Safety First

Safety First

​I love to travel.  And the majority of the time, I travel alone. I am often asked questions about my adventures and I love to talk about the places I go and the things I see, but I also get a lot of questions about my thoughts on safety. 
So while it's fresh on my mind- since I just finished up a trip from the West Coast- I thought I'd share a few of them here and then some tips I've learned along the way.
So, just to start- I never just wander.  When I travel, I always have a destination in mind... and on the way there is pretty much the only time I am spontaneous.  I do like to have at least 75% of my trip planned.  I usually pull a camper, but this last trip, I lived out of my truck.  (I can write an entire article on the pros and cons of just that! Lol!)

I love history, so most of my sidetrips are usually triggered from that but I am also a HUGE fan of natural beauty.  I'm a sucker for a waterfall or a sunset and have been known to go out of my way for some beautiful scenery.  And yes, I love being outdoors, so this kind of lifestyle fits me to a tee.
I absolutely love to travel and I am always looking for a new adventure or places I haven't been.  I am working on the United States and have yet to visit other countries.

Okay, now to your safety.
I'm often asked if I'm I ever scared...
Yes.  Yes I am.  And there's a fine line between trusting your gut and realizing you may just be looking for things to make you afraid.  Trust your gut.  If you are ever in a situation and it just doesn't feel right, pay attention.

- Always let someone know where you are.
I am constantly checking in with someone in my circle when  and where I stop for the night and when I leave again in the morning.  Sometimes I'll let them know where I'm headed, or when I've crossed markers like state lines.  Always let someone know where you are.  My phone is always linked to someone else, so if anything happens, they can ping my phone... which makes sense that the next one is:
- Always have your cell phone on you.  Carry it with you everywhere.  Don't leave it in your car, keep it with you.  You may need to make an emergency call.  You may need someone to find you.  You may need a flashlight.  You may fall and hurt yourself... and if you ever feel uncomfortable or feel you might be in a dangerous situation- call someone and just talk with them.  Even better, FaceTime them.  They can see where you are and can see if anyone comes up to you and most times, it will deter anyone's interest in you.

- Always have self protection.
Now, before you dismiss this one with, well, I have a gun, hang on.  If you are attacked, they are not going to wait until you fish down to the bottom of your purse or unlock the glove compartment to get your weapon before they proceed.  You need some kind of weapon, whatever one you are comfortable with, on your person or in your hand whenever you stop somewhere or are alone.  Always, Always, Always in rest areas.  Make sure you have multiple options that are easily attainable no matter where you are.  Meaning. have them in several places in your vehicle as well as on you. 
A caveat to that... know how to use it.  And be prepared to use it.  If anyone gets close enough to me that I'm able to USE any of my weapons, I won't stop fighting until I am safe.

- Don't wear your hair in a ponytail.  (Researching murders and serial killers, you learn weird things.). They look for this and will use your ponytail as a handle.  Does this mean you can never wear one?  No, just if you're by yourself and in a not-so-crowded space, maybe not then... or wear a low one or a close to the head braid.

- Be aware of your surroundings.  Look at everything.  Notice where the cars are parked.  Hallways.  Alleys. People.

-Don't wear headphones or earbuds.  When you are out there on your own, you need all of your senses.  You certainly don't want to make it easy for someone to be able to sneak up on you.

- Be aware of your cell phone usage.  This falls back to "Be aware of your surroundings."  If you have your head down, lost in your phone, you're not paying attention to the people around you.  Also, try to have your back to a wall or lean against your vehicle while using your phone, so you have one less angle you have to worry about.  And on that note... 

-Women are the worst about getting into their cars and checking their phones without shutting their doors or locking them.  I am guilty of this too.  After I fill up the tank at a gas station, I'm usually checking missed messages or my gps... and I leave myself wide open for attack.  Get in your vehicle, shut the door, lock it and then check your stuff.

-Make eye contact.  Attackers look for easy prey.  Shy or timid prey.  Don't be that.  Stand up straight and hold your head up.  If you look at every person in the eye as you pass one another, it's not only a sign of confidence, but you already have a solid look at the person's face.  They are less likely to attack you if you can identify them.

- Always park under a light.  Make sure you can see and be seen.

- Don't let your gas tank get so low that you are dependent on the "next" gas station.  You don't know what that place will be!  Pick ones that are well lit and "bonus" if they have security cameras.  (and clean bathrooms!) 

We have to acknowledge that whenever you choose to travel alone, you are accepting that there is some risk.  Something bad could happen. You choose that traveling solo is worth the risk so, even though this section might be uncomfortable, it's quite necessary.

- Security cameras.  Always look for and AT the security cameras.  Know where they are and always let them see you.  If anything should happen to you, this will give the police a time stamp and a visual of where you were.  Always look directly into the camera.

- When you go into a gas station, always say something to the cashier.  The more unique the better.  Ask a question.  Pay them a compliment.  Say something funny.  Drop your change.  Be memorable.  If something happens to you; when the officers ask, "do you remember seeing this person?"  Hopefully they will say, "yeah, that's the lady that complimented me on my hair."

- Have an ICE contact clearly marked in your phone or wallet. (ICE= In Case of Emergency).  Make it easy for authorities to be able to connect to your people... just in case. 

- Always let those you love know you love them, because... you just don't know.

I don't say these things to be morbid, and even by doing every single thing does not mean it will be 100% effective.  But it might help. 
Life is too short to pass up opportunities that make you happy or to stay in one place because of fear.  But you can also be smart about it.
These aren't in any order, I just added them as they came to me... and yes, I follow each one.  I love my family and as much as I love going out to wander, I love coming back home to see their faces.  So I try to be as safe as I possibly can.
I hope these help you too.  
Follow your heart. Make some memories.  Have adventures!  Leave a legacy. You only get one time around so make the most of it!

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