DIWYY Digest March 22 2010

travel a lot, so naturally, friends, family, and co-workers are always asking me where I am going. After I state my intended destination, the second question is almost always, “who are you going with?” My response: myself. And that’s where the strange looks and questioning come into play. “Are you sure it’s safe to travel there alone?” is a routine one. And my response, “Yes, it is” regardless if I am going to Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, or anywhere in between.

Now, you may ask, why people seem so concerned. Well, I don’t exactly blend in most places in the world. I stand nearly six feet tall (basically 1.8 meters) with blonde hair. I get mistaken for an off-duty KLM flight attendant in Europe, but most everywhere else in the world I am obviously not from their country. Because of my appearance, many people assume I am a target and sometimes I agree. But, by using my common sense and taking a little extra precaution, I feel fine.

AT THE AIRPORT:

• Before I leave the secure part of the airport, I head to the restroom and do a little makeover. Yes, sometimes it involves hair and make-up but mostly re-shifting my belongings. For one, I take my passport and put it in the most secure place I have — either a money belt under my clothes or in my purse which never leaves my shoulder. I also try to consolidate my gear so I am not trying to carry ten things at once and fumbling around which makes a person a prime target for a “helpful stranger” to help pick up a dropped item and, in the process, nab a wallet or passport.
• Getting to my next destination, usually the hotel, is also carefully orchestrated. Whenever possible, especially at night, I pre-book a transfer from my tour operator, the hotel, or a legitimate third-party. This eliminates the confusion associated with determining how to get a cab (trust me, in some countries it is quite a process) and also reduces your need to haggle which is typically not my favorite thing to do straight off a plane when I am still half asleep.
• I usually try to be friendly with my driver who can sometimes give me some awesome tips about a great restaurant or a place to visit. During this conversation, the driver will usually ask me where I am from, what I do for work, and so on. I also always get asked if I have a boyfriend and I have my canned reply stating that he is flying in on another flight or is already at the hotel. My little white lie works wonders, usually any unwanted advances end there.

AT THE HOTEL:

• I have noticed major differences in the way hotel front desks work in other countries; whereas they try to be very discreet in the US with your room number, in other countries they usually loudly announce it (not intentionally, of course) to the point where anyone within ear shot can hear it. I have also had friends ask the front desk for my room number to come grab me for dinner or give me a message and it is willingly given out. Granted, in these cases, I wanted my friends to find me but what if it was someone else? I try to handle the whole check-in process expeditiously and, if for any reason I feel unsafe, I immediately talk with the hotel manager about a room change.
• I also use the same cover story about my “boyfriend” with overly inquisitive hotel employees. Obviously, they know “he” isn’t staying with me but I can usually piece-meal something together about how he couldn’t make it and I really miss him. Works like a charm.
• When I get into my room, I always lock and dead-bolt the door behind me. If anyone comes by, I use the peephole or call the front desk to confirm that someone has been sent up.

AROUND TOWN:

• For the most part, I trust my gut when it comes to venturing out on my own. If I step outside and immediately feel unsafe (which has happened a couple times), I go with my instinct and go back inside. Even if this means eating dinner at the hotel, I would rather be safe than sorry.
• For sightseeing, I try to locate a tour company to utilize for a half-day tour to get acclimated on my first or second day. I have found free tours in some places (check out New Europe Tours for free walking tours in places like Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Paris, and Tel Aviv, among others); and in other places I pay for a bus, walking, or bike tour to meet other travelers and get a lay of the land. I have made lots of friends this way, many who I met up with again for dinner and even have kept in touch with post-travel!
• When I am out and about, I keep my passport and most of my money on my body in a money belt or a purse that I keep very close to my body. I will put some small bills and coins in a zippered pocket (on my bag or on an article of clothing) for small purchases. Then, I am not opening my entire wallet to buy something small from a street vendor.

OTHER TIPS:

• If I travel with my beloved Netbook, I bring a security cable with and literally tether that thing down to a piece of furniture. If I can tether it and keep it out of sight, bonus points for me.
• I try to keep a low(er) profile when I travel and that means dressing down a bit. Shorts are not too common in many places of the world so I opt for long workout pants or jeans paired with a conservative top and hoodie. If you haven’t yet discovered lululemon, they make amazing, breathable clothes that are both cute and comfortable.
• My jewelry stays at home. I have some cute necklaces that are just colored plastic but to a thief, it may look tempting. In an attempt to avoid situations like this, I keep my jewelry very simple and accessorize with headbands and scarves.