Lauren Wolfe’s article in the May 25, 2014 New York Times titled, Women Alert to Travel’s Darker Side, struck more than a cord with me; it played an entire symphony. I’ve traveled and lived throughout the world, about 50% of the time, solo.
How can women, traveling solo, be safer?
To help answer this question, I queried my travel friends regarding their experiences traveling solo. We agreed that most of our traveling solo mistakes happened when we were young and naive, much like Sarai Sierra who was murdered in Istanbul in February, 2013. She was a first time international traveler, traveling solo.
Familiar homeland language, culture and a basket filled with electronic devices mask the situation women face abroad. We fail to be vigilant when we step across borders and oceans. Bonnie’s comment: “…[I] put myself in danger because I was unaware of circumstances in that country. I took a ride with a stranger once when I was totally exhausted. Usually I’m very careful, but I am too trusting and sometimes have too much belief in my fellow man/woman.” As my father would say: “Smart’n up, girl!”
“Smart’n up” tips for women traveling solo:
#1. Pay Attention! Sure we get enthralled with the beauty surrounding us, but never lose sight of who is watching you. Pick up several business cards at your hotel with the phone number and address, especially in a country where a different language is spoken.
When I lived in China this was a ritual for me. I, also, carried a set of handwritten index cards specifying various destinations. Instead of mutilating the language, I would hand a card to the taxi driver for “safe” arrival.
#2. Keep information PRIVATE: room cards/keys, credit cards, drivers license, passports…all of these lead straight to you.
Linda relates her story when she traveled to Mazatlan. “I danced with a young man at the hotel where I was staying. The next day while at the beach he came to me and asked if he could leave his things on my blanket while he went for a swim. He casually asked me what room I was in just in case I decided to go in before he came back. When I returned to my room, it had been broken into.” As Linda points out, single women are targets. As disgusting as that might sound, never forget, you are a target. Behave accordingly.
#3. Defend yourself, carry pepper spray. I am a fan of pepper spray. Place in checked baggage or purchase a canister when you arrive at your destination. It isn’t lethal, but it certainly gives you a running start.
When I was 17-year-old senior in high school, I attended school in Saltillo, Mexico. My roommate was a more worldly 21-year-old Californian. One evening a group of local guys invited us to a remote resort area for dinner and drinks. One young man wanted to go for a walk in the “park”. When we were a sufficient distance from the cantina, he threw me on the ground and jumped on top. Being strong combined with frightened out-of-my mind, I actually pushed him off and began running for the cantina, screaming my roommate’s name. My panic alarmed him. When I arrived at the cantina, I informed my roommate that it was time to go. Definitely, a close call. My lack of cultural savvy and geography resulted in this “I’ll never forget” experience.
#4.Cover-Up. When on home turf, dress as you please. When on foreign soil, cover-up. Regardless of how much skin the indigenous women might expose, stay the conservative course. Your motto should be: no cleavage, no leg. Even this provides no guarantees that you won’t be the target of attraction. But, at least you’re not out there advertising. Know the tenets of the culture you are visiting.
#5. Stay in touch. Contact a friend or family member at predetermined intervals. I recommend, daily. Regardless the cost of the communication, let someone know you are safe. Skype is inexpensive, simple to use, and available internationally. When you arrive at your destination, pin-point the American Embassy. Check the website, http://www.usembassy.gov for information and locations. Always have an exit plan.
Ladies, travel smart! Use common sense and the world is truly your oyster.
Do your homework before you board that plane for the vacation of a lifetime. When you return home, the US Custom’s Agent will scan your passport, look you in the eye and say, “Welcome home.” Good words to hear.
