The Essential Guide to Staying Safe as a Female Traveler: Tips from a Female World Traveler Turned Licensed Private Investigator

• January 5, 2023
• Urban Spy, Scottsdale Arizona
• 1 comment

As a female executive in the technology industry, extensive travel was required.  A benefit of this was the opportunity to visit new countries, gain exposure to different cultures, technology and people.  At times I was unable to return home after or between meetings and when not working would often spend my time alone sightseeing, enjoying local cuisines and visiting landmarks.

Several years ago, I left the Technology world behind and became a licensed Private Investigator/part owner of Scottsdale Arizona based Urban Spy and my entire perspective on the world shifted.  I realized that although there are many amazing people in this world, there is a subset of humanity that walks amongst us seeking unsuspecting victims.  I have now seen firsthand the devastation and damage that can befall women that are not hypervigilant in protecting themselves in so many areas including the vulnerability of women when they are traveling alone.

The world is an exciting place, and female travelers should never let fear of danger prevent them from exploring new destinations. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks and know how to stay safe while traveling. There are several essential tips that can help.

When it comes to female traveler safety, there is no single answer that covers the needs of all women. Each traveler has unique needs, and must take into account their own comfort level and ability to handle certain situations that may arise during a trip. There are, however, some universal precautions that can be taken when traveling as a female to ensure that your trip is enjoyable and safe.

One of the most important safety tips for female travelers is to avoid traveling alone in unfamiliar places. If possible, try to travel with a trusted companion or even a group tour. Even if you are planning on solo travel, you may want to look into joining online communities for other travelers who can provide advice and support throughout your journey.

Be sure to keep valuables out of sight when in public spaces, particularly late at night or in less populated areas. Additionally, it’s always wise to carry a cell phone or some form of communication such as a whistle, in case of an emergency.

When traveling, it is important to dress comfortably and conservatively. Choose clothing that won’t draw attention or make you feel uncomfortable. It is also a good idea to consolidate your belongings as much as possible so that you don’t have to carry too many items around with you. It is critical to keep all zipper and pocket closures on your purse, clothing, bags, or other items closed. This will help reduce the likelihood of theft or pickpocketing. Additionally, it is important to keep all of your belongings with you at all times and never leave them unattended, even if it is just for a few minutes.  If you are out of the country and your travel IDs are stolen, it will be a major effort to reproduce them and can take days, and in some cases, weeks to replace.

It is also important to be aware of your surroundings so that you can stay safe. Be mindful of people who may be following you or making you feel uncomfortable, and make sure to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, leave the area immediately or contact local law enforcement for help if necessary. Additionally, research the area of your destination in advance and make sure to familiarize yourself with the culture and local customs of the country or region you are visiting.

On more than a few occasions, a male local would approach and begin conversation that morphed into a request to join them for dinner or drinks.  Thankfully, I never accepted these invitations and am grateful for this as now know that oftentimes people alone in a strange city, hotel lobby or restaurant become targets for cons (or worse) looking to take advantage of the trusting nature of the unsuspecting traveler.

It is very important to trust your instincts. If a situation does not feel right, then it probably isn’t. The majority of times our clients call with the feeling that “something isn’t right”, they are accurate.  Your instincts transfer across state and country lines and you should defer to them when you are at home as well as when you are traveling.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to speak up if something doesn’t seem right. Reach out to an employee of the airline, hotel, restaurant or law enforcement if you feel concerned or sense something is off in a situation.  In addition to reaching out to an authorized representative of an establishment, municipality or city, many women travelers carry personal protection items such as pepper spray or a whistle as an extra precaution in case of emergency or if there is not a person to contact in close proximity.

Finally, familiarize yourself with the local medical and police services at your destination country before embarking on your journey. It is important to know who you can call in case of an emergency should one arise during your travels. In the event of an emergency, always remember that safety comes first.

Finally, it is essential to have a plan for emergency situations. Make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you will be returning, as well as have emergency phone numbers saved or written down in case of an emergency. It is also important to carry travel insurance so that if something does happen during your trip, you can get the necessary medical care or assistance.

By being mindful of safety measures while traveling as a woman, you can ensure that your journey is both memorable and enjoyable. Safe travels!

Tell us about your experiences while traveling in the comments below!

If you’re looking for a private investigator, contact our team at Urban Spy today.