A woman who was cornered by a man in a shower block and surrounded by a group shooting guns on a remote camping trip has shared her top tips for female travellers to stay safe on the road.
Serena Kelley, 40, is no stranger to difficult situations as she grew up in a cult, and now travels the world as she organises trips with her own business, Serene Earth Travels.
Over the years, she's seen it all and has narrowly avoided trouble on many occasions - but she insists she's learned from each experience and now knows the warning signs to look out for.
From sharing your plans to keeping identification on you at all times, Serena, from Austin, Texas, said there are a few key rules to follow that will keep you out of trouble and steps you can take to increase safety.
What do you think are the main dangers when travelling alone? Let us know in the comments...
As a seasoned solo female traveller, Serena has visited over 40 countries on her own, which she describes as an "empowering and rewarding experience", but the experiences have seen her in a few hairy situations.
Serena said: "When I was primitive camping in Montana - I drove two miles on a small one-lane muddy dirt road to get to a campsite that was apparently a secret.
"It was in the middle of the forest next to the lake. When I got there I was the only one there. Not only had it been raining and mud was everywhere, but the roads were full of potholes and there were all kinds of paths and trails you could go through to get lost.
"I was already wondering about the location when suddenly a group of guys in a pickup drove up and unloaded a couple of spots down from me.
"Immediately they began blasting music, drinking beers and shooting guns. By this time it was already 6pm and getting dark, so I had to make the quick decision to leave.
"I had to consider my options if anything went wrong in the middle of the night. It would be pitch black, there are roads and potholes everywhere, and I wouldn't have any clear way out. So I made the decision to leave the area.
"There was a similar instance in California when I was camping alone showering in the women's bathroom.
"I had just finished drying off when a man poked his head in the bathroom and asked if I'd heard the news.
"I said what news, and he proceeded to enter the bathroom like nothing happened, and tell me someone in the campground had COVID.
"At this point, I was way less afraid of the COVID than a random dude in the women's shower who wouldn't leave. He asked if I was staying alone and I said yes, but I was leaving today (even though I wasn't planning to).
"I immediately went back to my car, packed up and left."
Camping in remote locations can be tricky if you run out of provisions or encounter a dangerous animal, but Serena says there are bigger concerns.
She said: "Humans in general are much more frightening than a wild animal to meet alone in unexpected locations like bathrooms, on hiking trails or in the forest.
"In general, most animals want two things - food and to be left alone. With humans, it could be all sorts of things and you never really know.
"For most solo travelling females, unless you are in an area with multiple humans, I never give myself enough time to find out. Thankfully, nothing too bad has happened as I always try to choose the safest option that is available to me at the time."
To stay safe on the road, Serena recommends following these top ten tips -
Research your destination thoroughly
Serena said: "Before embarking on your journey, do your research on the location you're visiting. Know the customs, laws, and social norms of the area.
"This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or unintentional offences. It also helps you to connect better with the locals when they see you are taking the time to respect and abide by their customs."
Research the area you will be staying and download an offline map
Serena said: "This will safeguard you from any cell phone drops or issues with international service. You do not want to be caught on an unfamiliar street at night without some sort of guide to get you to your destination!"
Dress appropriately
Serena said: "Dress modestly and in a way that blends in with locals. This will help you avoid unwanted attention and reduce the risk of harassment.
"This is especially important in more conservative countries and cultures. Plus, it is a form of respect to adopt the customs and culture of that area. I often look at photos of where I'm going to see what the dress style is in the area, and I try to abide by it."
Stay in safe accommodations
Serena said: "Book your accommodations in safe and well-reviewed areas. Look for places with good security measures like a Superhost on Airbnb, or a hotel with good reviews or security cameras.
"Don't skimp on price over safety! If money is an issue, then stay in a hostel or around other people where you will have assistance if needed."
Share your itinerary
Serena said: "I've often travelled to another country, wandered unfamiliar streets then suddenly realised no one in the world knew where I was! Bad idea.
"Always share your travel plans with trusted friends and/or family members. Keep them updated on your whereabouts and any changes to your plans."
Trust your instincts
Serena said: "I've been in questionable situations. And while sometimes it was a hassle for me to move, what would have been more of a hassle is if something happened to me!
"These days I ask myself, 'would I rather spend an hour changing locations, or a year recovering from a bad experience?' If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut. Remove yourself from the situation and seek help if needed."
Stay connected but safe
Serena said: "Thanks to social media, this is easier now than over. But this also goes both ways. Connect with your friends, but don't share your immediate location online, you never know who is watching.
"Stay in touch with trusted friends and family back home. Check in with them regularly and only give your whereabouts to them privately."
Carry identification
Serena said: "Always carry a form of identification with you, such as your passport or driver's license. If you don't want to carry around your passport (I rarely do), most of the time a photo or printed copy of your passport works fine."
Learn basic self-defence
Serena said: "Take a self-defence course or learn some basic techniques to defend yourself in case of an emergency. Carry mace or pepper spray with you.
"Another option is a loud whistle to draw attention to yourself or a metal pen that can double as a self-defence tool if needed."
Avoid walking alone at night
Serena said: "Stick to well-lit and busy areas and avoid walking alone at night as much as possible. Consider taking a taxi or rideshare instead. Even on familiar streets, you never know who may be watching or following your habits."
Bonus tip: Have travel insurance
Serena said: "I don't always use travel insurance. But this is what I choose for my travels and what works for me. Many times travel insurance provides you with financial protection in case of any unforeseen events, such as illness or theft.
"It's a great fallback method for the more cautious traveller, and there are very affordable options out there. A quick search online will pull up the best options for you and your destination."
Serena added: "The main thing is to be aware of your surroundings, always know what's in front, beside, and behind you. As my friend's father always says, 'keep your head on a swivel'.
"I've done that so far and it works! The above precautions are easy to implement and will save you a lot of hassle, making your trip not only enjoyable but safe."
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