Probably one of the best safety habits you can develop is research. Before you travel to any city or destination, perform some research. Nowadays it’s easy to go online and find information for nearly anything or any place. Use this to your advantage. Check out cities, hotels, places to eat, whatever. You could also talk to other people who have traveled there before. Plan your route in advance and stick to well-lit and well-traveled places. Having an idea beforehand of what you can expect is vital. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and always maintain a confident composure. You never want to look as if you’re unsure about yourself or the area.
Use the buddy system. It is always safest, especially for women, to travel in the company of others. The more friends, the better. Remember, there is safety in numbers. A woman traveling alone is more of a target than two women together. My sister has taken traveling companions with her on long trips, especially when driving. Not only is this a good safety precaution but having someone to share the driving can help reduce fatigue, which can lead to the inability to think or act clearly. If you are alone, make friends with other travelers and sit by them.
Always inspect your room, paying special attention to security. This is probably one of the most common habits my sister and her coworkers have developed. She says, “A lot of the people I travel with, myself included, have all developed unique, strange rituals that we perform when we enter a hotel room.” For instance, “My coworker always has to check the closets, shower and under the bed. Another coworker puts a towel in the floor of the shower before he uses it.” Other habits that should be performed include making sure both the door and lock are sturdy. Check to see whether or not the windows are secured as well. Are there any other ways to get into the room? It only takes one weak point to allow intruders inside.
While you are at it, check for peep-holes in the walls. This was something I wouldn’t have thought about, but my sister includes this with her own safety habits. ‘While I do not check under the bed, I do check the closets and shower to make sure there’s no one lurking in my room. I usually turn all the lights on too. And I also have to pull the mirrors away from the wall; I have to make sure they’re not double-sided mirrors. If they won’t pull away from the wall, I have to find somewhere “hidden” to change. I don’t ever walk barefooted in the rooms, or sit on the bedspread with any of my skin exposed to it. If I’m going to sit on the bed in my pajamas, I strip the bedspread back first. I also put a towel in the shower floor before I use it. The more I travel, the more habits I’ll develop I’m sure. But this is my ritual for now.”
Also, keep in mind that even though you are given a key to the room, someone else working there has at least one or two more keys. Although rare, dishonest employees do exist. As an alternative and added security, carry your own lock with you and use it whenever possible. A heavy combination lock works well as it has no keys to lose or carry, and it cannot be picked. Lock your room every time you leave it, and even when you don’t! “I always deadbolt the door as soon as I come in, even if I’m just setting stuff down and leaving again,” states my sister.
Other habits I discovered include avoiding the use of automated bank teller machines at night, especially in deserted areas. Don’t make yourself a target for unsavory individuals. Minimize cell phone usage while driving, but always keep it handy. Also, whenever possible, carry all of your bags with you. If you travel often, you probably know how to pack light, taking only what is necessary and leaving the rest at home. Dangerous situations are real but try not to become too paranoid. If you take the proper precautions, there is little to worry about. Relax, but stay in control.
Visit the US Department of State site for more information on travel safety