Travel Fearlessly: A Guide to Staying Safe as a Female Explorer
Updated: Jul 31
Traveling is an enriching experience that exposes you to new cultures, people, and places. Unfortunately, as a woman, it's essential to prioritize safety while traveling. Being cautious and aware of your surroundings can help you avoid dangerous situations and make your travels stress-free.
While solo travel can be empowering, it may not be the safest option for women. Consider traveling with a friend or in a group, as there is safety in numbers. If you do travel alone, make sure to keep in touch with friends and family and share your itinerary with them.
Hopefully one day this article will become unnecessary and every woman will feel safe in the streets by herself 🤞
This guide will provide you with some basic travel safety rules that every woman should follow.
First things first, do your research (and do it well!). Before traveling to a new place, it's crucial to research the area thoroughly. Know the local customs, laws, and the common scams that tourists may encounter. Research the neighborhood where you'll be staying, the transportation options, and the nearby hospitals. It's also essential to have a basic understanding of the local language or carry a phrasebook to communicate with locals.
Pack Wisely
Packing smartly can help you stay safe while traveling. Try to pack light so that you can easily carry your luggage and move around. Avoid carrying valuables, expensive jewelry, and cash. Instead, carry a travel purse with multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized and secure. You may also want to invest in a money belt that can be worn under your clothes!
Gadgets for women, such as the READY tampon case, can help you maintain hygiene while traveling, especially during menstrual days. Check it out in our store!
If you are going to do a lot of physical activity or water sports, also think about swimming tampons so that no life situation will spoil your travel plans 😉
Dress Appropriately
When traveling to a new place, it's important to dress appropriately for the culture and climate. No, this has nothing to do with #victimblaming, but to respect cultural and religious norms and to not stand out from the crowd. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry that may draw attention to yourself.
We know you are a #glamqueen, but make sure to pack comfortable shoes for walking and avoid high heels as much as possible, because they will make it difficult to navigate unfamiliar terrain.
Stay Alert and Trust Your Instincts
Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is crucial to staying safe while traveling. Be mindful of who is around you and be aware of any suspicious behavior. Avoid using your phone or other electronic devices while walking on the streets (especially at night!), as this may distract you from potential dangers.
As a woman, your intuition is your best guide to staying safe while traveling. If you feel uncomfortable or sense danger, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation ASAP. Avoid walking alone at night and use reputable transportation services.
Stay Connected
Keeping in touch with friends and family back home can provide an added sense of security while traveling. Share your travel plans, itinerary, and accommodations with trusted friends or family members. Check in with them regularly to let them know you are safe.
Be Careful with Social Media
Posting updates and photos on social media can be a fun way to share your travels with others. However, it's important to be careful with the information you share.
Avoid posting your exact location or updates that reveal when you'll be alone. This information may be used by potential thieves or predators.
Be Cautious of Strangers
While traveling, it's important to be cautious of strangers, especially those who approach you in public places. Avoid giving out personal information, such as your hotel name, room number, or travel plans, to strangers. Additionally, be wary of those who offer unsolicited help or seem too friendly.
If you are a dating app or #readyapp user, we strongly recommend you to not let people know you are alone and meet them only in public spaces during daytime.
Know Your Limits
Partying and drinking may be a part of the travel experience, but it's important to know your limits. Consuming too much alcohol may impair your judgment and put you at risk. Additionally, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, as they may be spiked with drugs.
Use Reputable Transportation
When traveling, it's essential to use reputable transportation services. Avoid getting into unmarked taxis or those without proper identification. Research the public transportation system and use reputable ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt. To deter the driver from trying anything, call a friend once you are in the cab and loudly say the license plate and where you are going.
When taking public transportation, avoid standing alone at a deserted bus stop or train station.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Emergencies can happen while traveling, so it's important to be prepared. Carry a first aid kit, a copy of your passport, and emergency contact information. Know the location of the nearest hospital or emergency center. Additionally, consider purchasing travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings.
Carrying #selfdefense tools, such as pepper spray or a personal alarm, can provide an added sense of security while traveling. Make sure to research the laws regarding carrying self-defense tools in your destination before packing them. Additionally, consider taking a self-defense class before traveling to learn how to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations. It'll come in handy for life!
Use Safe Accommodations
When choosing accommodations, opt for reputable and safe hotels or hostels. Research the reviews of the hotel before booking and check the safety features, such as 24-hour security, CCTV cameras, and secure locks on doors and windows. Request a room on a higher floor, as ground floor rooms may be more susceptible to break-ins. When checking into your room, inspect the locks and make sure they are working properly.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection
While it may be tempting to show affection towards your partner while traveling, it's important to avoid public displays of affection in certain destinations. Some cultures may find it inappropriate to show affection in public and it may attract unwanted attention. Particularly if you are part of the LGBTIQA+ community, #staysafe.
Additionally, avoid giving out personal information about your relationship or partner to strangers.
In conclusion, traveling as a woman can be an enriching and rewarding experience, but it's important to prioritize safety and #getready. By following these basic travel safety rules, you can stay aware of your surroundings, avoid dangerous situations, and make the most of your travels. Remember to trust your instincts, stay alert, and stay connected with friends and family back home. With these safety tips in mind, you can travel with confidence and enjoy all the world has to offer.
What about you? Are you into solo traveling? Or do you prefer company, like a friend, a partner, or a whole group? Do you have any story related to travel safety? Let us know in the comments!!