Women, in most situations, are more vulnerable. And when travelling alone, we do not need to travel in fear but we do need to be prepared and cautious, especially when travelling to countries with a different culture and where the expected behaviour from women is far from what we are used to.
More often than not, I travel alone on business. And through the years, I have been lucky enough not to have had any unsavory experience. Perhaps, due to 60% luck and 40% preparation.
When I travel alone, I always try to...
- Read up on the culture of the country I am visiting so I know what the appropriate (expected) behaviour is.
- Inform someone at the office and at home where I would be staying and who I would be meeting with.
- Dress conservatively. I also go easy on the make-up, jewelry and perfume.
- Choose hotels with good reputation and those which aren't too far away from the venue of my meetings/presentations.
- Avoid the hotel bar.
- Look busy when alone in order to discourage strangers who might want to strike up a conversation.
- Make sure that I the doors are double (triple, if possible) locked.
- Do not answer knocks on the door, if I am not expecting room service.
Here are a few more tips for fellow women road gladiators, to prepare us for the worst when travelling alone.
It may seem a lot like paranoia to some but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Wouldn't YOU?
[photo: buyusa]
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