Traveling on your own as a woman can be an intimidating idea. Whether you’re in another country or just commuting to a new location, unfamiliar surroundings can make you feel unsafe. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can feel confident and secure wherever the wind takes you.
Connect With People
Just because you’re taking a trip by yourself doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Reach out to other people to stay safe even on solo trips:
- Make sure someone at home knows where you’re going.
- Ask the hotel staff to move you to a safer room if you feel uncomfortable. They can provide other assistance too, like calling a taxi for you so you know it’s a legitimate driving service.
- Have the local emergency numbers saved on your phone.
Author and travel writer Catherine Watson suggests connecting with other women when you’re feeling unsafe. “Offer to hold the babies, in waiting rooms or on buses. Anything like that … makes you part of that temporary community. Plus it’s fun.”
Fit In With the Culture
You don’t want to draw attention to yourself as a stranger or newcomer in a new place. Make sure you do your research about the place you’ll be traveling to:
- Know the cultural norms.
- Dress appropriately.
- Leave flashy jewelry at home, including smartwatches, diamond rings, earrings, bracelets, or designer sunglasses/handbags.
- Prepare for the weather.
- Look up recent news and be familiar with groups or neighborhoods to avoid.
- Download offline maps onto your phone, but don’t look at them in public. If you get lost, step inside somewhere so you can check them without being observed.
Plan Ahead
Sometimes unexpected situations happen when you’re far from home. But there are things you can do to navigate challenges:
- Copy your ID and passport (and pack separately). Email them to yourself and someone else.
- Buy a local SIM card so you don’t have to worry about extra phone charges.
- Carry plenty of local currency.
- Use rideshare apps (don’t flag down a cab yourself – it may not be a legitimate service)
Use Your Self-Defense Knowledge
Wherever you are, it’s important to stay aware and follow your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, do what you need to do to feel safe. Taking a self-defense course can help you be physically prepared. And if you can’t avoid a dangerous situation, remember these tips:
- Yell in a firm voice, “GET BACK!”. Sometimes loudly setting a boundary can get the attention of other people and make you a less appealing target.
- Scream, shout, pinch, kick, scratch and do all you can to avoid being put into a vehicle and taken to a secondary location. Someone may be nearby and able to help you.
- Run away. Even if you know self-defense or have a weapon, you should remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible.
- Don’t get into a strange vehicle. Being taken to another location is extremely dangerous. You should fight back like your life depends on it, because it probably does.
How We Can Help
Women Against Crime offers self-defense courses so women can be prepared for dangerous situations. If you’re planning a trip and want to feel safer, contact us. We’re here to empower you so you can live your fullest life.
