Let’s discover tips and best practices for Female Traveller Safety
Before Travel
1- Keep those at home informed
Ensure you provide a trusted person at home with a copy of your complete itinerary and important details before your departure, including alternate ways to contact you, a photocopy of your passport, and any travel or medical insurance information.
2 – Know your travel destination
Always familiarize yourself with your destination before travelling. This means becoming familiar with the local culture and laws, especially in countries with extensive social and legal restrictions against women. While foreign women often have more leeway than local women or foreign men in such places, it remains in your best interest to become well-versed in your destination. In some Islamic countries, buses, subways, restaurants, and other public establishments often segregate genders, while some teahouses are off-limits to women altogether. On the other hand, a lack of feminine care necessities may pose an issue in developing countries. Tampons and contraceptives may be found only at major supermarkets or pharmacies in large cities or, in some cases, may not be available at all.
During Travel
3 – Remain aware of your surroundings
Exercise common-sense safety precautions, even during the daytime while travelling in unfamiliar locations. Pickpocketing and bag snatching more frequently target women than men. Specifically, women travelling alone with a dangling purse are often perceived as an ‘easy target’. In developing countries, the perception that foreigners are more affluent than locals may put you at a higher risk. Be alert and keep your bag close to you at all times, especially on public transport and in other crowded areas. If you’re out after dark, consider using private and official taxis, especially those operated by women drivers, as a safer mode of travel than public transport and walking alone.
4 – Don’t be afraid to say no
Depending on your destination, you may attract attention among locals for your foreign appearance or simply for being a woman travelling alone. In countries like Jamaica, Morocco, and other tourist-frequented countries, local men may sexually harass female travellers due to misconceptions about foreign women, especially Westerners, and their behaviour. Prioritize your safety. Learn some basic local words and phrases. Be confident in your demeanour and learn to say “No” or “Stop” in the local language without worrying about offending. While smiling and ‘small talk’ may be considered a friendly gesture at home, in some countries, local men may perceive it as a sign of interest. Consider wearing a wedding ring to deter unwanted attention.
Post Travel
5 – Give feedback
Inform your travel manager, HR representative, coworkers, and friends about what worked and what didn’t during your trip. Employers have a Duty of Care obligation to ensure your safety and well-being during a work trip. Your feedback can make the experience safer and more enjoyable for future female travellers.
Read more about how female solo travelling can empower women.
