Travel Safety Advice

Tips for Women Travellers

WORLDWIDE | Thursday, 20 July 2006 | Views [1420]

By taking some basic security precautions both prior to departure and while away, women travellers can greatly reduce the travel risks they might otherwise face.

Before leaving

1. Pack as lightly as possible. As a lone woman, you'll be less vulnerable and more independent if you're not weighed down by heavy luggage.
2. Rather than residential details, put an office address (without the company name) on your luggage tags.
3. Before travelling, find out the general dress code for the country. Once you arrive, take note of what local women wear to get an idea of appropriate attire.

While on your flight

1. Talk to female flight attendants who are either from or know the country to obtain advice on areas to avoid.
2. Do not announce your final destination or length of stay to fellow passengers, as the information may be overheard.

Accommodation

1. Try to stay in a hotel or guesthouse on a residential street that has a number of restaurants and late-night stores located on it. This is far safer than staying in a corporate area that will be quiet at night and so less secure.

2. When checking in, use only your initials and surname; avoid titles such as Ms or Mrs.
3. Enquire about staff services that escort guests to their room late at night.
4. If the door to your room is open or unlocked when you return, do not enter. Rather go back to the front desk and ask a member of staff to accompany you to the room.

Getting around

1. Never let on that you are travelling alone; inform inquisitive strangers that you are expecting your friend or meeting your partner.
2. If you feel a car is following you when you are walking, do a quick turn and walk in the opposite direction.
3. If you are travelling alone and don't want any company, there are certain measures that can be put into practice. If on a coach or train, sit on the outside seat, placing your handbag, coat and jacket on the window seat. If in a bar or restaurant, place your coat on the back of the seat opposite you to make it look as if you have company.

Avoiding unwanted attention
A woman travelling alone may find herself the focus of insistent male attention. These advances can make a woman uncomfortable, if not fearful for her safety. The following points may help prevent unwanted attention:

1. Avoid wearing provocative, figure-hugging clothing.

2. If you are confronted with unwelcome attention, it is advised that you remain calm and remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. You might also wish to approach the nearest police officer or security guard.
3. In the event of verbal harassment, particularly by male bystanders, it is recommended that you pretend you cannot understand what they are saying. You might also ignore them or speak in a foreign language they are not likely to understand.
4. Unwanted attention can be avoided by wearing a wedding ring.
5. Avoiding eye contact with men is a good way to prevent any problems or hassles; wearing dark glasses can help with this and can give you a confidence boost as well.
6. Act confidently. Know where you are going and what you are doing, and walk with assurance. Confidence can be a major deterrent of criminal activities, such as petty theft and harassment.

Tags: travel safety, women travellers, security

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