Our smartphones have become indispensable tools in our daily lives, but did you know that your smartphone has the ability to save your life, especially when you're traveling alone? It’s true.

I’m Bing, the author of There’s Wonder Around the Bend: An Inspiring Guide for Solo Road Tripping.  As someone who has solo road tripped for over 60,000 miles, I’ve thought a lot about safety on the road. I’ve learned that being prepared for emergencies is crucial, and your phone can be a game-changer when it comes to ensuring you're safe.

Today, I’m sharing 3 simple iPhone safety tips that can transform your phone into a life-saving device when you travel solo.

Spoiler - you can find these tips (and more!) in my FREE Super Simple Guide to Solo Road Trip Safety.  Grab it ➡️ HERE

Whether you're worried about being in an unfamiliar place or just want to know how to be more prepared, these tips will ease your concerns and make you feel more confident as you venture out on your next solo adventure.

What If Your iPhone Could Save Your Life?

When most people think about smartphone safety, they imagine things like passwords, apps to track your location, or how to secure personal information. But your phone can do so much more. What if I told you your phone can actually be a lifeline in an emergency situation?

The key is knowing how to leverage your phone’s built-in safety features. There are hidden gems on your iPhone that, when set up correctly, can help you in the event of a medical emergency or if you need help on the road.

iPhone Safety Tips for Traveling Alone

As a solo traveler, I understand the fear that comes with venturing out alone, especially as a woman. Safety concerns are often the #1 reason women hesitate to travel solo. But I’ve learned that being prepared and having the right tools on hand can alleviate a lot of fear. The key is knowledge and confidence – and that’s exactly what I’m here to give you.

Here are 3 smart phone safety tips for traveling that can help ensure you stay safe when you're on the road.

1. Set Up Your iPhone’s Health App for Emergencies

Your iPhone’s Health app is an incredibly powerful tool that can store life-saving information. Most people never even look at it, but it’s easy to set up, and doing so can help you in an emergency. Here's how:

How to Set Up the Health App

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Medical ID, then tap Edit in the upper-right corner.

Here, you can input vital information, including:

• Medical conditions, such as allergies or chronic illnesses
• Medications you take regularly
• Blood type
• Emergency contacts
• Emergency access settings (more on this below)

Think about this: In an emergency, first responders may need information quickly, and in some cases, you may not be able to speak for yourself. With this info already entered into your phone, it can be accessed instantly by anyone trying to help you.

Add Emergency Contacts

Scroll to the Emergency Contacts section and add at least two people who should be notified if something happens to you. These are the people who will be contacted in case of an emergency.

2. How to Access Your Medical ID in an Emergency

Now that your Health App is set up with your medical details, you need to know how to make sure it's accessible when you need it most.

How to Access Your Medical ID on Your iPhone

In the event of an emergency, someone can access your Medical ID by pressing and holding the side button and volume button together, and then swiping the Medical ID button on the lock screen. This will give first responders immediate access to all of the info you've entered into the Health app, including emergency contacts, allergies, and medications.

Pro Tip for Apple Watch Users

If you wear an Apple Watch, the process is even easier. Simply press and hold the side button (below the watch face) and your Medical ID will appear.

3. Using 911 with Your iPhone: Life-Saving Features You Might Not Know About

There are several hidden iPhone features that can be life-saving in emergencies. One of the most important is the Emergency SOS feature.

How to Activate SOS on Your iPhone

In an emergency, if you press the side button and the volume button simultaneously, you will trigger the Emergency SOS feature. This will:

• Call 911 (or emergency services)
• Send your location to the operator automatically, so they know exactly where you are.
• Send an alert with your location to your emergency contacts (the ones you set up in the Health app) and alert them to the fact that you've called emergency services.
• Share your Medical ID with emergency responders

This is crucial if you're injured or unable to speak for yourself. The location tracking feature means help can find you even if you can’t give your exact location.

More Smart Phone Safety Tips for Traveling Solo

Now that you have these essential safety tips, let’s talk about a few more ways your phone can help keep you safe on the road.

📍Use Location Sharing Apps

You can use apps like Find My iPhone to share your location with trusted friends or family members. If you’re heading out on a solo road trip, it’s a good idea to check in regularly with someone and let them know where you are.

📍 Download Offline Maps

 Google Maps and Apple Maps both have offline modes that allow you to download maps in advance. This is helpful in remote areas with limited cell service.

📍 Keep Your Phone Charged

Make sure you have a portable charger or car charger with you, especially on long road trips. Being able to charge your phone on the go means you’ll always have access to your emergency settings, maps, and contact information.

Building Confidence as a Solo Traveler

With the right tools and knowledge, you can turn your smartphone into a powerful life-saving device that helps keep you safe on the road. Solo road tripping is a life-changing experience, and having confidence in your safety can make all the difference.

We've just scratched the surface today, but there are so many more questions you need the answers to!  How to set up your car for maximum safety?  How to hike safely?  Camp safely?  What about traveling with a dog for safety?  I do have a lot of those answers and luckily, so many resources to help you! 

📍 You can pick up my book There’s Wonder Around the Bend.  I wrote an entire chapter on safety, and it takes everything we’ve talked about today and drills down into tons more details and practical examples.  Link ➡️ Grab your copy!

📍Grab the ➡️ FREE Super Simple Guide to Solo Road Tripping Safety

📍 I’ve even created an ➡️  entire playlist on my YouTube channel devoted to solo road trip safety. 

Listen, my freedom-loving friend - You can absolutely trade in your emotions and solo travel for confidence.  Allowing me to be your guide is a great first step!  The more you educate yourself, the less scary and more exciting traveling on your own can be.

Road tripping on your own can be a transformational experience for so many reasons, and becoming stronger and more confident just about tops that list!