Travel

Traveling Solo?

A woman traveling alone needs to be cautious and careful. You are a long way from home, in a city or country unknown to you and probably stand out as a tourist. In some places you can do a few things to blend in and to look like a local to avoid harassment. In some countries, there is nothing you can do to blend, but you can dress and act the part of someone who knows what they are doing. In Japan however, I could do neither. I looked out of place and was lost most of the time, but luckily it is a friendly country with little crime or danger. That is unless it is at war with America, then thousands of innocent people are killed from horrendous bombs.

My biggest rule is to pack correctly. Dress as the locals do. I found this out when I was in Rome. I happened to be dressed in such a way that I blended in. No one seemed to pick me as a tourist unless I opened my mouth. I met up with a couple of American girls and had dinner with them one night. Walking around the streets of Rome, they were hassled and comments were made from passers by as to their being American. It was then that I realized I was dressed for the city they were not. I'd spent days of hassle free touring until I went out with them. They lacked style and class, had big hairstyles and were on the loud side. If you are going to a country where the local women are covered up, don't wear your tank top and short shorts out in public. Dress as the local women do. It is only for a short period of time and you can treat this as part of the vacation and cultural experience. It will also get you much more respect from the locals who will be more willing to help you in times of need.

Study the maps before you leave the hotel so that you don't have to pull them out on a dark, abandoned street. Know where you are going and how to get there. Always follow your gut instinct. If a street just doesn't feel like one you should be on, go with that feeling and move into a new area fast. Some strangers will be happy to help you if you are lost. Select the happy couple or the young girl and ask for directions. You can also go into a restaurant or hotel for help and to call a taxi. Know before you ride the public transport at night, if it is safe to do so. Research and ask the hotel concierge for help when discovering a new city.

A self-defense class never hurt anyone, except for you attacker. Even if you are not going anywhere, all women should learn to defend themselves. Picking up a few techniques will give you confidence, could be a good workout and you will be trained how to recognize a potentially dangerous situation. Carry a cell phone with you so you can call for help (know the emergency number for the country you are traveling in). You can also use it to pretend to be talking to someone if the necessary situation arises.

If you don't want guys hitting on you, try wearing a wedding ring and talking about your kids. Hubby could be meeting you soon. There are many of the poorer countries where gorgeous men have reputations for seeking out single women who are traveling alone and they take advantage of them. These men will take you for all your travel money, promise you the world then never be seen or heard from again. This also happens in Hollywood if you happen to meet a struggling musician or actor.

Be sure to travel light so that you can pack some souvenirs. When dining alone, use the time between courses to write out your postcards. Don't be paranoid, do your research before you travel and have great times on your adventure.

~Cloud 9

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