Solo journey is the world’s hottest vacationer development, fuelled by children looking for independence and suppleness amid a distant work increase.
A staggering 76% of millennials and Zoomers plan to take journeys on their very own within the subsequent 12 months, with the solo journey market now valued at greater than $500 billion per yr, based on Aquent.
However whereas many might imagine they’re protected in every single place because of the connectivity of their smartphones, specialists say some locations nonetheless pose extraordinarily excessive dangers for individuals who enterprise unaccompanied.
For these contemplating some native solo journey, a brand new research from Silver Legislation Agency has uncovered essentially the most harmful US states for traversing by yourself, with New Mexico coming in at primary.
“Solo vacationers face distinctive vulnerabilities that teams don’t,” lawyer Elliot Silver acknowledged. “When one thing goes unsuitable, whether or not it’s a automobile accident, a medical emergency, or a authorized situation, you don’t have backup.”
Utilizing information from the FBI, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and different official sources, the legal professionals checked out crime charges, highway security, emergency entry, and transport infrastructure to offer every state a “solo journey security rating” out of 100.
New Mexico, which is especially common with hikers and drivers because of its nationwide parks and scenic roads, scored a dismal security rating of 0.00.
“New Mexico’s huge rural areas imply lengthy stretches with out cell service or fuel stations,” Silver stated. “Solo vacationers right here want offline maps downloaded earlier than they go away, additional water and provides within the automobile, and a transparent itinerary shared with somebody again dwelling.”
Excessive charges of auto accidents and property crime create extra challenges for vacationers who’re alone. The state’s violent crime charges are additionally among the many highest within the nation.
Arkansas was decided to be the second most harmful state for solo journey, with a rating of 10.39, Tennessee got here in third place with a rating of 13.68.
Whereas Nashville and Memphis, each in Tennessee, are among the many hottest vacationer spots within the nation, Silver warned solo travellers to take care of their wits and be significantly cautious outdoors the metro areas.
“For those who’re venturing into rural Tennessee alone, plan your route rigorously and ensure somebody is aware of your schedule and anticipated check-in instances,” he suggested.
In the meantime, the research uncovered some surprisingly excellent news for New York.
The Empire State is the fourth most secure state for solo journey in America, buoyed by its emergency entry and transport infrastructure.
Solely New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts fared higher.
The Bay State snagged the most secure spot for solo journey, with an ideal rating of 100.00, resulting from its comparatively low violent crime and property crime charges.
“Massachusetts additionally advantages from wonderful highway infrastructure and a compact geography,” Silver declared. “For solo vacationers, this implies fewer stretches of remoted freeway and simpler entry to assist if wanted. The state’s dense inhabitants means cell service is dependable virtually in every single place.”
