Independent travel is liberating. You can go where you please and eat what you like, conforming to no one’s schedule but your own. However, being out there by yourself can present some risks, especially for women. Take these steps to stay safe on your next solo trek.
Things You'll Need
- Map
- Water
- Emergency blanket
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife
- Pepper spray
- Cell phone
Tips
- Make sure your car is in good working order before you leave. Check your oil, transmission fluid, and tire pressure. Fill up the gas tank, and pack a gallon of water, an emergency blanket, and a flashlight.
- Study your map before you head out. This important bit of planning can help you avoid getting lost and ending up in an unsafe situation. If you do need to check your map again on the way, pull over in a populated, well-lit area or duck into a store—reading your map on the street makes you look like a distracted tourist, and therefore, a target.
- Create an itinerary and give it to friends and family. Let them know your driving route as well. If you make changes to these plans, let them know. In case you go missing, someone should know where to begin looking.
- Keep your cell phone charged up, and call home regularly. It’s nice to hear familiar voices, and this helps your loved ones keep up with your travels.
- Carry a pocket knife and pepper spray. A pocket knife has innumerable uses, and pepper spray gives you a non-lethal way to defend yourself.
- Let someone at your hotel, hostel, or campground know where you are going, especially if you are going to be out late at night. If you are going out with someone that you don’t know well, leave information about that person in your room.
- Don’t walk alone at night. If leaving an event, quietly tag along with a bigger group for the walk back to the hotel. Always have cash on hand for a cab.
