Joran van der Sloot confesses: 10 critical tips for women for travel safety

Hopefully, the author, Jessica Ashley, will learn how to use the English language someday... Between the missing words and the awkward language, it was a very difficult read...

As a man and father of a very good looking daughter . At times I feel sad that so many women fear men and think that they can not be trusted. But I know that there are some sorry sob out there, but not all men are that way . When I see a beautiful lady or child I walk on by and not say any thing , in fear of being misunderstood . One time I found a girls pay check from a store in the mall . So I went to the mall to give it back to her , when I ask for her , her boss thought that I was a pervert even thought my wife was with me . So I said to hell with it and left , latter I gave it to mall security police and ask them to give it to her . Yes be careful but do not stereotype all men this way . There are good people out there and bad people . men and women that we need to watch and be careful of

Why is he alive? Because the law protects the guilty. You're right, if somebody had put a bullet in van der Sloot after he killed Natalee Holloway, not only would Stephany Flores be alive today, but, the Holloways would have the closure they seek, need, and, deserve. Maybe the Peruvians will get the job done right!

When I want to do work that may be unaccepted by my husband Ialways text the name and adress to my best friend (who also happens to be a man) becayuse it gives mea sense of safety if going to meet up with someone new,good idea for anyone :)

I think I have been beating the drums about men being awful for some time. Not just strangers, males you know can be dangerous, too. I don't trust any men and I have zero problems with them. They burned it with me. I think you should all do the same... They have a lot to answer for, these men. Let them start showing us women they are worthy of our precious attention. I think they are mostly not, but if they can leap tall buildings, etc, maybe they could get a chance...maybe.

Sadly, I think media images have portrayed women as desperate and always looking for a man (including you, Shine). This kind of false image gives all men the wrong impression. Couple that with their Viagra and porn addictions and girls, we are in the poo-dung way deeper than you could possibly imagine...

Bravo, Jessica!. I feel positive that you have absolutely saved someone's life out there with this post. My daughter is only 12, but I have already spoken to her about sociopath's....who are often extremely intelligent and know who to fool others with manners and clean cut looks. I may have been discussing social networking and sports coaches with her, but it applies everywhere. I also like the suggestion from Theresa about an alert to your credit card company, my family often does this before travel. My late grandmother, who traveled to Eastern Europe, ALWAYS hid money in her undergarments and spread it out in her luggage. This was a heck of a PSA for all women traveling alone or in groups!

Bravo, Jessica!. I feel positive that you have absolutely saved someone's life out there with this post. My daughter is only 12, but I have already spoken to her about sociopaths....who are often extremely intelligent and who know how to fool others with manners and clean cut looks and dialogue. I may have been discussing social networking and sports coaches with her, but it applies everywhere. I also like the suggestion from Theresa about an alert to your credit card company, my family often does this before travel. My late grandmother, who traveled to Eastern Europe, ALWAYS hid money in her undergarments and spread it out in her luggage. This was a heck of a PSA for all women traveling alone or in groups!

I hope this is a warning to all young women. Do not go anywhere alone with a stranger, especially not to his hotel room. That applies to your own neighbornood,too, not just a foreign country. Two young women are dead because they were not cautious enough. There is something remiss. They only knew each other a few hours and she was busy on his computer? What conversation led her to his computer.

These are great tips. People tend to be carefree on vacation and not think about safety. The friendliness and happy vibe of tourist areas can give people a false sense of security, and even outside of tourist areas, you need to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

I'd add to this list not getting drunk in a public venue. Watch your alcohol intake, buy your own drinks, don't ever leave your drink unattended on a table. Alcoholic drinks in one country may have a very different effect on you then what you're used to drinking at home. Having your strength, balance, and judgment compromised in a club or in an unfamiliar place is courting disaster.

Uhhhh aren't these all common sense things?? Just saying,I learned all this stuff years ago,it's called good parenting. My parents told me all this stuff as soon as I started going to the mall alone. Really the way grown women act is crazy.

stay safe ppl...not long ago in our local mall, and guy IN A SUIT AND BRIEFCASE...helped a woman change her tire. It was dark. When he was done he asked the lady for a ride to the other side of the mall where he left his car. She said sure but that she had forgotten something in the cashier. She called the police from inside the mall, and then guy left. The cops look in her car and so on, while changing her tire the dimwitt forgot his ""briefcase""...Well in the briefcase there was duct tape, gloves everything that pointed out that the man had horrible intentions...SOOO SCARYYYYY

A good item to have on you at all times when you're travelling outside the country is a plain gold (colored) band--and of course, I'm talking about a typical wedding ring, or a fake one. It helps back up your stories about your husband meeting you places, and many predators will steer clear if a woman seems to have a male protector in the picture. It may be medieval, it may be sexist, but it's true. Deal with it. If you've got a non-traditional wedding ring (say, one with stones or silver-colored metal), then you should probably invest in a cheap traditional type ring so it's more easily recognized. The symbol of the plain gold band is known pretty much everywhere there are tourists.

...and remember, even if they don't rape you, strangle you, rob you, slash you, shoot you, drown you, push you over the balcony or kidnap you, they could still bore you to death...or just make you so irritated with their asinine behavior that you want to kill yourself. Men are pointless wastes of time... Why do I feel like I'm repeating myself?

It has always been dangerous to travel and that is why you must take certain precautions, we recently flew to Colorado, we took the city bust late at night with our 3 children and my mother in law and sister in law anyways there was a group of guys that saw us before we even got into the bus. They were making hand signals to eachother, I was terrified, they were going to block our exit but a cop car was right behind the bus, so they stayed there. It was very scary.

Call your credit card company and give them your travel dates so you won't find yourself abroad with a cancelled card due to unusual activity.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Stand up straight, look around frequently and show you're paying attention.
Have a drink or two but never get intoxicated when traveling, especially in foreign countries.

Yeah, if you get a flat tire, call AAA or your insurance company. DONT let a stranger help you. Their intentions may not be as innocent as they seem. If someone stop and asks if you need help, just tell them you've got it handled.

I am sending these to my daughter! Great tips for young and not so young females.

Being aware of what is going on around you and showing you paying attention is the best thing you can do to deter predators. For some reason I've always been super aware of what is happening around me. Before I get in and out of my car ANYWHERE scan the area first. I think that women should carry weapons with them, and if you scared of carrying a gun, at least have pepper spray or a taser...there are too many nut jobs out there to not protect yourself. I'm just at 5 foot tall so I'd be easy prey for some scum bag, but that scum bag would be in for a rude awakening if they tried that mess with me.

Leah - your story is a scary reminder of just how crazy and opportunistic people can be. I'm glad you were aware enough to spot that creep and take steps to protect yourself.

Why is this stupid SOB still alive?? Unbelievable!! He is a self-righteous, conceited, arrogant, cold blooded murderer and if he had been murdered himself for the death of Ms. Holloway, Ms. Flores would still be alive today. I think her parents should sue the family of Van der Sloot.

I'm by no means a worrywart, but I agree with those tips and that safety while travelling is important. Lots of seedy types of people favour tourist traps because they expect vacationers to be a bit out of sorts and vulnerable. Also, the 'gut feelings' that might work very accurately for you in your own turf might not be so reliable in an unfamiliar environment.

And don't get isolated with ANYONE, not just men. Lots of scammers are couples and women can get recruited by shady characters because they don't raise suspicion as much. If you meet genuine, nice people, they will totally respect your desire to remain safe in a busy, public place.