Tips for Women
Traveling Alone
Now more than ever, women are
traveling by themselves for business or pleasure. And although their
reasons for traveling are similar to their male counterparts, women
traveling alone have very different concerns. From safety issues to
cultural variations, women travelers encounter a variety of difficulties
that can be avoided if the necessary precautions are taken.
To
learn how you can travel safer, read these tips from the American
Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Some of the most travel-wise people in
the world, ASTA members understand that while it pays for both men and
women to be educated travelers, it is imperative for women to plan every
step of their trip — from packing a suitcase to choosing a hotel room —
to ensure a safe return.
Know
Before You Go
Learn as much about the destination as
possible, especially when traveling to a foreign country. An area’s
religious or cultural beliefs can directly impact you, compelling you to
adapt your dress and demeanor to comply with local customs. Also, what
is regarded as sexual harassment in one country is part of the social
fabric of another, so avoid form-fitting or revealing clothing to
prevent unwanted attention.
Welcome to Hotel Safety
Get to know the staff, who
will be familiar with guests and are able to more effectively monitor
who enters and exits the building. Ask beforehand if a member of the
staff will be available to escort you to your room if you arrive late at
night. Ask for a room on a higher floor near the elevator but away from
emergency exits, stairwells, and any renovation work. Never accept a
room if the clerk loudly calls out your name and room number.
While at the front desk, grab a card from the counter with the hotel’s
name, address and phone number on it, and keep this card on you at all
times. Once inside your room, make sure the door has a peephole and a
deadbolt. If it doesn’t, make sure you don’t open the door to someone
you don’t know.
Travel Documents
Make two copies of important travel documents one set for the trip, and
one for friends or family to keep at home.
Packing Smart
Pack
light so you won’t be weighed down and look weighed down, both of which
would make you an ideal target for pickpockets. Avoid expensive looking
baggage and clothing, lock all suitcases and only use covered luggage
tags with your office address written on it rather than your home. Carry
only one credit card, and don’t keep all your money in one place.
Transportation
Explore transportation options available at your destination ahead of
time, especially if you will be arriving late in the evening. Travel
agents can help determine the safest choice and make the necessary
arrangements. If renting a car, carefully examine maps, write out
directions in advance and bring along a cellular phone.
Know Your Surroundings
Study a map of the area you will be visiting. Learn as much as possible
about getting around the streets to avoid looking like a lost tourist.
Ask the concierge about where—and, more importantly, where not—to go.
The Best Vacation Memories are Good
Vacation Memories
There may be safety in numbers, but
there is also safety in knowledge. With some advance planning and the
advice of a professional travel agent, your vacation or business trip
can be safe, hassle free and memorable.
