1. Say You Live Close to Walmart
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Just because someone shares their details with you doesn't mean you have to reciprocate. If you don't want to reveal your address, say you live near a well-known place like Walmart, a hotel chain, or a gas station. Choose any location that works for you.Original content sourced from Femanin.com
2. Use The Borrowed Car Strategy
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If someone shows interest in your car, they may be fishing for personal information. When asked if it's your car, say it's a rental or borrowed. This way, they won't gather your license plate, car color, or type, and hopefully, will leave you alone. Also, if you discover a flat tire on your car, step away from the vehicle and return to a safe location, such as the restaurant or store you were previously at. Call for assistance and politely decline any offers of help, regardless of the person's gender, as they could potentially be a predator.
3. Safety in Numbers: Be Surrounded by Friends
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Feeling vulnerable alone? Create a virtual entourage. If you're alone in public, pretend you're waiting for friends. Even when taking a taxi, mention that you're meeting up with friends or family. Let people know that others are expecting and waiting for you.
4. Hide Your Work or School ID When in Public
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Identification cards carry a wealth of personal information. To safeguard your privacy, you should refrain from openly displaying them while using public transportation. Opt to either completely remove them from view or securely tuck them away beneath your sweater if any sensitive details are visible.
5. Car Alarm for Personal Security
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Picture this: you find yourself in a dimly lit parking lot and notice someone lurking suspiciously near your car. Here's a handy personal safety tip: use your car alarm as a proactive measure. With your keys in hand, manually activate the alarm. The sudden blaring noise will startle the individual and draw attention, effectively deterring any potential harm.
6. Elevator Escape Plan: Stand by the Control Panel
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Position yourself between the elevator control panel and the door. This way, you have easy access to exit whenever you feel uncomfortable. If someone unwanted enters, press the button for the next floor and leave to avoid any uncomfortable situations.
7. Hotel Safety: Hang Bells on the Door
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In hotels or dormitories, hang a safety alarm or attach bells to your door handle from the inside. Alternatively, an ironing board can serve as an alert mechanism. If someone attempts to open the door, the alarm will ring or the ironing board will fall, signaling potential danger.
8. Use a Man's Name for Deliveries
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When placing a food delivery order or anticipating the arrival of unknown individuals, consider using a man's name. This clever tactic creates the illusion that either a man resides at your location or that you are not alone, prioritizing your personal safety by keeping sensitive details concealed.
9. Keep Your Movements Private
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If someone appears overly curious about your daily routine or work schedule, ensure you don't share any personal information. Tell them limited details or create ambiguity by stating that your schedule is constantly changing or that you frequently change offices. By withholding specific information about where and when you can be found, you make it more challenging for someone to track your movements.
10. Pretend You Don't Understand
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When faced with street harassment, one effective strategy is acting as if you don't understand the language. You create a barrier that discourages engagement by feigning confusion and responding with phrases in a different language. Simply shrug, walk away, and avoid further interaction with individuals seeking to bother you.
11. Use the Keys for Self-Defense
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Always be prepared to protect yourself. Grasp your keys tightly between your fingers, ready to use them as a potential weapon if needed. This small precaution can provide a sense of security in uncertain situations. Also, avoid fumbling with your keys at the door like a clumsy sitcom character. Have the right key ready before you reach your destination to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
12. Going the Extra Block: Strategic Detour
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If you notice a persistent follower on your trail, take a detour and walk past your intended destination. Give them the illusion that you're oblivious to their presence while you find a safe haven or seek help if needed. Also, keep an eye out for potential safe spots. Locate busy areas, shops, or establishments where you can seek refuge and find assistance if the situation escalates.
13. Always Take the Illuminated Path
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Even if it means taking a slightly longer route, prioritize well-lit areas when walking at night. Brightly lit surroundings provide better visibility and reduce the chances of becoming an easy target for potential threats. Safety should never be compromised for convenience.
14. Never Use Unmarked Taxis
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No matter how tempting a cheaper and seemingly convenient ride may be, never, ever use an unmarked taxi. These unmonitored and unregulated vehicles expose you to potentially horrendous situations. Prioritize your safety by only opting for marked taxis that offer proper monitoring and protection.
15. Memorize a Destination's Emergency Numbers
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When you're getting ready for a trip, before you embark on the journey, take a moment to do a quick Google search and save the emergency phone numbers for your destination. This simple step could be a lifesaver, especially in urgent situations that require swift action. Stay prepared and informed.
16. Don't Use Your Phone When Walking Alone
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While walking alone, avoid using your phone. Many believe that being on the phone provides safety, assuming the person on the other end can call for help. However, chatting can distract you from your surroundings. Instead, hold your phone ready to make an emergency call and stay vigilant.
17. Gear Up Your Car
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Be prepared for unforeseen situations by packing emergency gear in your car's trunk, including items such as a portable battery charger, jumper cables, water bottles, blankets, flares, reflective vests, a first aid kit, bungee cords, spare clothes, rain poncho, spotlight, fix-a-flat, miniature shovel, umbrella, and more. It's better to have these items and not need them than to need them and not have them.
18. Steer Clear of First-Floor Hotel Rooms
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When selecting a hotel room, avoid the first floor whenever possible. The first floor is generally the easiest to breach. Ensure your safety by engaging the automatic door lock, swinging metal lock, and any interior deadbolt locks. Consider leaving your TV or radio on when you're out for the day to create noise behind the door, deterring potential intruders. And don't forget to hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your doorknob—turn down service can wait.
19. Be Loud
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In a dangerous situation, make yourself heard. If someone tries to grab you, vigorously move your arm up and down while shouting, "Stop!" Don't hesitate to ask someone in a parking lot to keep their distance or yell for help if needed. Speak loudly to attract the attention of others nearby. Don't let fear of embarrassment prevent you from expressing your wishes to avoid harm. A few minutes of potential embarrassment are worth it to ensure your safety.
20. Outsmart Pickpockets: Carry a Fake Wallet With You
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When traveling, it's wise to steer clear of densely crowded areas that tend to attract pickpockets. Enhance your security by carrying a decoy wallet containing only minimal cash. Meanwhile, ensure that your real wallet, cash, and identification remain discreetly concealed, making it difficult for anyone to discreetly pilfer from your pocket.
21. Always Shred Your Junk Mail to Protect Your Identity
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Your trash can reveal a surprising amount about you to identity thieves. Safeguard your personal information and protect against potential fraud by diligently shredding junk mail, prescriptions, debit and credit card documents, bills, and investment statements before securely disposing of them.
22. Turn Off Geolocation on Social Media At All Times
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Disable location tagging on your social media apps to prevent others from knowing your exact whereabouts. Use descriptive captions without revealing specific details. It's safer to share the region rather than an exact street. Maintain control over your privacy and security.
23. No Check-Ins Until You Leave
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Instead of checking in on social media when you arrive somewhere, do it as you leave. This prevents digital stalking and keeps your movements and home occupancy private. Similarly, refrain from posting vacation updates, especially if your accounts are public, as it signals that your home is unattended.
24. Watch the Bartender As They Pour Your Drinks
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Stay vigilant when your drink is being prepared. For added safety, opt for wine instead of mixed cocktails, as they take longer to make. Don't let distractions cause you to miss any suspicious activity by the bartender or someone else attempting to tamper with your drink.
25. Walk Confidently and Maintain Eye Contact When Necessary
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Project confidence and deter potential threats by walking confidently and making eye contact with people you encounter. Men who seek to cause harm often target those who appear vulnerable or unlikely to fight back. By displaying assertiveness and locking eyes with individuals approaching you on quiet streets, you increase the likelihood of them leaving you undisturbed.
26. Stay Alert and Attentive
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Attackers thrive on easy prey, those lost in their earphone world or absorbed in texting. Don't be their next target. Pay attention to your surroundings, and be aware of what's happening around you. Criminals seek vulnerable victims, so keep your head up, eyes forward, and ditch those headphones. Your ears are valuable allies in staying alert to potential dangers.
27. Mention You're Meeting Someone
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A simple mention of meeting someone can send troublemakers running for cover. Casually drop phrases like, "Oh, I'm meeting my friend there," or "My boyfriend expects a call from me." Let them know you're not alone, raising a red flag and making them think twice about approaching you.
28. Keep Your Bag Close
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Don't underestimate the risks of leaving your bag unattended. Losing cash and credit cards is just the tip of the iceberg. Your personal safety is compromised when your bag is snatched, as the thief now has your home address. It extends the danger beyond the initial incident, potentially putting you at risk later. Stay vigilant, whether at a soccer game or elsewhere, and guard your belongings.
29. Always Immediately Secure The Door Behind You
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Adopt a golden rule: Lock your car door immediately upon entering (you can even use your remote to do so). Don't wait when entering a building; lock the door behind you immediately. Secure the lock before tending to your belongings, even when entering a bathroom stall. Criminals often strike when you feel safe and let your guard down. Stay one step ahead by keeping those doors locked tight.
30. ALWAYS Trust Your Gut
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Listen to your instincts—they're rarely wrong. If a situation feels off, trust your intuition and make your exit. If darkness gives you an uneasy feeling, seek out well-lit areas. Excuse yourself from the conversation when someone raises a concern or cross the street to distance yourself from them. It's not paranoia; it's your inner voice signaling you to flee from potential danger. Trust it.
31. Safety tips for solo female travelers: research hot spots for solo travelers first
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It's a good idea to do research before you book a new place whether you're going alone or not, but for a solo female traveler you should definitely look into countries or places which are the safest in the world, if you're not fussy about where you visit. Double check how the locals usually treat solo female travelers, and read blogs from people's experiences!
32. Trust your gut about new places or streets
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Your gut is your strongest tool, and a solo female traveler having her wits about her should definitely trust her gut when it comes to travel plans. If you make a turn down a new street and it just doesn't feel right, always turn around and find a different route!
33. Carry a safety whistle
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A safety whistle can help you to feel more confident and comfortable when you're out and about, as well as being a great emergency tool if you need to use it. It's only small so it'll easily fit in any carry-on bag, suitcase or handbag when you're walking around. Or even in your pocket or on a necklace!
34. Take a rubber doorstop
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A rubber doorstop is another thing you can easily pack that won't take up much room in your suitcase, and something that can make you feel a lot more at ease in new accommodations. You can put a rubber doorstop at the back of an interior door, or a door that leads onto the balcony, to wedge it shut as an extra security on top of locking it properly!
35. Pay more for safer accommodation
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It's annoying that women have to think about this, especially when you're on a budget, but it's definitely worth investing more in accommodation for added safety features. Instead of going for the dirt cheapest hostel in a questionable area, you might want to choose a hotel so that you have staff to rely on, security and 24/7 helpdesks.
36. Always watch your drink
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No matter whether you're sipping a bottle of water on a public bench and put it next to you for a moment, or a cocktail in a bar, always watch whatever you're drinking, any hour of the day. Whether it's alcohol or not, it doesn't matter, as there's always the risk of someone targeting your drink.
37. Research how women dress where you're going
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It's never, ever 'what they were wearing', and you shouldn't have to think about how you dress, but unfortunately it's still a reality when it comes to safety. This is more about safety by not drawing attention to yourself in a new place, and researching how women usually dress - especially countries that might have more conservative rules - will help you stay safe.
38. Don't make eye contact
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You should show confidence and not hide your face, but looking ahead at the path, landmarks or where you're headed is much better than making eye contact with someone who's looking at you or a stranger watching you. Sometimes you have to look at people, of course, but ignore anyone trying to catch your eye.
39. Don't tell anyone where you're staying
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Don't be tempted to tell a stranger, even if you're pleasantly chatting, where you're staying, and especially if they already know you're alone. It's not advised even if it's a big well-known hotel, but it's less advised if it's a hostel or something more public, like a camper van at an outdoor site.
40. Don't be quick to trust people!
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We really wish we could trust people who seem nice and friendly without having to worry about it, but alas, it's not the case. There might be many local people - or other travelers - happy to help you on your journey, but don't take everyone at face value, even if they seem nice. You can have a nice conversation while still being guarded about personal information!
41. Get registered with your local embassy
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This is a great idea for protecting yourself in a new country, and especially in the event of a disaster or an emergency so that your local embassy knows you're in that country at that point in time. Get their details beforehand and register with them when you arrive in your new place.
42. Do as much as you can during daylight hours
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Try to plan your vacation or trip to get in most of your activities during the day, so that you don't have to go out as much as night. We know if can be frustrating if you're a night owl and you like exploring in the evening, but at the very least try to do minimal things at night. This will help to keep you safe by going out at peak hours with other people out and about.
43. If you do need to walk at night, try not to do it alone
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We know that going out at night can't be avoided completely though, especially when it comes to food and drink. The best thing to do is try not to do it alone - we know that might sound contradictory when solo traveling, but it's more about surrounding yourself with people. Hit a busy restaurant in the center of town instead of a random road-side diner out in the sticks, for instance.
44. Learn some emergency phrases
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We all know the main emergency phrases like shouting 'help' or 'fire', but if you're traveling to a new country, get to know the phrases they use in their own language so you have them to hand. It's also more likely someone will respond to 'fire' rather than 'help'.
45. Get to know hotel or accommodation staff
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It's a good idea to go out of your way to chat to your hotel or accommodation staff, so they know a little about your plans and that you're there alone. Let them know where you're going at reception when you're heading out and what time you plan to back. That way they can flag it up if you don't return to the hotel after you said you will!
46. Let someone back home know where you're going
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Even though you're traveling solo, it's still important to keep checking in with friends and family back home so they know you're okay, what you're doing, and where you're planning to go next. It's a good idea to give them a copy of your itinerary for the whole trip, and details like flight information.
47. Try never to look lost
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We know sometimes you need to check a map or your GPS while trying to navigate new places, but you should try to do it more subtly. A great hack if you're walking is to wear earphones (without playing music) and listen to the GPS directions rather than looking down at your phone screen. This way you can walk purposefully with your head up.
48. Don't go overboard with drinks
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It's sad that you have to hold your back on vacation if you enjoy a drink and want to party, but unfortunately it's also something to be aware of when traveling alone as a woman. Try not to drink so much that you feel drunk or lose your sense of awareness, as you need to have your wits about you!
49. Book as much as you can in advance
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You should always leave room for spontaneous plans on a vacation, especially if you're looking to get insider information from locals when you're there, but you should still plan as much as you can in advance with wiggle room to change plans or have empty days to fill. This means you know where you're going and what you're doing most of the time.
50. Get travel insurance
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Finally, travel insurance will help to keep you protected while you're traveling. It's peace of mind while you're traveling about, but it will also protect your physically as well as financially if you run into an emergency. Be sure to research the best prices for your particular trip before you go!