basic travel setup

SITUATION; you work for a civvi coy which sends you to the following areas of the earth : Colombia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Kenya, NZ and Spain. You travel on your own, enter via airport and find hotels by yourself. You have to meet people for your work you don’t know. During the day you travel in the countryside outside tourist areas in 4x4s which are likely to be old and may break down. You will be in and out the country in less than a week.

You are a woman.

What would you take which makes your trip as safe and comfortable as the situation allowes? Think along the lines of money belt, wistle, small FAK.

What wouldn’t you take? Think needles in the FAK, military FFL and other gear that could make you look suspicious.

The basic setup I have though of so far:

Money belt and money case that can be slung around your neck underneath your clothes. In this will disappear credit cards, passport, cell, at least 200$ cash and a piece of paper will emergency contact details inc embassy #, your coy #, emergency #, hotel #, partner #, passport #, flight ticket # and health #

A wallet with fake/old cards, some coins for a phone box and a copy of the piece of paper with the # in case either gets lost.

Old cell in your pocket

FAK: gloves, small wound dressings, tape, wipes, plasters, no meds

Pepper spray in your hand warmer pocket (when passing borders hidden in toilet bag)

Torch (strong enough to blind, which do you recommend on a budget?),

wistle

Smalle bottle water

Map (any good websites out there to look at the area in detail or where you can order world maps?)

Scarf to cover head and neck

Door wedges (for hotel)

Leatherman juice, you being a woman it’s the only type you will want to carry, it looks cute.

A ring around my ring finger

boots

What I wouldn’t carry:
jewelry

low cut tops or skirts

bikini

I would also carry a day pack with extra food, more water, PSK good folder, signal mirror, metal mug, hexi, water filter, compass, hypo blanket etc for when in the countrside but now you have the mindset of a woman who is not into emergency preparedness… you will simply not carry it because you cannot see a need and when you will need it you will expect it to be there. End.

Footnote: I realize gear is only part of the setup. Knowledge, the right mindset, alertness, studying the culture, rules+laws and country stats beforehand are all important.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

I would add a handheld GPS with map capability. If you can load area maps, like the Garmin City map stuff, it would be really handy finding you way around.
I take one on all trips now and load the appropriate maps before leaving. I have no problems finding resturants, places of interest, hotels even police stations.
Get one with memory card upgrades, so you can load more maps. Color screen is nice to have also.

hahaha, thanks for the tip!! but for "her" the cell is challenging enough. I dont know any girl in real life actually that would be seen uploading maps to her personal GPS. No doubt they are out there (think Dame McCather..)

A great tip nevertheless, for me also. However the "girl" bit is crucial actually.

I DO NOT like your assumptions about females in the least bit!! <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I am so sorry...

They are not assumptions this is what I EXPERIENCE. I am a nurse student, I only work with girls. I explained there are of course expceptions.

I also advice other people what gear to get and help them get it. Inc boys,men and women... like I said, these are my experiences.

You forgot tampons and/or sanitary napkins. No sewing needles because they look suspicious, but ok on the pepper spray? And why no meds? Surely you don't mean perscription meds, and if the lady needs an aforementioned tampon she's gonna need some pain killers for sure.

In general, building a kit for a woman is really no different from building one for a man. You have to take into account the physical capabilities of that person, their special medical needs, and their level of preparedness/street smarts, etc. REGARDLESS OF THEIR GENDER.

I'm just going to assume that you're planning a kit for a young woman you personally know and that some of your comments reflect her, instead of correcting you at length for speaking of women in general. All that typing on my keyboard might break a nail. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

thank you for your pely Christina... the list more of an addition to your standard travel package so thats why no tampons...

Pepperspray in toilet bag... spoke to a police officer who kitted both his daughters out iwht it when they left on a world trip, for both of them it wokred this way... I suppose if the authorities start pulling the fak out and see hypodermic needles you might be in trouble.. OTOH pepper spray is not only legal in many countries but with a deodrant label perinted out from the net and stuck on it easy to bypass.

thanks on the last bit... its true what I said I epxerienced, in everday life... they should take the women on equipped.org as an example!

You're in trouble now!!!
Tell you the truth, I am a little weak with techno gadgets. I work on computers and servers, but when it comes to things like cell phones, I can barely make a call.
Navigation is easy for me, the military drilled that into my head, without a GPS. For road trips, the GPS is really handy.
I was able, as was my girl friend, to use the GPS with minimal instruction. The software is really easy. Little icons with labels like FOOD, push enter and a list comes up, pick one and it will tell you how to get there from your present location.
Or, the other option is one that just provides Lat/Long or UTM location. If you ever have to call someone for help, it is handy to tell them where you are actually located.
I know lots of girls that have GPS and use it effectively. The newer models are super easy to learn and use. Cheers!

yep, in big trouble! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

..just my experiences mate. I do use a GPS but prefer M+C because thats how I learned it. But I wouldnt dare to tell any girl I know to start carryin a GPS... but that topic was closed with my las post I think.

Christina about the meds.. some countries are real funny about them and must watch out.. rather buy the brand ones in country.

the pepper spray may well also NOT be legal in some countries.. or you'd need a permit to carry it.

Also for at least India and proably Kenya, a large scarf/ piece of cloth for a head covering.

I think the truth is, woman play it that way to let us males feel useful <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Legal = Raped and Murdered.
Illegal = Alive and demanding to speak to your Ambassador.
Who if he has any sense, will let the local police chief know in no uncertain terms that prosecuting will result in a total travel stop on the citizens of his country. With the concommitment losses for the local tourist industry.
I am all in favour, under most circumstances, of being a law abiding citizen. But not at the risk of my, or anyone else's, life or person.
If any government thinks, or demands different. I can say only one thing:
"Viva La Revolution!"

Private message send. Anyone else wanting to discuss the gender thing (saga..) contact me directly.

I like your way of thinking

I strongly suggest, when visiting another country, you observe their laws and customs. Know the regulations before you leave. You are a guest, so please don't act the ugly American.
If your destination isn't safe, DON"T GO!
I'm sure the local police will quiver in their boots when you threaten to personally stop all US travel to their country. Please, leave the attitude home.

"There is nothing so frightening as ignorance in action."

I travel quite a bit, with a few trips internationally every year. One item that you should always carry: IMMODIUM.. Been there done that..

It is critical that the person understand the customs and law. Find out as much about the places you are going to. For example, in Mexico City or Bogota, for the most part, you cannot trust the police... They have commited murders, rapes etc. Mexico City is the crime capital of North America, and Bogota is the crime capital of South America. Try to avoid the police as much as possible, but sometimes it's unavoidable - random road stops.. Know the proper ways to bribe them as well as keeping money in several separate places..

In regards to the pepper spray, I would double, triple, quadruple check the local laws. Depending on the different penal systems, it might be a fine to many many years in jail, and please note, they are not American jails where you can reasonable expect clean food and cells.

For the most part, you should book your hotel prior to arrival. I tend to lean more towards US or European chain hotels (more on the higher scale). They can provide safety information. For instance, when travelling alone and obviously a visitor, you should never ever take a public taxi in Mexico City (the little old vw beetles). Thats a sure fire way of getting kidnapped. Oh, and kidnapping is a booming market in developing countries.

Pain killers and other drugs should be left at home, and purchased there. Bringing narcotics into most countries will result in the death penalty. Some places, it's practically immediate - No such thing as an appeals process.

Be smart, be aware, and understand the customs, cultures and laws. All the locals will know you're a vistior even before you talk. It can be as simple as the shoes you're wearing, or the plain fact that you are wearing glasses (sun or prescription).

Man, I wish I have your courage, but everytime I fly into Heathrow, I always talk myself out of bringing my firearms.. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I agree the attitude should be left at home, but I think Leigh was suggesting an excuse with the thought pattern surrounding the Holloway case in Aruba. Please note that this would probably work in a country where tourism is a large part of the economy. This won't work in most countries.

If, as is the case in the UK, they are more concerned with procecuting the victim, than hammering the perp then you will be in a lot of trouble. Unless the Magistrate decides to tell the CPS to take a running jump.
If you are anywhere that the local police force understands reality and the relationship between their income and tourists then you will probably be ok.

I disagree with the Pepper Spray inclusion, particularly if you are traveling by air. I don't want to start a flame on airline security and our (U.S.) TSA, but I know first hand that pepper spray will (if noticed) be removed by TSA at checkin. And often ANY aerosol will be removed from checked luggage. I usually agree spot-on with Leigh, but not regarding the pepper spray idea. The LEOs I know and have asked would clearly agree: If they want to hastle you about pepper spray (and ALL of the airport LEOs I've worked with WILL) they don't care a bit about your embassy.

Here's what has worked for me (even in Holland, by the way): I have a "coin purse" (let's not start the gender thing... I'm a guy.... this is a unisex coin purse) which looks like a leather sock (stocking/athletic sock size). As soon as I can upon arrival, I start my "coin collection" and keep a good load of coins in the purse. Also works when I'm just collecting small rocks for my rock collection.
... You know.. once when approached by a street thug I got so frightened that when I tried to give him my money I must have whipped the purse out of my hip pocket like a mace.. and it must have hit him on the side of the head. Unfortunate accident.

apology accepted <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

What would I take? A resume. Seriously. I'm sure there's good work to be done there though, if that's what someone really wants to do.

In most of those areas, I'd pack a bible, rosary, and anything else to look like a devout Catholic. Definately not foolproof, but it might be a short-cut to make a guilt-ridden connection with a sympathetic kidnapper.

I know a few people that travel to Haiti to support an orphanage / church / school / fish farm compond that we fund. Part of their budget is for armed guards, mostly for the supplies.

Just some random thoughts.

- Boots.
- Small long running light like a Gerber Infinity.
- Water treatment tablets.
- A big boatload of wits.

While I'm sure it's going to get rejected, personally, I'd want:

- Sat. phone.
- GPS. Load it for her if she is disinclined.

-john

Without wishing to downplay the risks of foreign travel, I'd have to point out that of your list:

Spain - modern EU country
NZ - lots of wilderness, but another modern 'western' country

Of the others, Brazil, Mexico and India are large countries, with modern emerging economies. Parts of the countries are very poor, with the attendant problems, but not all of them. Colombia and Kenya would fall into higher risk IMHO.

BUT - more important than the tools you pack will be the mindset and culture. And it concerns me that your post puts all these countries in the same basket. Without letting fly with cliches, this is something that I have seen from some Americans - 'abroad' is scary. Well, it's not all scary, and it varies quite a lot.

Your friend should think about each culture seperately. Going into the backcountry in Kenya is WAY different to travelling between Madrid and Cadiz, and the mindset with which she approaches the locals, and the understanding she has of their practices and culture will be critical.

That said, I'd also make sure I had the basic EDC I have when travelling (SAK, light, whistle, cash etc.) and I'd beef it up a bit for some locations. I'd also make extra sure people knew where I was and when I was expected back.

thanks for the replies all!! Some of your tips will be used, especailly the ones in the PMs.

BRD,
I understand you may have interpreted I put them all in one basket but I defintely do not see them that way... Just today I read in the paper Brazil has 50.000 murders a year (is the new paper right..??? any Brazillians here?) ... making it worse than a war zone. Im a european and lived in 5 european countries inc Spain so not totally unexperienced.

I agree with your post though.

As a footnote I learned last night that in the US every houur someone get shot in the US... so the danger is definetly not less in some oter countries..Then again depends where you travel in the US...

Don't want to turn this into anything too political, but those stats are from cities that do not allow law abiding citizens from carrying firearms.. An armed society is a polite society. Crime capital of the US? Washington DC, a place where law abiding citizens cannot even have loaded firearms in their homes. If someone is breaking into your home, you have to first retrieve your firearm from a locked safe, and then retrieve your ammunition from another locked safe, and then load the firearm. Bullets in a magazine is considered a loaded firearm btw. Another question on that statistic.. Does that include law enforcement officers shooting criminals? .... Just my $0.02

To give you contrast, Mexico City, MX is the crime capital of North America (where all firearms are illegal).. 2000 petty crimes a day every day (roughly a million a year), and over 200 violent crimes every day (rape, murder, etc).. Please note that kidnapping is considered a petty crime unless, however, they kill or rape you...

If you think Brazils numbers are bad, look up Columbia (primarily Bogota)..

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the forum. But I felt I have to respond to the question of a woman living abroad in Spain, since I lived there as an American expat for several years.

Madrid... and Spain in general... I think is a much safer place to live than in most places in the U.S. In Madrid, a woman could walk most streets at night with no fear. I know many women living in Spain who would agree.

Spanish culture is very different I think... violence is much less common than the other areas you mentioned. I felt much safer there, than I do in New York, DC, St. Louis, Chicago, or San Francisco.

My 2 euros worth.

Unless you decide to go for a 8AM stroll, during the second week in July in Pamplona along Santo Domingo Street.. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Sorry I could not resist.. (for those that don't know, that's the encierro, or the running of the bulls).

There are many safe countries... Been to Spain, it was nice, but I was mortified by the bull fighting.. I guess being an American, I always thought it was just the matador and the bull.. Not realizing that these horsemen put spears into the beast before the matador kills it. I was expecting the matador to kill the beast all by him/her self... <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Bullfighting, contrary to popular American belief, is considered by the majority of Spaniards to be cruel and unnecessary. It is not popular there. Although it does have a place in their old traditions. Actually 'futbol' (soccer) rules in Spain as the national sport.

Almost all the Madrillenos (Madridians) I know have never even been to a bullfight, and consider it more of a tourist attraction.

Bullfights tend to be more common in a few of the rural provinces. But if you're in Barcelona, for example, don't even ask for one... you'll be looked down upon, and exaggerate the fact you're a tourist.

Again, I'll emphasize that Spain is a fairly safe country for travel... someone mentioned Madrid to Cadiz?? The 'Renfe' train system is extremely safe and efficient. Much safer than Amtrak I think.

The only worries anywhere in Spain would tend to be pickpockets and thieves. I've never witnessed any act of violence or disruption anywhere in Spain, except for a group of Irish guys on an extended drinking holiday (and I'm Irish <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />).

I went to one bullfight when I lived in Puerto de Santa Maria (Cadiz, Rota) and it was no big deal. As for safety, I didn't see any violent crimes, but lots of car break ins. Don't leave anything in your car where it can be seen. Not even a small towel that might be covering something. A thief would typically use a spark plug or similar tool to break a window and take whatever was easily taken. Happened all the time.

I lived in the city of Madrid for several years and there were NEVER gunshots or murders that I heard, except 1-2 that were on the TV.

Very safe place to live. I felt much safer there than any big U.S. city. I often walked the streets at 3 a.m.

My female friends would routinely use the bus system or walk the streets at 3, 4 a.m. in the morning, with no problem. Unlike the U.S.

Please, let's not create ghosts where there are no ghosts. Madrid, IMHO is one of the safest cities on the planet.

Deep breath Dobry.... I don't think anyone here said Madrid was crime ridden... I think the concensus was that it was a safe place.. So are many other places on Earth.. The main point we're trying to make is that whenever travelling abroad, always understand the customs and restrictions. As it goes, Madrid is very safe.. Singapore in my mind is even safer... It's so safe, men can't even flirt with women they don't know, which can be a punishment of strokes from the rattan...