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How To Stay Safe When Travelling Abroad Alone

Travelling alone can be fun regardless of your gender. Women can travel alone to many places they like. Of course,t here is risk and such but you can prevent it by taking necessary preparation and precaution. Travelling alone especially for women is often seen dangerous because women are still seen as easy prey. However, do not let it discourage you from creating your own adventure. 

Staying safe when travelling alone to different countries

Travelling alone to unfamiliar place with different culture and environment can be daunting. It is common for travelers to feel overwhelmed once they arrive at their destination. However, the travel experience is so worth it. Of course, it is important to stay safe especially when travelling alone because you basically rely on yourself. And here are several tips to consider for solo travelers:

Let people at your home know where you are going and give them a copy of your itinerary. This way, they know where you are about throughout your trip. Also, contact them once or twice a day to inform where you are and your current situation. This way, they will know something is off when you don’t contact them. They will call the emergency contact you wrote in the copy of itinerary. 

Do your homework by learning local police department contact, your embassy, hospital, etc. This allows you to find a way in case of emergency. For example, if you are being followed by stranger then you can directly head to the nearest police office. If it is too far, then just enter a building such as mall, hospital, or cafe. Do not head to an alley when you are being followed because it will only make your stalkers easier to get you. 

Be careful when interacting with people especially if you can’t speak local language. It is easier for them to trick you when you don’t understand what they are talking about. If you are unsure of the situation you encounter during the trip, remove yourself and move. Make sure not to offend the locals and avoid any confrontation that can lead to conflict or fight. 

If someone approaches you and ask suspiciously if it is your first time, do not give them clear answer. You can just tell them that you live nearby or that you have lived in the area for a long time. It can be dangerous if you ignore them since you don’t know who they are and how aggressive they can be. If they ask if you are alone, answer that you are waiting a friend. If they ask where you stay, just say hotel’s name that is general so they don’t know which hotel you meant. 

When you are in crowded place such as public transit, it is best to not have your phone out. It can make you an easy target for petty thieves. They can easily snatch it away from your hand and get off at the nest stop.