1. I always research
my destination before traveling to find ways to stay safe and
healthy while on my trip.
Yes 5 No 0
2. When making a hotel
reservation, I always ask for a room on the second floor near
the elevator because this is considered a safer location than
the first floor or rooms near exterior exits.
Yes 5 No 0
3. I have a copy of
my health insurance policy in my travel file and know what is
covered while I am traveling both domestically and internationally.
Yes 5 No 0
4. When traveling on
an airplane, I flex my feet and point my toes every two hours
to increase circulation. Yes 5 No 0
5. When entering an
elevator, I stand near the controls with my back against the wall
so that I have access to floor buttons and the emergency alarm
while being able to view anyone coming or going.
Yes 5 No 0
6. If my passport is
lost or stolen while traveling, I know to call the police first
to obtain a police report for the consulate replacement procedures.
Yes 5 No 0
7. I avoid being a
potential target for criminals by carrying valuables in a hidden
money belt.
Yes 5 No 0
8. I always access
the U.S. State Department website before traveling to foreign
countries to receive a country profile and find out about any
travel advisories that may be posted.
Yes 5 No 0
9. I always pack a
small first aid kit while traveling and include adhesive bandages,
ointments such as anti-itching, anti-biotic, and insect repellent,
diarrhea medication, sun protection lotion, antacid pills, and
anti bacterial towelettes.
Yes 5 No 0
10. When renting a
car in a foreign country, I apply for an International Driver's
Permit before leaving.
Yes 5 No 0
Total score _
If you scored a perfect
50, congratulations on being a savvy traveler. If you answered
no to any of these questions, you may be placing yourself in a
vulnerable position while traveling. You may not be aware of potential
problems and how to deal with them. From students to seniors,
female travelers face numerous on-the-road health and safety challenges.
Our goal is for you to become a safe and healthy traveling woman!
Veteran travelers,
Catherine Comer and Lavon Swaim hold degrees in tourism management
and own TravelingSafe.com, a company focused on providing travel
safety information. With 25 years of travel experience and 2 years
of research, they have written their first book, "The Traveling
Woman, Great Tips for Safe and Healthy Trips" now available
from Impact
publications. They conduct workshops to women of all ages
teaching them how to stay safe and healthy while traveling. Catherine
and Lavon can be reached at TravelingSafe.com, PO Box 824, Gresham,
OR 97030 or through their website www.TheTravelingWoman.net.
