A few weeks ago, I traveled to Costa Rica around the same time that news broke of Carla Stefaniak, the missing Florida woman who was sadly found murdered a few days later by a suspected security guard. That situation shook me to the core for a multitude of reasons and reminded me just how vulnerable we are as women, and how we should never take travel safety lightly. As a Business IT Consultant, through the years I’ve had my fair share of solo travel. And while liberating–it at times came with a heighten sense of vulnerability. Truth be told, as women–we must move differently. We can never let our guard down. And so, with that said—here are 5 international travel safety tips that I live by when traveling abroad.

1. Avoid Night Travel. I like to survey the area where I’m traveling to and arriving— and traveling in at night just doesn’t allow for that. I always try to schedule my flights with a midday arrival time. It leaves enough time for me to secure luggage and travel to my hotel before the sun sets. I hate the feeling of traveling to unfamiliar territory in the dark.
2. Store US Embassy Contact Information. When traveling abroad–I make it a habit to research the US Embassy in the city and country to which I’m traveling. I store the contact information either in my cell phone or my passport holder. Just in case some unforeseen situation arise—I can reach the Embassy if necessary.
3. Never Stay at an Airbnb Alone. I know a lot of you swear by Airbnb. But there is something a little eerie for me about staying at a random stranger’s home. You don’t know the neighbors, the neighborhood or the history of the host. And that is creepy AF for me. I get that it’s a cheaper alternative to traditional hotels, but at least with hotels—there’s a level of security, convenience and obligation. I’d rather take my chances with a corporate entity than a random homeowner. But if Airbnb is your thing—avoid staying at a property alone, especially if it is a property that you’ve never once stayed.
4. Make Copies of Passport. I’ve heard plenty of horror stories of folks losing their passport or having it stolen while abroad. I always make extra copies and take them with me when traveling internationally. That way– should anything happen, you have a photocopy or two.
5. Verify Consumer Ratings. I can’t stress this enough. With booking sites like Trip Advisor there really is no excuse to not conduct the necessary research on properties, restaurants, travel companies, etc. when traveling. Trust your fellow consumers. If most of the reviews are negative–then heed the warnings and book elsewhere. Your safety depends on it.