Wondering how to stay safe when travelling? Use a safe travel app (or five).
When you speak to anyone who’s well-travelled, they’ll often tell you that their solo travel experiences are among the best. They’ll tell you these trips taught them more about themselves than any other experience in their lifetime.
There’s a reason solo travel teaches us so much about ourselves. It tests our patience, confidence and forces us to be open to meeting new people, and having new experiences. And, on a slightly less positive note, it can also put us in tricky situations.
HOWEVER, if you use a safe travel app to help you navigate these tricky times, your trip will be full of positive experiences, and will create memories to last a lifetime. Here are the ones we recommend.
FIRST: why prepaid eSIM data is essential to safe travel app usage
Whether you end up using a ton of data or not, having backup data from aloSIM (check if your device supports eSIM, then buy & install it before you leave and activate once you’ve arrived) means your app usage won’t be interrupted, with a steady data connection keeping it going.
The reason it’s so important: a lot of these apps use data, and you don’t want to rely on sketchy public Wi-Fi to power them. Prepaid eSIM data is super cheap, and knowing it’s there if you need it will save you a ton of stress, and keep you safe.
1. Safe travel app #1: Uber
Being able to get a ride from anywhere is pretty revolutionary. Uber (at the time of this blogpost) is currently available in 10,000 cities globally.
This app does require data to work, and that your location be enabled. This is why we recommend using it with aloSIM data (here’s how). Your prepaid data will keep this app working, ensuring it gets you out of any sticky situations.
2. Safe travel app #2: Sitata
This app alerts its users about emergencies, and also follows local news to gather and share more details on the situation. And it’s available in 200+ countries, meaning you can use it almost anywhere.
Its other features include a community section where people travelling can share their own experience relating to these situations, or even their experience on navigating emergencies on their trip.
3. Safe travel app #3: GeoSure
Want to know about where you’re visiting before you arrive? Use GeoSure, an app that’ll inform you on important info (including safety info) in specific places, including crime rates.
With prepaid eSIM data, you’ll be able to use GeoSure anytime, and digest this info without interrupted connections.
4. Safe travel app #4: bSafe
This app requires a data connection to work (here’s that hot tip again: eSIM data from aloSIM). And in this app, you designate contacts who’ll receive a live video / audio stream if you say your SOS activation phrase.
Your phone will sound loud alarms, and start recording (and sharing) live video and audio using your phone’s camera and mic for up to 5 minutes, sharing it—along with your location—live with these contacts so they can get you help.
5. Safe travel app #5: Google Maps (an oldie but a goodie)
Let’s be honest—Google Maps is one of our most-used apps. And when you’re on a trip, this every-day app turns into a safe travel app, allowing you to explore the space around you with precise detail (or find directions if you’re lost).
This app does require data (here’s that aloSIM link again for you), but can be switched to offline so you can save on data usage. The offline mode will continue leading you on your trip, but switch back to the regular mode if your route changes.
The bottom line is that having a safe travel app on your phone, even if you don’t end up using it, will keep your stress levels low, and your fun levels sky-high on your trip.
