Researching your travelresourcesonline is vital and time spent researching is never wasted. Study the culture and get a general feel for the country. Is it a Muslim country? If so then ensure you have packed the correct clothing, think about how to dress and blend in accordingly. Does the country have strict laws on how a female should ‘behave’? As individual travelers we may not agree with particular country views but it is extremely important to be a respectful traveler in a foreign country to avoid trouble. Does the country have a culture of ‘hassling’ females, is there a history of sexual attacks against females, all these issues need to be identified prior to departure. With prior knowledge you can then plan to adapt to the environment.
Interact with fellow travelers
When one heads out on travel ‘alone’ it is rare that you remain alone once overseas (unless solo travel is actively pursued). There will always be people traveling the same ‘route’ or solo travelers in the same hostel or accommodation. Friendships are made and bonds formed through the mutual interests of travel and adventure. These new connections can provide additional safety, for example through other people watching out for you, other people to travel with, new friends to share taxis and buses with. While it is necessary to be open to new friendships it is essential to your personal safety to keep up situational awareness at all times.
Lose the jewelry
Try and avoid shiny or expensive looking jewelry and accessories. Nice watches, bracelets, necklaces and alike should be avoided. The same goes with top of the range phones, laptops and cameras.
Plan routes
Whether you are coming home from a bar, beach or museum think about what route you will take. Avoid quiet areas, alleyways or other perceived areas of risk. Always think about using a taxi and make sure it is from a reputable company that you have been recommended.
Don’t be misinterpreted
Sometimes it is necessary to think about what signals one may be giving off and ensure they are not interpreted incorrectly. Try avoiding prolonged eye contact with strangers, chatting excessively and being ‘overly’ friendly. For example, sitting in the front seat of a taxi and over sharing with the driver on a way back from a bar may give the wrong signals in some foreign destinations. If you are eating alone, perhaps take a book so as not to invite unwanted conversation.
This is not about one’s actual intentions; it is not about whether a woman should have to curtail her normal daily practice of smiling, talking freely and just being happy. Unfortunately in different cultures certain behaviors we define as ‘normal’ or ‘friendly’ are interpreted differently. Changing particular behavior is about being grey and not drawing too much unwanted attention. It is not for us to discuss the rights and wrongs of culture and practices in certain countries and regions, merely to adapt and decrease risk to https://travelresourcesonline.com/
