Women travelling alone should be particularly mindful of their safety

For the free-spirited adventurers or simply strong independents, the world really is your oyster.

When it comes to travel or particularly, driving their own cars out on the highways and by ways, they are also considered soft targets by criminals.

So here are 20 pointers to consider when you travel alone, or even in pairs.

1. It is imperative that you share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member and keep them posted on route. Utilising your WhatsApp location pinning technology to “check” in every now and then, may well prove a life saver should you get lost or experience a serious emergency.
2. Ensure that the vehicle in which you travel, is roadworthy and in a mechanically sound condition.
3. Plan your route beforehand and use Google maps for direction. Getting lost in this day and age, is not to be advised and should it happen, it will escalate the risks of travelling alone.
4. Do not pick up hitch-hikers – never. The risks involved are not worth it.
5. Do not stop at the side of the road to help someone. Rather drive a little bit further, stop and call for or arrange support for the broken down vehicle.

6. It has also been suggested that if you experience a breakdown, you open your car’s bonnet and then move a safe distance away from the vehicle from where you can safely assess the situation when someone should stop and offer help.
7. Knowing who to call for help and having their details on your phone is critically important and will eliminate some of the anxiety which is often part and parcel of an emergency situation.
8. Know how to change a flat tyre. Practise it at least once before you find yourself in a situation where it is required.
9. Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous or situations or places.
10. Trust your gut – if it does not feel right – it probably isn’t – so get out of there immediately.
11. If the distance you will travel, dictates a stay-over, ensure that you also have the details of alternative accommodation, should your first choice prove to be a little suspect.
12. Ensure that your cell phone is always fully charged.
13. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
14. Dress conservatively.
15. Along the route, stop at places or facilities dedicated to catering to travellers – well lit and busy…
16. If you fill up, keep an eye on your SMS notifications from the bank. Report continuous charges for fuel to your bank immediately.

17. Keep valuables out of sight.
18. Stay off the phone while you are driving.
19. Keep your ID and other documents at hand but in a safe place.
20. Plan your trip in such a way that you don’t have to drive at night.

Well, there you have it. One can add many more, but being mindful and planning as per the aforementioned, will assist and safeguard you during your trip.

Enjoy the freedom of independent travel and stay safe.