Here’s What I learned Watching The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel

Netflix debuted a new true-crime docuseries in 2021 called Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. The four episode documentary covers the disappearance of a Canadian college student that was never seen again after visiting Los Angeles by herself. While the series takes you through the investigation, this story also shines a light on the do’s and don’ts of solo trips. Traveling alone allows people to learn about themselves and explore parts of the world that they may not be able to do so with others, but there’s also a safety concern when traveling alone that all – especially women – must consider. Here are a few ways to protect yourself on your next solo adventure.

1. Research the hotel before booking – It might seem like a no brainer, but many travelers may dismiss researching where they’re considering staying. The Cecil Hotel was far from recommended by those who were familiar with the hotel and doing a bit of research would have gone a long way for those that were staying there. Use TripAdvisor, Yelp and Google reviews to learn about what guests have experienced. These reviews will reveal details of the cleanliness, amenities, safety and location of the hotel.
2. Familiarize yourself with the city – In this Netflix documentary, viewers learn about how the neighborhood the Cecil Hotel is in is not safe and in fact, considered to be one of the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles. For that reason, look into which parts of town you should avoid before traveling and make a note of streets or avenues that divide the city. If you can’t find too much info online, consider looking up local travel bloggers and influencers that may have some background knowledge.
3. Let others know where you’re going – If you’ve decided a solo trip is the next big adventure you’ll take once it’s safe to travel again, make sure family or a close friend can access your location at all times. There are several features on the iPhone that let you share your location or consider downloading a tracker app. In case of an emergency, you’ll want others to know how to find you – especially if you’re in a new city you’ve never been to before.