Don't be afraid to travel alone -- just be savvy.

Preferably, stay in hostels that offer female-only dorms. Never mind your comfort level of dressing around males -- it's about safety.

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Practice your at-home bar-safety regime, times ten:

• Never accept a drink handed to you by a stranger other than the bartender or waitress.
• Never allow an unknown male to accompany you back to the hostel, unless he's staying there, too. Then, it's preferable if more than just the two of you walk back.
• Take a taxi at night.

Do I need to even tell you not to hitchhike?