Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding, satisfying and empowering things that a woman can do. It proves to the world and herself that she is capable of exploring the world on her own terms and that she does have to wait for someone to travel with, she can do it on her own when she wants.
With traveling alone as a woman comes special safety and security concerns to take into consideration to ensure that our travels are safe and secure.
The basics:
Use a purse or bag that fully zips, rather than snaps or has open pockets. Make sure all openings are zipped shut so that someone cannot reach into your purse or bag and steal something. Wear your purse or bag securely over your shoulder so that it is secured to you rather than just having it hang on one shoulder.
Do not bring or wear expensive jewelry on your trip. When you are walking around with gold, silver, or anything that is expensive, it makes you a target. Some items that we wear in the USA such as a smart watch, something many people in the USA have, can be considered a luxury item in other countries. Depending on where you are, you may want to consider not wearing a smart watch or anything of that nature either. This applies to tablets and computers as well or any other electronic device. If you bring them, do not flash them around and be mindful where you are storing them for security.
Do not take out your phone in the middle of the street and look at it; that makes you a target. Do not walk down the street with your face in your phone, keep aware of your surroundings at all times. If you need to look at your phone, for example, to get directions on Google Maps or another such app, go into a store and down an aisle where you are out of site, then take out your phone and get an update on your location there. If you would like to take a picture, look around and determine if it’s safe for you to take out your camera or phone. When taking pictures, always be aware of what is going on around you. Put your phone securely back in your bag out of site when walking.
Do not tell strangers what hotel or Airbnb you are staying at. This can make you a target for having your hotel room burglarized among other things. If a stranger offers to share a cab or Uber with you, politely decline.
When you get to your hotel room or Airbnb, cover the peephole in the door with a piece of toilet tissue or something similar, if it’s not already covered. Passersby can use a device to see inside of your room. You can also bring travel door security devices to add an extra lock to the door. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked.
Do not flash cash or make it easily visible when paying. If you have to pay with cash, be subtle. Only carry as much cash as you may need for the day. Most countries accept credit cards for purchases, which is a safer option. You may need cash here and there for places that do not accept cards, but be careful how much you are carrying and be sure no one sees you with cash.
Do not use a debit card for purchases, use a credit card for full fraud protection. A debit card is real money, while a credit card is not and banks treat each type of card differently.
When out and about exploring an area, do not go down side streets or other areas where you are the only person. Stay on streets or areas where there are other people. When walking down the street or any area, keep aware of your surroundings. Always be aware of who is around you. If you feel uncomfortable, that can be your brain telling you that you are in danger.
Many countries have ride share such as Uber just like the USA does. Always check the tag on the car and the driver to make sure the tag and the driver’s name and picture match what you see in the app. Look at the reviews for the Uber driver and look for bad reviews or safety issues.
Learn some basic phrases and words of the language being spoken in the country you will visit. This can be helpful in many situations.
Prior to your trip safety prep:
Give someone you trust who is not traveling with you your itinerary, including dates and all countries and cities you will visit along with addresses for all hotels\Airbnbs where you will be staying.
Register with the Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program allows you to get crucial information regarding the country you are in and allows the US Embassy or Consulate to contact you with updates.
You can choose to enable real time location on your mobile phone and share with your trusted safety contact who is not traveling with you.
Find the nearest US Embassy in the country you will be visiting to your hotel and save the location in Google Maps or another app on your phone and also memorize where it is located.
Review the travel advisories on the US Department of State’s website for the country you will be traveling to.
Add emergency contacts to your airline app, with US Department of State’s website and any other applicable travel apps.
Make copies of your ID and passport and keep those copies separate from your real ID and passport so that in case you lose your real items you do not also lose the copies as well. You can optionally give copies to your safety contact who is not traveling with you.
Prepping for safe travels and following safe travel guidelines can seem daunting, but being prepared and following safety practices can help keep your trip trouble-free.
For women who enjoy traveling alone with intention, a simple travel journal can be a grounding companion, a place to note observations, check in with yourself, and reflect along the way.