It would be unrealistic to treat women and men in the context of travel because women are more often affected by the differences between social relations and local religious beliefs. However, paying attention to men does not mean that the situation is problematic per se: sometimes you attract men's attention in your home country, without an attack on your safety! As a woman on the trip (just in addition), it is possible to arouse more sincere curiosity than a sexual desire. However, this is not a reason to put yourself in a position of vulnerability, the skilled traveler will pay particular attention to his clothing choices and his communication (verbal or otherwise) to establish as clearly as possible his intentions and limitations.

observation

The first step is to become familiar with the distance between men and women in daily interaction. In addition to the observation, do not hesitate to ask the opinion of other women what is acceptable or not and the reaction or attitude to adopt. Work to maintain at least this distance between strangers and yourself and then determine when closeness or persistence becomes problematic. Among Greeks or Italians, for example, the social distance is very small, and people often touch each other without speaking. Pay close attention to how women travel this distance and try to replicate these behaviors if the opportunity arises. Finally, pay attention to the changed eyes. Supporting a man's gaze, shaking hands or smiling at him is inappropriate in some cultures: your intentions will be misinterpreted.

If you are traveling to a part of the world where women's rights are limited, find out before doing an activity that does not seem to be common among locals. The Persian Gulf countries are notorious for the inequalities of the law: the prohibition of driving a car, riding a bicycle, wearing trousers, uncovering one's head, staying with a man in a bus or group taxi, etc. Also, you should know that even if you follow the law, abuse of power is possible and it can be difficult to be taken seriously by the authorities when an offense is committed against you.

Some regions have more gender segregation. This can lead to infrastructure reserved for men or women, such as cafes, hammocks, taxis, etc. In some parts of the world, menstrual periods are considered periods of impurity and you will be required to refrain from visiting religious buildings or attending ceremonies. You can also find spaces or wagons reserved for women on public transport to prevent sexual harassment. This is the case in Egypt, Mexico, Japan or South Korea, just to name a few. minicab islington

prophylaxis

The observation will allow you to know the appropriate distances, clothes, and behaviors to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings of cultural origin. We must remember that appearances matter and heal the image we project. However, there is much more you can do to avoid problems when traveling alone ...

One of the biggest challenges is finding a balance between trust and mistrust. Women who have an aura of self-confidence and self-confidence are less perceived as potential victims, which in some way protects them from aggression. In addition, women traveling alone tend to attract sympathy and even protection from the locals. Whom can we trust?

Determine in advance your degree of tolerance for unexpected situations and inappropriate behavior. Make it clear that behavior seems out of place. It is possible that the first incident may be a simple misunderstanding, no doubt, do not hesitate to express your discomfort and limitations. It is risky to tolerate going back and forth beyond your limits. Don't expect to feel vulnerable to assert yourself.

Attitude and self-defense

If an uncomfortable situation arises, you know how to ignore the harassment and get to a busy place. Go confidently, upside down.

A very effective strategy is to explicitly formulate your requests, giving an unequivocal statement to your interlocutor: "Stop talking to me!", "Stop touching my arm immediately." In some cases, it may be necessary to make a scene by targeting the attacker: this will draw the sympathy of the people around you.of you as you clarify your intentions without a doubt. This strategy is particularly effective in cases where you are in a subtle (or not very subtle) way with a foreigner in public transport. Do not be afraid to embarrass yourself publicly: drawing attention to the situation will confuse your abuser. If you want help, be as explicit as possible: go directly to a person and specify what you want to do (do the controller, intervene, move on, etc.).

Here are some tips on how not to be disturbed on a trip!

Wear a wedding ring This old still works, although it is less efficient than before, changing the manners obliges ...

The padded bra replaces the wallet belt. Remove the filling, put the tickets! Be careful, however, to remain credible ...

Travel light makes you less vulnerable: you will be better able to react in case of problems and, in general, you will be less targeted as a tourist ...

Make sure the meaning of an invitation before accepting it. To the slightest doubt, refuse. Nothing prevents you from changing your mind.

Woman traveling alone on a boat

Woman traveling alone on a boat

2. Dress codes for a woman on the trip

The dress codes are the most visible reflection of the culture of a region. Whether for religious reasons or simply for maintaining social order, the choice of clothes takes on a certain dimension for the woman who travels both in terms of intercultural sensitivity and for simple security reasons. The social rules are sometimes even framed by-laws, which oblige the wearing of the veil or a suit considered decent. We do not laugh with the police of good manners! For information, please note that the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia (Afghanistan and Pakistan) and North Africa (especially Algeria and Egypt) are very conservative in terms of women's clothing.

It would be long, tiring and quickly outdated to describe the appropriate dress codes for each country or region of the world. In addition, you will need to use judgment: It is not due to the fact that girls in the area discover their shoulders or wear skirts that it is appropriate, respectful or prudent to do so. But the opposite is true, strangers then forming a kind of "third sex" for which certain behaviors or dress codes are tolerated ... If a few travelers walk alone in the region, you will attract curious looks, even from women!

Finally, if you travel for a long time, you will win choose some essential clothes which will be useful in most countries visited. You will then need to complete your outfit with a few pieces purchased on the site, following the advice of local women or expatriates.

Clothes for all trips

The golden rule is to merge with the landscape without, however, diving into the tourist folklore. Look at other women and adjust your outfit. Finally, you know that some clothes are close to all purposes:

scarf: large square or rectangle of opaque fabric (damask, pashmina, etc.) that allows you to cover your head if necessary. Dark and simple colors are preferred. It can also be used as shawl or sarong.

trousers or long skirt: cotton, wide and opaque, covering the ankles. Trousers are not always accepted as women's clothing but are generally tolerated by tourists. If you avoid conservative countries, linen or cargo pants will do the trick.

top with long sleeves or three quarters: also made of cotton, wide and opaque, sober and close to the neck. For more modularity, opt for a long tunic that goes below the buttocks.

footwear: sober and dark, comfortable, with flat heels, easy to remove and put back. It is often possible to wear sandals or flip-flops, but this is not the case anywhere beyond the beach or the bathroom.

Bag: Should be worn over the shoulder for added safety, as it minimizes the risk of taking.

at the beach: what is suitable for the beach varies enormously from one country to another. A one-piece swimsuit will be appropriate in a larger number of situations, while the two-piece thong will infuriate Brazilian beaches. In very conservative countries, beaches are not mixed places, and the bathing suit must be reserved for the private beaches of hotels.

Woman on the beach, Dead Sea

Woman on the beach, Dead Sea

The main principles

Observe, observe, observe! Clothing standards vary in the same country ...

Dress humbly, sober, discreet, avoiding jewelry and valuables.

Wear loose clothing that covers the skin without being transparent. In more conservative countries, pants should not allow you to see curves.

Cover the shoulders and upper arms, ideally up to the elbow (3/4 sleeves).

It is better to avoid shorts over the knee. Favor trimmed pants, a long skirt or pants.

3. Meet other travelers

A great way to plan a trip and answer your questions is to get in touch with local women (native or ex-pat) or other long-term travelers. Among the most popular international networks:

And of course, our forum for single traveling women where you can ask all your questions, discover the testimonies of other travelers ...

Once you get there, dare to talk to the women you meet! Don't be shy, because at least you respect the local culture, women will be most curious to meet you. Younger children generally have basic English skills and can help you communicate with older women.