How to stay safe as a woman traveling alone, is something that most women are concerned about. Recent research says 88% of women feel unsafe traveling alone, but they don’t let that stop them, and they go.
So what are they doing?
Staying in a safe place, in monasteries.
As a Christian woman who has traveled extensively, I can tell you that my fear never stopped me from going where I believed God had called me to go.
But I did get into some dangerous situations that, had it not been for God, would have been pretty bad. From being pulled off a train in Eastern Europe and put into a small room, to my car spinning out and getting stuck on the edge of a cliff. In all these situations, God was protecting me.
If you are a female Christian woman who wants to travel and see the world or even experience missions and cultures, here are my tips to stay safe.
When you want to stay safe as a woman traveling alone,
Start with Prayer
Pray for wisdom as you plan your trip. Ask God to help you and protect you on your trip.
I love this verse: Psalm 91:1-3
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
Now that you have started with prayer, the next way to stay safe as a woman traveling alone,
Know where you are staying.
Make sure there are good reviews or recommendations for the place you are staying. Like I mentioned above, monasteries are a new popular trend among women travelors and a safe option to stay alone.
There is even an incredible website to help find a safe place to stay: www.monasteries.com.
Here are some safety standards.
Where is it located?
Is it a good area, or is it sketchy?
Does the area have public transportation?
Another way to stay safe as a woman traveling alone is too,
Dress modestly
Modest dressing as you travel will always be the safest option for women.
Dress like the locals.
There are a number of reasons to dress like a local. Culture and dress codes at tourist sites, but did you know the way you dress can also be a safety measure?
If you are traveling alone, the way you dress can make you stand out more, and in some places, that can make you a target.
In many cultures, revealing clothing is perceived as someone wanting to connect physically. So, modest clothing as you travel alone is the best way to go.
Minimize jewelry.
Modest, inexpensive pieces are the best way to go when you travel.
One of the most important ways to stay safe as a woman traveling alone is to,
Stay connected
Share your itinerary and locations with trusted friends or family members back home.
Keep them updated on your travel plans and let them know when you arrive and depart from each destination you travel to and from.
This is so important.
I worked in anti-trafficking all over the world, and one of the most basic ways to stay safe is letting everyone you come in contact with know you are staying connected and that people know where you are the whole time.
And don’t tell people too much information. Like oh I am traveling alone and where you are staying.
Let people know you are checking in several times a day. Because sneaky people know how to get information out ofpeople.
It all starts with small talk.
You might get in an Uber or Taxi alone, then call someone and let them know you will be right there. Ask about the time of arrival; don’t give personal information to strangers.
Remember, your safety comes before people’s feelings.
I have literally had to tell a Taxi driver to pull over once because I knew he was either cheating me or abducting me in Eastern Europe.
I was a missionary, and I got into a huge fight with the taxi driver. He kept driving me away from the bus station and the airport.
I told him he should be ashamed, and I started calling my friends in the country. He dropped me off at a gas station way out of the way after I paid him $100.
Two things I did.
- I wasn’t worried about his feelings
- I started calling people I knew in the country right away.
If it had happened recently, I would take a picture of him and sent it to my friends in the country.
Don’t worry about people’s feelings if they are endangering your safety.
Once you get there.
As you travel alone as a women,
Be aware of your surroundings.
Stay alert and trust your intuition. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
Choose reputable transportation:
Opt for licensed taxis or ride-sharing services when possible. Avoid getting into unmarked vehicles or with strangers. Take a picture of the licences plate and send it too your email or a friend.
Mindful of your belongings:
Keep valuables like wallets, passports, and phones secure, preferably in a cross-body bag or money belt worn close to your body. And hold on to it with both hands.
Be aware how other women are holding their bags, if they are clutching it, it’s probably a good guess their are pick pockets.
Don’t carry all your cash on you consider using a credit card. Make sure the place you are visiting will accept credit and the type.
The next time when you travel alone as a women is,
Be responsible with alcohol
Limit alcohol consumption and be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t leave your drink unattended, and if you feel pressured by someone to participate in activities that make you uncomfortable, then make an exit and leave.
Be aware of your Social Media
Be mindful of what you share online. I would definitely be on the safe side and not post anything with your location and personal information.
You can post when you get home. Avoid posting real-time updates that could advertise your absence from home and your location.
Also, make sure you don’t have any location tracking on your phone.
Recently, I found out the Journal app on my iPhone was sending my location to strangers around me. Creeper!
Bonus tips.
Download useful apps
Consider downloading apps like emergency hotlines, language translators, and maps that work offline.
Language translation apps: here is an article about some useful ones.
Map apps
Make copies of important documents
Carry photocopies of your passport, ID, travel insurance information, and emergency contact details in case of theft or loss of originals.
It’s a good idea to send a copy to your email address and a family or freind that isn’t on the trip.
Trust your instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to politely decline invitations or remove yourself from situations that make you feel unsafe.
If you feel like you shouldn’t go, then don’t.
I feel like so many times, God tries to speak to us in situations, and listening to intuition can help you stay safe.
In conclusion, Jesus is with you wherever you go. So, as you travel the world as a Christian woman, know that Christ is always with you. I love the ending of Matthew 28:20b
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Make safe choices and travel the world. Know that wherever you go, God is with you.
Here are some related articles to check out:
How to deepen your faith as you travel
Travel tips to make International Travel Easy
Unlocking a New World: 5 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Culture While Traveling
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