Unfortunately in today’s world, it is a fact that travelling the world, particularly alone, is far more unsafe for females than it is for males. It is a sad fact but a fact nonetheless that there are far more unscrupulous men out there than women and many of whom wish to take advantage of women they perceive as vulnerable.
In my opinion this shouldn’t stop women travelling around the world, quite the opposite in fact, women should have just as many opportunities to experience all that travelling has to offer as men do. In light of this tragic fact here are a few tips to help girls stay safer on the road.
Better Together
One of the safest ways to travel or participate in activities, or even stroll about town is as part of a group. Travelling in groups is far more likely to put any would be piece of scum from robbing, attacking or even causing you unnecessary problems. Firstly because there are more people to defend you, or you them, secondly no one wants to commit a crime if there are plenty of witnesses. Finally being in a group will give you more confidence and not feel as though you are looking over your shoulder every five minutes, leaving you to enjoy yourself far more.
Don’t be a Target
Common sense prevails in most tips for staying safe on the road but one thing that I see time and again on the road, especially with solo travellers is making themselves a target. For example, you may be following a map on your phone to find a destination, don’t make it obvious that this is what you are doing, immediately you send out signals of a lost traveller which equals vulnerableness. Walk with purpose, if you need to check the map, take a seat somewhere and do it, loitering without intent is like putting a bullseye on your head if you’re in the wrong area. In general girls wear more jewellery than men and it goes without saying that if you are in a big city or a place that you know is dangerous then leave the gold at home, regardless of it’s worth, a would be thief doesn’t know if it’s real or not and you may end up in a sticky situation.
Beware New Friends
I’m not about to tell anyone not to make new friends on the road, that is part of the fun but just be wary of the new people you meet, particularly men. It sounds awful that you shouldn’t really trust most of the people you meet at first, but sadly that’s the world in which we live. If you decide to meet up with a new friend then make sure it is somewhere public. As women generally are the fairer sex it makes sense to someone with ill wishes to attempt to appeal to your emotional side, flattery is nice but not if it is loaded with bitterness.
Common sense is the best approach to all of this, if it doesn’t look or feel right, then get out of their. Walk around with confidence like you know where you are going and what you are doing, even if you don’t, a moving target is harder to hit. Stay safe out there girls, don’t let the bad people win.