Road trips have been great outdoor adventures for ages. This could be due to the fact that they provide an inexpensive way to explore beautiful serene places at a closer range. Besides, road trips are just exciting and they make you feel in charge of your journey.
While road trips are generally safe, to women, they can pose several security threats as compared to their male counterparts or when people are road tripping as a group. Women are seen as weaker genders and anyone with an ill motive may find them as an easy target. It is even worse if the woman is just alone.
Since women have to go on road trips, this article is specifically written to help them enjoy their trips as well as ensure they are safe while doing so. Therefore, if you are a lady preparing for a solo road trip, consider these safety tips. They can prevent you from putting yourself into a vulnerable situation while out there.
Never pick a stranger on the way
Women are known to be kind and willing to offer help whenever possible. That’s why people with ill motives find it easy to approach women. Unfortunately, agreeing to offer a ride to someone you do not know can put your life in danger. The mere appearance of the person asking for the ride is not enough to know the kind of a person they are and what they really want from you. Even a few minutes of conversation is not enough to reveal the true intentions of a person.
Also, do not stop to help a person who seems stranded or in need of help. Though you may be tempted to assist, the person could be pretending to get your attention. You may be sincerely willing to help but when you are alone it’s better to just let that person be. Remember it won’t be easy to get rid of the same person the moment you realize they are not what they had earlier pretended to be. Thus, don’t put yourself in danger by picking up someone you don’t know along the way. If you come across someone who is in dire need of help, instead of slowing down, consider getting to a place you are sure is safe and then call for help. If you are going to be of any help to the victim you have to be safe first.
Rest well the day before
Before the actual travel day, make sure you get enough sleep. You need to be well relaxed and energetic if you are going to enjoy your trip. Try to get to bed a little earlier than usual. You’ll need at least 8 hours of sleep to build your energy reserve for the day. To ensure nothing disturbs your sleep. Make sure you pack all the things you are going to carry. Knowing everything is set for the trip will give you the peace you need to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
On the actual travel day, start your journey in the morning. Take regular breaks along the way preferably after every two hours. It is a superb way to stay fresh and alert when you are behind the wheel. Plus, you get to make informed decisions when your mind is fresh.
Avoid travelling at night
Travelling at night may seem like more fun but it can also be riskier. For instance, carjackers will find you as an easy target and getting help at night is quite difficult. Hence, not unless you plan to stop for the night, it’s always best to start your journey in the morning. Travelling during the day is not only safer but it also gives you enough time to reach your destination without instances of over speeding. Do not put yourself at risk by driving at night while you could have done the same during the day enjoying the beautiful serene.
Avoid over packing
What is the need of worrying about the safety of items you will not even use? Be smart and pack what you are sure you will need. Travelling light is convenient and it also gives you the freedom to enjoy your trip without worrying about unnecessary baggage. More so, in case you get a puncture, it will be easy to leave your car behind, get a cab and go look for help. Unlike when you have a lot of things in the car and you are not sure of their safety if you leave them behind.
Pack enough snacks and drinks
Carrying along a variety of healthy snacks and enough drinks will ensure you don’t starve throughout the journey. It will also prevent you from stopping at various fast-food stores to grab something to eat. If you are travelling to remote places without restaurants and shops where you can buy foodstuffs, you won’t be tempted to accept food or drinks from other travellers.
Picture this, you didn’t carry enough water and you are very thirsty. But over the same, you spot an incredible attraction site and you decide to stop over to take some pictures. There is also another couple taking selfies and having a nice time. You get to talk and within no time, you are friends and they offer you their drinks. If they intend to hijack innocent people, you will wake up to find your car and everything in it gone. Don’t assume it can’t happen to you, if it has happened to others, then know it can happen to you as well. Before you take that snack or drink, evaluate carefully. In fact, the best and the safest option is to carry your food and drinks.
Avoid wearing flashy jewellery
Even though you may want to look fabulous, wearing expensive flashy jewellery draws unnecessary attention towards you and can make you look like a wealthy target. It is better you leave your gorgeous expensive wears at home than to wear them for your road trip only to lose them and get hurt in the process. Instead of wearing that killer outfit while on the road, why don’t you choose simple comfortable outfits and accessories? They will draw less attention towards you and give you a good chance to enjoy your trip.
Avoid lonely parking lots
If you want to be safe during your next road trip, avoid parking your vehicle in a parking lot where there is just one car or worse still, your car is the only one. You don’t know why other car owners are avoiding it. Please, don’t find out with your own experience. If you want to park your car, then choose a parking lot with other cars. The park should also be well lit.
Women for road tripping
Solo road tripping is exhilarating and fulfilling. Even some women say it is a ritual to them. However, before you hit the road, make sure your safety is guaranteed. Your loved ones are expecting you back home in one piece.
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