Women alone in a different country are more vulnerable than men. It's a fact. When you travel alone it is important to blend into the local scene rather than stand out as I did on my first solo holiday which was a Nile cruise. We had anchored at Luxor and some of us left the boat to experience the bazaars and soak up the local culture. It was very hot and we soon wanted a cold drink, so a friend I had made on the trip and I found somewhere reasonable in one of the maize of little back streets. While I wore capri pants and a cotton shirt, my friend wore shorts and a skimpy top which didn't leave much to the imagination. Before long we had attracted a crowd of men getting very excited and if I were alone, I would have been frightened. We should have known better in a country where women cover their bodies. The way my friend was dressed and my blond hair shouted that we were female tourists. However we couldn't have known that the cafe was mainly used by men.So my first tip is -

1.Consider the local culture and customs before you go and dress appropriately.What you wear at home may project the wrong image in another country.

2. Guard your money and your passport carefully and don't flash expensive jewelry or technology. It is probably best to leave your tiara at home!

3.Find out when it gets dark as soon as you arrive. A busy market can quickly be transformed into dark empty streets when the sun goes down. It will be safer to keep to your hotel or areas you know to be safe at night.

4. Develop a relationship with a local who you can go to for advice. This could be one of the staff at your hotel or someone at a local cafe or supermarket. Anyone you see on a regular basis who you can go to for advice about the local area.

5. Carry enough money with you to get you out of a tight spot. In my case this is usually when I get lost, but it could be that you think someone is following you or you just feel uncomfortable and can't put your finger on why. Be prepared to spend it on a cab, make sure it is officially licensed and always carry your hotel address with you.

Follow these tips to help you overcome anxiety about keeping safe and help you make the leap from nervous wreck to independent traveler.

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Chris Moon-Willems is a Life Coach, Retirement Success Coach, Master NLP Practitioner and Social Work professional, who specializes in helping women over fifty who have been through divorce, bereavement or relationship break down, to plan the second half of their life. For hints and tips visit her blog, Moonbeams at http://www.chrismoonwillems.com.