ERIKA's BOX

Some great tips to share for woman travellers. The idea of ring is just too innovative hehee

• Be wary of announcing that you are traveling alone. Traveling alone as a woman is an experience to be proud of, but sometimes you need to exercise caution in announcing that. Tell people at home where you will be and when you are in a safe place. Be very careful of telling people on your journey that you are alone. Say you are meeting family or a close friend at the next stop, or later that evening, if you do not know them well enough to know their intentions. Talk about the people you've met along the way, and the wonderful CouchSurfers you've stayed with that you still email daily.

• Walk firmly and strongly, even when confused about your location. If you are lost, find a café, restaurant or safe place you can enter to figure out where you are. Do not open up a map in the middle of the street or along the sidewalk. Someone looking to take advantage of you in any way will notice lack of confidence and disorientation.

• Find other companions. Couples, groups of travelers and other women can be excellent allies if you're in trouble. Don't be afraid to ask someone for help if you feel your safety is at risk.

• Dress appropriately for the environment you're traveling in. Be mindful and respectful of the individuals whose countries you're traveling through. If the women traditionally wear long skirts, do not wear your halter top and short shorts. Educate yourself on local customs and adapt to the best of your ability. You're less likely to get unwanted attention - and probably more respect from locals - by respecting their culture, even if it's different from yours. Reemeber you are in their domain so its decency that you try to adopt to whatever is the norm there, rather than impose your own on them. You will stand out if you did!

• Use your head. If you wouldn't do something at home, don't do it in a foreign country. You wouldn't sleep with your door unlocked or walk down a dark alleyway at home, so why risk it when you're traveling?

• One Idea: Marriage isn't all that bad. Wear a conspicuous band or ring on your ring finger (left in Western countries).

• Protect your belongings. Don't flash large amounts of money or jewelry. Carry your wallet and valuables secretively so they can't be easily grabbed from you.

• Stay around larger groups of people. Stick to major streets. Avoid empty alleyways and side streets.

• Look at maps of the city before you get off of your transport. What does the route from the train station to the hostel look like? Know the names of main streets. Where are the police stations located? If you have to check your map, go to a public place where no one can see you obviously looking at your map (like a library, café or restaurant). Don't call attention to yourself!!

• Take a Self-Defense class. They don't cost a lot of money, and will teach you lessons you will carry with you for a long time. Many universities offer them for free or at discount rates. (If you took a course a long time ago, take another one. It's good to be reminded of what you have already learned!)

• Consider buying a metal whistle. We do not recommend that you carry mace or personal weapons. These can be used against you!

• Embarrass your harasser. If someone is constantly accosting you, or seems potentially threatening, draw attention. Talk loudly. Shout. Laugh and scream. Do something to draw public attention to the person's inappropriate behavior.

• Leave! Don't be afraid to walk away from a bad situation or stop traveling with a companion who is negatively affecting your experience. If something makes you angry, remember: you don't live there, you can leave anytime, and you'll never have to deal with this again! Get out of there!

• Trust your instincts. Consider where you are and who is around. Don't leave yourself isolated with a stranger. Listen to your gut instinct. You can't simply trust anyone!

• Get roaming on your mobile phone or get it unlocked to take local sim cards. Put in emergency contacts including host/insurance. Local hospital, police, hostel phone numbers are published in the lonely planet guides