Traveling alone, specifically as part of the adult industry for a trade show or an awards event, can be exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Whether you have never attended one or have been to many, everyone can benefit from travel safety tips.
When traveling, you must prevent potential problems from arising, have backup plans, be extremely aware when issues do pop up and be easily able to adapt. After all, safety begins even before you leave for your trip.
If you have a roommate at the show, agree to keep tabs on each other or tell each other whom you will be with so someone knows where you are at all times.
First and foremost, do your research. Go on Google Maps and check how far your hotel is from the event venue, if they’re not in the same location. Write a detailed schedule of your daily activities to know what you have to do and when.
Then, make sure you have all your appropriate forms, identification and vaccination cards. Keep this all organized and be in contact with someone not attending the show that you can text every night or morning so they know you are safe; maybe even share your schedule with them. If you have a roommate at the show, agree to keep tabs on each other or tell each other whom you will be with so someone knows where you are at all times.
SAFETY TIPS
Here are some things to keep in mind:
• Do not ever give your hotel or flight information out at all. Not even if someone offers to buy your airline ticket or cover your hotel stay, since this would require giving them your name and date of birth. Do not do this!
• If you wear porn-related merchandise, do not be surprised if someone asks you about it or makes comments. If you do not feel comfortable talking about it, obviously you do not have to. But it has happened to me during a long Uber ride and the driver just would not drop the subject.
• If you put your sex toys in your carry-on bag, make sure there is no food in the same bag. Food can be a red flag for TSA if they are not able to tell what it is. Also, toys over 8-10 inches long, thick and/or made of metal or glass should typically go in your checked luggage; otherwise, if a large toy is in your carry-on, it will be flagged and inspected. I have had TSA agents pull out large butt plugs and double-ended dildos in front of laughing college kids and horrified travelers.
• Never tell Uber drivers your reason for going somewhere. If they ask about the event specifically, you can always say you’re a journalist, a photographer or even someone’s assistant and you should not discuss further. Never give out your stage name to strangers, especially on Uber rides; do not forget your legal name is attached to the ride.
• When working with another performer, always scan the QR code on their Talent Testing page to confirm that it is a valid test. Make this a normal thing you do every time, to get into the habit. If the QR code does not work, if it pulls up someone else’s test or if there are any problems at all, do not work with the person. You can contact Talent Testing for any issues, but better safe than sorry.
• Make sure you get your 2257 model release forms fully filled out and signed for your records and for the records of anyone else participating, including the photographer or videographer. Make sure you get pictures of everyone’s identification before you film, to verify age, name and that they have a valid ID as well. Keep these records organized and easily accessible. Adult sites constantly change their terms of service and other rules, which may require you to update forms and contact models you have worked with the past.
• Do not tag locations you are at and never post photos while you are still at that location. People can recognize backgrounds, street lights, buildings, walls ... absolutely anything ... and match backgrounds to your location. Do not post pictures outside your window at your hotel. People can easily match your view to your specific floor.
Use these tips, follow your gut instincts, be smart, and you will have an amazing time! Industry events are an incredible opportunity to network, get to know people you have been talking to online and learn. Have fun!
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