Solo travel is the world’s hottest tourist trend, fuelled by children searching for independence and suppleness amid a distant work boom.
A staggering 76% of millennials and Zoomers plan to take trips on their very own in the following 12 months, with the solo travel market now valued at greater than $500 billion per yr, based on Aquent.
But while many might imagine they’re protected all over the place due to the connectivity of their smartphones, experts say some places still pose extremely high risks for individuals who enterprise unaccompanied.
For those considering some local solo travel, a brand new study from Silver Law Firm has uncovered probably the most dangerous US states for traversing on your personal, with Recent Mexico coming in at primary.
“Solo travelers face unique vulnerabilities that groups don’t,” attorney Elliot Silver stated. “When something goes incorrect, whether it’s a automobile accident, a medical emergency, or a legal issue, you don’t have backup.”
Using data from the FBI, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and other official sources, the lawyers checked out crime rates, road safety, emergency access, and transport infrastructure to offer each state a “solo travel safety rating” out of 100.
Recent Mexico, which is especially popular with hikers and drivers due to its national parks and scenic roads, scored a dismal safety rating of 0.00.
“Recent Mexico’s vast rural areas mean long stretches without cell service or gas stations,” Silver said. “Solo travelers here need offline maps downloaded before they leave, extra water and supplies within the automobile, and a transparent itinerary shared with someone back home.”
High rates of car accidents and property crime create additional challenges for travelers who’re alone. The state’s violent crime rates are also amongst the best within the nation.
Arkansas was determined to be the second most dangerous state for solo travel, with a rating of 10.39, Tennessee got here in third place with a rating of 13.68.
While Nashville and Memphis, each in Tennessee, are amongst the most well liked tourist spots within the country, Silver warned solo travellers to take care of their wits and be particularly cautious outside the metro areas.
“In the event you’re venturing into rural Tennessee alone, plan your route fastidiously and be certain someone knows your schedule and expected check-in times,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the study uncovered some surprisingly excellent news for Recent York.
The Empire State is the fourth safest state for solo travel in America, buoyed by its emergency access and transport infrastructure.
Only Recent Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts fared higher.
The Bay State snagged the safest spot for solo travel, with an ideal rating of 100.00, on account of its relatively low violent crime and property crime rates.
“Massachusetts also advantages from excellent road infrastructure and a compact geography,” Silver declared. “For solo travelers, this implies fewer stretches of isolated highway and easier access to assist if needed. The state’s dense population means cell service is reliable almost all over the place.”
