Women are oftentimes seen as easier targets than men while traveling, and sometimes this is with good reason. Everyone has lost track of their surroundings at one point or another, and stories about pick pockets and the like should not discourage women from traveling. As long as you take the proper precautions, you can avoid looking like a moving target for those looking to scam the unsuspecting tourist.
A sound piece of advice is to try your best to dress like the locals. You can’t do anything about your gender, but you can try to control the attention you draw to yourself. Most of the time, people can tell that you are a tourist by what you are wearing. Sometimes shorts and a tank top will make you stand out like a sore thumb, and usher in unwanted male attention and even scam artists. Paying attention to the local attire could do wonders.
If you are traveling in the Middle East, wearing a wedding ring is highly recommended when in public. Even if you are not actually married, wearing a ring on your ring finger will cause men to think twice before harassing you, whether you are a tourist or not. That being said, avoid wearing flashy jewelry or obviously expensive clothes wherever you are traveling. Expensive jewelry and clothing will give people the idea that you are wealthy and have money to spare. Flashy jewelry also gives thieves something to reach for.
Crowds are heaven for pick pockets so tourists, and especially woman, have to be especially vigilant in these areas. This goes for public transportation hubs, airports, markets, malls, and the like. The confusion in crowded places makes it easy for people to push you around and take your things. 
If you absolutely have to carry a purse or bag around with you while walking around a new city, make sure your purse has a zipper. This won’t completely take you out of the running for getting you things snatched, but it will make things more difficult for thieves. If someone does attempt to snatch something out of your bag, by the time they try to get around the zipper, you may notice what is going on.
Finally, be sure to select your accommodations wisely. Location is important, and keep in mind that you may have to come back to your room late at night and alone, so you want to be sure you are in a safe area. If possible, you may want to consider requesting a room facing away from the street (if there is some sort of courtyard behind the hotel).
Being prepared and being vigilant of your surroundings is the best way to avoid becoming a victim, whether you are a man or a woman traveling the world. It does not take much effort on your part to be a bit more careful when in a foreign country, so be sure to take care of yourself and your belongings.
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