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Monday, November 9, 2009

How to Deal with Lecherous Males Abroad

Katie is a travel blogger for Tripbase.com - a great site for the undecided traveler offering 1000's of vacation ideas, all tailored to you and what you want.

Certain travel destinations are renowned as particularly difficult for lone female travelers when it comes to unwanted male attention. Check out these top 10 tips for dealing with lecherous males abroad….


1-      Avoid prolonged eye contact.
Considered acceptable in most western countries, it may be interpreted as explicitly inviting or disrespectful in certain cultures. If you can’t help it, wear dark sunglasses!

2-      Dress conservatively.
Avoid standing out with your miniskirt or revealing top in traditional areas. Look to local women for guidance.

3-      Wear a wedding ring!
This can immediately protect you from flirtatious pestering. If asked, you might want to pretend your nonexistent husband is waiting for you at the hotel or is picking you up at the bus exit.

4-      Leave a few clues to suggest you are accompanied.
These might include placing your coat on the window seat of a bus or leaving your bag on the opposite seat in a restaurant.

5-      Avoid appearing idle
Reading a novel on a train or writing postcards at a cafe should discourage any unwanted attention.

6-      Walk with assurance and direction
  Avoid obviously looking at maps in the street.

7-      Feign incomprehension
This may discourage a prolonged verbal assault. They’ll get tired of it in the end!

8-      Make a scene
Intimidate your abusers into silence. Learn a few expressions to noisily defend yourself in the local language (Example “dejeme sola!” in Spanish or “laissez-moi tranquille!” in French)

9-      Remain alert!
Keep an eye on your drink, have an emergency number saved on your phone and always be ready to scream or run.

10-  Defend yourself
Self-protection weapons such as a rape alarm or even just a whistle can be very useful. In the event of an assault in public, address yourself personally to the nearest passerby: this is a proven way to shock people out of apathy.

Don't be put off, most female travelers have fantastic experiences. Just keep my advice in mind to avoid nasty surprises and travel safely!

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Comments 1-3 of 3
  • high pockets's Avatar
    Posted by high pockets Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:18am PDT

    Thanks for the info. It might not be so bad for me a man. It might be kind of nice. Take care

    Report Abuse
  • Impy's Avatar
    Posted by Impy Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:11am PDT

    thanks for the good advice. i can also add that in India and many muslim countries, it's very important to cover your shoulders and legs -- especially if you have light skin. This keeps unwanted male attention to a minimum and stops them from thinking that you're a prostitute.

    Report Abuse
  • pen4hire's Avatar
    Posted by pen4hire Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:00am PDT

    Great tips.

    Saying "go away" in the local language will often attract the attention of friendly locals who will come to the rescue.

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-3 of 3

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