WHAT WOMEN SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING ALONE

You finally got a week-long vacation leave from work. You’ve decided to take an out-of-town escape all by yourself and take advantage of your independence. While the idea is exhilarating, exploring places you’ve never been might have some ups and downs. So, before packing those backpacks and be wanderlust, remember these safety tips to keep you informed and wary.

KNOWLEDGE IS THE KEY

Google provides information about destinations through blogs and travel websites.  Make sure to look up for related news, guides and tourist reviews of a particular place. Travel blogs offers high definition photos and experience-based-reviews you can use as reference. They also provide suggestions about transportation and accommodation best fits your preferences.

Also, try to look up on culture and tradition of the place so you’ll not end up being out of place or lost. Learn how you will dress appropriately to avoid attracting unwanted attention and power plays.

BRING THE MUST-HAVES.

If you believe bringing mobile phone is a necessity, you should also understand that network signals can be a problem to your possible destination and may not be useful at some time. Bring a whistle (3-blasts from the whistle is an Internationally Recognized Distress Signal) or any handy noisemaker (a bell, toy horn, etc.) in case you get lost, need help, injured or stranded. A portable flashlight is quite useful when it gets dark as well. Carrying a map with guides and landmarks is useful whenever you’re in a crossroads.

 LET OTHERS KNOW OF YOUR WHEREABOUTS

You may want to shut down your mobile phone to avoid calls and texts that might spoil your vacation. Therefore, tell your family, friends or roommate where you will be spending the week, when you will be back (try to be exact), the name of your travel agency or hotel. If network signal is possible and you want to check some message or voicemail, at least informed them of your whereabouts at some point. In case of emergency or anything goes wrong with your plans, they can call for assistance then fly in to find out.

SOMETHING TO IDENTIFY

Exercise carrying your documents that provides your identification such as passport, ID’s, credit cards, ATM or licenses. It’s in case of misidentification or being confused with another person. Emergency and extra funds for your travel plans is another thing.