Don’t become a target while traveling alone.
A tragic story in the news told of a 33-year-old married mother of two, Sarai Sierra of Staten Island, New York, being murdered while vacationing alone in Turkey in February 2013.
While traveling alone definitely has its advantages, including being able to go where you want and when you want, there can be safety concerns that aren’t quite as crucial as when you’re traveling with a group of people. But if you want to travel alone, there are steps you can take to improve your odds of staying safe.
Check out this article “How Can I Stay Safe While Traveling Alone?” for some interesting pointers, including a few from the U.S. State Department.
Following are a dozen tips for traveling safely while alone:
- Give family members and friends your complete itinerary and keep them updated during your trip.
- When possible, select a hotel room on the third to the fifth floor.
- Learn exactly where all the exits are in your hotel, especially near your room.
- Don’t discuss your room number in the hotel lobby or elsewhere.
- Dress casually – not flamboyantly, which can draw attention to yourself – and according to the local custom. Blend in as much as possible.
- As you exit your hotel room, leave a note that says where you are going, who you’re planning to meet with and when you expect to return.
- Stick to public, well-lit areas. Know the neighborhoods in which you’re traveling so that you can stay out of areas where crime is higher.
- Visit the same restaurant several times in order to make friends with the staff.
- Beware of common pickpocket tricks, including the one where someone “accidentally” bumps into you.
- Always be alert to your surroundings. Know when you’re being followed and how to get safely away.
- Learn basic self-defense moves.
- Know at least the key phrases in the local language, including the word for “help.”
Have you ever traveled alone in the U.S. or in a foreign country? What precautions did you take? Which precautions do you wish you had taken? Did you encounter any safety issues during your trip? I’d love to hear from you about this.
I traveled to Chile for 3 weeks during March 2016 carrying one third in USD, about half in Americsn Exoress Travelers checks and the balance in Chilean pesos. Major banks do not accept them unless you are an important native customer. I was with a local citizen in Rancagua and none of the major banks would cash them, even her local bank. We traveled to Santiago to the head banking offices of the major banks. No luck. We tried the well known AFEX office and we were told by them and the banks that they do not accept American Express checks and in South America they are almost never seen. One banker did refer us to a money trader where I had to take a su stantial discount to get pesos. Lesson learned: Forget about travelets checks. Everyone uses debit cards and credit cards to get money or pay for things. The money trader told me that he discounts the traveler checks becsuse Americsn Express takes more than a month to reimburse him. I speak Spanish and had a local with me so I knew I was not being exploited.
In military, went to many countries, always started out in the worse part of town (that’s where our ship would dock or the liberty launches droped us)
then moved around, Always in any country, avoid repeating patterns. Maybe a worthwhile exception is the few places you eat away from home. But, change routes constantly, even in the U>S>
I used to travel alone quite a bit on business. Never overseas, but often to New Orleans, Dallas and Atlanta.
I always asked for two keys to my room, as if I had a companion waiting in the car. If I ordered room service, I ordered for two, and would turn the fan and shower on in the bathroom when it was delivered. If I left my room for any reason, I would always call back into the room, saying things like: Do you want a Coke or a Dr. Pepper?, or Please be ready to go when I get back. I usually got a double room, and made both beds look like they had been slept in. I always had my do not disturb sign on and the television up loud enough to be heard. It’s always best to walk and act like you know exactly where you are going, confidently. And if you have a weapon or two, make sure they are easily accessible to you. One gun is none, two guns are one.
I live on the Texas/Mexico border and travel in Mexico frequently. I carry my money in three places: some in my wallet incase I am robbed they will get some small bills and feel like they really got something; Most in a leather money carrier that hangs around my neck but under my shirt, unseen and just in case enough money to get back to safety in my sock on top of my foot. Also keep photocopies of all credit cards and ID under the mattress in my room.
Blah. Stay HOME! Or just visit the good old USA, I’ve been to Europe 12 different times, both for business and pleasure, and found nothing really “worth” risking your safety and finances for! Anything you just HAVE to see, in Paris or London or wherever is just as good viewed as a National Geographic special. Same goes for Africa, there are tons of excellent films on the Serengeti plains, the Ivory Coast, etc. Especially in our present administration, Americans are liked less than we’ve ever been, and foreigners in general are jealous of our way of life. I say, stay here and be safe!
What part of stupid would a mother of two small children willfully put her self in harms way in a 3rd world country. The new word coined is don’t be a Gruber !!!
I lived in Belgium and traveled in both Western and Eastern Europe, including behind the Iron Curtain, when there was one. It helped to know the language of the country visiting, or at least French or German, to not look helpless and be able to converse in other than American English.
I always travel with my 357 Magnum and only once when I was going into Canada I had to leave it with the U. S. Border Patrol and they gave it back to me when I returned to the United States. I am an ex Marine and have never had a problem. I am 5′ 10″ and 200 lbs so I do not look like an easy target. I did however get rear ended once on I-35 in Oklahoma. I was traveling 70 MPH and the guy said he went to sleep behind the wheel and hit me from behind doing 80 MPH or more I was not sure but I almost lost control of my car.
I travel alone frequently. Your suggestions are spot on, and not all that different from staying safe in your home community.
Try not to look or act like a tourist. Dress modestly and in keeping with the surroundings, weather, etc. Don’t act “gawky”. If visiting a foreign country, learn some of the language first. (While traveling, I have sometimes had people stop me on the sidewalk and ask for directions, so I must have looked like a local!)
Do your homework to get the lay of the land, learn where the bad parts of town are, and minimize the possibility of getting lost. Get acquainted with staff in your hotel, nearby restaurant, coffee house, etc., but of course use your “spidey sense” about people you meet.
Be especially careful at night.
As a mom of little kids, I traveled. My hubby was in the navy. so it was just kids n me. military areas had crimes targeting family of military,
a few things we did: each family member had a code word. only one chance to get the code right, when you put child in car seat, enter the car with doors shut & lock, before securing the car seat. if you lean in over the child while fastening, it leaves you defenseless. you are bent. you’r trapped in the door way unable to defend yourself. a person can overcome you from the rear. you can not see them coming. whenever possible, the family dog came with us. i, stayed at hotels that permitted the dog.
Dress appropriate to the culture you are visiting. Many locals find skimpy clothing offensive. In Muslim countries dress conservatively. Women should wear long pants – not leggings. The should wear a full coverage blouse and a light headscarf when out in public. Don’t be loud or brash. Don’t advertise the fact that you are an American. Don’t wear flashy jewelry.
Treat the locals with respect. Find out what is appropriate from your tour guide or do online research. Don’t point with your finger. Many countries see this as offensive behavior.
When out walking, be aware! Enjoy the sights but keep a weather eye open to spot trouble. If the street you are walking down suddenly becomes empty or almost so, seek immediate shelter in a store or restaurant or hotel. Keep copies of your id, passport, and credit cards (Xerox) in a hidden compartment in your luggage and/or in the hotel safe in a sealed envelope.
There’s just no cure for stupid. There is such a thing as, “asking for it.”
You can’t fix stupid. That is entirely true! Wear neutral colors and blend in to your background. While in Europe and the far and middle East I could spot the Americans a mile away. Remember Army Ranger school? Check Six every 15 steps!
I lived in the Far and Middle East, Traveled in Europe. Loved the opportunity, but you must get watchful yes, even here in the US.
Watch for any repeat appearances of a person or people. Do NOT daydream except in a safe place.
For women, If you must go out at night, be back to the hotel by 9ish, or be accompanied by a trusted person.
If going by taxi, call for one yourself from a public listing unless you are in a WELL trusted hotel. I like the idea above of using your cell phone.
When eating in an outdoor area, keep alert for what’s happening around you. I always keep my back to a wall, or as close as possible. If no wall available, the person with me must watch that area. Took my husband awhile to see I was serious, but now he too takes it literally.
When eating inside, choose a place toward the back of the restaurant. Trouble usually comes from outside.
Just a few precautions can give you a delightful time.
As you practice safety, it becomes automatic and non-burdensome.
Carry one of your old model cell phones, or purchase a cheap throw away and when in public in unfamiliar areas, pretend to be speaking on phone as you walk, no one will bother you knowing you are in constant contact with someone on phone, and with a non-smart phone, no one will try to steal it, so keep your smart phone out of site if you want to be safe.
IF YOU FEEL THE HAIRS ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK STAND UP, THEN YOUR IN DANGER AND NEED TO EVALUATE YOUR SITUTATION. DON’T PUT YOURSELF IN A PLACE THAT COULD BE A BAD AREA, OR AT NIGHT IDF YOU FEEL SCARED GO INTO A LOCAL BUSINESS, OR FOOD PLACE. I USE THE 3 COLORS.GREEN MODE, YOUR AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND ALERT. YELLOW MODE. YOU FEEL YOUR IN DANGER, OR BEING STOCKED. THEN THE REDMODE. PULL YOU FIREARM, OR RUN AWAY TO A WELL LIT PLACE WITH PEOPLE. ALWAYS BE READY FOR A FIGHT, OR FLIGHT.
In the military it is called Situational Awareness. Always be aware of where you, what is going on around you, and if you feel the hair on the back of your neck raising up, get out of there. If it fells unsafe it probably is.
I’ve traveled alone in Turkey, Panama, and most of Europe. Never had any trouble; but I’m always doing the 360 scan as well as knowing where I was going and how to get there AND away from there safely.
London is one of the safest and friendliest places on earth; but it has dangerous places and people too. The Turks are as friendly as a puppy, but there is crime there, because of the very poor thinking ALL American’s are rich and bad areas. It is a great place to visit. Not for a woman alone at any time, except in the very public areas of the major cities. There are nut case muslims, who want to hurt a woman, traveling without a man. Dress conservatively and you’re ok; dress like an American, and you inflame their image of American women as whores. If she was dressed as the image she was in already in dangerous waters…
When possible in a strange area, esp. overseas, always travel in pairs or — even better — small groups wherever you go, even into hotel dining rooms or restaurants. You are much more likely to be targeted if you are alone.
All good advice!! Have travelled alone many times and, so far, with care, I have not had problems
When I worked a second job at a retail store, I was instructed to get my car key in my hand, close my purse, put it over my shoulder, and button my coat before going out the door after work, then before getting to the car, always look under the car, around the car and at the other cars for open doors, etc. Then, before getting in the car check out the back seat. When living in Orlando, Florida, we were advised to always check out the surroundings before stopping at a stop sign–have the door and windows locked- then, if someone is standing there, do not stop. This was at a time when there had been many cars being stolen. Getting a ticket for running a red light would be worth it, if it was safe to continue going. If not, do not open a window if the person wants to say something, but “gun it”, and go as soon as possible. One other thing, when getting in a car in a parking lot or an out of the place, do not stop to retrieve a flyer or paper under the window wipers. Get in and lock the door ASAP. Last, but not least, when traveling with a group in London, England, we were advised to dress casually and in neutral colors so as not to stand out, to not carry cash, but cashier’s checks, to keep passports around the neck or safely secured in clothing such as a vest or a bra or girdle and walk with the group or another trusted person.
Man or woman, if traveling alone, learn some quick defense tactics that will disable your attacker.
Do you have a list of things that you sell, of useful contacts that is useful to our needs for living off grid and so o. i am currently building a new home, garage and workshop. It’s on a small hill with a 12 x 20 underground room w/ doors to the garage and basement
I got an idea….don’t go to any country or state that doesn’t control crime or let you carry protection. Sooner or later money will win. No tourist..crime will be handled
I’ve traveled a lot in USA and Canada. I had only one instance that I got picked pocketed in Chicago by someone that pretended to be a passenger. He pretended to have lost his balance and fell on me. Then excused himself to go and take his medication. He never returned. The bag that was tagged for his supped destination contained nothing but crumpled newspapers. Luckily, I had all my credit cards in my hand carry and and just enough cash in the wallet for the day’s need. Cash and credit cards are stored under the carpet of the car behind one of the passenger seat. This way, it is difficult for anyone to access except they steal the car too. I tell my banker about my trip and they limit what can be accessed in any of my credit cards. I tell them that I will be needing a larger amount at a certain date. This way, they know that I will be spending that much on a certain days like 3-5 day window on such and such a month. Besides, if there is a need for a larger amount, I can always call my account manager to provide me more cash available in my such and such account for me to spend. It is better to spend money on long distance if need be, that losing large sums of money or getting your account cleaned out.
Aloha:
Before you get in a Taxi use your cell phone and inform someone the number of the cab, or make like you are informing some one and read the license plate number of the cab; That way if the driver has plans , he may not try to rob you. Specially if you are going to the airport.
And sit behind the driver, that way it will be harder for him to point a gun or spray some ting on you.
Put all IDs, cash, CCs, etc. in a “neck” or belt wallet….
Never leave your back exposed…always stand, sit against a wall or other structure that affords rear cover….
Continually scan left, right and ahead….
Use sight, smells, hearing, etc….always stay alert; walk with confidence and continue to monitor your six o’clock position…..
Check into the “travel wrench” and learn to use it before leaving on holiday….it is airline friendly….
This is not about making people paranoid, but read and learn from others to help your self. I have had 6 different vacations in 5 different countries to include living in Europe for 16 months. I have driven across the united states six different times and even rode my Harley from Texas to Colorado up into Sturgis SD and then across into Indiana and back to Texas. I will say the same threats happen here as they do in Europe. I have to add from my exploits of being mugged in Atlanta GA that it is best to keep a “fake” wallet. I had a wallet with $15 and those fake credit cards that they send you in the mail in my back pocket. Make it look as real as possible and when you are mugged DO NOT hand the wallet to them, THROW it behind them and High tail it out of there. If they are truly only interested in the wallet no problems and you are gone before they figure out its a fake. this is the best single tip I can give besides knowing your surroundings, how to get out fast and seeing what is “not quite right.” Hint for you if it just doesn’t feel right then leave.
As far as financial security goes, I always separate my credit cards, cash and ID. In fact, since it is healthy to wear over the calf compression stockings while flying, I place the majority of my cash flat within the leg of the stocking. In the unlike event of being robbed, I can give up the cards and a small amount of cash that’s easy accessible in a pocket. Never carry your passport in an unzipped pocket and leave the expensive watch at home. If the cards are stolen, the bank will usually cover you.
Good tips. I’ve made 139 trips overseas, and have yet to have a problem, but I do the things that you suggested. Re: cash, I use travelers checks for larger amounts, and keep cash in at least two places..wallet, and a hidden pocket, along with the passport. The “watch” suggestion is a great one; leave the Rolex home.
All very good ideas & here is another one. Prepay the credit card you normally use & wear a money belt & leave the jewelry ay home. When I travel ALL expense goes on my American Express & be careful of travelers checks as some places charge a fee. But best of all – HAVE FUN!
I have traveled alone MANY times in and out of the USA. While I tried to keep my family and friends informed, that isn’t always possible. I just wish that people would stop trying to make everyone who has the guts to get up and go somewhere paranoid!
LIsten to the local bus or taxi drivers. If they say you shouldn’t go into an area there is usually a good reason. They depend on tourists for their living they may take the long way to get you where you want to go but they usually won’t take you somewhere you should not go.