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Tips for Preventing Harassment

Sadly, common sense won’t always protect you from sexual predators when you travel abroad.  Many countries adhere to value systems that are in direct conflict with your beliefs.  “Your body is your own” is a mantra that doesn’t necessarily enjoy universal acceptance.  Thus, we have compiled a list of tips to help keep you safe as you travel abroad:

1.  Travel with a Male Companion

If you want to avoid harassment from other men, the easiest way to do this is to travel with a male companion.  Especially useful is a male companion who understands the layout of the city, the social customs, and the potential dangers of traveling as a female.   

However, make sure you have a male companion that you can trust.  Preferably, you will be traveling with a close friend, but if you must hire a chaperone, try to arrange one through a professional travel service or hotel.  And even still, don’t let your guard down.

2.  Dress Modestly

At all times, you should dress modestly, avoid makeup, and try to blend in with the local women.  This can sometimes be difficult given how incredibly hot some medical tourism countries are.  But opting for a tank top and miniskirt will only invite unwanted attention if you're the only one on the street dressed this way.  In certain cultures, the only women who wear tank tops are indeed prostitutes, so trying to “defend your honor” might prove futile.

3.  Avoid Eye Contact with Men

Eye contact and smiles are often misinterpreted as signs of interest in certain communities.  A simple smile that says “hello” or “thanks for holding the door open” could be construed as a “I am free, available, and ready to party.” 

Many female travelers prefer to wear modest sunglasses whenever they go out.  This won’t protect you in every single situation, but it can help to cut down on unwanted eye contact. 

4.  Ignore Catcalls

Don’t be surprised if perfect strangers approach you constantly as you walk down the street.  Some might even catch up with you and walk right next to you as they earnestly plead with you to eat dinner with them, rent a hotel room, or perform sexual acts right then and there (we're not kidding).

Your first reaction might be to yell, argue, curse, or insult.  And as satisfying as all of these might be, they typically won’t do any good.  In fact, more often than not, engaging hecklers will only pique their interests and expose you to even more unwanted attention.  Worse yet, you might make them angry.

The best thing you can do is continue walking and ignore their catcalls.  If they touch you, however, don’t let that slide.  Make it abundantly clear that you are not to be touched.  Raise your voice if necessary, draw crowds if possible, and do everything you can to shame your attackers and scare them off.

5.  Wear a Wedding Ring

Whether you travel with a male companion or not, it is usually a good idea to wear a wedding ring.  The ring doesn’t need to be extravagant.  In fact, it doesn’t even need to be real.  But wearing one can sometimes ward off male attention since it signals to others that you are unavailable. 

6.  Sit behind Your Driver

If you ever rent a driver or hail a taxi, always sit in the back seat.  Sitting in the front could give him the wrong idea (again, we're not kidding).  If you're with a group of people, however, one of you might have to sit up front.  This shouldn't be a problem since you aren't alone.  

7.  Be Wary of Friendly Conversations

Many of the people that you meet abroad will be incredibly friendly and genuine.  And we would never recommend that you purposely avoid sincere overtures for friendship.  But as a general rule, you should not become too friendly with men unless you are in a safe, public environment with plenty of women in the vicinity.  Even casual conversations about the weather should be approached with certain discretion and caution. 

This general warning about friendly conversations also applies to hotel and restaurant staff.  These are people who have access to your room, food, and belongings, so use extra caution whenever you deal with any type of hospitality personnel. 

8.  Avoid Public Displays of Affection

Regarding public displays of affection (kissing, hugging, etc), you should take your cues from the locals around you.  In some cultures, public displays of affection are either discouraged or forbidden.  Even the simple act of holding your partner’s hand could suggest to others that you are interested in sex and ready to party.