Safety first when you're out and about
1. Choose a good travel companion.
This is a very important point. Whether traveling near or far, it’s essential to have at least one male companion, preferably a family member or someone you know well. Be cautious with strangers—they might pose an even greater risk.
2. Never stray from the group during outdoor trips and avoid traveling alone, especially at night. It’s hard to predict what dangers lie ahead, and being alone makes it much harder to avoid them.
3. If traveling in a group, having a good team leader is crucial. The leader should be experienced and responsible, and must have personally traveled the planned route; otherwise, the consequences could be unpredictable.
4. When participating in outdoor activities, the most important thing is to respect science and know your limits. Due to physiological differences, women generally don’t have the same physical strength or endurance as men. We may have better stamina, so take it easy and don’t overdo it.
5. If you unfortunately find yourself facing a bad person alone, stay calm. Don’t miss any chance to save yourself.
6. Try to travel with others and avoid being alone along the way. Don’t think that going it alone is romantic—traveling with company is absolutely vital. Especially for petite women who like to carry large backpacks, being alone can leave you helpless if something goes wrong.
7. When choosing someone to share a tent with, avoid sleeping in the same tent with a complete stranger. Get to know your potential tentmate as much as possible during the hike. Safety is paramount when camping outdoors, so sleeping alone in a tent is not recommended.
Keep these precautions in mind
Dress simply and naturally: don’t behave like a tourist. Travel isn’t a beauty pageant—avoid flashy clothing or showing off valuables, which may attract criminals. Put your camera away securely after taking photos at each spot. When using public transport, wear your backpack in front of your chest.
Before heading out, study the geography while sitting in your hotel, a discreet place, or a secure seat on the subway before moving on.
Stay alert at all times and keep conversations quiet to avoid giving criminals an opportunity.
Don’t waste your sympathy—avoid giving handouts casually. Giving money to one beggar may result in being swarmed by a group and unable to escape. Also, steer clear of suspicious men, women, or children approaching you, and guard your belongings to avoid theft that could leave you stranded in a foreign place.
Be cautious when taking trains. Trains are often hotspots for crime, with large crowds and mixed individuals. Always stay highly alert on trains. If taking a sleeper car, opt for the upper bunk if possible.
Don’t feel sorry about turning down friendly chats from good-looking strangers—they might be wolves in sheep’s clothing. Also, avoid drinking beverages offered by strangers. Be wary of anyone who initiates conversation—they may have been watching you for a while.
Pay attention to accommodation safety. If you have a choice, don’t be tempted by cheap options or rent unknown private homes or rooms on lower floors. Safety always comes first.
Travel care, beauty first
“Who knows who you’ll meet next?” Whoever said this, no one wants to look disheveled during their trip. Meeting someone you like could turn awkward if you’re not looking your best. So, remember to take care of yourself during your travels—at the very least, you’ll look great in photos.
Here’s a set of outdoor beauty tips to share with you:
First, skin care:
Protecting your skin is the top priority when you’re out. In spring, watch out for pollen, and dry outdoor weather can dehydrate your skin, so bring moisturizing skincare products. I always carry a bottle of moisturizing spray in my bag to spritz anytime—it hydrates and soothes sun-exposed skin. It also has a nice fragrance to help ease travel fatigue.
Second, hair care:
In many places, you might not be able to wash your hair due to limited facilities. You can tie a scarf around your head or wear a cute sun hat—stylish and protective, keeping your hair less exposed and cleaner. In harsh environments, try not to brush your hair too much, as brushes can stimulate the scalp and increase oil production. Avoid washing your hair in cold wild spring water to prevent catching a chill.
Third, sun protection:
One major concern for women traveling outdoors is sun protection. The ultraviolet rays outdoors are very strong, so applying sunscreen is essential. When choosing a product, keep the following in mind: opt for a lightweight, easy-to-spread sunscreen, preferably in liquid form, to avoid clogging pores; select a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF level based on the UV index. Products with excessively high SPF can clog pores, feel greasy, and increase the risk of skin sensitivity.
Also pay attention to proper application and timely reapplication. In high-altitude, sunny areas, reapply every half hour. Before reapplying, blot away facial oil. Use a small container to reduce weight and make it convenient to carry in your pocket. Additionally, apply lip balm with SPF. Don’t forget to protect your neck and ears. In high-altitude areas with intense sunlight, wear a sun hat and sunglasses along with sunscreen for better protection.
Cleaning sunscreen: Many sunscreens have waterproof properties, so they can’t be washed off with just water. You’ll need to use makeup removal methods, such as makeup-removing wipes. There’s also a type of facial cleanser specifically designed for outdoor sports—this kind doesn’t require rinsing. You can apply it to your face and then wipe it off with a tissue, and it works quite well.
Physiology
Differences between men and women are objective, and the most significant one is what we commonly refer to as the menstrual cycle. As female outdoor enthusiasts, we should plan our trips according to this cycle. Try to avoid traveling or engaging in strenuous activity during your period, because women often experience physical discomfort, mood swings, and other issues at this time. These symptoms can affect not only the individual but also the entire team. Lack of concentration or physical exhaustion may even put you at risk. Moreover, in outdoor environments, resources are usually limited—water access and cleanliness can be constrained by external conditions, which can directly impact women’s health.
As the saying goes, man proposes, God disposes. Especially under the excitement of looking forward to a new journey, a woman’s menstrual cycle may be disrupted. Therefore, taking some precautions before traveling can help you avoid a lot of trouble. Prepare sanitary pads that can last one to two days, and bring several packets of disinfectant wipes. Outdoor water sources are limited, but feminine hygiene remains a priority. If your period arrives during the trip, don’t stress too much—just focus on self-care. In the wild, it’s easy to catch a chill, so keep your abdomen warm. Some women experience abdominal pain during their periods; use a heat pack for warmth, avoid cold and raw foods, and eat black ginger candy to soothe discomfort and replenish energy. Despite the inconveniences, with proper preparation, you should face it with a more relaxed mindset.
Psychology
Although we always emphasize that women’s safety in outdoor activities is the responsibility of every participant, and we repeatedly point out that women are physically weaker than men, this is not an excuse for women to act like delicate flowers in outdoor sports.
In outdoor activities, especially in the wilderness, gender roles are not as pronounced as in urban areas. Women should leverage the differences between genders to collaborate rather than constantly seeking help. Everyone has different walking speeds and varying levels of ability—the key is to face your own challenges and keep pushing your limits. This way, while earning the respect and support of your teammates, you’ll also truly experience the joy of challenging yourself in outdoor sports. Women may not have strong muscles, but they possess resilient perseverance; they may not be decision-makers, but they can foster team harmony through communication and coordination; they may not be able to blaze trails, but they have keen powers of observation. Pursuing gender equality doesn’t mean being the same as men, carrying the same loads, or taking on the same responsibilities. Everyone should play to their own strengths and traits, complementing each other to make the outdoor experience more enjoyable. Meanwhile, by utilizing your keen observational skills and outdoor knowledge, you can avoid potential dangers in the wild.
Safety comes first in the outdoors. Carry some self-defense tools, such as a Swiss Army knife—they often come in handy in the mountains. If air travel doesn’t allow them, bring non-restricted tools instead. Don’t carry too much cash; keep bank cards and your ID in separate places to avoid additional losses. When sharing a chartered vehicle with others, observe the person carefully and keep your family informed of your location and travel companions. If you have any, bring discount ID cards such as student IDs, press cards, or military IDs. Most importantly, wear a smile—no one will turn down a polite request from a smiling girl.
During your travels, you might encounter romantic stories—either a brief passionate encounter or a lingering beautiful connection. In the former, people part ways after the passion fades; in the latter, you maintain a subtle bond without crossing the line. I choose the latter. So all I’m left with are beautiful memories.