Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Find a group when going out at night.
It might not be fair but women need to be more
vigilant when they're out at night. Remember: safety in numbers.
Act like you belong.
Predators pick up on fear and confusion and that is why you need to
always act like you belong. Act like you know exactly where you are going. Exude confiden-
ce! Walk with purpose—even if you are lost. As a female traveling alone, this is an important
thing to remember.
Listen to your gut.
When you're traveling alone, it is important to listen to your instincts.
If something doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't. It's cliché advice but it is important.
Avoid dangerous situations with alcohol.
We've all done some dumb things while drink-
ing, but we're usually around friends. I don't have to tell you that getting really drunk in an
unfamiliar city with a bunch of people you don't know very well isn't the best idea.
Don't flash valuables.
It is always smart to be careful about not flashing money and valu-
ables around for people to see. Leave fancy jewelry at home, try to not use your phone alone
on the street (especially at night or on public transportation), and if something feels wrong
you should try to hop into a store or get close to a group of people.
Be careful when using the ATM.
As a solo traveler, one of your most vulnerable moments
will be when you're withdrawing money from an ATM because you don't have anyone to
watch your back. I suggest withdrawing money inside the bank and not on the street.
Female-only dorms (optional).
Most hostel rooms are mixed gender, but many offer a few
female-only rooms. Most women feel completely safe in hostel dorms because there is always
a pretty equal mix of both sexes. But if you feel safer in a female-only dorm, choose that op-
tion.
Getting hit on by men in public.
You're going to get hit on by men—more so in some
countries than others. It is inevitable. It is usually pretty harmless but some guys can take it
too far. If you don't want to deal with it, there are a few precautions you can take to ward off
those unwanted advances.
The most common piece of advice is to wear a fake wedding band because this will deter
most advances by would-be Rico Suaves.
In many countries, eye contact is taken as a sign of flirting. Even an accidental glance gives
many guys the impression that you want to chat. The easiest way to avoid these situations is
by wearing sunglasses . . . but you're on your own when you're inside or at night.
If some guy starts talking to you (and you're not interested in talking to him), then you
should simply ignore him. If you respond, don't be surprised if he continues trying to chat you
up. A lot of women suggest wearing a pair of earbuds while on public transportation, as it is a
clear sign that you don't want to chat.
Join a tour.
If you're still uneasy about traveling Europe alone, but don't have a travel part-
ner, you can use a tour company like Contiki Tours, Busabout, and a few others that are
catered directly to younger travelers.
