A recent study by Preply, an online language learning platform, has revealed that while Australia is renowned for its safety—ranking 11th out of 134 countries on the Global Finance list of the world’s safest countries, with high city safety scores (Perth and Melbourne at 76, Canberra at 80 out of 100, according to Numbeo)—there is surprisingly low awareness of the HELP signals used by solo travelers. Only 30% of Australians know how to react when someone signals for help, placing Australia 25th out of the 27 countries surveyed.
This low awareness could be attributed to the general perception of Australia as a safe destination, where many people might not feel the immediate need to learn SOS signals. However, given that 63% of Australians have traveled alone at least once, it’s crucial to promote SOS signals widely so more people know how to respond if someone signals SOS to them. The survey also found that only 28% of Australians (22nd out of 27) know what to do or whom to call if they see an SOS signal.
Australia: A Top Destination for Solo Travelers
Australia is often listed as one of the top countries for solo travelers. A 2022 study by Radical Storage showed that Australia was the most popular destination for solo travel, with 71% of people who traveled alone having visited Australia at least once.
Solo travel is also popular among Australian locals. According to Tourism Research Australia, in 2019 alone, solo travelers in Australia made 40.5 million trips and spent 134.9 million nights away from home. In Australia, solo travel bookings increased by 42% between 2015 and 2018 globally, and solo travel accounts for approximately 18% of global travel bookings.
SOS Signals for Solo Travelers
Here are several SOS signals that everyone in Australia or those Australians planning to visit other countries alone should be aware of:
- Order an “Angel Shot” at the bar: Asking for an “Angel Shot” is a discreet way to alert bar staff that someone needs help. Only 30% of Australians are aware of this practice.
- Ask to speak to “Angela”: This method, used mainly in the United Kingdom, allows a person in distress to ask to speak to “Angela” to discreetly signal for help. Only 20% of Australians know this code.
- Use the acronym STAN: “STAN” stands for “Send The Authorities Now” and is used to request immediate intervention by authorities. Only 12% of Australians know this acronym.
- Draw a black dot on the palm of your hand: The “Black Dot” campaign encourages victims of domestic violence to draw a black dot on their palm to signal for help. Only 3% of Australians are aware of this signal.
Sylvia Johnson, a Language Expert at Preply, commented, “In today’s fast-paced world, understanding non-verbal communication is important for keeping us safe. Non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, or even a handshake can give us clues about a situation or a person’s intentions. Being able to read these reactions can help us identify if something doesn’t feel right and act accordingly to ensure our own safety as well as that of others around us.
When you’re traveling to a new place, knowing even a few basic phrases in the local language can be very helpful. These phrases might include how to ask for directions, say please and thank you, or ask for help – and they can make a big difference. By communicating effectively, you can navigate unfamiliar places more easily, handle unexpected situations, and enhance your overall travel experience. Plus, it signals respect for the local culture, which can lead to even better experiences during your trip.”
Methodology
This study was conducted by surveying 27 different countries, including Australia, in June 2024 to promote the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, supported by the United Nations. Data from Numbeo, Global Finance Magazine, Tourism Research Australia, and studies by US News and Radical Storage were analyzed and included in the press release.
.jpg){kind=tracking}