You shouldn’t let being a woman in a dangerous world put you off travelling. Getting out and seeing the world is among the most rewarding experiences in life. But there are a few things you can do to make it easier on yourself. So, from drinking to safe socialising, here are some don’ts.
Don’t Carry Expensive Stuff
One of the biggest mistakes people make when travelling is taking too many expensive items. With products like laptops, tablets and even new smartphones, you can be a target for criminals. It doesn’t matter where you are; criminals are everywhere. You will need luggage storage in Venice and other beautiful places just as much as you would in the middle of London. So, safely stow the extra stuff and take only what you need to have on your person at any one time.
Don’t Drink Too Much
Being drunk makes you a target for anything you can think of. Having a phone stolen is a nightmare. But it pales in comparison to some of the other crimes that happen to women (and indeed men) who have had a little too much alcohol. Stay safe by sticking to your limits. Of course, you can also be the target of spiking. So keep your drink on you at all times and try to consume drinks from bottles. You can also buy lipstick that comes with drug-testing strips.
Don’t Carry Cash for Safe Female Solo Travel
Money is vital when travelling as it allows you to enjoy the places you visit. Cash is among the most useful digital nomad essentials you can take with you. But cash is also a target for criminals because unlike bank cards, it cannot be traced. Of course, you will need cash. But it won’t help if you carry a lot on your person at a time. When using cash, take out only what you think you will need. You can always visit a cash machine later on if you require access to more.
Don’t Tell People You are Alone
A solo woman becomes a target for all kinds of terrible crimes when unsavoury people know she is alone. Try not to let people (even other women) know that you are travelling alone. Others can take advantage of your vulnerable situation, especially if you are a long way from home. If possible, meet with friends who are also travelling or locals you have gotten to know and somewhat trust. It also helps to volunteer as little personal information as is necessary.
Don’t Geotag Your Exploits
Travelling is a rewarding experience, and we all love to document what we get up to. Today that means using smartphones to take stunning pictures of food, people and places. However, phone cameras geotag images to let people know where you are. As useful as this is, geotagging can be used against you. First, any criminals back home know you aren’t there. But it can also be used by very unsavoury people where you are to track your movement.
Summary
Carrying expensive stuff around is one of the worst things you can do if you want to experience safe female solo travel. Flashing the cash is another and will attract unsavoury people who could steal it. Geotagging your images can also be used to track your holiday movements.
What about you, how do you prepare for your solo trips? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Top image source: CC0 licensed image, courtesy of Pexels)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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