The wonderful springtime and upcoming summer months put us all in the mood for exciting getaways and super fun vacations. However, if you’ve been desiring to take on a new location by yourself as a woman, there are a couple of things to consider before you embark on your voyage.
Traveling on your own is a wonderful opportunity to explore new places and cultures on your terms without the interference of another person. It can be a time to become more intimate with yourself and increasingly confident when navigating the greater world. Nonetheless, some things should never be underestimated, one of them being how potentially dangerous it can be when going anywhere solo as a woman.
That’s why, we’re sharing important tips and tools to incorporate in your future ventures. These suggestions will help you be more secure in any given environment and avoid encountering unfortunate circumstances.
Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Perhaps the most important tip in this list is quite simple, always be aware of your surroundings. Being able to notice sketchy individuals or locations on time can be the difference between life and death. You know that person suspiciously lurking in the corner or that ominous rundown street you should probably avoid, never neglect your gut, and avoid dubious people and places.
I’m not saying you have to be paranoid on your trip, but simply looking around and following your intuition are invaluable practices that will keep you safer than the alternative.
Carry A Personal Safety Alarm
Do you know what can make you feel more secure in your travels? Yup, a portable alarm device that will make you more confident strutting out in the streets. The Birdie personal safety alarm is a stellar little tool dedicated to women, it’s a great option that is discrete, portable, and quite cute too! All it takes is the pull of the top and the loud alarm and strobe light will go off, scaring off any threat in your vicinity.
The Birdie is attached to a keychain so you can add other keys and tools to it. It is another safety defense device that can easily be brought along in your travels.
Research & Plan Well Beforehand
Let’s put it this way, it’s not recommended to go for an exhilarating impromptu trip. A more exciting escapade can work when you’re traveling with trusted friends who have your back. However, traveling solo can put you at risk of facing less-than-desirable situations, all because of the lack of research and planning.
So what does this look like? Research cities and areas in advance to make sure you’re heading to a safe environment. Learn about the location to know what places to avoid and which ones are a green light to explore. Plan your hotel reservations days in advance, and familiarize yourself with the general area to make sure you’re fully ready to explore safely. Doing anything without proper planning will not only cause unnecessary stress but may put you at risk for dangerous situations.
Carry Pepper Spray
No one ever wants to be a victim of a physical attack, but when traveling solo, you must remain vigilant. You simply never know when you’ll need to defend yourself. Carrying a self-defense tool like pepper spray will deter attackers and can be your lifesaver.
Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states for self-defense purposes. However, each state has rules on what type of pepper spray you may carry. Do your responsibility and inform yourself of the legalities in your area of choice and abide by them, you don’t want to get yourself into trouble.
Let Other People Know Where You’re At
Even though you’re traveling on your own, it’s still so important to keep in touch with the people you love back home. God forbid if an unfortunate situation were to occur, at least someone would know your location and notify the appropriate people who can help you.
There are apps dedicated to sharing your location, like the Find My Friends app on Apple devices. The location-sharing feature on Google Maps works for both Android and Apple users. Another action you can take is writing or texting a list of all the sites you’ll visit to a trusted person before heading on your trip. By well informing them, there will be much more certainty on where you’re at throughout your entire trip, in case your phone’s tracking technology were to go haywire.
Bring A Portable Door Lock or Stopper
Whether you’re sleeping over at a familiar hotel or one you’re just stepping foot into, you can always benefit from an extra lock. Bringing along a portable door lock or stopper is a fantastic extra layer of protection against intruders, and will make you feel more secure when sleeping through the night.
The Portable Door Lock & Door Stop Alarm by HNHMT is a duo set that contains both a portable door lock and a door stopper. The lock can be easily installed into most types of doors, making it generally compatible with most Airbnbs or hotels. Plus, the door stopper contains an alarm, frightening off any trespasser that attempts to break in.
Traveling unaccompanied can be a thrilling experience, but safety is a priority and should never take a back seat. Heed these safety tips as they are easy and don’t cost you anything. The tools mentioned can be obtained inexpensively, so look into them if you’re considering going on a serious trip.
You’ll exude confidence when you’re well-prepared and ready for your next adventure. This bold attitude is actually another benefit, as attackers target individuals who appear lost, disoriented, or insecure. Positively look forward to your next destination, we wish you luck in your travels!
Featured image by Madrona Rose on Unsplash
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
