Travelling as a woman, especially if you are flying solo can be a little daunting and it is important to consider your safety when globetrotting.
It is unfortunate that women can be targeted more easily in certain places and there may be times when you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings. It is certainly a sad truth that the world is not always full of good people. For the most part, if you use your common sense, you generally won’t run into any major issues. In saying this, there are a number of things you can do to help you travel safely:
Clothing
Be conscious of what you are wearing. The more revealing, the more you may get leered at…this can cause unwanted attention and is disrespectful in some cultures (Muslim nations for example require you to cover your shoulders and wear something at least knee length). I’m not saying you can’t wear sexy clothes and feel attractive, but just pick and choose where and when you decide to dress a little more ‘fruity’.
Stay in a central location
These areas are better lit, with more people around and busier transport hubs than the outskirts of the town or city.
Make a scene or loud noises in the midst of danger to attract the attention of good locals
Someone once tried to mug me and I reacted by screaming and jumping on him to get my things back (that’s right you do NOT mess with an Aussie, or a woman when it comes to her purse and her phone!!)…this drew the attention of others nearby who were able to help.
Be smart about HOW you carry your valuables
Do not carry your phone/wallet in your hands even if just going around the corner for a quick bite. Place them in a small backpack or handbag that gets strapped across your body, AND keep a strong hand on it.
Don’t give your room number/address or hostel name to anyone you don’t know or don’t have a good vibe from.
Enough said!
If out at night and you are struggling to work out where you are it might be best to avoid walking back
When in doubt catch a taxi or an Uber. I know this is more expensive but it is essential to value personal safety over a few dollars.
Take reputable taxis in built up areas or have your accommodation call one for you
Ever since I saw a true story program on TV years ago about two women being almost kidnapped by their taxi driver and if they didn’t escape they may have been assaulted or sold off somewhere…God only knows ( I was a little scarred—I could only imagine how horrific and traumatic this would be). This has made me VERY wary of taxis in countries especially when I can’t speak the language and don’t know my way around. I hate that we live in a world where we expect or fear the worst in people, but when you are a woman alone in a taxi (when you don’t have your bearings or speak the language) you can be very vulnerable.
NEVER allow your taxi driver to make any stops.
This is always a major red flag. Be very clear when you get in about where you want to go and you want to be taken STRAIGHT there. I always try to pay attention to the sites we drive past (if we are heading in the direction of where I want to go and reference back to the map in my hand).
Take self -defence lessons
It is always good to have “I will destroy you” skills up your sleeve just in case.
Don’t hesitate and trust your instincts
If something looks or feels dodgy then chances are, it probably is and you should remove yourself from that situation. As cliche as it sounds “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.
Don’t walk with your headphones in when out at night or in areas slightly more deserted
If there are any strange noises or someone behind you, better to hear these than be oblivious. Makes you less of an easy target for questionable people. I suggest you call someone or pretend to so they realise that somebody knows where you are; and would know immediately if something was wrong.
Ease up on the alcohol a bit
I’m not saying you can’t go out for a drink but just keep your wits about you and make sure you have complete control over your body and know exactly where you are and how to get back. This is obviously not as essential if you are out with trusted friends or at the bar within your accommodation…but let’s play it safe ladies.
Happy travels ladies. Have fun, and most importantly, stay safe!
Ally XO
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