By Jo Eckersley
If you’re anything like me you will hate being told what to do, what to wear or how to look after yourself. It reeks of that word we wish we could have dropped from our vocabularies decades ago: patriarchy.
“A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it: the dominant ideology of patriarchy” – Oxford Dictionaries
Power exists in a whole host of forms. But isn’t the power to move freely, without fear, one of the most vital? If anything proves this it’s the refugee crisis happening today.
So we deserve to travel without fear. But, as the refugee crisis proves, we don’t live in a just world.
I count myself as lucky for only having experienced a handful of gropes, and one terrifying night where I had to get out of a taxi and run. Women are rarely safe from sexual harassment, whether we leave our hometown or not.
The difference is, in the place where you grew up you at least knew which alleys to avoid.
Modern female travelers have to strike a difficult balance in working out how to stay safe without compromising on their (hard fought for) independence.
This means every decision we make is personal; the advice below may work for some and not for others.
Whatever you do, always remember it’s never your fault if someone comes on too strong.
Never Act Alone, Even If You Are Alone
While weighing the various pros and cons of traveling alone, it’s inevitable that safety will come up. Luckily, there are things you can do to help protect yourself.
If you’re traveling solo don’t spread the information about. If need be, lie.
I’ve been known to fake phone conversations when I’ve been on the road feeling vulnerable (or was I just trying to look cool? We’ll never know).
Sad to say it, but some men in some ultra-conservative countries men think you’re “fair game” if you’re not married. Consent doesn’t come into it. Wear a wedding ring, or at very least tell people you’re married.
Walk Like You Know The Streets
Even if you’re lost, walk like you know where you’re going and you belong. Find somewhere safe like a shop or café to get your phone or map out and check where you are.
Don’t loiter on street corners. That rule applies from Brixton, London to Bagdad, Iraq. If you need to meet someone arrange it at a safe café or shop.
Camouflage
Camo is probably not really necessary, but it’s worth blending in. For one thing, if you look like a tourist you’re never going to get good prices at the bar.
Try and wear clothes which aren’t worlds apart from what you see in the street. It’s no fun having to cover up in hot weather, but it’s often worth it. Linen and cotton clothes should help.
A general rule of thumb for traveling is to know a bit about the country and its history. A friend of mine traveled around Cambodia as a fresh-faced 18-year-old.
Neglecting his usual hygiene routines, he spent most of the time wearing a t-shirt which he later discovered bore the hallmarks of the Khmer Rouge’s flag.
Make A Plan
Planning can sometimes take the fun out of things, so it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it can help you stay safe.
A few things you can do include:
Booking your accommodation in advance based on user reviews, keeping a copy of your accommodation’s address on you at all times, planning walking routes and doing detailed research on where you’re going.
You can also keep yourself extra safe by sending your loved ones details of your itinerary, downloading travel safety apps, carrying a safety whistle or a personal alarm, and wearing pickpocket-proof garments with hidden pockets.
Don’t Trust Anyone Too Easily
It’s never your fault if someone makes unwanted advances at you.
Never.
But I know there were certain things I could have done in the past to stay safer on the road.
I’m a friendly person, but I’ve learned to be careful. Nowadays if strangers come up to me in the street I make a quick assessment and ask myself:
“What do they really want from me?’, and “Is it worth the risk?.”
Sometimes you just have to be rude.
Learn To Defend Yourself
Being able to defend yourself is an empowering feeling.
Learning self-defense can potentially put you in a position to flout the received wisdom featured in this article.
Win, win, win.
If you’ve got a YMCA local to you see if they run classes, or try at your local gym.