Personal safety when travelling alone
* Insist on inspecting your accommodation before agreeing to stay. If unhappy with the room request a change or where possible move to different accommodation.
* The lone woman traveller will often be flouting convention simply by her presence. Unfortunately women in the developing world don't have the independence that their western counterparts take for granted. For this reason, their presence, especially unaccompanied, will generate interest within local people of both genders.
* How you dress is an easy method of self-preservation and the most immediate symbol of respect. Dress codes differ greatly from country to country and to get them wrong would put you at an immediate disadvantage. A culture's standard of dress has a lot to do with what parts of the body are considered to be sensuous or provocative. As a general rule tight and skimpy clothes are inappropriate for most countries outside of Europe and North America. Clothing should be conservative and presentable, loose fitting and comfortable. Arms and legs should be covered, especially when visiting places of worship and national monuments.
* When travelling, try to be inconspicuous yet confident avoiding confrontational challenging situations with men by adopting an assertive, dismissive manner.
* Remember many men can see eye contact as a 'come-on'. The use of dark sunglasses will limit this problem.
* Be prepared to answer questions about yourself particularly if single and travelling alone. The often-asked questions of your marital status and family, are ones of genuine interest. To avoid the unwanted attention of some men, the use of a few white lies about 'your husband' and a fake wedding ring are a useful pretence.
* The lone woman traveller will often be flouting convention simply by her presence. Unfortunately women in the developing world don't have the independence that their western counterparts take for granted. For this reason, their presence, especially unaccompanied, will generate interest within local people of both genders.
* How you dress is an easy method of self-preservation and the most immediate symbol of respect. Dress codes differ greatly from country to country and to get them wrong would put you at an immediate disadvantage. A culture's standard of dress has a lot to do with what parts of the body are considered to be sensuous or provocative. As a general rule tight and skimpy clothes are inappropriate for most countries outside of Europe and North America. Clothing should be conservative and presentable, loose fitting and comfortable. Arms and legs should be covered, especially when visiting places of worship and national monuments.
* When travelling, try to be inconspicuous yet confident avoiding confrontational challenging situations with men by adopting an assertive, dismissive manner.
* Remember many men can see eye contact as a 'come-on'. The use of dark sunglasses will limit this problem.
* Be prepared to answer questions about yourself particularly if single and travelling alone. The often-asked questions of your marital status and family, are ones of genuine interest. To avoid the unwanted attention of some men, the use of a few white lies about 'your husband' and a fake wedding ring are a useful pretence.
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