Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone

When traveling alone, women are more likely to become victims of violence than are men, so it is important to know how to stay safe. This doesn't mean that women need a male escort in order to travel alone; it simply means that you must be smart about where you go and what you do. Here are a few safety tips for women traveling alone.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: Schedule Stops for Gas
When you are traveling alone by car, it is best to plan your route before you ever leave home. It can be dangerous to find yourself in the middle of an all-but-abandoned town and need to stop for gas. Although you can be assaulted or otherwise victimized at any time of day, in any area of the world, you'll be much better off stopping for gas at a lighted convenient store where many people are around. Carry an extra container of gas in your trunk just in case you have an emergency.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: Keep the Doors Locked
Also, when traveling alone by car, you should keep your doors locked regardless of our location. The incidence of car jackings continues to rise, and if you stop at a light or a stop sign, an unlocked door is as good as an invitation. Although this isn't foolproof, it will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of carjacking.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: Don't Tell Strangers Where You're Staying
Regardless of how nice the guy sitting next to you on the plane might seem, you should never disclose the place in which you will be staying, whether it be a hotel room or a relative's home. If you are asked, politely decline to answer, or tell the other person that you haven't finalized your arrangements yet.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: Be Vigilant on Your Way to Your Hotel Room
When staying in a hotel, be on the lookout for anyone who seems to be following you to your room. If this might be the case, walk right past your room and find the nearest exit. You can have a member of hotel management escort you to your room if you are worried. Once you've opened the door, it is easy for a would-be predator to force his way in behind you, leaving you at his mercy. Be careful, as well, when leaving your room for ice or the vending machines. Just be aware of your surroundings.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: Plan Your Itinerary
Before you go on vacation or on a business trip, have every step of your itinerary planned. Know where you'll be staying, how you'll rent a car and when you'll need to arrive at meetings. Arrange in advance for a rental car and make sure that you have back-up options should anything go wrong. One of the most dangerous aspects of traveling alone is the possibility for sudden changes or to become stranded.

Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone: Pack Light
Another opportunity for a would-be predator occurs when you have too much baggage. Only pack what you can easily carry on your own, and never overload yourself. In all situations, you'll need to be able to move quickly and agilely to avoid potential threats.