I've wrote about adventages of sightseeing alone, but it also has this downside of being alone, nobody there to help you - you’re on your own and nobody would notice you’re gone longer than you should be. That’s why it’s good to remember to be extra careful. Here are some things worth knowing:

Tourists are the easiest pray for thieves and other criminals. After all what can be easier that a person not knowing their surroundings and busy with looking around and enjoying the view? Add the bonus if not knowing the language and where the police station is. That's why it's so important to avoid the label by not looking the part. It’s easy to do on a day trip, a little harder when you’re on road trip. How to do it? Dress the way you would if it was a normal day, not a trip - the most popular tourist outfit are jeans/shorts and top paired with comfy shoes, jacket hanging as a belt. So change something, put your jacket in your bag or take umbrella instead, wear a nice blouse or a dress, take shoes that are comfortable without screaming who you are (trainers are for training, people). I did lots of my trips in comfortable ballerina flats or even wedge sandals - not a typical tourist choice, right? Here's (x) a good article about what not to wear when travelling. 

But more important thing: accessories. No camera hanging on your neck. Take a picture and put it back in your bag. Women, a hat is less touristy than a baseball cap. Bag is better than backpack and if you insist on backpack take a small one, an elegant one, or any other type than the big “backpacker with lots of stamps” one. Don’t wear flashy jewellery too. 

Don’t answer the “are you alone?” questions. Say you’re going to meet your friends (I mean, you are going to meet them at some point of your future... Nobody has to know it will be in a few weeks not in five minutes). Walk with purpose and look busy, like you’re now where you’re going and you’re already ten minutes late. 

There are some countries where alone women are in more danger so it would be wise to check it before going. How to stay safe there? If a place is known for dubious safety, reconsider if seeing it is worth your wellbeing. It’s best to stick to places where other women are. It’s always safer in a group and if you can’t spot any women in a bar/restaurant maybe find some other place. If there are no women then stick to places where families with children are. 

Don’t accept help, ask for it. When asking, chose the same patter as for places: women or families with children - don’t go to a group of men for directions, that’s how many sad stories of female travellers in Delhi started. 

“Easy for you to say!” you might think, but actually, it’s very easy to do too. Nothing screams “tourist!” as much as a person trying to find themselves on a giant map and struggling to keep it open. Don’t do that. How? 1) Check your route back home and try to memorise it or write it down on a piece of paper. 2) Download the map to your phone or make a photo of it. This way if you’re checking the map, you’ll look like a local texting friends. 3) Use google maps. It’s really good for navigation in most of places and it has an added bonus of showing you you’re exact location and direction you’re heading.

First the obvious: don’t carry a lot of cash on you, don’t put all your money in one place and don’t show off how fat your wallet is. Men, don’t carry your wallet in the back pocket of your trousers (actually don’t do this even back home, it’s like Christmas for thieves). If you have a backpack take it off when you’re standing and keep in it sight. Use hotel safe for valuable things. 

One of the best and most important rules of self defence according to Krav Maga is  to stay out of dangerous situations. When you see a street that looks bad to you don’t try to convince yourself that it should be fine and you’ll be all right and you’re not a spooky baby. If it looks bad, don’t go there. When you go somewhere always be aware of your surroundings.

Sighstseeing alone might be fun but you must remember to be more careful. There's lots of other tips all over the Internet so remember to be prepared and stay safe!

It’s International Women Day and I decided to write about something every women going to Japan should know. The stalking problem. Something that a two week turist haven't probably paid attention to in such extent as a long term resident. Remember how in anime sometimes there is this creepy stalker girl/guy character who is usually a harmless comic relief? Well, it’s not just writer’s imagination, it’s an actual problem. One I unfortunately saw a glimpse of myself.

Usually people try to find a group to do something: whether it's clubbing, going to a concert or travelling. It's natural and understandable: the more the merrier after all! But sometimes during my stay in Japan I had some free time while all my friends were busy so I had to choose: sit in my room by myself, or go out and do something. Every now and then I went sightseeing on my own. After a while I realised that while sightseeing in a group has a lot of perks, doing it alone has some advantages too, and I learned how to enjoy it to it’s fullest. In the end, it’s all about the attitude. 

Let me tell you one thing: packing for almost five months into one suitcase is not easy. It took me a few days to figure it all out and I’m still not sure if I've taken everything that will be necessary.