Archive for the ‘Solo travel safety’ Category

Posted on July 28, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: Six tips for common sense self defense.

My usual posts about safety are all about prevention. It is far better to avoid a dangerous situation than to struggle your way out of one. So, first, I refer you to the Solo Travel Safety category where you can read lots about safe travel practices.

But, the fact is, sometimes we can end up in dicey situations. My worst was when I was Caught in a Con Game in Paris. With this in mind, I’ve done a little research on self defense.  Maybe some of these tips will stay with you and be available if ever needed.

1. Be noisy and demanding: If someone is bothering you yet they seem relatively harmless,  draw attention to the situation. I was groped while sleeping on a train in Europe. When I woke up, I yelled at the man and demanded another compartment.
2. Get Away: A person threatening you in some way is probably pumped up on adrenaline or possibly other substances. The best thing to do is try to get away.
3. De-escalation: If it’s money that the attacker is after, give it to them. If they’re bullying, don’t challenge them, don’t give them any reason to attack, agree rather than argue, stay calm, and look for a logical opportunity to leave.
4. Personal alarm: At up to 120 decibels, personal alarms distract and disorient attackers while attracting attention they don’t want.
5. Diversion: If someone demands your wallet or purse, throw it away from you. If that’s what they really want, you’ll have time to run.
6. Play to Your Strengths: If you can’t get away and it seems that you have to fight, what can I say but, yikes! What I have read is that you should forget the kick to the groin. They know that it’s coming plus, it places you on one foot and off balance for too long. Instead,

-  Strike first for the element of surprise.
-  Pepper spray may be an option. I have no experience with it and can’t imagine getting it out of my purse in time to do any good. It also can’t be taken on a plane and requires a license in some US states.
-  If you’re close enough, use your elbow; it’s the strongest part of your body.
-  If you do kick, use the side of your foot and go for your attacker’s knees to set them off balance.

I can’t claim to have tested any of the above (except number 1) so I offer them with caution. Travel safe. Please think prevention first.

Posted on June 19, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Stranger Danger Part III – Recognizing Danger

This is the third post in the three part series on solo travel stranger danger. Part I emphasized the kindness of strangers. Part II told a cautionary tale of an experience I had in Paris that was very dangerous. Today, we delve into strategies for recognizing potential danger so that it can be avoided.

Next week I start a series on solo travel safety.

Let me start by continuing on last week’s story, Caught in a Con Game.

After I phoned my friend’s friend in a panic and lost all my money, I hopped into a cab and made my way to her place – she said she would pay the fare. On route, the cab driver started  flirting. In my limited French I explained that, no, I didn’t want to spend the next day with him. And I explained why. Oh, he wanted to show me that the men in Paris could be wonderful. I still refused. Then, when we reached my destination, he tried to charge me double what was on the meter. My friend came out to pay for me and tore a strip off him for trying to rip me off.

We really have to be careful. So, how can one recognize dangerous situations so that they can be avoided? Here are some ideas. (more…)

Posted on June 12, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Stranger Danger Part II
Caught in a Con Game

This is part II in my series on Stranger Danger. Please have a read of last week’s post. It shows the wonderful, magical, positive side of strangers in 5 short stories.

This is a story of firsts. My first time in Europe. My first really  solo travel adventure. And my first – and last – time being caught in a con game. It was 1985, I was 27 and I really should have known better. (more…)

Posted on June 5, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel: Stranger Danger Part I

This is the first in the series on Solo Travel Stranger Danger. It focuses on the kindness of strangers. Part II is on real danger. Read it here:  Stranger Danger Part II: Caught in a Con Game.

As I  travel solo, I am often the recipient of extraordinary kindness from strangers. But on one solo trip, I fell into an extraordinarily dangerous situation due to strangers. In this three part series, (three Saturdays in a row), I’ll share with you my experiences with strangers, good and bad, and then, a few things I’ve learned about telling the difference between the good ones and the bad ones. In this post, I begin with the goodness of strangers.
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Posted on April 2, 2010 - by Janice

Is Solo Travel Dangerous?
20 Tips to Keep You Safe

There’s no doubt about it;  solo travel requires a bit more attention to safety than group travel.

If you’re alone, your safety is all up to you. But you can be in control. Where you choose to travel, where you stay, what you do…  all affects how safe you are.

Ultimately, solo travel need not be dangerous. At least, not if you’re smart about it. Here are some tips:

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Posted on March 19, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: 10 ways to look confident.

In November I wrote a post called “For those Afraid of Traveling Alone“.  It received many comments but one stuck with me. It was yet another gem offered up by Gwen McCauley. Here’s what she said…

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Posted on March 1, 2010 - by Janice

Solo travel safety: government registries.

I’m  aware of the government’s registration service for travelers but I’ve never used it. I hadn’t t crossed my mind to use it for my three week trip to Chile either, but maybe it should have.

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Posted on January 2, 2010 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: safe answers to common questions.

I was sitting in a pub a month ago and someone asked where I was staying. I told them without telling them anything specific. That was that.

Later they asked how I could feel safe traveling alone. Well, I said, “I have developed certain skills. For example, I keep important information to myself.”
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Posted on December 7, 2009 - by Janice

How to travel alone: Have a Back-up Plan for your Travel Documents

When traveling alone, your personal safety, that of your body, is your number one priority. I have written about this in many ways in the Solo Travel Safety category. Number two is your travel documents. Yes, in my books, money only ranks third. Your travel documents – your passport, visas, travel insurance, credit card information, driver’s license and any important health information – are vitally important in these times of health scares and tighter security at borders. (more…)

Posted on September 19, 2009 - by Janice

Solo Travel – Be smart and you will be safe

Cailin has been traveling all of her life. In the past couple of years  she realized that traveling
could be her life… instead of just a once a year experience. Have a read of her blog: Travel Yourself.
Cailin is a graduate of NSCAD with a Major in film. When not traveling the world,
she works in the Film & TV industry in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

I have done a few solo trips in the past couple of years however it was my most recent trip that really showed to me  to remember that smart and safe go hand in hand when Traveling by Yourself. (more…)

Posted on July 13, 2009 - by Janice

Solo Travel Safety: 5 principles

Posted on June 25, 2009 - by Janice

Reflections on Women Traveling Alone

Posted on May 18, 2009 - by Janice

Travel Safety: 50 Tips for Solo Travelers

Going solo requires special attention to travel safety so I added a question on safety to my solo travel survey. I received 73 responses and lots of great ideas. Here are the top 50 recommendations on how to stay  safe when going solo. (more…)

Posted on April 7, 2009 - by Janice

Travel Safety: Backup Important Documents on USB Key

This post has been updated with “How to Travel Alone: Have a Back-up Plan for Your Travel Documents.

While solo travel is safe most of the time, things can go wrong.  With a USB key and some advance preparation, you can be ready for the most difficult situations. (more…)