International travel
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The NO MORE Silence, Speak Your Truth platform provides a safe and supportive space for people impacted by domestic violence to share their experiences, learn from other survivors, and connect to resources.
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Tips for Women Traveling Solo, From Dining Out to Hotel Safety – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
20 Tips for Eating Out Alone – From A Seasoned Solo Diner | Indiana Jo
How To Choose The Best Safest Seat In A Restaurant Or Public Place (modernsurvivalblog.com)
10 Best Personal Self Protection Devices for Women in 2021 (expertsecuritytips.com)
50 Personal Security Tips (modernsurvivalblog.com)
Trouble Can Emerge At Any Time, So Be Alert, Be Ready (modernsurvivalblog.com)
Consider these points while choosing the safest seat:
– Choose a seat which has the best line of sight to entrances and exits (especially entrances) without having to turn your head much while seated.
– Do not be the closest seat to the entrance – which is an immediate point of focus.
– Being tucked into a booth will be a hindrance, so better to choose a table.
– Avoid choosing a seat out in the middle. Best to sit closer to a wall, facing out – although not directly up against the wall which could hinder movement and options.
– It is very important to be seated in a position where you can get to your feet quickly and start moving.
– Choose a seat that enables you to see as many people as possible.
– If possible, choose a seat that allows you to be as far away from the main entrance but closer to a secondary exit.
(Source: How To Choose The Best Safest Seat In A Restaurant Or Public Place (modernsurvivalblog.com)
STAYING SAFE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
How to Be Safe While Riding Public Transportation
Wells Call Injury Lawyers (wccbc.com)
Travel Safety Tips for Public Transportation |
What are Some Tips for Being Safe on Public Transportation? (wise-geek.com)
8 Ways to Stay Safe While Taking Public Transportation in a Foreign Country | Formerly TMHCC-MIS Group (worldtrips.com) (NOT just for foreign travel!)
3. Stay awake and alert at all times
You may be tempted to read a book, check your messages, or take a quick nap on public transportation, but that’s the perfect way to have your wallet, camera, backpack and other stuff stolen. Plus, you could end up in a strange place at the end of the bus line with no way to get back if you sleep too long!
Stay awake and alert no matter how tired you are. This is true when you’re in a taxi as well – your driver could be just as dangerous as a common criminal.
(Source: Travel Safety Tips for Public Transportation | Travel Insurance Review)
31 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers from the Experts (bemytravelmuse.com)
14 Safety Tips for Uber and Lyft Riders | Safety.com
Travel Solo With These Expert Travel Safety Tips for Women (ottsworld.com)
45 Incredibly Useful Safety Tips For Women Traveling Alone (buzzfeed.com)
Tips for Traveling Alone as a Woman in 2021 (fodors.com)
20 Hotel Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone – NerdWallet
25 TIPS TO STAY SAFE AS A SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER | HOW I MADE IT OUT ALIVE — Hey Ciara
10 Best Personal Self Protection Devices for Women in 2021 (expertsecuritytips.com)
50 Ways to Keep Yourself Safe from Sexual Assault | TBOTECH
Trust your gut.
1. “Politeness is never more important than safety. While the world would be a better place if everyone was thoughtful and kind, sometimes people – especially women – let courtesy override our gut instincts because we don’t want to be rude or be told we’re “overreacting.” But we should always trust our intuition, stop worrying about what other people think, be nice when it’s warranted, and choose safety when it’s not.” – Katie, Domestiphobia
6. Sofie from Wonderful Wanderings adds, “Don’t flaunt your valuables too much” which should seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people I see with their phones out on city streets or wearing jewelry when they travel! Just keep it hidden or at home. You don’t need to wear expensive rings and earrings when you travel.
7. Avoid listening to music with earbuds in while walking around in a city. It makes you less aware of your surroundings and also usually signifies to a would-be mugger that you probably have a smart phone in your pocket.
(Source: 31 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers from the Experts (bemytravelmuse.com)
From Northwestern University – Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
Although these were prepared for Northwestern University Students, employees and others affiliated with the University,
the Safety Tips, Resources and other general information is invaluable for anyone when traveling abroad!
Medical Emergencies
In the case of a medical emergency or sexual assault:
- The traveler should go to the nearest clinic or hospital.
Safety Emergencies
Victim of Crime Abroad | Report a Stolen Passport
In addition, the U.S. Department of State (U.S.. DOS) is also committed to assisting U.S.. citizens who become victims of crime while abroad. Consular officers, agents, and staff work with crime victims and to help connect individuals with the local police. Travelers can find the consular office in their local area by visiting this directory of U.S.. embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions.
Replacing lost or stolen documents
To replace a U.S.. passport lost or stolen abroad, American citizens must go to the nearest U.S.. Embassy or Consulate and apply in person.
Please note:
- Passport matters are usually handled on specific hours; read the embassy or consulate website carefully.
- Travelers will need to complete a document called a DS-11, provide a passport photo, and pay a replacement fee.
Contact the nearest U.S.. Embassy or Consulate for specific instructions, forms, and assistance.
Travelers of other nationalities should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of their citizenship for information about the procedure to replace a lost or stolen passport. Most countries have Internet web sites with contact information.
Filing police reports abroad
A victim of crime abroad is encouraged to report the crime to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report. It’s helpful for local authorities to know when and where crimes happen to foreigners so that they can improve their efforts to servile, detect and capture criminals. Also, such information can be used to warn future travelers about criminals’ tactics or targets.
However, in some locations, incidents that are considered crimes in the U.S.. might not be considered crimes abroad. Also, in certain countries, travelers may not find local authorities very understanding or sympathetic to victims.
If valuable items were stolen, such as a laptop or other expensive electronic devices, a copy of a police report will be required by your property insurance carrier should you wish to file a claim.
Special information is available for travelers who experience sexual misconduct abroad.
Embassy/consular notification
As a member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), which is a division of the U.S. DOS Bureau of Diplomatic Security, OGSS would like to report incidents of crime to the local embassy or consulate so that the U.S.. DOS can maintain up-to-date statistics on incidents involving its citizens abroad. Such notifications do NOT require the submission of personally identifiable information, only a description of the crime, time, location and any other relevant details. If a Northwestern traveler reports a crime abroad, OGSS will inquire about whether or not we can report the incident to OSAC.
Additional Supportive Resources
The resources outlined below are not an exhaustive list of agencies and services in each country. Additional resources can be found through . . . the closest U.S. Embassy and Consulates.
U.S. Government Resources
A list of resources and explanation of services from the U.S. Department of State for U.S. citizen victims of crime abroad.
International Resources/Support Services
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): RAINN offers live, secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of sexual violence, their friends and families. Call the toll-free hotline for sexual assault counseling and referrals: (800) 656-HOPE (4673) or chat online with a trained RAINN support specialist at online.rainn.org. The Online Hotline works like other instant messaging and online chat systems, but with enhanced security measure. The online hotline or chat is free of charge and available 24/7.
Pathways to Safety International: Pathways empowers victims of interpersonal & gender based violence abroad. Pathway’s 24/7 crisis line can be reached at 833-SAFE-833 (833-723-3833) or crisis@pathwaystosafety.org.
Media Resources/Articles
- Go Overseas outlines both prevention tips and resources following sexual violence
- “Sexual Assault Victimization Among Female Undergraduates During Study Abroad,” is an article investigates the prevalence of sexual assault victimization and related factors among undergraduates in the context of study abroad programs
Additional Resources
COVID-19 Travel Resources
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Complete List of Destinations
- U.S. DOS COVID-19 Country Specific Information
- International Air Transport Association (IATA) COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map
- UN International Civil Aviation Organization COVID-19 Airport Status
U.S. Department of State resources
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Travel Alerts and Warnings
- Country Specific Information
- U.S. Embassies or Consulates
Travel Health Resources
National & International Health & Safety Resources
Travel Safety
Review the safety and security topics in this section:
Securing Electronic Devices
Traveling with digital devices is often necessary in order to stay connected while you are away from the office or home. Here are several tips to keep you secure while you’re traveling.
Pre-Departure
- If a device, credit card, or document isn’t absolutely required for your trip, leave it at home.
- This is especially true for sensitive intellectual property that might have research or commercial value.
- Configure your devices for maximum security while traveling.
- Back up any data on devices that will be traveling with you.
- Set secure passwords, codes, or screen locks for all devices so information can’t easily be accessed if the device is lost or stolen.
- Use multifactor authentication where possible.
- If presenting or sharing research, be cognizant of different laws and social norms regarding intellectual property. Members of your audience may be subject to different legal and professional standards regarding reproduction of information or materials.
During Travel
- Keep portable equipment (cellphones, laptops, flash drives, etc.) in your possession at all times. If this is not possible, leave these items in a safe or a locked box/bag when unattended.
- Assume that any networks or devices other than your own are insecure. If you must connect to a device or network shared by other unknown guests, do not enter sensitive information (credit cards, bank accounts, passwords, etc.), and do not download updates or new applications.
- Be careful about the amount of information you are sharing on social media. You may be providing public answers to your security questions or public information about your absence from home. Lock down your privacy settings and be mindful of who has access to what information.
Back Home
- Change the passwords and PIN numbers on any accounts you accessed while traveling. Ensure that you are not reusing the passwords you created for devices and accounts prior to travel.
Security Information Resources
The U.S. Department of State (U.S. DOS)
The U.S. DOS’s Travelers website provides a variety of travel safety resources, including country-specific Travel Advisories.
Travelers can also signup for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. DOS to those who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. All Northwestern travelers should enroll in STEP (some students are required as a condition of their program or experience).
- Follow directions on the STEP website to “create an account” and then “add a trip” to your profile. This is a two-step process. Enrolling in STEP allows the United States government to act quickly in concert with other governments if you go missing or are a victim of a serious crime.
- By providing your email address, you will also be added to a consular listserv to receive local security updates related to road closures, transportation strikes, civil unrest, and more.
Communicating While Abroad
Mobile Safety Advice
- Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave for the day
- Take your phone charger and converter with you so you can charge your phone if your battery runs low
- Do not walk around in public with your face down in your phone
- In busy locales, keep a close eye on your cell phone to lessen the chance of theft