I know I did. Until I got a job that involved traveling alone every month, at which point I had to face the realities of being a single woman traveler.

I’ve had to use the men’s room more times than I can count. I’ve been proposed to by a stranger (thanks to a short skirt). I’ve even had to avoid another traveler whose psychopathic tendencies turned my friendly conversation into some sort of deep friendship.

But the point is that I’ve learned the hard way that when traveling alone, whether you are a woman, man or child, you have to be aware. Aware of culture and surroundings and how you are perceived by others.

Personal safety does not start with a bottle of pepper spray, it starts with being aware of your surroundings.

That being said, I am definitely not against letting go and having fun. Traveling alone has opened my eyes to so much, especially about myself.

It’s been invigorating, enlightening and so exciting. Which is why I would recommend it to anyone – along with my 7 travel tips for the single woman adventurer.

1. Know the Culture

Some cultures find it an offensive, or even enticement, for women to wear short skirts, shorts or even bathing suits.

To prevent harassment and even physical violence, dress for the culture you are visiting. If in doubt take your cues from local women, who set the standard for what attire is acceptable.

2. Only use taxi from a registered taxi stand

Do not go off with men standing about saying their taxi is just over there (vague direction) and who say they will give you a discount. Be cautious and go with the registered taxi.

3. Carry a personal safety device

A whistle may cause just enough distraction to give you a chance to escape an unpleasant situation. Some countries may not allow certain safety devices, so again, know the standards of the country you are entering.

4. Watch your back

If you think you are being followed, check behind you in the reflection of a building, or duck into a nearby store till the person has passed you. Do not be afraid to ask for help, most people will be glad to lend a hand.

5. Do not tell strangers your travel plans

Strangers may not be as friendly as they first appear, so keep your travel plans to yourself. Also do not hitchhike in the dark or in unsafe circumstances.

6. Stick with a group

If you are feeling watched or followed while sitting in the airport or other public place, attach yourself to a family. Start talking to them, sit near them, befriend them.

You are harder to isolate when you are part of a group.

7. Don’t panic.

If you are in an unpleasant situation be calm and decisive. For extreme danger don’t hesitate to draw attention to yourself. Embarrassment isn’t as bad as the alternative.

Thinking clearly ahead of time and having a plan can go a long way toward forestalling lone traveler’s paranoia.

Miriam Anderson grew up in Egypt, and spent her vacations travelling to the Red Sea and the valley of the kings in Luxor. When she moved to Canada, the travel bug hit, and by 19 she was traveling on her own. Her favourite places are Morocco, Spain, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Germany, Lebanon and New York.

It’s almost the traveler credo to shun worldly possessions (fancy clothing, DVDs, cutlery) just as they shun society’s expectations of a ‘normal life’ (regular income, stability, white picket fence).

The truth is, all travelers need the odd useful gift now and then. Here are 5 gift ideas to get your creativity flowing.

1. Socks

Put yourself in their shoes…and buy them Wind River Ultimate Adventure Socks. Who wouldn’t want to receive a pair of socks with a name like that? You can never have too many pairs of socks, as they tend to get wet, stinky, and dirty very quickly on the road.

These particular magical socks have a moisture control system, are odor resistant, and have friction free yarn to avoid feet with blisters. Really these are the socks to buy; for anyone, but especially a traveler.

2. Face Wipes

Next put yourself in their position. Imagine you are standing in line at a bus stop off the beaten path, and you know it will be crowded, uncomfortable and very dusty. You’ve been up all night traveling, and are ready to transfer if only the blasted bus would come.

What would you like right now? (No, not McDonalds). What you should have said was a face wipe. Yes, a cool wet face wipe would be nice — and just think how refreshing it would be to have a clean face.

Check out inexpensive the face wipes from Nivea: 3 in 1, or Biore Daily Deep Cleansing face wipes. (Note: they can be used all over the body if one is in need, making them doubly useful.)

3. Electric Adapter

Find out if your traveling friend owns a UL- Approved electric adapter/converter and if not, consider buying them one.

There may come a day somewhere in the world when they find themselves sprawled flat on the floor, eyes tightly shut, repeating a single phrase over and over in their minds: Should have bought an adapter. Should have bought an adapter. I should have bought an adapter.

(And you could have saved your friend from a calamity…or at least a battery dead iPod).

4. Umbrella

One thing most people wouldn’t think to give a world traveler is an umbrella. A small thin umbrella can be very useful, as it tends to rain while you are traveling, and these handy things prevent you from getting wet.

But don’t be safe and buy the standard black. Buy them a fun umbrella instead. Everyone has a black umbrella, black doesn’t say: I care enough about you to spend some time finding you just the right thing. It says: here is a black umbrella, I hope you do not get wet.

And who wants to say that? No, buy them a colorful, patterned, interesting umbrella and they will thank you when they have to find it in a stack of other drying umbrellas.

5. A Good Book

You can never overestimate the value of a good book. Especially one as entertaining and fresh as the Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbooks.

Recommended for the traveler: Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Travel. (Obviously.) The book is full of realistic to humorous/bizarre scenarios and the wide range of choices that can be made in each one.

For example: they advise “earplugs are useful when you want to sleep in a battle zone” which leads into the next section “How To Survive A Hostage Situation.” An entertaining read for anyone. (Just don’t let them see you have read it before you gave it to them).

Gift To Avoid: A Clock

One note: many people believe it is handy to buy the traveler a clock.

But part of the fun of traveling is forgetting the normal constraints we live by at home: clocks, pagers, cell phones etc. That’s why the clock idea did not make it onto the list.

Though if you are going to buy one anyway, please make sure it doesn’t tick loudly (there is nothing worse) and be sure to include them a stash of extra batteries.

What are some gift ideas you’ve found for travelers?