hi girls,

More and more women are taking the initiative and striking out alone on a backpacking adventure!
Any tips?

This post was last modified: 11-11-2009 06:44 PM by Ramona.

Make smart choices and use your common sense. Don't be paranoid, but be aware that bad things do happen, and protect yourself.

Trust your instincts. They are well-honed from living in the USA. If you feel something is off, wrong, strange - get out, move on, flee, scream, whatever is appropriate. Do it quickly.

Body language: keep your head up, swing your arms and act confident. Adopt a no nonsense attitude. Walk with purpose and you'll be less of a target for hustlers who prey on disoriented or timid tourists.

Most of the people who offer you food or drink are just being kind. However, the rare exception exists - drugging occasionally happens. Try not to leave your drink unattended in bars, and exercise good judgment when accepting food or drink from people. Rophynol, the date rape drug, is odorless, tasteless and colorless. It is a tranquilizer that can be slipped into your drink by a man who would like to have sex with a woman who is heavily sedated. If you are at a party, don't accept a glass of punch unless you trust the host. Don't think this won't happen to you. Some women don't even know they have been raped until it's too late.

If you are being followed in the street and you feel threatened, duck into a shop and firmly tell the clerk: "I am a foreigner and someone is following me. I am frightened and need help." If need be, have the clerk call a cab or police officer for you.

Try to sit or stand next to other women or family groups in restaurants, on trains or buses, and in other public places. It is unlikely that you will be approached or harassed if you're in the company of other people.

Consider wearing a wedding ring, if you don't already.

There is power in vocal embarrassment. I have found that many men are shamed by a verbal, loud woman admonishing them in public. Practice screaming before you leave home! Also shame them by shaking your finger in their faces. Even if the crowd doesn't understand your words, they will understand your indignation and gestures. Most sleazy men do not want public attention.

Ask for help or company if you feel uncomfortable.

It is common for a would-be thief to use razor blades to cut purse straps, take the purse, and then get away in a thick sea of bodies. Wear a money belt to avoid this happening.

It can be difficult to know what is considered offensive or suggestive in segregated societies, such as in Orthodox Muslim areas. At times you may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable. You may not know if the local men view you as a sex symbol representing the immoral Western World. Take your cues from the local women. Watch them. If they don't make eye-to-eye contact with men, follow their example. Blend in. Dress appropriately.

Clothing that is fashionable and appropriate in the USA may project a provocative image in another culture. Leave the revealing clothing at home.

Anticipate potential problems. For example: if a group of men or young boys approaches you on the sidewalk on your side of the street, cross to the other side to give them space and you peace of mind.

Be sure to know when the sun rises and sets. A bustling market can quickly empty out and be transformed into dark deserted streets. Plan to be back to your lodging or in a safe, busy neighborhood by dark.

Carry enough money in your shoe or money pouch to get you out of a tight spot. Be willing to spend this money on a cab in order to get you to a safe place or back to your lodging. Do not take unnecessary risks.

If in doubt, take a self defense course.

The posts are really great, thanks a lot! But the thing is most women want to take just everything with them thinking "and if...."And the mankind hasn't made such huge bags yet...

Hey, thank you for these tips, they really very helpful, I will definitely try to follow these.

I wouldn't recommend travelling alone. First of all, it is dangerous. No matter how good you have learned the rules. Secondly, why do you want to travel alone? Just for fun? then take a man with you and you'll have even more fun and ... security.

Depend which country you are?

This are all useful tips. I'm planning to tour alone sometime soon but there are times I get second thoughts of travelling alone. With the way things are going right now I can't help but feel scared sometimes.

Thanks for the tips! i dont think i'd like travelling alone anyway but they are really useful for those that do go on their own

If you are in Europe in general and Italy in particular, be careful of children and women in the tourist areas, especially if they are carrying cardboard signs. They use these to hide their hands as they try to steal from your fanny bag.

They are very very skillful. Good luck.

i never travel alone, maybe will have a try one day.
thanks for your useful tips i will follow them when there is a chance








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