Female Travel Safety

Female travelers take a listen. Jocelyn shares some of the best travel safety advice for female travelers. From health, to safety, to spiked drinks, to being aware of your surroundings these safety tips for women can be a life saver on your next vacation. And they help whether you are a solo female traveler, a mom traveling, or just going with the girls on a girls trip.
Filmed in Northern Ireland
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @woltersworld
#femaletraveler #womentravel #travelsafety
Copyright Mark Wolters 2023
Learn how to plan your travels like we do with our Travel Planning 101 Course: www.brighttrip.com/woltersworld
Grab some Wolters World travel gear www.woltersworld.store
Help Us Keep Make More Honest Travel Videos: / woltersworld
Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.
You can find us all over the internet:
Travel Advice & Destinations: / woltersworld
Food Travel Videos: / woltersworldeats
Travel Tips: / woltersworldshorts
Business Education: / professorwolters
Tiktok: / woltersworld
Instagram: / woltersworld
Jocelyn's Instagram: / jocelynwoltersworld
Facebook: / woltersworld
Twitter: / woltersworld
Linkedin: / wolters-world-travel-c...

[@YourSmartOlderSister]

The doorstopper trick really works. Someone tried to enter my room when I was traveling in my teens. It turned out to be a mix-up with maintenance, but the racket they made woke me up and I haven't skipped stopping the door since. Hire a local guide if you can, and learning a bit of the language also helps. It's common sense to do your research before you travel and pay attention to the culture and conventions where you're going, but coming from a popular tourist destination I'm always shocked by the number of tourists still running around in weather-inappropriate clothing and offending every local in sight. Also, I carry a cheap (so as to not tempt thieves) wedding ring with me, too, but for another reason: when I feel particularly unsafe, I slip it on and a fair number of times I've seen someone spot the ring, turn around, and walk away.

[@DarkSentencer]

Even though I'm a guy, I wanted to leave a like and comment so hopefully this video will reach more women out there!

[@marnieandnoelle]

I was in a hotel in Dallas, TX and someone tried to open our door in the middle of the night. Thankfully we had the security flip lock fastened and they couldn't get in, and of course the loud noise of the door banging against the flip lock woke us up. Take extra precautions and lock all the locks!

[@lacha608]

Hopefully they were just accidentally at the wrong door. Yikes!

[@smchalk3535]

Hot coffee I would’ve never thought of this as a self-defense mechanism. Thank you.

[@jennyoshea1958]

Thanks Jocelyn. I often travel alone (much to friends and family chagrin) because I love rhe real freedom of waking up and knowing; I do not have to dance to the tune of others and I can go wherever life takes me 🍁🙏🍂😉🌟

[@sarahphillips295]

Awesome video as always, thank you Jocelyn. Research and planning in advance is even more important for a solo female traveler. Never get to an unfamiliar city and not know how you're getting from the airport, train or bus station to your hotel or wherever you're staying. Plan to arrive during daylight hours if at all possible, or at least while public transportation is running. Have a travel e-sim or international plan on your phone so you have data as soon as you get to your destination. Most important, FOLLOW YOUR GUT. if it tells you something is wrong , get out of the situation IMMEDIATELY.

[@skeetermegamoto]

Jocelyn is obviously the brains of the operation.

[@rae3859]

Here's mine: When walking, turn off the volume on GPS if you're using the map. I was in New Orleans recently (one of my favorite places to travel alone!) and was a little shocked with tourists walking around with their phones telling them where to go. The tip of studying the map and getting a general idea is very important. I'll have my GPS telling me where to go with the volume off, then glance at it to make sure I'm going in the right location. I'm a fast walker and have totally walked right by places!

[@AstarionWifey]

Wait why turn off the volume?

[@rae3859]

Hi there - [when walking] If I'm using my GPS with the volume on, it'll say, "in 500 feet, turn left." When traveling, I've heard WHERE tourists are going just based on their GPS: "Turn left. Arrived! Bienville House!" (which is a hotel in New Orleans, LA). If you're so focused on your phone, and the voice, you may not be aware of someone following you.@@AstarionWifey

[@lacha608]

So that people who are looking for targets don't realize that you aren't from there and don't know where you're going. Also, don't walk around with a travel companion speaking English loudly in a country known for street crime.

[@CharleneCTX]

When using Google Maps walking directions it will vibrate when it's time to turn. That way you can turn off the volume and know when you need to glance at the map for a turn.

[@yutian5884]

Knowing your alcohol limit is very important. If you are not with trusted company never ever get drunk in public by yourself. As soon as you feel tipsy. You need to slow down and call it a night. This goes for both men and women. If you're drunk you're very visible and an easy target.

[@leyenda6149]

This might sound prudish but I never drink when I travel solo. The beauty of the locations is intoxicated enough & I simply do not ever want to find myself in a compromising situation.

[@jennyoshea1958]

​@@leyenda6149Same here. No alcohol, as there is no one there to look out for you 🍁🙏🍂✨

[@zwiderwurzn5908]

I have often travelled alone since I was 16 years old (long, long time ago...) and I appreciate the fact that you can really concentrate on the city, country and people when you're on the road and it's not just an exotic backdrop for your usual life with the people you're used to. In some countries, you immediately stand out as a woman travelling alone and are constantly being approached, especially by men. This can be very annoying and spoil your mood. I have always found it beneficial to make the acquaintance of other women who can give you advice and tips (e.g. someone who works in a museum, shop, etc., or the landlady of your accommodation) or with whom you can spend a day together, e.g. on the beach or sightseeing. This can be another tourist travelling alone. I've met some interesting people this way, for example a French woman in Cuba who, funnily enough, worked in the same profession as me. It was a funny situation because I spoke French with her, Spanish with the locals and my brain spoke German. We went out together late into the night to a street party with great music that I probably wouldn't have gone to on my own. It's always a good idea to approach local women with questions and problems, not just in countries where there is gender segregation in everyday life, e.g. in Arab countries or South Asia. It is often very easy to make contact and it is very reassuring to feel the sisterhood. But: never be too trusting!

[@corrigoates8105]

This is all great information. Two additions from personal experiences abroad- steer clear of folks with coats draped over their arms on public transit...I've seen pickpockets use it as a screen to reach into your bag. And second- beware of folks asking for directions if they seem like they're from the country you're in. Pickpockets often work in teams and the questions could be to distract from their buddy reaching into your bag. Also, learn the words "stop thief" in the local language- if you notice an attempt you can say it to warn other travelers.

[@tanyamoore4619]

My travel tip: Mirrored sunglasses, especially if you're in a place where unwanted attention can get overwhelming. You know how it is, Ladies: For some guys, if you so much as glance in their general direction, they see it as an invitation. This way, they can't 'read' you. And thank you, Jocelyn. Great tips! I use the local shopping bag everywhere I go bc of you!

[@Jokingleigh]

If I'm walking alone when traveling somewhere new I put one ear bud in. It has multiple benefits: 1 - you listen to directions without anyone else hearing them 2 - you can walk faster and make turns with confidence so you look more like a local 3 - you also look like you're doing daily activities listening to music or something (again local) 4 - you don't have to have your phone out so much 5 - only using one (and not playing any music or anything besides your directions) allows you to stay aware of your surroundings. Overall it helps project confidence which can make all the difference.

[@jalucard1891]

Great advice Jocelyn. Always wear a waistbelt under clothing for your money and/or passport. Also email a copy of your passport to yourself and a family member . Never give out your hotel or room information to anyone. Avoid any strangers, including women, who are very pushy and nosy asking personal questions. Doesn’t matter the culture of that country or if it is a shopowner and your looking at goods. Dont feel obligated to answer their questions. Walk away or give a fake answer and then walk away. Stay away also from people giving out “free” items. Nothing is free and they will follow you for money.

[@yaowsers77]

Jocelyn, you are so on point! Great video and such a great service for women who don't typically travel. I just got back from Montreal and while I talked to just about everyone, I didn't share my itinerary, hotel info or that I was on my own. I do tend to carry my passport on me but in a money belt that goes cross body and under your shirt. But that's just for international travel. I'm all for self defense classes and encourage high school senior girls to take at least one before going to college. I really wish they'd teach this in school. Mace is a nice idea until you realize that you'd have to remember to reach for it and figure out how to use it while being attacked.

[@mesupt]

My wife and I definitely have travel wedding bands. Mine is just a silicone band hers is a simple silver band. I also have a simple digital travel watch that I wear. One other thing I do now is bring a second phone I have an old Samsung that I bring with me encase I lose my phone I can just get a SIM card and still have all of my info on a device.

[@lacha608]

I was once kind of mugged by a group of boys for what I thought was a simple digital watch (simple item to me, fascinating and valuable to them( and daypack with nothing of value in it (travel guide, water bottle, etc.. I hated to do it, but I had to push those boys off of me. No physical harm was done by either party. After that I only carried daily necessities in a grocery bag (suggestion of a local person). I can't remember what I did about the watch. This was pre-commonly used cell phone days...

[@nanabutner]

I always make sure I have an anti-theft purse/handbag that has locks on the zippers and metal in the shoulder/cross body straps so the strap cannot be cut. It may take a little longer to open your purse, but it is so worth having the anti-theft bag. I also make sure I use my special bags during the holiday seasons at my home area.

[@lacha608]

I personally would just avoid carrying any kind of bag that could be interpreted as containing valuables. They might not be able to easily cut through the strap, but say someone riding by on a scooter grabs the bag, you could get injured. Better to just use some kind of money belt and carry daily necessities in a grocery bag. This is for places known for street crime, though...

[@nanabutner]

@@lacha608 I always use a money belt when going to dodgy places along with my plain, no frills. solid black anti-theft purse! I also make sure I wear my purse cross body and often have a light jacket over my purse straps. I grew up in what was then and still is the heroine capital of the USA because of it’s proximity to old Mexico so I learned from my preteen years how to be very careful. I also carry my keys between my knuckles and have no hesitation of using them as a weapon! I never walk close to the curb unless my daughter or someone else I need to protect is with me. ALWAYS DO EVERYTHING TO BE ON CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, NEVER GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF BEING A POSSIBLE TARGET, ALWAYS GRAB TIGHTLY YOUR PURSE BY THE BODY OF THE PURSE, AND IF SOMETHING FEELS OFF--LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!”

[@kimmontenegro2258]

I'd like to add, 1. If someone makes you uncomfortable, make eye contact; that makes them uncomfortable. 2. If waiting for a train, don't stand too close to the platform. 3. If you speak a different language, pretend not to know English if being bothered by someone who approaches you in English.

[@rebeccatelgenhoff3540]

Jocelyn, Great Traveling Tips, I liked taking a bag from a local grocery store and not wearing your wedding ring when traveling, these are simple things we can do to not drawing attention to us. 😊I appreciate your help for us when traveling solo.

[@suecastillo4056]

Just proof that another woman will save your life💕Thank you SO much for this info♥️‼️

[@angechrissy]

I disagree with leaving your passport at your hotel. There are countries where "carding" is totally legal (i.e., Japan). Last year, my partner (and him only.... they didn't ask me!) was asked by the police to present his passport when we were on a train in Germany. I agree that the chance of a local police asking for a foreigner's ID is very slim, but one must be careful not to break the local law. In addition, if you do get into trouble, your passport may help the local police to identify you. Other suggestions are good.

[@WoltersWorldEats]

I keep a digital copy and in places where they do ID tourists I carry a photocopy and my driver's license. It has always been accepted.

[@karenhackney9920]

When shopping, don’t buy the “I ❤️(insert city)” type of t-shirts. That makes you stick out big time. Also, I’m 5” 11”, but I took martial arts anyway because you never know who has bad intentions. I can’t assume my height will keep creeps away. Never be afraid to use what skills you’ve learned. Keep practicing your self defense too so that you don’t lose your skills.

[@arispanagiotopoulos2533]

Excellent video! Basically same rules and precautions apply more or less to male solo travelers as well!

[@EmpireStateExpress01]

Facts

[@donovanfoto3263]

Two pens, one for each hand If you get attacked, they are NOT thinking of your benefit, don't concern yourself with theirs. Aim for the eyes. It works really well.

[@lacha608]

Good idea. Not everyone can react in the moment, though...

[@shelaghjackson9577]

I do most of these things as I travel alone a lot. Even when with friends I still do them. I would never ever leave my passport and ID in a hotel or rental. The way the world is now, anything can happen at any time. What if your hotel has a fire or flood and you can’t get back in for your stuff? I keep mine in my under clothing money belt at all times,along with 100 in whatever local currency for the country I’m in at the time. That way I always have ID and money for food, train etc in case of emergency. I also keep a small paper in there with my contact details, allergies, where I’m staying, etc. I put a chair under the doorknob at night in my room, I’ve got a whistle, and a personal alarm! It all sounds paranoid, but if you’ve ever travelled alone , you’ll know. You can’t be careful enough when alone! Love your channel!😊

[@lacha608]

I agree. Not only bc if your points, but who knows who can get into those hotel safes when you're out of your room. I would keep that kind of thing in a money belt, out of the way, around my calf. Daily necessities go in a different, more accessible one.

[@jerryhorn4697]

Sorry, but I do not use hotel room safes. First: At least half of the safes I have encountered did not function properly or did not work at all. Second: At least one hotel staff member has the knowledge to open those safes in case of malfunctions while in use by a hotel guest. That one staff member could also be a thief! Keep your passport, cash, credit cards, etc., in undercover neck pouches and/or waist pouches. They are hidden from view and with you at all times.

[@lindylee1139]

Dont be afraid to be rude if you feel uncomfortable!

[@yaowsers77]

The hot coffee thing is a great idea! I practice the confidence and awareness thing and it's funny because I was just telling my friend about this a week ago! I live relatively close to NYC and have been loads of times by myself and she hasn't really been in at all and is kinda scared. Her other friend goes into the city as well as we were telling her that even if you don't have confidence and awareness, fake it. Lol I told her no bling, wear comfortable shoes.

[@susandiekmann]

Such wonderful advice, Jocelyn, and delivered as if to a dear friend or daughter. Thank you!

[@bruceelliott4433]

If you post a picture it will often have meta data with it that includes location, either strip that out or post it later.

[@jenshoe]

I have used my earbuds to listen to Google map directions. I wouldn’t have anything else playing. So I would know where I was walking without looking like a tourist starring at the map.

[@TravelwithBk559]

Hell I'm gonna use this advice even as a man solo traveler

[@victoriadell614]

Great list! Another You Tuber recommended putting in one ear bud and listening to Siri's directions as you walk. So you look like you know where you're going. I also have one of those alarm door stops. I haven't used it yet. I got a smidge worried that if I put it behind the door and then had a medical issue. How would the good people get in to help me?

[@gabrielcintron3977]

Love this! I'm glad your making this video guys.:)

[@vinyalonde]

More and more, I hire a local guide when I travel and I make a point of asking about the safety of different areas. Something that automatically gets my attention is if someone asks me for directions in English in a non-English speaking country. I had this happen to me in Berlin a few times, even someone attempting to hand me an envelope. I walked away from those encounters immediately. My only exception to this was in Japan with two American tourists on a train platformwho were pulling huge pieces of luggage and were without maps. As a last point, about demonstrations, if the police are taking photographs, there is a chance I might get photographed in the protest. That could have ramifications.

[@brenthair1228]

This is good advice for everyone

[@katieprouty5914]

Hair spray or some sort of "chemical" spray is just as effective in a pinch as pepper spray or mace. I always get a travel-sized bottle of hair spray once I land in a new place to keep on me just in case of flyaways or the need to distract and run away. Thankfully I have major RBF so no one ever bothers me.

[@lacha608]

Wow. Never thought of that. Great idea. I don't know anything about hairspray, but I know that the wind could always blow any type of spray in one's own direction, which is a risk. But I suppose a non-toxic sort might not deter a criminal. Do you look for a particular type? Major rbf, lol. I've caught random glances at myself in mirrors on occasion, and I like to say that I have rdf (resting death face, lol), but I think that when I'm engaged and having a good time I probably don't look like that, so it may not typically work in my favor.

[@rebeccavl97]

Really helpful tips! Thank you very much! :)

[@kjaroundtheworld]

I love the shopping bag tip.

[@rebeccacronan]

Love this list

[@annmajek5203]

Great tips !

[@jennymiles6648]

Great video!!

[@mattball2700]

This is sad, but thank you both for this.

[@scruff520]

Great video

[@andreamalloy6266]

Great tips- thank you ❤

[@portshore8552]

Cool to see you making a video. (Not that Wolter isn't great too)

[@valerieclaussen3925]

Great video! Thank you for the tips! Perfect timing.

[@sydneyparker6502]

Great tips, that I will definitely use for my upcoming trip to Nashville.

[@kueller917]

Being rather politically active I've totally done the "joining protests while traveling" thing (if I know the subject of course). But I have seen poor tourists here in Paris have to experience the French police just because they took a turn at the wrong time. So it's definitely a good tip if it's not something you want to deal with, and one I haven't actually seen brought up too much in travel tips.

[@paulettenguyen971]

Great tips thanks for sharing!! And yes we love shopping too!! ❤

[@curbsidetreasur]

i think as i travel solo throughout europe, i completely agree that most people are good. however, it's really important to be alert, aware of your surroundings and educate yourself on common scams. generally if someone random comes up to you, it's because they want to do the bracelet thing or hand you a flower and size you up to pickpocket you. i can see them coming and just move confidently away. i've also seen tourists who are travelling with someone else and maybe that lets their defenses down? i was in venice a few weeks ago, saw a couple get approached by a man, the woman kept listening/paying attention to the stranger. eventually her partner told her to just walk away from the guy.

[@jenniferzhou8635]

You're so wise & well-spoken! You & your husband are absolute delights to watch & learn from :)

[@WoltersWorldEats]

That's kind of you, thank you. ‐j

[@iskra1234]

I agree with Southern Italy- Calabria is also very cheap away from tourist hotspots. York is expensive by Northern England standards, as it is a tourist hotspot. Staying in the North of England, but moving away from tourist areas you will find even better value.

[@adriannaconnor6471]

They make doorstop alarms--get one. If the door is opened while the doorstop is in place, an alarm will go off. I heard a story about someone who stayed in an Airbnb and someone unlocked the front door, while she was asleep, and they stole all of her valuables. They even let themselves into her bedroom and stole the things off of her bedside table. It could've been the landlord or it could've been a previous tenant who copied the keys to the apartment.

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤

[@NawDawgTheRazor]

As a guy, most of these are applicable too. I need to buy protection coffee too 😂

[@Curarumlevamen1]

👍

[@jillbythelake]

What is that scenery at 4:56?? It's gorgeous!

[@WoltersWorldEats]

Machu Picchu, Peru.

[@lacha608]

Anywhere known for street crime, yess to local style clothes, carrying daily necessities in a grocery bag, don't walk around speaking English loudly with a travel companion, wear all valuables inside of your clothing in some type of money belt, store bought or rig something up yourself.

[@the-red-ghost]

Carrefour is everywhere you can just bring one from home

[@selena0ldenoughtoknowbette244]

Thank you for the advice. Are leggings culturally appropriate for most places?

[@WoltersWorldEats]

They are becoming more common in Europe. But in most places women tend to wear them.with longer shirts..less athleisure, more like tights. Definitely not acceptable in some countries as it would be disrespectful to show those curves. Look up cultural norms for the specific destination.

[@victoriasmith815]

I would say, to the gym or exercising yes but not usually seen in Europe they dress with more style & dignity in general in public places.

[@pjschmid2251]

For Single women who want to avoid male attention, or at least have a easy way to get rid of a guy, get inexpensive fake wedding ring. Nothing flashy just a simple band. I am no beauty by any stretch of the imagination, and in Paris I had a proposal within a couple of hours of landing (I was still walking to my hotel; I hadn’t even gotten that far), and several men approached me while I was just walking about to help out the single woman. Damn, I wish I had a wedding ring to get rid of them faster. They still may approach you, but you can always show them your ring and say you’re on your way to meet your husband.

[@lacha608]

Wow. Ignorant of me, but I wouldn't have expected that in Paris. What do you think drew their attention to you? Clearly you were standing out in some way. Do you know what it was?

[@pjschmid2251]

@@lacha608 I was alone that was all it really took. By American standards, nobody would normally ever approach me. I am not a woman that would ever draw attention of that type. The first guy was Egyptian and probably could tell I was American and thought he could get into the country? The others were older men that couldn’t bear to see a woman alone? That’s my best guess.

[@lacha608]

@@pjschmid2251 Hmm. Ok, but maybe you are a bit lovelier than you think!

[@lutra-lutra]

I always carry some small amount of money in my pockets so I don't need to open my wallet with all the cards and big cash for thieves to see when I just need to buy some water. My passport and wallet are with me at all times, always in my waist bag, under the clothes.

[@lacha608]

Right. What I came up with is nothing of value in my pockets. I double safety pin a thin synthetic sock onto the inside of my pants waist so that it hangs down underneath my pants pocket, and keep daily cash, metro card, etc. in that and just pull it out when I need something. Anything more substantial goes into a money belt around my calf or waist, under my clothing.

[@britt-sen]

Never would have thought about coffee. thats a great tip.

[@lacha608]

I don't know, though. It makes it awkward to walk, and it cools off...

[@gurbanoglu5143]

15:07

[@jacqueline23788]

so american

[@lacha608]

Please.share your non-American perspective.

[@Leecy6311]

✋✋🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️😉😉😉 This is in Laos

[@einat1622]

Rendom comment for the algorithm.

[@joesmith8821]

I taught my daughter: "A stranger with candy is better than someone you know without candy"

[@AstarionWifey]

How is it better?

[@shelaghjackson9577]

What does that mean?

[@grey_roses]

How is anything pointing you to trusting the stranger better?

[@lacha608]

You mean worse?

[@maksimilianbauer5129]

The left one in the thumbnail certainly is a transformer 🙈

[@LovingGODinFINLAND]

I thank God that Jesus is my travel partner and protector for life.❤️ It doesn't mean that I act irresponsibly while travelling, but when you're lead by the Lord then even the most dangerous place can be the safest. God is in control of everything. God bless and thanks for the travel tips!🙏💝