Give some thought to how you dress. In the Western world, you'll encounter few, if any, clothing restrictions, but it still makes sense to dress conservatively.

Avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing, especially if you don't fully understand the culture you are in. In the Pacific Islands, for example, a woman's thighs are considered an erotic part of her body and should not be exposed in public. In India, a female's upper arms are considered sensual areas and must never be exposed in public.

Leave your valuables at home. Instead, take along interesting costume jewellery that might serve as a conversation piece with those you meet along the way.

If you travel into developing countries and male-dominated societies, make every effort to dress modestly. For example, outside North America, a one-piece swimsuit is always a safer choice than a bikini. In some countries, local women might swim entirely clothed, in accordance with their religious beliefs.

In some places, customs based on religious and moral beliefs strongly influence the way the women dress. For you to blatantly break these rules would be considered irreverent and might put you in jeopardy. Why not adapt your clothing to fit the customs of the host country? It becomes an interesting and educational challenge. A woman traveler should always carry a scarf in case she needs to cover her head.