Women, regardless of age or sexuality, have unique concerns when it comes to trekking the globe, but for a long time there was a void in information when it came to women-specific travel.
Go! Girl Guides, publisher of the world’s first series of travel guidebooks made just for women, is here to help! Whether you’re planning on Cancun with your partner or traversing through South East Asia solo, these tips will help empower you to travel the world and give you the tools you need to stay safe.
Go get em, sister!
For the Love of God, Don’t Get Drunk Hands down, this is the golden rule of female travel. By all means, feel free to have a few drinks every now and then, but make sure you limit yourself so that you don’t end up a hot, sloppy mess who can’t remember where she’s going. Cool?
Stay Off the Beaches at Night
Always. Without exception. In most countries the police do not patrol the beaches at night, placing you in a very vulnerable position if you decide to wander to the shore after a night out in Mazatlan (or wherever). Do. Not. Do. It.
Avoid Drugs
Don’t you remember what happened to Claire Danes in Brokedown Palace? Avoid drugs while traveling in other countries and never transport them. Do we even have to tell you this though? You know better than that!
Pre-Plan
While half of the fun of traveling is not having a plan, sometimes it’s good to know at least the basics: where you’re going, and where you’re going to sleep. Once you have that down, the rest is a breeze.
Learn and Speak the Language
There are many places where you don’t necessarily need to speak the language to get by, and other places where it will be very hard to get around without it. Speaking the local language can only help you. You’ll be able to talk to locals and get involved in conversations, learn about culture without needing a translator, effectively negotiate in markets, read menus in restaurants, find tampons and women’s clinics, get directions if you’re lost, ask for recommendations, etc. If you’re looking to get off the backpacker trail and have some adventures, speaking the language is key.
Walk With Purpose
If you take a wrong turn and feel unsafe in a particular neighborhood, walk with purpose towards a business or hotel to ask for directions, or, hop in a taxi. Take off your headphones if you’re listening to music. Make sure your purse or bag is zipped shut and close to your body. It’s important to remember that most people in the world are generally warm, helpful, and not out to get you, but listen to your instincts if you feel unsafe and ask for help. Please, don’t ever be that traveler who pulls out a map in the middle of the street. Duck into a nearby shop and check the map if you need to.
Don’t Flaunt It
Wearing flashy, gaudy or expensive jewelry is a no-no, as is overly revealing clothing. Dress conservatively and keep your accessories to a minimum, unless it’s jewelry you’ve bought locally. Be especially aware of this while traveling through South and Central America.
Go With Your Gut
Feel uncomfortable or uneasy in a particular situation? Always listen to your gut instinct. You’re in charge of whom you spend your time with, how much you reveal about yourself, where you go and how you get there. Remember that a direct, but polite “no, thank you” is always in your realm of possibility.
Ignore Catcalls
As a solo female traveler, you may run into some machismo during your travels from men, such as catcalls or whistles, especially if you’re heading south. Uncomfortable? Yes, but almost always harmless. It’s best to ignore advances and continue on your way (walking with purpose, of course), but if you feel threatened at any time, head into a business or store and ask for help, or to wait for them to pass.
Some useful phrases if you get stuck:
A forceful ‘no.’
“Defame en paz.” Leave me in peace.
“Basta.” Enough.
“No me toques.” Don’t touch me.
The world is a beautiful place. Don’t let fear hold you back! Go! Girl Guides has published guidebooks on Thailand, Mexico and Argentina, available in all major bookstores. For more info, check out GoGirlGuides. com and get ready to take on the world!
