3 Safety Tips For Solo Women Travelling The Globe

Whether it is for business or pleasure, you will see that more and more Indian women are now travelling alone all over the world.

Although this may seem like a good thing, you have to remember that in many parts of the world, women are viewed as weak and are unable to defend themselves.

Generally, a lot of women travellers are confused about what to do when travelling alone. Remember that when travelling, you must always put safety first and make it more important than other things.

Here are some safety tips for women travelling solo, to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip whenever you travel abroad.

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  Travel Safety Tip # 1 – Dress Conservatively

Your attire can accurately tell who you are and what lies inside that bag of yours and nothing beats simplicity when it comes to travelling abroad.

If you’re going East, countries that are still “developing”, it is not wise to wear signature clothes or branded shoes. This will only attract the wrong kind of attention from thieves.

The first tip is that you should always do your research first on the country you plan on travelling to. You have to remember that not all countries are the same in regards to culture. Some countries are culturally conservative and will have dress codes that everyone should follow.

Familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of the place you wish to go to. Remember that ignorance of the law is no excuse even if you’re a tourist.

A very good example is Saudi Arabia. If you travel here, you have to remember that tourists here and even women were apprehended by the police for improper dresses. You have to remember that Islamic nations tend to be very conservative especially around women.

In some countries, it is even illegal to invite members of the opposite sex into your hotel room. And, only married couples are allowed to stay in the same hotel room. So, avoid doing anything that would be considered obscene when travelling to unknown places.

Although fashion may be important for you as it really does make a statement, you have to remember that what may be casual wear for you may be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other countries.

You can never go wrong with jeans and t-shirt that covers most of your body. Also, these clothes are a better option than skirts if you need to run or defend yourself. A scarf to cover your head may be useful when travelling to more conservative countries.

Take off your jewellery. It is not advisable to strut your stuff, showing off your most prized jewellery, in the busy streets of a foreign place. You might as well wear a sign saying, “Come and get me.”

Whenever travelling, it is always a good idea to blend in with the public. Try buying a local dress and wear it to give other people the impression that you are a local and are familiar with the country.

• Travel Safety Tip  # 2 – Avoid Suspicious Strangers

Always be cautious. Whenever travelling in unfamiliar surroundings, always be alert. Remember, you are in a foreign country where people might not understand a single word you’re saying. That is why it is better to stay away from suspicious looking people.

You have to remember that some places are notorious for pickpockets and there are even places where children working with adults can slash your pants with a blade and get its contents.

Never carry your wallet in your back pocket. Always carry it in the front or side pockets and keep your hands in there. Or you could hide it inside your underwear. Yes, it can be quite uncomfortable, but it’s also one of the safest places to stash your money. If you’re wearing shoes, you can hide it underneath or inside your socks or stockings.

You could choose to stay in parts of the town where it is considered safe, but then you’ll be defeating the main purpose of travel and miss all the fun and adventure of being a traveller. Or you could just be watchful of the people around you.

Call it paranoia but it is better to be safe than sorry. Stay alert especially in crowded areas because thieves often prefer to do their thing in crowded areas. Give your instincts the benefit of the doubt, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to odd or suspicious behaviour.

Carry a light and if necessary, a weapon for protection. A heavy flashlight can be can be very useful when you came home late or you’re passing through a dark alley. If you want a more secure way whenever you are getting around the country, arm yourself with safety devices.

You’ll see a lot of safety devices available for sale in the market and can be brought along legally. An example would be pepper sprays, that if sprayed on the assailant’s face, will temporarily blind them and disable them for 5 to 6 minutes, which is enough for you to run away and get help.

You can also try getting a stun gun which has an electrostatic voltage charge. This safety device will give your assailant a shock and weaken their muscles.

• Travel Safety Tip # 3 – Bring Your Medicines

If travelling makes you sick, better have something to prevent occurrences to happen. If you have asthma, hypertension or any kind of illness that can strike you anywhere, always have a solution to it – bring your prescribed medicines. Never reach a point where you have to stop everything or be rerouted just to get you to the nearest hospital.

These are some of the safety tips that you should remember whenever you travel. You have to remember that as a woman, you will be much more vulnerable to attacks. By always planning ahead, you can be sure that you will be able to have a more enjoyable vacation.

Whenever you plan your holiday, you need to remember that safety should always be first when travelling. Follow these safety tips when travelling through different lands and get home in one piece safe and sound. Equipped with this advice, you’ll be safer, feel much more confident and more relaxed to go on a journey.

© Naaree.com