Safety for Female Travelers

Everyone has heard stories about someone getting robbed, harassed or cheated while traveling. Such misfortune is no more likely on the road than at home, however, as long as you remain dutifully aware of your surroundings.

Women have traveled safely all over the world solo and in the company of others. Don't let negative stories discourage you. Take them as a warning and learn as much as you can about your destination so you'll be well-prepared when you arrive.

Before You Go

Research your destination and its culture so you'll know what to expect.

• Bring appropriate clothing. In some cultures, women are expected to wear long skirts or cover their shoulders and arms. Even if you'd rather wear a pair of shorts, it's important to respect the culture you're exploring and avoid negative attention.
• Pack light! Make sure you can carry all your gear and get around easily without assistance from anyone else.
• Take a self-defense class or research self-defense strategies. You may never need such skills, but knowing you possess them can give you a boost of confidence.

While You're Traveling

A foreign environment can be intimidating at first, but don't let that overwhelm your common sense. Stay alert and be observant of your surroundings.

• Make sure someone knows where you are. Leave an itinerary at home. Send a postcard or e-mail home once a week to let someone know where you plan on going in the next few weeks.
• Arrive during the day. If you arrive at your destination at night, make sure you secure lodging in advance, and consider taking a taxi to your hotel. Sometimes the extra cost is worth it.
• Be aware of your nonverbal cues, which can project different meanings in different cultures. Observe how local women interact with men.
• Look confident. Walk like you know exactly where you're going, even if you don't. Avoid using those huge maps that identify you as a lost tourist. Carry a small map, refer to it often and ask for directions if necessary.
• Verify room service. When staying in hotels, don't automatically open the door for someone who identifies himself as "room service." Check with the front desk to verify that it is a hotel employee at your door. It's OK to step in the hall while staff are in your room.
• Avoid high-risk situations. Don't walk down a dark street by yourself late at night. Don't remain alone in a room with a man you don't know, or accept offers for a free, private tour. He may have something else in mind.

Recognizing Types of Harassers

The types of men who harass traveling women typically fall into a few basic categories. Once you recognize what's happening, you can stop it from progressing.

• Silent followers trail you for an hour or more, perhaps trying to make eye contact or get some recognition from you. Although unnerving, they're usually not a serious threat. One way to deal with this type is to ignore him while keeping an eye on the situation so you're not vulnerable to a surprise. Ignore him long enough and he'll usually go away. If he continues following you, go to a police station or hotel.
• Questioners will try to engage you by asking you questions in six different languages just to get a response. Ignore this type long enough and they'll get bored and leave you alone. Others will ask you questions about where you're from and what you do. Sometimes you'll find someone who is genuinely interested in striking up a conversation and has no ulterior motives. But if you start to feel uncomfortable with the questions you're being asked, just stop talking.
• Native guides offer to be your personal guide for free, but they often have something else in mind. You're more likely to run into these types in tourist areas. Trust your instincts, and turn down offers for a free lesson, boat excursion or car ride.

Dealing With Harassment

Sometimes, it's just bound to happen. Here's how to deal with it:

• Trust your instincts. Listen to that little voice when it says something's wrong. It's usually right. Don't let someone talk you into something you don't want to do. You have your best interests at heart—trust the decisions you make.
• Ask for help. Most people are eager to help a foreigner in their country, especially women traveling alone. If you're being followed or harassed while on foot, walk to a police station, nearby store or hotel and ask for help. If you're being harassed on a bus or train, enlist the help of the driver or other passengers.
• Don't be polite. If you're being harassed or made to feel uncomfortable, stop talking or ignore the person, but remain wary. Other times, you may need to say "no!" as many times and as loudly as necessary to get your point across. If you're attacked, be loud and aggressive to show you're not an easy target.

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