Women Road Warriors
We don’t like the negative image of “woman as victim,” but the reality is that women traveling alone do need to take some security precautions.
Female issues include sexual verbal harassment or even physical harassment, being touched or groped, receiving inappropriate or uncalled for remarks, including sexual come-ons.
Women are more likely to be the victims of theft, too.
The good news is that many of these precautions are common sensical and easy to implement.
For example:
• Experts suggest always ask for directions when you set out from your hotel…but the best people to ask, they say, are other women or women with families. Their take on what’s safe is often very different from that of men.
• Choose a hotel where security is good and transportation is easily available and nearby…and be especially sure the parking lot and lobby areas are well lighted.
• It’s best not to announce you’re traveling alone. Some women will take issue with this “sexist” advice… and some women road warriors advise wearing a wedding ring if you’re single.
• And since fashion does make a statement, what you consider casual clothing might be seen as provocative in other places of the world.
It’s best to take your cues from local women in the culture.
Then relax. Feeling stressed and insecure is not helpful, healthy… or even safe.
For more information: Safety and Security for Women Who Travel by Sheila Swan. Paperback. Travelers’ Tales.
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