Recently, there has been an increase in solo female travelers. Women are daring to go where they have never been before and they are doing it alone. As invigorating and adventurous as this may be, we must keep in mind that safety is a number one concern.
While any solo traveller, regardless of gender, may face dangerous situations, women who are traveling alone are more likely to be affected than men. The popular website, BuzzFeed, took the time to ask a few women about what they do to feel safe while abroad. Below you can find a few of the tips they gathered.
Travel Tips:
Crowdsourcing
When using sites like Expedia, TripAdvisor, and Hostelz, it’s important that you research and find reviews as well as pictures posted by people who have actually stayed in the hotel and have spent time in the area.
Itinerary
Someone back home, whether it be a parent, spouse, or a friend should have a copy of your itinerary. This way, someone who know you will have an idea of your whereabouts during your trip.
DropBox Documents
How many times have you heard stories of someone losing their ID, passport, ticket numbers, phone, etc.? Losing any item of identification can be dangerous especially if you are traveling internationally. Scanning or taking a photograph of your important documents and placing them in locked site like Dropbox or something similar will help you in the long run.
U.S. Department of State
Register with the U.S. Department of State’s and download their app, Smart Traveler. Doing so will keep you informed when you about the country you’re in as well as your homeland.
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
Registering with the International Associations for Medical Assistance (IAMAT)will assist you with locating medical clinics approved by doctors who speak English.
International phone plan
Depending on how long you will be traveling internationally, you may or may not want to invest in an international phone plan. If you choose not to purchase a full plan, you can also buy a few phone cards for your trip.
Travel insurance.
The cost of Travel insurance varies. However, it would be wise to purchase some, especially if you’re traveling alone. Your insurance will cover most of or all of any unexpected costs. This includes medical and dental emergencies, as well as reimbursement for lost baggage, trip cancellations, or delays, rental car damage, and much more.
Stash Your Cash
It’s always a good idea to keep a few dollars and a credit or debit card on you at all times. You should also keep some stashed in your purse/bag and in your hotel room. A few unsuspecting places to keep your money are the bottom of a tampon, pad box, or empty shampoo bottles,
Charger, charger, charger
Your phone will probably be the item you use the most on your trip. It is important to remember to pack your charger, and extra battery if possible.
SnapCab?
Snap a quick photo of the cab before you hop in. This is not only for your safety but it will also help you track the car down if you happen to leave something in it. Once you get in (or begin walking to your destination) the cab say something like, “alright, I’ll be there soon” or “in 10-15 minutes”. This will make the driver or those around you believe you are meeting up with someone.
Fake it til’ you make it.
It is recommended by U.S. State Department that single women traveling in the Middle East should wear a wedding ring. Try to research the location you are visiting and see what is customary for solo female travelers to do there.
Hotel Tips:
Keep your keys
Hotels always provide you with 2 keys. Keep one key on you (on your pants or coat pocket) and the other in your bag.
Do not disturb
Whether you are in the room or not, leave the “do not disturb” sign on the door and leave your tv on. Thieves will not want to risk breaking into your room if they think someone is inside. If you happen to order room service, do not fully open the door. And should someone ask if you are alone, say the other person stepped out for a minute and will be “right back”.
For more tips and information on being a solo female traveler, visit BuzzFeed.com