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Tips For Women Travelling Alone
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Travelling solo need not be stressful for you or your family.
With the world becoming one big connected network, more women are travelling alone whether for business or pleasure. Single women today would rather enjoy a holiday alone for lack of suitable companionship, than tag along with someone who has a different vacation style.
Even married women are opting to take time off and travel alone if their husbands have other commitments or as a purpose just to unwind. And then there are those women who are forced to travel alone on business. Everything said and done about equality between genders, females do face a certain amount of anxiety about their safety while travelling alone. And rightly so. The wise ones are cautious; making sure their safety is priority number one.
- Baggage And Documents - Use luggage tags that have flaps to cover your vital information. Use combination locks on all bags including the carry on, so as to deter thieves. Never keep your passport, money and important documents in your purse. These items should either be in a money belt worn beneath your clothes or in a small sling bag worn across your shoulder and chest, hanging in front of you. Just keep enough loose change in your purse.
- Arrival Times - Book your air / train reservations such that you arrive at your destination during the day. This will ensure the station / airport is not deserted and there are people to assist you in case of an emergency.
- Hotel - Even if you're the type to go with the flow and find accommodations upon arrival, make sure you have the first night booked in advance. This way you will not be desperate in case most hotels are full due to a convention you were not aware of. Otherwise you'd be compelled to settle for something that's either way out of your budget or a place that's substandard.
- Room - Before accepting a room, check to ensure there is a sturdy lock from inside and no broken doors, windows or walls between adjacent rooms. Avoid rooms on the ground floor as they can be broken into. If your room has a balcony, make sure you lock it from inside every time you leave the room. Never leave your room keys on the front desk if there is no clerk to physically accept them.
- Dress Code - You don't have to look super conservative, but avoid the overly provocative look. Follow the norms of the region you are in, so you don't end up attracting attention. Carry a scarf around for that impromptu visit to a holy place or a conservative male dominant market.
- Roaming Around - Don't walk around studying a map or guidebook. You may not be able to hide that you're a tourist; but don't need to announce that you're lost. Be alert and avoid rummaging through your purse or being immersed in your iPod. These will make you easy targets.
- Local Language - Most people learn how to greet, apologise and thank in the local language of the country they are visiting. However, learning how to shout out phrases like, "Leave me alone", "Help me" or "This man is harassing me" could be a big saviour for solo female travellers.
- Company - Sure you can make new friends on your solo adventures, just be cautious. If you're joining a tour or are using local transportation, sit besides families with children or other women until you gauge your company better. At restaurants, bars or on a cruise, never accept a drink by a new acquaintance, even if she is another woman.
- Business Deals – Women are expected to dress differently in each culture when it comes to the corporate world. Research the most appropriate form of greeting and other behaviour between genders before you get there. Indian women are often used to avoiding too much eye contact with their male counterparts, but this might be misinterpreted as lack of confidence in the West.
- Emergency Contact - While visiting a foreign country, it is always wise to have your local embassy or Consul General's phone number and address handy. Store it on your cell phone or in your diary.
- Update Family - Leave a copy of your itinerary with family at home. Inform them about your whereabouts often. Give them updated hotel contacts regularly.
Remember the key is to use your common sense, appear confident and to never let your guard down!
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Aarti Thadani
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