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Many women love to travel alone. Whether you're going to the Middle East or Southeast Asia, before you leave here are a few important tips to keep in mind and keep you safe.
Photo © Getty Images/lechatnoir
Depending on where you're going and what the culture is like, you may be exposed to more risk as a female traveler. Here are a few safety tips to consider before you go and while you're on the road.
Remember: Staying safe is being informed about current events and alerts happening around the world, and nothing beats common sense.
1. Before your trip
- Pack as lightly as possible. As a lone woman, you'll be less vulnerable and more independent if you're not weighed down by heavy luggage
- Rather than residential details, put an office address (without the company name) on your luggage tags
- Make sure you pack all sanitary items, pain killers and think about when your period is due – you'd hate to arrive in the country and find out pads or tampons are unavailable
- Before traveling, find out the general dress code for the country. Once you arrive, take note of what local women wear to get an idea of appropriate attire.
2. While flying
- Talk to the flight attendants who are either from or know the country to obtain advice on areas to avoid
- Don't announce your final destination or length of stay to fellow passengers, as the information may be overheard.
3. Accommodation safety
- Try to stay in a hotel or guesthouse on a residential street that has a number of restaurants and late-night stores located on it. This is far more safe than staying in a corporate area that will be quiet at night and so less secure
- When checking in, use only your initials and surname; avoid titles such as Ms or Mrs
- Inquire about staff services that escort guests to their room late at night if you are feeling uneasy
- If the door to your room is open or unlocked when you return, don't go in alone. Go back to the front desk and ask a member of staff to accompany you to the room.
4. Getting around safely
- Don't share that you are traveling alone; inform inquisitive strangers that you are expecting your friend or meeting your partner
- If you feel a car is following you when you are walking, do a quick turn and walk in the opposite direction
- If you are traveling alone and don't want any company, there are a few things you can try. If you're on a coach or train, sit on the outside seat, and place your handbag, coat or jacket on the window seat. If you're in a bar or restaurant, put your coat on the back of the seat opposite you; this makes it look as if you have company
- Put together a mental plan on how you will react if you're attacked. Will your method be fight or flight? Perhaps keep a set of keys on you – you could keep them in your pocket, and use them as a sharp object if you need to defend yourself
- Ask your accommodation staff for their business card, and keep it in your wallet to show a cab driver, that way they can get you back safely to where you're staying.
5. Avoiding unwanted attention
- In conservative countries, stick to loose fitting clothes that cover your knees and arms
- If you're confronted with unwelcome attention, remain calm and remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. You might also wish to approach the nearest police officer or security guard
- In the event of verbal harassment from men, ignore themand keep walking
- Some women travelers wear a wedding ring to show they are unavailable
- Avoid eye contact with men and wearing sunnies and a hat can help with this
- Walk and speak with confidence. Act like you know where you are going and what you are doing, and walk with purpose even if that's not the case. Confidence can be a major deterrent to criminal activities such as petty theft and harassment.
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