Traveling can be extremely fun and rewarding. However, it can also be scary, and there can be risks associated with it, especially for female travelers. It’s important to remain cautious and aware when traveling. Luckily, we’ve got some advice to help you stay safe and enjoy your trip below.
1. Understand Local Norms and Customs
Norms and customs in foreign countries may be quite different from those in America. Certain countries have rules regarding certain speech or behaviors. Other countries might have different expectations or rules regarding the appearance and clothing of women. For example, shorts, sleeveless shirts or tight-fitting clothing might not be OK.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up on a Flight
It is common for victims of sexual harassment or assault on flights to be too afraid to speak up to a flight attendant out of fear of causing a disruption. Don’t be. If something is wrong, speak up about it. And if the plane’s staff doesn’t do enough about it, that’s what in-flight sexual assault lawsuits are for.
You have the right to feel safe while traveling, even in the air. If someone makes you uncomfortable or crosses a line, notify a flight attendant immediately. You can request to be moved to a different seat or ask for the authorities to be notified upon landing. Speaking up can protect you and even other travelers from experiencing the same.
3. Obtain Advice From Locals
Make use of online platforms to understand what you should look out for in areas you’re visiting. You can utilize platforms such as Facebook, Meetup.com or Couchsurfing to get inside information.
You can ask employees at hotels, hostels or guesthouses about scams you should look out for. Find out about areas to avoid from locals.
Consider a walking tour given by a reputable organization or guide at the start of your adventure in a new city. This tour would make a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about safety in the area.
4. Spend More to Stay Safe
Don’t be afraid to invest in safety.
What does it mean to invest in your safety?
It means if you have a flight scheduled to land in a dangerous city at night, spend extra on that hotel that picks you up from the airport rather than taking the bus into town and walking to the hotel from the bus stop.
It means spending extra on a ride home at night instead of walking through an unfamiliar neighborhood alone. And if something goes wrong during that ride home, you may qualify for financial compensation with the help of a California attorney.
Build financial cushion into your travels, using it for situations where you can stay a little safer by spending more.
5. Know When to Say No
Do not be afraid to disappoint others by saying no.
Sometimes there’s a group mentality to continue drinking in hostels and bars – pressure to keep taking shots.
Serious problems can result from getting too drunk. Don’t have more than a few drinks if you’re alone.
Always watch your drinks. Don’t leave them unattended. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. If you go out with a group of people, stay with them, then leave with them.
6. Keep Accommodations Secure
You’re vulnerable while you’re asleep. To reduce assault risks, don’t share accommodations with strangers or those you’ve just met.
When booking accommodations:
- Book prior to your travels
- Book as well as checking in using just your first initial and your surname, without titles
- When traveling alone, don’t stay where entrances are located in back streets or locations which are isolated
When arriving at accommodations:
- Ask to see rooms before taking them
- Make sure that phones work and that doors have chain locks, deadbolts or peepholes
- Avoid taking rooms on ground floors
While staying at accommodations:
- Use locks while inside to make sure doors are secure – consider also using door wedges
- If windows or doors are broken or open when you return to your room, don’t enter the room – contact reception or contact law enforcement
- Don’t tell people in public where you’re staying, and don’t accept offers of a free place to stay
Conclusion
Traveling as a woman can be incredibly empowering, but it’s important to stay vigilant and proactive about safety. Whether boarding a plane, walking through a new city, or checking into a hotel, a few smart precautions can go a long way. Trust your instincts, invest in your well-being, and never feel guilty for putting your safety first.
