“Stay In A Hotel, Not A Motel” — And 15 Other Essential Tips For Traveling Alone

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Finally, “I divide my time between Wisconsin country living and Chicago. Carjackings are on the rise in large cities like Chicago, and when I took an Uber around the city, the driver and I were chatting, and it turns out he went to high school with my niece and nephew, graduating with the latter. He was carjacked while minding his business in an affluent suburb, waiting for another pickup. According to my sister and brother-in-law, carjackers may cause you to rear-end them and/or box you in between their car and a partner’s car so you can’t escape. When I’m alone, someone knows where I’m going and when I arrive.”

“I also check my surroundings, especially at night, taking note of things that look sus while avoiding eye contact and conversation with sus-looking people. Conversations can be a green light for someone to take advantage of you, putting you in a potentially dangerous situation. I also move fast. Need directions? Can’t help you. Need a ride? I’ll call you an Uber. While helping someone is a kind act, some people may fake-need to distract you before they move in for the kill. When I’m in Chicago, I frequently text my siblings who live there, and when I’m in Ubers, I carefully monitor the driver’s movements and route. I keep my purse hidden as best I can. The last thing? According to a guy friend, I’m intimidating. I’m only 5’4″, and I carry myself with a leave-me-alone vibe. Pepper spray also helps.”

—anonymous