Tips for Women Traveling Alone
Alexandria, Va., Oct.
5, 2009 - 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.
"ASTA travel agents
understand that both men and women need to be educated travelers, but women,
especially, need to plan every step of their trip - from packing a suitcase to
choosing a hotel room - to ensure a safe return," said ASTA President and
Chair Chris Russo.
To learn how you can travel
safer:
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.
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 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.
Getting Around
- While at the front desk, grab a card or matchbook
from the front desk with the hotel's name, address and phone number on it,
and keep this card on you at all times. This is especially helpful in
foreign countries where you taxi driver might not speak English or in case
there are several hotels with similar names in the area.
- 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, or rent a
GPS to help you navigate unfamiliar roads.
Packing Smart
- Pack light so you won't be weighed down and look
weighed down, both of which could 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.
Know Your
Surroundings
- Study a map of the area you will be visiting. If
available, consider downloading area maps to your phone.
- 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.
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
|