Safe Travel Tips For Women
Never before have women traveled alone for business and pleasure than in the last several decades. While the destinations and reasons for travel are the same as their male counterparts, women generally have different concerns. Not only are there safety issues, there may be cultural differences that make traveling along difficult. With a little extra care and caution and a few of these travel tips for women, you can travel safer.
First and foremost, learn as much as you possibly can about your destination. This is especially important when traveling to a foreign country. The dominant religious or cultural differences can directly impact how you need to compose yourself. It is better to be aware before you leave that you might need to adjust the way you dress or demeanor in order to apply with the locals’ idea of proper behavior. It is also worth mentioning that things that may be considered sexual harassment in your country may just be part of social life in another. To be safe avoid wearing anything too form-fitting or revealing to prevent any unwanted attention.
As soon as you get to your hotel, introduce yourself to the staff. Get to know the people who monitor who arrives and departs the building and who should be there and who should not. Ask when you check in if a member of staff will be available to you if you arrive late at night to escort you to your room. Specifically ask for a room that is on a higher floor and near the elevator, but as far from emergency exits and stairwells as possible. Don’t accept a room if the clerk announces your name and room number at the desk, ask for another one. While you’re at the front desk, take a card with the name, address and phone number of the hotel. Keep this card with you all the time. Check the room to make sure it has a peephole and a deadbolt, if not don’t open the door for anyone you don’t recognize.
When packing for your trip, pack light. This way you won’t look weighed down or be slowed down, which will make you a target of pickpockets and thieves. Lock all your suitcases and bags with a small padlock and put your office address on all the tags instead of your home address. It is also wise to have a map of the area and familiarize yourself with it before leaving. Ask the hotel concierge where the good and bad parts of town are. All of this will help you avoid looking like a tourist, which ultimately makes your trip safer. Knowledge is your best ally whenever you are traveling alone.
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