Sometimes during your travels, you may find yourself travelling alone. Whether this is through circumstances beyond your control, or simply because you want to, you will find great rewards in travelling solo.
However, there are also some drawbacks and dangers to this too, especially for women travellers who need to take extra care when travelling alone.
If you’re a female traveller thinking about going backpacking alone, follow my advice for staying safe.
Think about what you wear
Try to make your make your clothes fit in with local laws and customs and don’t attract attention to yourself by wearing revealing clothing. Sometimes men will think you are an easy target if you dress provocatively. Unless you’re travelling in a developed country, or at the beach try to not wear anything that goes above the knee, anything too low cut, or anything showing too much skin on your back and shoulders. Remember to take a sarong or something with you to cover up, should you want to enter a temple or other religious building.
Don’t flash expensive jewellery
Don’t draw attention to the fact you have money by wearing lots of expensive jewellery as this could just encourage people to steal from you. Even if your jewellery isn’t that expensive, but may look nice, try and refrain from wearing it, especially dangly earrings and necklaces.
Be confident
Walk around with an air of confidence so you look like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, even if you don’t. If you look lost or confused you become an easy target. If you are really lost or start to panic, head to the nearest cafe to stop and look at your map there, rather than in the middle of the street.
Don’t hitchhike alone or accept rides from strangers
Hitchhiking can be really dangerous for women travellers and once you get into a stranger’s car you have no control over the situation, so don’t do it.
Pay attention to your guidebook
Guidebooks are written by people who know the areas you’re travelling in well, so make sure you read them to check where the dangerous areas are, if there are any local scams and generally what you should watch out for.
Trust your instincts
Don’t take unnecessary risks If something looks dangerous or dodgy to you then don’t do it. If you wouldn’t ride a wobbly motorbike with no helmet at home then don’t do it abroad either. Ok, so there may always be some hair-raising situations on your travels and sometimes you’ll have no choice, but if you do, then it’s not worth taking those risks.
Ignore unwanted attention
In some countries you may get a lot of hassle from men. Whisperings in the ear, pinching, propositions and even marriage proposals are not uncommon. It is best to completely ignore this attention and carry on with a look of confidence.
Keep an eye on your drinks
Unfortunately drug–assisted rape cases are increasing in many countries, especially in areas where backpackers and tourists hang out, so always be aware and keep an eye on your drink. Drugs can also be put into tea and coffee, not just alcohol, so remember to keep your hand over the top when you’re not looking too.
Be cautious of strangers however friendly they seem
Some people may try to befriend you in order to take advantage, so be wary of people who seem overly friendly or want to take you somewhere. Be cautious about people you have only just met and don’t leave a pub or club with them either.
Consider taking a self defence class before you go
Self defence classes can be very useful and may end up saving your life. It may be worth taking one or two classes before you go, just to be prepared.
Always tell someone where you’re going
OK, so you don’t have to bore people with every little detail but it’s important that you tell someone where you’re going or what you’re doing in general. Whether you decide to go out hiking on your own, for a walk along the beach at night or for dinner at the house of local, you don’t always know what’s going to happen, so it’s best to be on the safe side. Tell another traveller at the hostel, write an e-mail back to your parents or simply send out a quick tweet or update your facebook status.
Don’t try to be ‘tough’ or a ‘hero’
If something happens and you find yourself in a bad situation, like being held at gun or knife point, don’t try to fight or run. Most of the time it’s just your money they’re after, so if you just give them what they want and they will hopefully leave you alone. Starting a fight, shouting at them or running could just make the situation worse and someone will end up getting hurt.
Don’t be afraid to shout or scream if you’re in trouble
If you feel you are in danger or someone is hassling you a lot, don’t be afraid to draw attention to yourself by shouting or even screaming for help and attention from passersby. As long as the person isn’t threatening you with a weapon, them this is fine to do.
Remember, follow these rules, be aware and don’t do anything if it feels wrong or uncomfortable. Travelling alone can bring great joys, freedom to think, write, take photos and even greater opportunities to make friends and meet others. So, follow our top tips to safe travels.
