There is nothing worse
than becoming ill or encountering safety problems when traveling
away from home. Many women travelers are vulnerable to assaults,
purse snatches, and sexual harassment, in addition to the numerous
travelers' ailments that can affect those who are unprepared.
Knowing how to plan
for and travel with safety and health in mind could mean the difference
between a rewarding travel experience and disaster. With over
forty million American women expected to travel this year, there
has never been a better time to learn how to protect yourself
while traveling. Learning and practicing good health and safety
habits, can give you the confidence to experience the delights
of travel without fear. Consider the following tips before taking
your next trip.
Research your destination:
Learn how to find out as much information as possible about your
destination before traveling. Look for ways to keep yourself and
your belongings safe. Get brochures and maps of the surrounding
area and know what to expect when you arrive. For example, avoid
arriving at your destination late at night, especially if you
have to find ground transportation to a hotel.
Choose Transportation
Wisely: Using reputable transportation providers is imperative!
Each time you board an airplane, get into a taxi, or climb onto
a tour bus, you are putting your trust in the person operating
the controls. It is important that you choose transportation providers
carefully. Check airline safety websites before traveling and
look on airport websites for sanctioned taxi and ground transportation
providers before you go.
Staying Safe in
Hotels: When checking in, register under your last name and
first initial. If possible ask the agent to give you your room
number discreetly so that others cannot overhear. If you are traveling
alone, ask the hotel agent for an escort to your room. Do not
be afraid to ask about the safety of the guestroom such as; are
there sprinklers in the room, is the room centrally located near
high trafficked areas on the second to fourth floor, and is there
a deadbolt lock on the door?
Make Personal Safety
a Lifestyle: One of the keys to practicing good safety habits
without fear is to think of yourself as a confident traveling
woman, not a potential target. This will help project an image
that you are self-assured and may actually draw less attention
from someone who may be searching for a victim. Practice safety
habits such as locking your doors and keeping your hand on your
purse at all times.
Carrying Money Safely:
What many travelers do not realize is that professional thieves
know how to identify tourists. Once they target you as a tourist,
they will search for ways to separate you from your valuables.
Many people become careless while making a transaction by leaving
their purse gaping open or set aside. Keep an eye on your money,
credit cards and passport at all times. We recommend that you
always carry your valuables in various places such as a money
belt, and an inside zippered pocket, with only those necessary
items needed for the day in your purse.
Dress Conservatively
While Traveling: In many foreign countries, American women
can often be identified because they are very "open" and friendly
and dress more casually than local women. This can make a woman
stand out as a tourist and a target for purse snatching and sexual
harassment. Review your itinerary for the day and dress accordingly
and conservatively. Drawing as little attention to yourself as
possible will help you fit in with the local population thus reducing
your risk of being targeted as a visitor.
Pack Wisely:
Choose luggage with pull out handles and pack lightly! Learn how
to choose travel wear that can be mixed and matched for a variety
of looks and layered for weather changes. Choose travel size bottles
of shampoos, etc. When it comes to taking jewelry with you our
advice is, "Leave it at home!" Wearing expensive jewelry can make
you a target to potential thieves.
Staying Healthy
While Traveling: When traveling, drink plenty of bottled water
to keep your system hydrated. Whether traveling by air, car, train,
or bus, get up and move around frequently to increase circulation.
Eat healthy, light meals and get plenty of rest. Make sure you
take a first aid kit and sun protection when traveling. If taking
prescription medication, take extra in case of prolonged stays.
Know What To Do
In Case Of Emergency: Before you go, know what your insurance
will and will not cover. If traveling to a foreign country, know
how to get help if you need it. If traveling with a medical condition,
ask your doctor for a description of your condition to carry with
you.
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.
