Whether you like it or not, women often become main target of crimes everywhere, including when they travel. Newspapers and television news are filled with horror stories about women who became criminal targets, and they sure to put some women in hesitance when it comes to plan a journey.
However, do not let these bad notions stopping you from embarking in a distant travel. Just remember some standard street safety rules (that people often forget or dismiss), and enjoy your trip.
1. Get ready with the light
Put one small flashlight in your purse or backpack wherever you go. It can help you when you suddenly must walk in a dark location or are trapped in emergency situation that makes everything around you become dark.
2. Put money in the most unexpected places
Put some stashes of cash in the most unexpected places, like in a special pocket you made in your underwear or inside your socks. Wallets or purses are the main targets of pickpockets and muggers, and money belts have been so common lately that the more experienced criminals could locate them easily.
3. Watch yourself in the crowd
Although a crowd seems to be the safest place you could be outside, be careful if you are in the middle of the crowd like folk festivals or markets; many thieves and pickpockets love crowds to blend and be obscure when they do their ‘jobs.’
4. No high heels for a while
Consider to leave your high heels for a while. During a distant travel journey, it is important for you to be able to run fast when something bad is going to happen. High heels will greatly impede you when you have to run.
5. Dress appropriately for the area
You might want to try dressing like locals if you go to a foreign place. Learn about the customary dressing of locals, and leave your revealing dresses or skin-tight t-shirts that reveal your belly button when you are in a place who do not really approve those kinds of attires, such as Muslim countries.
6. Learn to use anything
When you make a list of luggage, take a look at your things and make scenarios about what you can do with them should someone assault you. Learn to use things like a pen, pencil, hair spray bottle, or umbrella to defend yourself. Carry a pepper spray, just in case.
7. Be careful with the eye contact
We know that prolonged eye contact from a woman could be read as a flirting sign. In some developing countries, a prolonged eye contact from a woman can be an invitation to be approached, or even attract aggressive behavior from strangers. Do not give eye contact longer than necessary to a stranger in a foreign place.
8. Learn the local language…
…especially some necessary phrases you can use in emergency situation like “help!”, “call the police!” or “leave me alone!”
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