Solo travelers, especially females, can also be more vulnerable while alone
on the road. In this article, women travel experts share their top
mistakes to avoid when traveling alone.
Arriving in a
New Location After Dark. Saving money on a flight that gets in at 3:00 a.m. may seem like an economical decision,
but do you really want to arrive in an unfamiliar city for the first time when
the streets are dark and empty? Janice Waugh, Solo
Traveler, says, "Arriving in daylight makes it easier to
find your accommodation and gives you time to change it if you find that it is
unsuitable."
Dressing
Inappropriately. Choose your outfits wisely. Make the more conservative choice rather than the fun and flirty. Research your destination and find out if it's taboo to have uncovered
shoulders, bare legs, etc., and dress appropriately. Not only will you be showing respect
for other cultures, but you'll be blend with the general population and draw less attention to yourself.
Not Having a
Backup Plan. Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman,
says, "It's very important [for me] to have a good backup plan if I am
robbed or if I lose my credit cards. Here is one of my best tricks. Save your
empty vitamin pill bottles; generally you can't see through these. Roll up five
twenty dollar bills, put them into the bottle and add some old loose pills. If
you shake this bottle it still sounds like a pill bottle and nobody would
consider looking into it for money. You can leave this bottle in your backpack,
your hotel room or in your cosmetic case. The contents remain safe and ready
for you should you need it." Also, be sure to scan a copy of your passport
and other important documents and email them to yourself. This way you'll have
access to your information in case it's stolen.
Assuming Other
Women Are Safe. Jancie Waugh writes, "Women often feel safer
with other women. And, when it comes to small-time danger, we probably are. But
there are also dangerous women who are just as capable of luring you into bad
situations as men. Be cautious." Of course, this doesn't mean that you
shouldn't make new friends on the road—just be alert for potential scams and
dangers, especially when you first meet someone.
Telling People
Where You're Staying. Whether you're filling out a form that asks for the
address of where you're staying, asking for directions, or just making conversation,
be sure to guard the location of your accommodation from prying eyes. Try not
to let on that you're staying alone, as well. Speak in terms of "we." (Hey, we've all seen Taken,
right? Never share a cab to a hotel with a stranger either!)
Taking an
Unlicensed Cab. Taxis have licenses for a reason—you're getting in a car alone with a
stranger. Don't be tempted by illegal cabs, even if they're cheaper. Ask your
hotel to hail or call you a cab when going out, and ask the concierge for the
number of a reputable agency you can call to take you home.
Wearing Flashy
Jewelry. Sure, you want
to look cute while on vacation. But leave the shiny stuff at home—even if it's
costume jewelry. You don't want to seem like a wealthy target.
Answering Your
Hotel Door. Whether it's
someone claiming to be hotel maintenance, room service (that you didn't order),
or even housekeeping, don't open your hotel door when you're alone in the room
(especially without checking the peephole first). If there's someone telling
you about an emergency or a maintenance issue and they need access to your
room, be sure to call down to the hotel's front desk to verify their story.
Accepting
Food/Drink from Strangers. "Accepting food from strangers is not always the
right thing to do," says Hannon. "Picture this. You are traveling
solo on an overnight train in Europe. The young couple seated beside you are
very chatty and offer lots of good advice about what to do at your destination.
They unpack a wonderful picnic of sausage, cheese, fresh bread and wine. The aromas
are so enticing, they offer to share their food and wine. You're thinking,
'This is what European travel is all about.' Again, evaluate very carefully
before you partake. Understand that drugging is always a possibility. You don't
want to wake up to find your friendly neighbors gone along with all your
belongings."
Letting Fear
Hold You Back. We're not trying to scare you off solo travel. Just be careful. Laura
Walker, A Wandering Sole, says,
"Do your research and don't be afraid to engage locals. People were
worried when I told them I was going to Jordan and Rwanda. Jordan happens to be
one of the safest countries in the world and is safer than virtually all large
cities in America. Rwanda also is extremely safe and I never felt in danger in
either of these countries. Don't get me wrong, I take standard precautions, but
I don't let fear or inaccurate information prevent me from traveling and
enjoying myself. Do your research and go with an open mind. I have found that
locals want you, as a visitor, to enjoy their country, and you should ask them
for the most up-to-date information on any safety issues."
Posted in not categorized Tagged with no tags
ATHENA Foundation ATHENA PowerLink Ann Arbor Area Events Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Art Fairs Art in Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Art Fairs Art in Ann Arbor Art Lovers Australian Wines Big Chill Big House Breakfast Rolls Brunch Events in Michigan Father's Day Food Ford Mustang Ford Fund Raising Golf Holiday Recipes Ice Hockey Indy Racing Jacuzzi MIS Michigan International Speedway Mustang NASCAR Outdoor Art Fairs Pamper yourself Pure Michigan 400 Pure Michigan Rousch Racing Roush Racing Sommelier Summer Art Fairs Things to do in Ann Arbor Travel Michigan UM Graduation University of Michigan UM University of Michigan Football Visit Ann Arbor Weddings in Ann Arbor Win a Car Wine Tasting Wine and Food Pairings Wine bed and breakfast in Ann Arbor car racing events in ann arbor hotel in Ann Arbor lodging in Ann Arbor martial arts motel in Ann Arbor places to stay in Ann Arbor scrumptious breakfasts