Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers

Basic Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers
by Heather T.

As much as it may not be fair, traveling Solo tends to be more dangerous for women than men. In some destinations, tourists are targeted by pickpockets, and sadly, even those with more hostile intentions. Women can decrease their risk of being targeted by following some simple safety tips that start when planning and packing.

The State Department has prepared an extensive brochure on tips to follow when traveling, which I won't recreate here, but rather, I will list some of the things that I have done and have worked well for me.

1. The most important thing, I believe, wherever you travel, is to not look like a tourist. If you're at a conference, take your badge off when you go outside. Don't keep your passport in your wallet so you inadvertently pull it out whenever you pay for a cup of coffee. Don't wander around densely populated tourist attractions with a backpack that still has an airline tag attached to it. Don't stop in the middle of the street to examine your map. I'm of a mixed mind regarding fanny packs. Personally, I don't think there's an article of clothing that screams "tourist" more than a fanny pack, but I know people who swear by them. There are thin belt bags that fit under your clothing, which would be my favorite, if you need to have something around your middle. My favorite type of bag when I travel is a messenger bag strapped across my chest. My hand can rest against the flap and make sure that no one opens it; my leg can bounce against it when I walk ensuring that no one can slice it open from the bottom; it's in easy view; it's nicer on the back than a purse thrown over the shoulder, especially for long days of walking around and collecting books and maps; and they tend to have lots of pockets for secret storage.

2. Part of not looking like a tourist is to be familiar with your surroundings so you're not wandering around looking lost. It also makes you feel more comfortable when you know where you're going. And I should note, I'm not at all against pointless wandering. But pointless wandering while wearing a lost-puppy expression can make for happy pickpocketers. So when you arrive, take some time first thing (as long as it's daylight!) to familiarize yourself with the landmarks nearby. Are there coffee houses or restaurants that you can remember to mark your path? Leaving a trail of visual bread crumbs can come in handy if you ever feel threatened and need to scurry your way back to familiar territory.

3. Where to stay: many people might suggest staying in a big hotel with lots of security and bright lights and a safe to hide your treasures. I don't. I think staying in hostels is the best way to go. In a hostel, chances are you're going to be sharing your room with 3 to 7 other people. If you take a few minutes to get to know them, this means that not only do you now have 3-7 new friends with whom you can go exploring, but you also have 3-7 people who will wonder where you are if you don't come home at night. At a large hotel they may not notice if you go missing until you fail to check out. I also think that peple with ill goals tend to hang around the hotels where they know the tourists will be staying. Hostels tend to attract people who often stay for a longer time, so they aren't as touristy. You can also get local tips and advice from your roommates, which is an added bonus.

4. Another basic step you can take to avoid being targeted is to not carry anything worth stealing. Ok, so you have this gorgeous diamond locket thingy that you got from your grandma and wear every day and you can't imagine walking around Paris without it? Fair enough, but if you don't have that diamond shining, that will be one less sparkley thing to attract bad people. You're in Paris for the memories - you can wear the necklace at home.

5. This should actually be tied for number one, I think. Trust Your Gut. If you feel unsafe, leave. Listen to what your gut is telling you, and don't feel embarrassed or worried that you might offend people if you are looking after your safety. You have probably read all the same statistics I have - women who have been attacked often say that they felt fear before being attacked, but they didn't want to make a scene, or worry anyone. If your gut is telling you something, you owe it to yourself, and your trip (and your grandchildren who will want to hear all about your crazy travel adventures) to listen, and pay attention to it.