Eleven Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone

When going on a vacation, many people are thrilled to be getting time away. They run out and go shopping to buy clothes, toiletries, and dozens of other items they need before they leave. However, people often ignore the things they think are small at the time, yet become important later on, especially if they get into a sticky or shady situation. The number one thing that most people overlook is safety. While many rarely think about it beforehand, it is best to be prepared ahead of time in order to have the most enjoyable vacation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when getting ready to go on a trip:

Check in with people at home. Before traveling, leave a copy of your itinerary at home and also with a friend or relative that is not going on the trip. Leave the names, addresses and phone numbers of the places you will be staying and also any important emergency contact numbers. If your schedule happens to change during your trip, just make a quick call to that friend or relative to let them know the new information.

While vacationing, be alert and aware of your surroundings. Prepare yourself before your trip. Take the time to study a local map and plan out your trip so that you know where you are going beforehand. When sightseeing, always check out street names and make note of landmarks that you come across. Your hotel can even give you precise directions of where you need to go.

Don't venture out after dark. If you absolutely have to go outside, carry a light. A small flashlight will do just fine. Make sure the batteries are new. You also want to avoid deserted streets after dark. Never walk a dark street by yourself.

Walk like you know where you're going. Be confident and don't make any lingering eye contact with anyone. Bringing along a pair of dark sunglasses will help.

Wear what the locals wear - you don't want to stand out and be the target of a mugger just because of what you are wearing. Dress conservatively. Some cultures are offended by what we call casual wear, so take the time to study the appropriate kind of clothing that the local women are seen in.

Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry - thieves may target you just for that. Bring just the essentials or store important items in the hotel safe. Buy a cheap watch just for travel. Or if you are single and worried about unwanted advances from men, wear a wedding ring.

Be aware when in a crowd - thieves are common in crowded areas. If you can't avoid a crowded area, keep your belongings close to you at all times and stay alert. If someone brushes past or bumps into you, quickly make sure nothing is missing. Also watch out for people causing a distraction. They do this deliberately to take the focus off of their partner stealing from you.

Wear a whistle around your neck - and use it if the need arises. Practice using it beforehand, so you aren't fumbling around when you really need it. There are also inexpensive personal alarms available that make a sound and draw attention to you when the alarm pin is pulled from it.

Never, never, never announce that you are traveling alone! If you are on your own, try staying close to local women and children or other women travelers when you are out. Becoming part of a group makes you less of a target to unwanted attention.

As far as vacation packages go, try to choose an all-inclusive package. Those are ideal for women traveling alone because all the entertainment is right at the resort.

If you are on a cruise, never go off alone at the port. Stick with the many excursions provided by the cruise line. For the single women, there are also singles parties on every cruise which give you a chance to meet others that are traveling with you. It is also a great opportunity to make some friends. Use the buddy system and partner up with someone that you have met on the cruise.

Keeping these tips in mind, you are insuring a safe and relaxing vacation for yourself. If you are prepared ahead of time, you will be able to explore new destinations and meet people without any fear. Go out and have a good time, but always remember to be organized, alert, and confident as you venture out on your own. Most of all, be sure to have fun. You're going on vacation and you've earned every bit of it - enjoy!