Women and Travel

By: Jean Bartlett

Women make up over 60% of the workforce, playing an enormous role in the delivery of travel, tourism, and hospitality, and they are consumers shaping the sector, with a number of hospitality services catering to females alone.

Going solo

Many women are increasingly traveling alone, and few faces risks or problem situations. However, gender equality isn't always existent throughout the world, and the risks of danger to women are still higher than those for men.In most cases, though, traveling abroad involves the same risks as when a woman is at home. Common sense can be the key factor for safe travel, and these tips help ensure security for women when traveling on their own.

Preparation

Planning allows for enjoyable and safe travel, and preparation is the first step to a pleasant excursion. Travel insurance is important, so make sure that you have adequate coverage, especially if your travel might include sports involving risk for injury, such as skiing or diving. Learn about your destination and its culture, using a good guidebook as well as a phrase book for just that purpose.

Medical Care

Pack a first-aid kit in your luggage, and include your preferred painkillers, as well as necessities such as tampons. Bring a double supply to be sure you have enough. If your medication is prescription or a must for your health, such as hypodermic needles and insulin for diabetics, bring along a note from your doctor explaining your supplies. Also, pack treatments for common illnesses that women contract while traveling, such as yeast treatments for thrush and cystitis, prone conditions for women in hot countries.

Do your Own Packing

Always pack your own bags and never allow anyone to help or go through your luggage before you travel. Carry your own bags through the airport and through customs, and don't accept to carry anyone else's luggage either. Never leave your bags unattended to prevent someone slipping materials into your luggage. Some countries have severe punishments for drug possession or trafficking, such as prison sentence or even death.

Leave Heavy Behind

Light luggage is easier to transport and makes you more independent during your travels. Stick to the basics, pack only what you need, and leave room for the souvenirs or other things you might purchase while traveling.

Be Confident

Confidence in yourself and the appearance of confidence that you impress on others are important for personal safety. The stronger and self-reliant you appear leaves others believing you aren't an easy target or victim. Also, an organized person is less likely to become a victim as well. Plan your trip, as well as your daily itinerary. Study maps before going out to know where you're heading and how to get back to your accommodations. Be familiar with the currency of your destination. While in public, avoid looking like a tourist and use a pocket-sized guidebook. Try to travel during daylight hours, especially in an unfamiliar city.

Be Smart
Stay away from unwelcome attention, especially from men that may try to solicit conversation. When asked what language you speak, avoid letting on you may know the language. A ring on your wedding finger and a picture of a male friend may give the appearance of being married, which helps deflect attention from other men as well. Sit next to women or walk next to them when shopping or on a busy street.

Be at Home

Act like you belong where you are by trying to look like a local resident. Be familiar of local traditions, customs, and taboos, and respect them as much as possible. Many countries don't understand the freedom that western women have, so watch how other women dress and try to replicate their clothing. If women where you are traveling cover their faces or legs, don't expose your own.

Safe Possessions

Take care to keep your possessions save. Have photocopies of important documents. Carry only one credit card and store money in two places, such as your bag and a money belt. Should your purse be stolen, you won't be broke. Email yourself all important phone numbers and details, such as your passport number, the embassy name, and contact numbers. If you do lose anything or have papers stolen, you can visit a café with internet to obtain those details.

Stay in Touch

Advise friends and family of your plans, and keep them informed of any changes. Leave them phone numbers to contact you, as well as the locations you'll be staying, down to the name of the accommodations. Email or text these people often and keep them updated with regular communication.

Accommodations

Stay at hotels and hostels that are central and in safe locations. Try to chose ones recommended by friends or someone you trust. Should any of your accommodations seem less-than-desirable, keep your key and room number hidden at all times. Use as little identifying clues as possible when checking in, and avoid using your full first name or labels such as 'Miss' or 'Mrs.' Have a room near the stairs to avoid dark hallways at night. When inside your room, jam a rubber doorstop (that you've thoughtfully brought along!) under the door as added protection against potential intruders.

Listen to Others

Other travelers are an excellent resource, and you should ask other people about their experience to avoid making similar mistakes or to obtain advice on handling situations.

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