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We had a reader mention that she would like to hear how the we travel the world on points and miles and do so safely. I have ALWAYS felt safe, except for one Vietnam taxi story I will share below The three of us often travel without our husbands, so today, I will share some of our best tips for safe travel as women.

 

Leaving the Airport When You’re a Woman Traveling Solo

We usually arrange transfers with people who will meet us at the airport. Even then, we do our research online to read about the companies, read reviews about them, and make sure they sound reputable.

If we take a taxi, we always go to the taxi stand. In some airports, you will find people who are walking around and offer to take you to your hotel .I would NEVER go with one of these people. In fact, I wouldn’t take a taxi alone either—I’ll take one only with one or two other women.

One day when I was in Vietnam, it started raining, and my friend and I were getting wet. A taxi driver spun around and asked if we wanted a ride, so we got in. We told him where we were going, and he parked a block away and wouldn’t drive into the hotel, demanding $60 for a short ride. We knew it was way too much, but we just wanted out of his car, so we paid him. When we got to the hotel, they told us it wasn’t an official taxi and showed us the color of the official, more reputable taxis. I now look that up in other countries, so I know what the most reliable taxis will look like.

I often use Uber once I am at my destination as well. The app tracks the driver and you, keeping information on both of you in the system. Even better, the payment is done through the app via credit card, so no money is exchanged in person. I also usually send someone the info of my driver when I am alone. [Editor’s note: The Grab app is like the Southeast Asian version of Uber and it’s a fantastic option. We used it a ton in Vietnam and Indonesia. They do food delivery like Uber Eats, too. —Traci]

 

 

Do Your Research

I always see what the State Department has to say about where I am going. After checking there, I do some additional research so that I know how long it will take to get from the airport to the hotel or anywhere I am going. I also often put the destination on Apple Maps or Google Maps so that I know if they are taking me to the right location. Not too sure what I’d do if it were veering off—jump out? 😜  I do feel more secure doing this, though.

If I am taking a tour, I am researching the company and reading many reviews about the tour. I feel comfortable with Viator and GetYourGuide, but I still do my research before booking.

 

Don’t Stay Out Too Late

We don’t do much after dark. This also makes us feel safer. If you drink, be careful with your alcohol intake so that you have a clear head and make good decisions. We usually deal with jet lag and struggle to stay awake past nine or ten. Also, Alex and I don’t drink, so these are easy tips for us! On the rare occasions that we are out after dark, I walk on well-lit streets and near groups of other people, especially women.

 

Stay in Nice Locations

One of the nicest things about using credit card points and miles is the ability to stay in nicer hotels and locations than we would have been able to if we were paying for our accommodations. This adds to that feeling of safety. Many of the hotels we stay at don’t even let you go to another floor in the hotel without having a key to that floor, so we know there won’t be people on our floor who shouldn’t be there.

 

Keep Valuables at Home or in the Hotel Safe

I wouldn’t travel with expensive jewelry and am always careful with my phone. I use a fanny pack and keep one hand on it in crowds. There was only one time that I was almost pickpocketed—on a crowded subway in Rome. I had a purse around my neck, covered with a coat and scarf, and a young girl was brazenly pulling it out while most of the metro was screaming to alert me.

 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Trust your gut, and if you feel like you shouldn’t walk down that dark street, don’t. Look confident and like you know where you are going. I plan my directions BEFORE I walk out of the hotel so that I’m not focused on my phone instead of my surroundings. I also don’t use headphones while walking as I want to hear what is happening around me.

 

 

Take a Walking Tour on Day One

One of my favorite tips for safe travel as a woman is to take a walking tour on my first day. I love to do this to get the lay of the land (or city). This gives me a chance to talk to the guide about safety issues in the city and where to avoid going. There are many free walking tours where you just tip the guide, and they make me feel more comfortable about the city and its layout.

 

Bottom Line

We have traveled all over the world using credit card points and miles. We travel with our husbands and families, and we travel with other women. By following these tips for safe travel as women, we keep our wits about us but have fun, too. What travel tips do you have for women?

 

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