Safety Tips for Female Travelers with Jenna MacDonald

I am so incredibly excited about this week’s podcast because I am interviewing my good friend Jenna MacDonald from There’s A Shoe For That. Jenna is joining me today to share her safety tips for female travelers. Jenna is a seasoned traveler who often travels alone for work but is also experienced at traveling alone with her children who are 3 1/2 and 3 months.

Most of these tips apply to both men and women but female travelers need to be a bit extra mindful to stay safe when on their own.

Listen to my conversation with Jenna below, or keep reading for a brief synopsis of what we talked about.

Safety Tips for Female Travelers with Jenna MacDonald

Safety Starts At Home

1. Luggage – Do not have more than you can personally handle. This will come in handy at the airport, leaving your hotel room and ensures you do not have to reply on anyone else to help you. I have carried this over now traveling with kids. If I can’t handle it myself it can’t come with us. Today that means two kids in a stroller, stuff in the bottom of the stroller, backpack on me and carryon size suitcase. I always choose carry-on size in case I want a small bag on top of it for awkwardly shaped things that a larger suitcase still wouldn’t accommodate.

Jewelry

1. Fake, modest wedding ring – perfect for on the plane, etc.
2. Keep it simple especially when traveling abroad. Not the time to wear your biggest, fanciest jewelry. The goal is to look nice, not look like a target.
3. Silicone rings like those made by Enso are great!

Transportation From the Airport

1. Pay the extra, and get a town car or limo from the limo stand. Most times the cost is only $10-20 more and you’ll get dropped off at your door, not a nearby location. And will have the comfort of a high-end vehicle.

Hotels

1. Room numbers – this is a little bit less of an issue when travelling by yourself, but especially when with a group or even with colleagues it is pretty normal for people to ask “what room are you in” right after you check in and everyone is still gathered in the lobby. Keep in mind there is a safety reason the person working at the front desk didn’t say your room number out loud when handing you your key.
2. Room location – stay close to the elevator. Walking down long hallways late at night by yourself is never a good idea and if you are wearing impractical shoes it’s also easier on your feet after a night out 😉
3. Elevator – pay attention to who is in the elevator and let them choose the floor ahead of you. If you need to choose a different floor to feel more comfortable, do it!
4. Lock your door using the dead bolt. That extra layer of safety can really give you peace of mind if something unexpected happens 

Outside

1. Walking after dark by yourself. Just don’t do it. And if you absolutely must have someone on call that can “talk you home”.
2. Familiarize yourself with the area. Make sure you know what areas to avoid so you don’t find yourself strolling through a bad neighborhood without knowing it.

Suzi’s Tip:

1. Always wear your running sneakers when traveling alone. Any time I go to the airport on a solo trip I wear my running sneakers. I know I’m probably being paranoid but I feel more secure knowing that if someone tried to “snatch me” I’m wearing shoes that will help me get away. On top of that, if you are going on a trip where you’ll be doing a lot of walking, you’ll want sneakers anyway, and if they are on your feet you don’t have to pack them. Sneakers take a lot more room in your luggage than sandals so it makes good packing sense too – especially if you are only taking what you can carry!

Make sure you give Jenna a follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and join in on the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the #WellnessSimplifiedPodcast hashtag.

Do you have a safety tip that we missed? Let us know!