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Whether you're on a business trip, or backpacking across Europe, traveling alone as a woman  can feel intimidating at times. It doesn't help that some of your friends and family go out of their way to tell horror stories of female travelers who were raped, mugged or murdered while they were off gallivanting on their own.

You don't have to feel insecure in your journeys. No one is destined to be a victim. All you need to do is to take the necessary precautions, whether you are out there in the open, discovering the world, or inside your hotel room killing time with some foxy  games of bingo.

Here are some tips to help you keep safe while on the road:

1. Know where you're going:

Always plan your trip before you leave home, and make sure you know the route back to front before you venture out. Pulling a map out of your bag lets people know you are lost, so try and use a GPS app on your phone, so it looks like you're checking texts or emails. People are less likely to target you, if they think you know the area.

2. Don't wave your valuables about:

A petty thief is more likely to target a female, than they are males because they think they have a better chance of outwitting you. Not always the case, but it would be best for you to keep your phone, jewelry and purse out of sight until absolutely necessary to fish them out of its hiding place.

3. Pay a premium for safety:

When choosing accommodation – choose wisely.Some may be cheaper, but it would be better for you to stay in an area with a good reputation and safety record. Possibly one that's well known too. Small inns and bed and breakfast places are better than a motel. You've seen the movies.

4. Be on guard even inside the safety of your hotel room:

Your hotel should be safe, but you can help protect yourself further, by knowing the address and phone number of the hotel, keeping the Do Not Disturb sign on the door to dissuade attempted burglaries, and asking security to accompany you when you don't feel safe.

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Creative Commons Image by Garry Knight