As a solo female traveler I take certain precautions whenever I travel. To travel without thinking about my safety would be stupid. Not to mention the world of grief it could cause my family! Here are some of the things I do before and during every trip I make abroad.
- Documentation- I always scan copies of my passport, birth certificate, health cards, insurance papers, visas, traveler’s cheques, credit cards and driver’s license. I attach digital copies to an email, which I send to my parents, my brother and a close friend. I also make 2 photocopies of each to be hidden in my backpack.
- Embassy Info- In the above email I include the address and telephone information for the Canadian Embassies in the countries I’m visiting. That way my family knows how to go about looking for me should disaster strike while I’m away. It’s also a reference for myself while on the road.
- If I didn’t buy it, I don’t drink it!- I’m not saying I don’t party when I travel. But I don’t accept drinks from people I don’t know. If I go to the bathroom and leave my drink behind, I don’t drink from it again. I order a new one.
- Birth Control & Condoms- If you’re sexually active, don’t be a moron. Take precautions with you on the road if you’re planning on hooking up.
- Respect local culture- This is a hard one. As a western woman, you’ve been taught to stand up for yourself, be assertive and at times aggressive. However when you’re on the road, this can play against you. Be aware of local customs. That halter-top may look super cute/sexy at home, but while abroad that same top can be perceived as slutty and get you into a whole mess of trouble.
- Diversify Your Funds-Do not keep your money and documents in one spot, spread them out. On a similar note, don’t stick to one type of funds. Spread your money around. Use ATM, credit cards (pre-paid, regular or both), cash and traveler’s cheques. If you sold a bunch of stuff on eBay before your trip, leave the funds in your paypal account- that way you can transfer the funds to your bank if you’re running out of money.
- Carry a cell phone- I never leave home without my cell phone. You don’t need to have a Blackberry or iPhone while traveling, just buy a cell phone that has a SIM card and change cards when you’re in a different country. Having a cell can help when you’re stranded, running out of funds and need to call home or if you find yourself in a sticky situation and need to contact your embassy.
- Fake Husband- I know it sounds ridiculous, but it works. Sliding a ring on your finger can keep harassment at a minimum and make things less awkward. When propositioned, tell him you’re waiting for your husband etc.
- Keep Jewelery at a minimum- Be smart. Don’t wear tons of jewelery when you travel. It’s like wearing a sign that says “Please rob me, I’m rich and have lots of cash”. I’m not saying don’t wear any jewelery, but be selective and keep it simple. Leave the pearls, diamonds and gems at home.
- Travel Advisory- I usually check these before I leave, but I don’t follow them 100%, as conditions can change quickly. If I know an area has been questionable, then I’ll ask locals to see if things have settled down.
- Always have cab money- You do it at home. You should do it when you travel. I like to go out occasionally, but some scary things can happen after dark. If you’ve gone out alone and had a drink or two, don’t walk back to your hostel. Catch a ride!
Traveling smarter doesn’t make you a wimp or a loser, it keeps you safe. The most important thing is to spread things around. Don’t put all of it in your day pack or pockets. If you’re robbed you’ll lose everything in one swoop and your vacation/trip will be ruined. Be smart. Be aware. Be safe!
If you have a smart travel tip, leave a comment.
About Pamela
Really good tips Pam! Love the cab money… I hung out with a new found friend in a part of Rio I wasn’t familiar with, and had 2 Real to my name. Stupid woman.. Luckily the cab ride was only 2 Real!
Excellent tips! The 2 tips I would add: (1) Regularly check in with someone back home. (2) Avoid telling people that you’re traveling completely solo — even if they see if you on your own, they might not think that you’re totally alone, just that your companions are elsewhere. And if they see you with new acquaintances, they might just think you’re with them. That way you wouldn’t become anyone’s target.
Great tips! I find it interesting that when we’re home we wouldn’t dream of telling a strange man that we live alone or avoid those dark streets, but when we travel those rules are forgotten.
I know some people don’t like to do any research beforehand of where they’re going, but I like to read up on safety, cultural observations and other handy tips. It may not be possible in all circumstances but doing a little bit a prep beforehand just means being safe and prepared later.
Another tip I’ve heard (but haven’t used) is to take a business card from your hotel in case you forget the address or there’s a language barrier if you’re taking a cab back.
Great tips especially saying you have a husband. I’ve been hearing that more and more of being useful.
Great tips. I’ve also gotten in the habit of programing the local emergency numbers into my phone. If there is a need for it, I’m not fumbling through my guidebook to find the right page. I unfortunately learned this from experience!
Great tip on the local emergency numbers. I always have my numbers with me, but in a little book instead of my phone.
Great list and some great additions! I would also add to just basically take care of yourself – just because you’re in a different place doesn’t mean you need less sleep / sunscreen / whatever. Nothing worse than getting sick in a foreign country!
It’s amazing how when we travel we think it’s a vacation from everything, including common sense
Love the list – so right on! I agree about keeping someone at home updated with all of the specifics – I send off regular emails before long train journeys about my tentative plan of action over the next week…just in case!
I do the same thing. I always email if I know I’ll be off the grid for a few days and let them know my itinerary. It’s a good back-up and my family feel better at the same time.
haha I like the ‘married’ trick with the ring, never thought about that one before, instead I’ve just had to deal with the awkward I-have-a-boyfriend-talk.
Next time all you have to do is literally “show him THE FINGER”
Love the list – so right on! I agree about keeping someone at home updated with all of the specifics – I send off regular emails before long train journeys about my tentative plan of action over the next week…just in case!
Great tip on the local emergency numbers. I always have my numbers with me, but in a little book instead of my phone.