Bookmark This Page

Delicious Google Bookmarks Stumbleupon Digg BlinkList Blogmarks Facebook Ma.gnolia Reddit Twitter Yahoo My Web Livejournal

Female Traveling Alone? Keeping your Guard Up in Self Defense

When you are out and about in your own home town, you are likely to feel a little more secure about your safety because you know the area and the people who live there. However, when you are traveling, it is a whole other story. Women who travel alone have to take additional precautions and be more aware of their surroundings because criminals can quickly identify females that don't know the area.

If you are traveling in an area you are not familiar with, chances are you will have a map or written directions with you or you may possibly look hesitant about which way to go, whether it is down the street, in an airport or even in your rental car. Females traveling without a companion seem to draw the criminal element hoping for a way in to take advantage. There are several things you can do to deflect unwanted attention during your travels:

1. Wear a wedding ring. If you are married, this is a no-brainer. However, if you are single, you might want to purchase an inexpensive gold band and wear it to fend off overly attentive men who look for unattached females traveling alone.

2. Carry a security alarm on a keychain, around your wrist or in your pocket which emits a loud sound when activated. You can activate it should you feel threatened in any way as it will likely chase off a potential assailant not wanting the hassle.

3. Avoid eye contact with anyone who seems overly interested in you during your travels. If they are persistent in talking with you or staying close, look them in the eye and tell them in a strong voice that you wish for them to quit looking at you or talking to you. If they continue to persist, get up and find the nearest security guard, police officer or someone else in authority. Usually, this chases off a potential assailant before they even think of acting.

4. Prior to your travels, map out your destination for driving, flying, finding your hotel and more. Have all your plans laid out in advance and study them before leaving an area. Become as familiar as possible with where you are going so that you can appear to know exactly what is going on. Potential attackers look for those travelers who seem lost or disoriented.

5. Identify possible safe zones like fire stations or police stations in advance of your travels. That way, if you are stuck somewhere after hours, say away from your hotel or in an area where public transportation is closed, you can find safety until you get a ride to where you need to be. Make sure you have the local police on your cell phone speed dial as well.

6. Use secure parking facilities when possible such as valet parking at your hotel or local restaurant. Yes, it will be a bit more expensive than parking yourself, but your safety is priceless.

7. When arranging dinner, travel or hotel plans via phone in a public place, be sure to talk quietly so criminals cannot overhear. This will hinder potential assailants from following or even waiting for you.

Basically, common sense should rule when it comes to thinking about self defense issues when away from home. If you plan your trip in advance, you can readily see the potential dangers and take the proper steps to avoid them. If your state or the one you are traveling to allows certain personal self defense devices like pepper spray, you might want to consider taking it along for back-up in sticky situations.