Practical Safety Tips for Female Travellers.

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There are endless places to see in this world and travel beckons, as does discovery. Yet as women travellers it is important to ensure our safety at all times, as no place in this world is entirely safe. Here are some tips to make sure you stay clear of risk during your travels.

Get to know your destination

Make sure to do extensive research on the places you wish to visit. Ensure that you have all the information you need to know about your destination before making the trip. You could look up the location of the hotel you plan on staying in, security concerns of the city surrounding it and even their country’s general security state. By being equipped with this information, you’ll be able to avoid getting into situations that will compromise you. Read up on your destination before booking the accommodation.

Be well prepared

Before travelling, you may want to purchase a few items that will come in handy when protecting yourself. This may sound a bit extreme, but you can never be too careful. The best one to start with would be a simple pepper spray. It won’t give you much trouble with security clearance at the airport but it is also quite effective in a difficult situation. Safety rods are also helpful but only if you know how to use one. If you have some basic martial arts or self-defence training, that’s also a bonus. If you want to carry your luggage safely while travelling then roof rack is an ideal option to have, it will keep your things secure.

Don’t be too trusting

As much as it is exciting to make new friends and join a new group while abroad, don’t take it too fast. Hold back on your trust a bit. Do not leave your bag with a new acquaintance when going to the bathroom. Wherever in the world, the moment you let your guard down, you are vulnerable. If you are planning a solo bike trip, make sure you have all the essential motorcycle accessories installed. This will ensure that you don’t get stuck in an unknown place.

Blend in like a local

Once you have done enough research and become fully aware of the culture of the people or the country you wish to visit, you’ll find blending in much easier. Should you be visiting a conservative or religion dominant country, avoid drawing attention by dressing appropriately. Although wherever you are, act and dress like a local, and walk with confidence. This helps prevents you from being an easy target for pick-pockets and swindlers.

Always take out travel insurance

This is essential when unavoidable circumstances arise during your travels. If, for example, you find yourself in a natural disaster or injured, your travel insurance will cover any damages or losses that you incur. If the worst were to happen to you, travel insurance companies would ensure that your family are guided through the process. Travel delays, theft and missed flights are also covered.

Leave somebody with your itinerary

Don’t fall completely off the grid. Leave a family member, friend and/or someone you really trust the details of where you’re going and where you are while travelling. Flight details, accommodation and information on your travel insurance too, and I’d even recommend that a copy of your Passport is included in the info pack. Keep all of this in a cloud or google drive space too, just in case. Don’t forget to check in regularly with the person that you leave your itinerary with to update them. Bear in mind too that your family and friends will love following your journey.

Travel Light

Don’t go all out with your luggage. Pack only what you need. If you’re going with electronics, such as your laptop or cameras, make sure to keep them safe. A slash-proof bag will be ideal. Light luggage will help you become more mobile compared to heavy luggage. However, there’s no harm in carrying your favourite bottle of wine for unwinding at the end of the day.

Don’t keep all your money on you

You can carry some cash and cards on your person. You can also safely stash the rest in your bag or a safe back in the hotel room. You should ideally keep a copy of your Passport, a card and some cash in a separate. Carrying all your money with you is highly unsafe should anything happen. 

Don’t drink too much, stay aware

If you want to have a drink, make sure you don’t get carried away or get messy, as that could put you in a compromised position. Even if your companions are drinking at a faster pace, remember to keep a cool head and don’t let your guard down. Only accept drinks directly from the bartender. Don’t let anyone offer you a drink if you have not seen where it came from. It’s not rude to decline an offer to a drink when you are not very comfortable in the company of strangers.

Adhere to your instincts

Your instincts are your primary guide to survival. If your gut tells you to steer clear of the guy you just saw in a shop, or avoid an alleyway after dark, don’t hesitate to do so. With more experience, your instincts become sharper and this will always help you to be safe.

As much as travelling may have its risks, this should not stop you from taking to the road. Being more away of potential risks, is bound to make it more enjoyable.

** Guest Author Bio – Rebecca Siggers has been closely studying the travel industry trends for quite some time. Intrigued by the booming growth of this sector, she takes interest in penning her views and providing quality insight on current travel trends. She also likes to write about food and beverages, particularly wine..

** Pics sourced on Pixabay.

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