Safety tips for women travelling alone

NATALIE JENKINS, LJI Reporter

Travelling alone (or solo travelling) abroad is a transformative feat. Exposure to new cultures, a newfound sense of freedom, and the confidence you gain from navigating unfamiliar parts of the world on your own terms gives you an altered perspective on life and even your sense of self.

Unfortunately, solo travelling is a privilege that not everyone can afford. It’s important to recognize that when abroad alone, visible minorities and feminine-presenting individuals must take extra precautions for safety’s sake. This is not to say that men are not vulnerable to violence – they are, and dismissing their experiences reifies harmful gender roles (i.e., the realm of hyper-masculinity that claims men can’t get raped, or that a “real” man shouldn’t show emotion), which ultimately work to further promote gender ­ based violence.

Be that as it may, women face disportionately high rates of gender-based violence as a consequence of harmful gender roles and misogyny engrained in society. According to a report done by Statistics Canada in 2021, “Women self-report violent victimization at a rate nearly double that of men. Even after controlling for other factors such as age and other individual characteristics and experiences, the odds of being victimized are 38% higher for women than men… The self-report research also confirms that some face elevated risk of violence, such as women with disabilities and people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual.”

These unique risks are amplified when women travel alone to foreign countries, where they may lack access to resources, including female physicians, as well as the fact that intercultural differences may hold varying expectations for women in both the public and private spheres.

Below are some tips to mitigate gender-based violence, or any other forms of violence, against women solo-travelling abroad:

1. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Educate yourself on the cultural norms and traditions of the location you are visiting and adhere to these once you are there. Predators are drawn to individuals who obviously appear to be foreigners. By adhering to local customs, you will not only blend in – thus diverting attention away from yourself – but will also garner greater respect from the locals. The Government of Canada says that dressing according to the country’s customs, using acceptable non-verbal forms of communication (i.e., body language and hand gestures), and knowing how to manoeuvre through society as a woman are all things you should learn prior to your travels.

2. Pack wisely and don’t be flashy. It’s easier to travel with lighter luggage. Also, the less you bring with you, the less you have to lose. Don’t be flashy with what you do bring, especially cash and expensive belongings. When you arrive in your host country, be aware of pick-pocketers and other popular scams in the region. To avoid these, use a handbag that sits closely to your body – such as an around-the-waist fanny pack – that has zippers and locks for extra security. If you’re staying in a hostel, keep your belongings in a locked bag and sleep with it near you: in your pillowcase, beside you, or even attached to you.

3. Going solo, but never alone. The Government of Canada suggests that international associations, online networks, and clubs dedicated to women travelling abroad are a great way to enrich your travels and ensure your safety. “From my experience, women look after women, which is heartwarming,” said Teresa, from Independent Travel Help. “I travel solo, and local women are often really helpful. When I meet these women, I’m no longer alone.”

4. Be aware and alert. On the flip side, when you are by yourself, carry yourself with confidence. Keep your head high, and avoid looking down at your phone or any maps while you manoeuvre around your host location, as this is a tell-tale sign that you are a foreigner. Blending in with the locals is the best way to divert any unwanted attention away from yourself.

At the same time, this is not to say that you shouldn’t make friends with other tourists. However, as good as your judge of character may be, always be cautious of meeting new people. Sex traffickers, under the guise of being a friendly face, target solo female travellers, luring them with promises of seemingly legitimate jobs or accommodations. On a similar note, the Canadian Government asserts that you should only use legal, reputable forms of transportation. Never enter a taxi whose driver approaches you.

5. Trust your gut. How lucky are we that we have built-in alarm bells? Listen to them. When something feels off or wrong, remove yourself from the scene. Even if you conflate your gut feeling with anxiety, it’s always better to err on the side of caution rather than to put yourself in danger.

Hopefully, these tips will help ensure your safety and give you a richer, more rewarding experience abroad!

Photo: mapquest