Every year, more women travel for work—and more of us are choosing to travel alone for our vacations as well. Luckily, a hassle-free trip is also a safer one. With just a little advance planning, you can make your journey much more pleasant, and stay safe at the same time.

Travel Light

Pack as little as you can, in as few bags as you can. You won’t lose valuables, you’ll have an easier time in airport security, and you will move faster.

Don’t bring valuables on trips. Why worry about losing your grandmother’s diamond earrings? Plus, you’ll be less of a target for thieves.

Keep copies of all your travel documents (passport, credit cards) at home where someone can reach them for you in an emergency.

If you travel frequently, shop for multipurpose, lightweight, and carry-on friendly items.

Stay Mobile

Fill up when your car’s gas tank is near the half-empty point. You’ll avoid those nail-biting moments when the tank is hovering on E with no gas station in sight, and you won’t risk being stranded.

Lock your car when you get out to fill it with gas. Use your credit card at the self-serve pumps so you aren’t leaving your car unattended.

Stay Anonymous

No one you meet on the road needs to know that you’re not local, that you’re traveling alone, or where you’re going. Don’t discuss your travel plans in public.

Is someone striking up a conversation with you about your travel? Answer a question with a question. If someone asks where you’re staying, say “Why—do you know any great restaurants?” Someone who’s just making conversation will share interesting tips—a troublemaker looking for an easy target will hurry away. It’s a win-win!

“To stay safe when traveling, if strangers ask me what I do for a living, I tell them I’m a policewoman.”

Evelyn Hannon, editor, Journeywoman.com

Don’t let hotels announce your room number or name when giving you your keys. Some advisors suggest that you refuse the room outright.

Dress appropriately. Overseas, this can mean observing cultural or religious norms. At home, aim for comfortable clothes that make you feel relaxed, pretty and don’t make you stick out as a tourist or traveler.

Stay Aware

Keep track of your surroundings. Make note of landmarks if you’re walking an unfamiliar route.

Listen to your instincts just as you would at home. If a situation doesn’t feel right or safe, say no or leave.

Stay Directed

Study maps and get directions before you leave your hotel.

Fold maps into small sections, write directions on plain paper, and boot up your GPS phone so you can refer to your information sources quickly and discreetly while you’re out.

Avoid looking confused or vulnerable when you are lost. If you need directions, approach a woman, or be purposeful as you look for a well-lit business like a bank or a gas station.

Keep a business card or matchbook with your hotel’s address on you when you go out. It will help when asking for directions or remembering the address.

Stay in Touch

Make sure at least one trusted person knows where you are, that you arrived, and when you’ll be back.

Try networking groups like Journeywoman to get travel tips and to meet people in new cities.