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[starlagurl]

Recently I've noticed quite a few blogs asking if this or that place is "safe" for women to travel in.

http://blogs.away.com/travel/2009/03/traveling-solo.html

I thought this was some pretty realistic advice from a seasoned South American traveler:

- Take any unsolicited advice with a grain of salt. People tend to be alarmists, especially when describing the dangers of traveling in Latin America—that goes for locals and foreigners alike.


- Dress conservatively. Now, I'm not saying go out and buy yourself a set of moo moos and sweatpants, but I would recommend that you veer away from low-cut shirts and miniskirts.


- Likewise, don't respond to cat calls—act as if nothing has been said at all; don't even acknowledge it by turning your head.


- If you're single, have a ready story about a husband and kids to fend off any unwanted attention. Better yet, if you want to be extra safe, travel with a faux wedding band.

- Avoid taking taxi cabs—at least alone—after dark. I've heard enough stories of woman being assaulted by cabbies and being taken for unwanted rides late at night to follow this rule of thumb.


- If you're short on cash, opt for taking a chicken bus over hitchhiking—though it may take longer, there's always safety in numbers. If your only option is to hitchhike, ask women drivers for rides or target trucks where you can sit in the open cab (i.e. jumping out is the easiest way out!).

- Whether you're staying in a hotel or hostel, be sure you feel safe with your surroundings. Nothing's worse than lying awake all night, fearing that someone is going to push through the door. Be sure the door has a good lock, or at the very least that there is a heavy piece of furniture you can pull in front of it. And in all cases, when you have an option, choose a room on an upper floor—they're harder to break in to, and get less traffic and consequently are more private.

- Listen to your gut. If you feel like someone is following you, stop and let them pass. If you think someone is leading you the wrong way, call them out on it. If you're walking home late, and the sidewalk seems just a little too dark, cross to the other side so you can walk in the light, or even walk in the middle where it's better lit. When it comes to traveling on your own, your instinct should always win out over reasoning. (And it's true what they say: Better to be safe than sorry.)

- But given that, remember to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of traveling by yourself. The fact of the matter is that it's rare to have the opportunity to travel and do whatever you want, whenever you want. As a woman, be mindful that you may have to take extra precautions when traveling on your own, but it is more often than not half the fun of wandering solo to learn from these experiences—good or bad.

[aopaq]

Those tips would probably apply to many other countries other than just South American ones.

The only addition I would suggest is not to take any food or drink from strangers (better if you have your own gum or candy with you) to avoid the possibility of being drugged and robbed.

[wakingdream]

That's really, really good advice.

[aopaq]

I just remembered the "fake police scam" that you should also be aware of. I am not sure how prevalent this still is but it was tried on me many years ago in Columbia.

One or two men will approach you on the street and quickly flash apparent police ID's at you. They will then try to get you into a car to go to the "police station" or try to bring you into a relatively deserted side street. Make sure to always keep hold of your passport (even when the "policeman" is looking at it) and refuse to go in a car or go anywhere. If possible try to go into a store to "use the phone to call your lawyer friend" or something similar. The important thing is to keep your wits about you, be sure to remain in as pubic a location as possible and to not let ourself be rushed into anything.

[semi-backpacker]

I was a single woman traveling by myself in South America and I agree with all the tips. The only one I would add is to always walk like you know where you're going (even if you don't!) When I got lost, I would find a restaurant bathroom or other private location to look at my map (never on the street corner). If I was really lost, I'd find an internet cafe or phone center to get my bearings. I never felt unsafe, but I always exercised common sense. Except that one time I was walking by myself late at night in the dark Chilean desert and my flashlight's batteries died! Other than that, I've played it pretty safe when I travel alone.

[starlagurl]

Except that one time I was walking by myself late at night in the dark Chilean desert and my flashlight's batteries died!

Oh my goodness... why were you walking in the dark in the desert in the first place??

[semi-backpacker]

I lost track of time while I was uploading pictures to Travel Pod on a slow connection...(I swear!) All of a sudden, it was 11pm and the only way to get back was to make the walk back by myself and it was a good 20 minute walk, most of it in the dark (no street lights, people, etc.) Stray dogs started to follow me, which scared me half to death (they seemed more menacing at night!) It also didn't help that I brought back a meat sandwich with me because I was starving. LOL Needless to say, the dogs turned out to be harmless and I made it safely back.

[starlagurl]

Wow, that's scary! Disclaimer: I do not advocate continuing to upload TravelPod videos into the night when your trip back home could result in injury or violence.

[semi-backpacker]

LOL Louise! I agree...in hindsight, those pics/blogs could have waited till the morning...but I was sooooo excited to share!

[starlagurl]

Hehehe, yes, and now you have this story to tell everyone.