Table 3 Interpersonal Safety

Plan ahead

 Find out gender issues and attitudes towards women at the destination

 What are acceptable manners? Is it appropriate to approach men for questions? Does looking into men’s eyes mean an invitation? Shake hands?

 Do you know yourself enough? What are your plans in case …?

 Could your travel plans expose you to risks?

  - Shamanic experiences; sexual assault linked to ceremonies

  - Sex/romance tourism: more problematic where women tourists are new – local men don’t know how Western women function

  - Legal situation regarding adultery, pre-marital sex

Encounters

 Don’t invite visitors to your room; don’t accompany men to their room; meet in foyer or in public places

 Avoid using local dating apps

 Don’t accept rides with strangers

 Understand local perception of Western women

 Limit alcohol, avoid any drugs; be aware of drink spiking

 Be alert at ‘full-moon parties’

 Be alert in crowds

 Don’t eat/drink somebody’s food if they don’t eat the same

 Don’t discuss travel plans with strangers

 Be aware of people posing as police or tour guide

 Control your own behaviour

 Know procedure in case of rape (police reports, forensic examination etc)

Protection

 Wear a whistle, ‘rape alarm’

 Carry personal protection devices if legal at destination