How to Be Confident and Safe When You Travel Alone

Taking a vacation on your own? Or simply going out at night to meet friends alone?  Whatever the case, being smart and taking precautions beforehand will ensure that you safely arrive at your destination and you also get home safe.

• Nine times of of ten, your fear of going out alone is caused by your anxiety.  By going into a situation afraid, you are likely to never experience anything!  Realize what is a real danger and separate that from your fear of the situation.
• Think about where you are going.  What part of town are you going to be in?  Will other people you know be around?  Is this a busy, well lit area?  If you are going to a popular, well known area, you are in great shape.  However, if you are going to a "not so good" section of town, you may want to rethink traveling out alone.
• Look at what you are wearing.  Be sure that you are not revealing too much.  Dressing for "seduction" will only draw more attention to yourself.  If you are alone, you may want to "tone down" your appearance.
• Make sure your car is in order.  What would be worse - taking time out before your trip to make sure you have plenty of gas, tires are properly inflated, lights work, etc., or being stuck in a dark parking lot alone with a flat tire?  Just a quick glace over your car would save your a lot of time and maybe even your life.
• Always tell someone else your plans.  What if your cell phone dies and you cannot reach someone if you get into trouble?  By letting someone know what your plans are, you will know that if you do not arrive by a certain time, people will get concerned and look for you.  If no one knows your plans, no one will know to come find you. 
• Always be alert of your surroundings.  Before you get out of your car, notice if it is a well lit area or if this will be a safe place in a few hours.  Do not lollygag around in the area, walk where you are going with purpose.  Do not give anyone a reason to suspect that you are unaware. 
• Learn how to defend yourself.  Train your senses so you will feel like you and look after yourself, be more observant.  Learn simple self defense moves that could help you get out of a sticky situation.
• Get inside quickly.  When going to your destination, get there fast.  When leaving, if you do not feel safe, call a cab. 
• Do not share too much information with a stranger.  Sure, they may just be a new potential friend, but you never know.  If you make plans to meet in the future, never suggest your house - always meet up in a very public place so you can get to know them better.
• Just relax.  Being paranoid and afraid will only take away all of the fun of being out with your friends.  Just be careful and cautious.
• People who have the intent to rob or assault others often look for easy targets - nervous types, retiring types or people just wanding and not really paying attention to their surroundings.  Stand tall and walk with purpose.
• Many car jackings happen when women are just sitting in their cars fumbling in their purse or with the radio.  When you get into your car, have your stuff together, get locked in and get on your way.  You can fiddle with your radio at your next red light.