Travelling is not much fun right now - and solo women travellers have been warned that travelling alone can also be dangerous if they are not careful.
With this in mind, The Knowledge Academy has offered up some tips to stay safe while travelling alone this summer. In my opinion, most of them apply to anyone travelling.
Their key tips:
1. Carry your accommodation address with you at all times
It’s best to be prepared for any uncertainties that may arise while travelling alone. Many rely on their phone for important information nowadays, but what if your phone dies when you are exploring and your accommodation details are on it? Bring a card that provides details of and directions to your accommodation so you can return safely. This is particularly helpful in countries where your language isn’t commonly spoken.
2. Share your location with loved ones
By sharing your GPS location with loved ones whilst you are away, they can easily keep track of your whereabouts to ensure you are safe. You can set this up via platforms such as Google Maps or Facebook Messenger.
3. Fake your travel status
It is very important to make sure nobody you meet while travelling knows that you are alone. Whenever you meet someone new, pretend that you are meeting up with a friend in a few hours or that you have someone staying with you. A useful tip is to buy a pair of men’s shoes and leave them outside of your door, especially if staying in rented accommodation - this tricks people into thinking that there will be someone with you at all times and may help prevent unwelcome overtures.
4. Perfect that grimace!
Being too polite and friendly to strangers can make you more of a target for pickpockets and other criminals. Instead, practice looking ‘mean’. This should deter people from taking your kindness as a weakness. It is also important to try and blend in as much as possible with locals. Struggling to find your way around? Try to keep calm and don’t highlight that you are lost.
5. Spend extra money on staying safe
Spending a little more than expected to guarantee safety is very important. For example, if it costs more to fly to your chosen destination during the day rather than at night, pay it. Consider investing in a transfer that will drop you off at your accommodation too, rather than in the centre of the city.
All sound advice, except, perhaps, the "mean" look.
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