Going Solo - Travel Smarts for Alone Time
Many women dream of taking a solo adventure. Kayaker extrodinairre Sheryl Clough coined the phrase, "Go now, and go solo". Women travel safely all over the world, both solo and in the company of others. As you embark on a solo adventure, you'll have naysayers. Thank them for their concern, prepare yourself well and then you'll be ready as you arrive at your destination.
Before you go, research your destination. Not just the fish that you'll see on your dives, but the culture of the country so you'll know what to expect when you arrive. Be sure to understand their dress code. In some cultures, women are expected to wear long skirts or not expose their shoulders and arms. Some cultures are "beach casual" where others dress more formally for land based activities. It's important as you travel to respect the culture you're exploring and avoid negative attention. Pack smart.
You will be bringing your dive kit along, so think carefully about the clothing/accessories that you'll want to bring so you can cart your gear and get around without assistance from others.
Take a self-defense class. This is not just a good idea for foreign travel, but also for day to day explorations. Bad guys don't just abide overseas. Being aware of your surroundings and learning a few techniques to ward off would-be attackers can give you a greater sense of confidence.
When traveling abroad, realize that though a foreign environment may seem intimidating at first, if you stay alert and in tune with the surroundings, you'll soon feel like the locals. To ensure your safety while abroad, make sure someone knows where you're going. Leave your travel itinerary with someone at home and send an email or phone call upon arrivals and departures. Many cell phones are able to be used overseas so you may want to check with your carrier to see if yours is compatible with your destination.
Arrive at your destination during the day. This does two things, first it allows you to take in the area by daylight and second, it helps your body to adjust to the lag time when changing time zones. If you must arrive at night, be sure to secure your lodging and your transportation ahead of time. If the hotel does not have a driver for airport arrivals, then definitely hire a "registered" taxi driver. These drivers have been approved by the local municipalities to drive visitors and are a safer choice.
Walk with a purpose. Even if you don't know where you're going, by appearing that you're confident and in control, you'll avoid looking like a target. If you must carry a map, try to leave the poster sized version at home. Be discreet and don't hesitate to ask for directions, afterall...we're girls, we can do that. Be aware of how other women in the country interact, as non-verbal signals mean different things in different cultures.
When in Rome....Safe travel is about common sense. Don't walk down a dark street, late at night by yourself. Don't allow men you don't know into your room. If you didn't call for room service, and "room service" knocks, call the hotel desk. Remember...there is no such thing as a free lunch. Be wary of men who offer free, private dive tours. They may have something else in mind.
So, what do the "bad guys" look like? Yes, there really are men who set out to prey on women travelers. They typically fall into a few basic categories that will help you to pick them out.
- The Silent Type: This man is the one who seems to be constantly where you are. They'll trail you for a couple of hours, trying to make eye contact or get recognition from you. They may even try to start a conversation. This gentleman can be annoying, but normally is not a danger. To deal with Mr. Silent, ignore him and avoid eye contact, while keeping an eye on the situation at large. If this doesn't drive him away, consider going to a police station or hotel, and chances are he'll not follow.
- The Crossing Boundaries Guy: This man will start with questions. Maybe in multiple languages, if needed, until he finds the language that you speak. Again, if you ignore him, he'll probably go away. Note here, that not all gentlemen who try to engage you in conversation are dangerous. Brilliant stories abound about women meeting the love of their life on holiday. Just be aware that if the questions get to personal, dealing with where you are staying, are you traveling alone or other questions that make you feel uncomfortable, you should simply stop talking to him.
- The Guide: This is the local native who offers the free boat ride, jungle exploration or simply a car ride. These types usually inhabit touristy destinations and can be easily dissuaded, as there are many other travelers for them to focus their attention on. Trust your instincts...if they seem creepy, they probably are.
If you find yourself the target of unwanted attention, you'll want to deal effectively with it. First, intuition is a gift that we have been given...embrace it. If that little voice says somethings wrong, it's usually right. Don't let someone talk you into something you don't want to do. You are ultimately responsible for your decisions, make sure your decisions are the responsible ones for you.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Worldwide, most people are eager to help travelers to their country, especially women going solo. If you're being followed on foot, the local police station or hotel front desk will gladly give you assistance. On a bus or train, ask a fellow passenger or driver for help. Men like playing the part of hero. It's in their wiring, no matter where they are from.
Leave your polite self at home.
If you're being harrassed or encroached upon, stop talking and ignore the person, while being aware of their actions. If you need to say "NO!", say it repeatedly and loudly to get your point across. If you're attacked, be loud and aggressive to show that you're not an easy target. Remember, the bad guys are not a hard working lot, and they like victims that don't require a lot of work.
Article provided by: www.girldiver.com
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