germany and Austria. Then my partner joined me for the second week in Italy and Switzerland. I made my mom this map of the entire trip with an itinerary to match:
With a closer look, my mom could see exactly where I planned to eat, stay, and explore in each city. Then, she could scan my itinerary to see when I was supposed to be in each place. And lastly, she could check my location on her phone and make sure it matched the plan.
When my plans change, I always let her know so she doesn't worry about me.
Making custom maps helps me stay organized while traveling. And knowing my mom has the tools to look out for me for me makes me feel safer when I'm abroad. So I recommend that other solo travelers find someone to check in on them from home using Google Maps.
How to make a custom Google Map
First, open up Google Maps and tap "Saved" in the panel on the left. This will bring you to a panel of places you've saved in the past. On the far right, tap Maps.
Once you're in the Maps tab, tap "Create Map." This will bring you to a new map so you can start plugging in your stops and destinations. There's also a layer feature, which I use to break up my map into each city I'm visiting. This helps me stay organized.
While you're adding pins for each stop in a destination, tap the paint bucket icon to change the color and icon symbolizing the stop. I use this feature to categorize my pins. For example, I use a food icon for restaurants, a bed icon for stays, and, since I'm a photographer, a camera icon for all my scenic stops.
Once you're done, share your map, itinerary, and location with someone you trust. For iPhone users, this Insider video shares exactly how to share your location:
Solo travel can be daunting, especially when visiting another country. But if you're anything like me, you'll feel safer on the road knowing that someone back home is looking out for you.
Do you have a travel tip to share? Insider would like to hear from you. Email jhadden@insider.com.