It's best to travel independently with companions.
Travel is a splendid adventure in life, filled with romance, passion, and beauty. However, at times, it can also bring danger, and there are countless shocking cases.
Setting out with good intentions, travelers may fall into the misconception that people in remote or ethnic minority areas are all simple and kind, or that foreigners—especially Europeans—are all friendly. Such misplaced trust can easily lead to tragedy. Moreover, some young women prefer to dress up glamorously and take plenty of selfies while traveling, which can, to some extent, increase the chances of attracting unwanted attention from criminals. As summer arrives and the new travel season begins, how can female tourists stay alert and guard against various unexpected incidents during their journeys?
Domestic Travel —
China is vast and diverse, with different provinces and regions varying greatly in environment, customs, and local culture. For example, the western region, with its unique geography and cultural setting, is beloved by Guangdong tourists for its relatively novel and abundant tourism resources. However, since most attractions are located in high-altitude plateau areas, remote mountainous regions, or ethnic minority enclaves—often with limited transportation, complex travel environments, and significant cultural differences—many tourists, especially young women, are more concerned about safety. Similarly, some remote areas in other regions also pose such concerns.
Group tours are safer.
Given the unique travel environment in the west, a representative from the domestic travel department of Nanhu International Travel Agency suggests that when traveling to the west, it’s best to join a group tour. On one hand, traveling with others allows for mutual support; on the other hand, large, reputable travel agencies usually have professional teams specializing in western travel and have set up bases or headquarters at many scenic spots, providing better travel guidance and thus greater safety assurance.
Independent travel is best done with companions.
If you choose independent travel, it’s best to go with friends or arrange in advance to travel with experienced veteran travelers. Also, hire local guides and drivers who are familiar with the area to lead the way, and try to avoid traveling alone or in a single vehicle to prevent being left helpless in case of emergencies. At the same time, do your homework before the trip—fully understand and familiarize yourself with the local geography and customs, and get mentally prepared in advance.
Purchase travel insurance.
To minimize losses from travel accidents, travel agencies recommend that tourists consider purchasing travel accident insurance when signing up for trips to the west or remote areas, to transfer the risks posed by natural disasters or mishaps encountered during the journey.
Emergency principle: Safety first.
When female travelers go out alone, having a strong presence can sometimes be crucial. Stay calm in the face of unexpected events and try not to show fear or timidity in front of criminals. In cases of theft or robbery, prioritize avoiding personal injury and use simple distress phrases. If you're unable to resist, voluntarily give up your belongings and immediately report the incident to local police.
If you’re on a group tour and experience theft or threats, report it to the tour leader immediately so they can handle negotiations with the hotel, police, insurance company, etc., and keep all original receipts, including transportation documents, accident reports, medical diagnosis certificates, medical expense receipts, forensic reports, etc., for future claims.
Safety backup: Stay in close contact with family and friends.
When traveling to remote areas, it’s best to stay in touch with friends and family throughout the journey—from departure to safe return. Let your loved ones know your whereabouts upon arriving at each destination. If you’re traveling with strangers, clarify their identity and share relevant information with relatives or friends. This ensures that if something happens, your loved ones can be informed quickly, and it may also make the strangers more cautious.
Traveling Abroad —
The most common threats to female safety while traveling abroad include theft, robbery, unwanted advances, and sexual harassment. Si Tu Hong, a senior tour guide from Guangzhilv, notes that Chinese female tourists often enjoy going out for evening walks or shopping while abroad. Without a male companion, those carrying handbags can easily become targets for motorcycle thieves. Walking in secluded areas increases the risk of various personal safety incidents, and even in crowded places, theft or harassment can occur. Therefore, no matter the time or place, female travelers should never let their guard down while abroad.
Key preventive principles are as follows:
1. Try to avoid traveling to countries or regions with poor security or political instability. Before departure, inform family and friends of your travel plans and itinerary, and save local emergency numbers such as police and ambulance services.
2. Carry self-defense items such as pepper spray or ultrasonic alarms.
3. Keep valuables on your person and avoid leaving them in tour buses or hotels to prevent theft.
4. Dress modestly and practically, trying to blend in with local attire. Avoid wearing too many luxury brand clothes or carrying designer bags, as displaying wealth may attract trouble.
5. When traveling to unfamiliar places, study maps in detail before heading out each day. Pulling out a map on the street can reveal that you’re a tourist and make you a target for criminals.
6. Avoid areas with frequent security incidents, especially at night, and try not to leave your hotel alone.
7. When traveling alone, be cautious of unsolicited help from strangers—even if they are women, don’t let your guard down.
8. Remember to respect local customs. Some mosques or temples abroad may not allow female visitors. Do not enter without the permission of the management. Additionally, in some countries, women wearing revealing clothing may not be welcomed, so dress appropriately to show respect.
Key Precautionary Measures
1. Hitchhiking
Try not to take rides in empty cars or vehicles with only male passengers, and avoid getting on or off in isolated areas. Before getting in, it’s best to note the license plate number and, if possible, discreetly take a photo of the other passengers with your phone. If necessary, consider paying the driver a small amount—it’s worth the peace of mind, as sometimes hitchhikers feel obliged to agree too quickly.
When chatting with strangers during your journey, stay alert and avoid sharing personal details or showing off wealth. Maintain a respectful distance. Pay attention to their eye contact and “subtext,” especially the questions they ask most often—these often indicate what they are particularly interested in.
2. Taking Night Trains
Bustling train stations and long-distance bus terminals are among the most unsafe places, where criminals often blend in. At night, some train stations may also attract drunkards and homeless people. Therefore, female travelers should take extra care to protect themselves and their belongings when taking night trains. If possible, avoid traveling alone at night. If you must, choose a compartment with other female passengers and avoid the last carriage, which can be more vulnerable. When taking sleeper trains, opt for the upper berth, as the lower berth tends to have more foot traffic and is easier for thieves to target unnoticed.
3. Arriving in an Unfamiliar Town
When arriving in an unfamiliar town or traveling to areas with high crime rates or frequent theft, it’s advisable to use the hotel front desk safe to store cash and valuables, retrieving them as needed. During your stay, if a stranger approaches you, stay vigilant. Keep your handbag and luggage within sight, and never reveal your name or room number—or those of your companions.
If staying in a small inn and worried about the security of your door, consider purchasing a travel safety lock. Placing a cup on the doorknob can also help—if someone tries to turn it, the sound of the cup falling will likely scare them off.
4. Camping in the Wilderness
Some backpackers enjoy camping in the wild, while others may have to camp temporarily due to accommodation issues. Before setting out, learn basic camping knowledge and prepare essential gear. Whenever possible, camp with friends and choose large, secure campgrounds. A good tip is that paid campsites tend to be safer.
Purchase Travel Accident Insurance
Before choosing a travel agency, check its credentials, including whether it is legitimate, its ability to handle emergencies, and the robustness of its claims process. When signing up, remember to purchase travel accident insurance. Travel insurance is a powerful safety tool for tourists. Many Chinese travelers overlook this step, believing they won’t encounter problems or that they have enough experience to handle emergencies. In reality, for international travelers, insurance is as essential as an airline ticket and should never be skipped.
There are various brands and types of travel accident insurance available on the market. Choose one that suits your needs, ensuring it covers personal accident and medical coverage, emergency medical assistance, trip disruption protection, and personal property protection. Make sure to photocopy your insurance policy and leave it with family members so they know whom to contact in an emergency.
Emergency and Assistance
If you encounter theft, robbery, or threats abroad, stay calm and quickly assess your surroundings to see if self-rescue or seeking help is possible. When avoidance isn’t possible, try to observe and memorize the appearance and characteristics of the perpetrator. Always prioritize the principle that “money is replaceable, but life is not”—do not fight back. Report the incident to the police immediately and obtain a written police report. Notify your travel agency, rescue services, insurance provider, and your country’s embassy or consulate. Keep all original documents, including transportation and accident reports, for claims.
Lost Documents Response
Many travelers habitually keep their passport and other important documents together with credit cards and cash. If stolen, these documents may also be lost. In such cases, group travelers can, accompanied by their tour guide, obtain a loss certificate from the receiving travel agency, then report the loss to the local police and get a police report. With the police report and relevant materials, visit your country’s embassy or consulate to apply for a “People’s Republic of China Travel Document” to return home. Upon returning, you can apply for a new passport with the Travel Document and the foreign police loss report.