An article with a few ideas of do's and dont's for women travelling alone

The Art of Travelling Alone
By Kerin Freeman 2006©


Have you ever wanted to explore the back roads of Sicily, go shopping in Ho Chi Min City, do a cooking class in Bangkok, ride a camel in Central Australia, experience Europe in all its glory, go to fabulous Morocco and the great city of Shanghai, do a painting trip in outback Western Australia?
There are women out there of all ages, with a passion for life, friendship and travel, wishing they could just make that first move. Women nowadays want to experience more and travel often.
Women from all walks of life dream about finding gems in the market places of Marrakech or buying beautiful porcelain in the shops of Denmark. Shopaholics, who are in need of new horizons, with dreams of owning fabulous treasures from all corners of the globe. The young and the restless who have yet to travel, but who are positively itching to escape and experience the pleasures of Paris or Italy. The seasoned traveler who knows what she wants who is a little concerned about traveling alone. The wandering woman with a partner who won’t budge when it comes to travel, but who wont mind you roaming with other women. The newly single ‘free’ woman who wants to put space between her and ‘that’ person by enjoying a cruise. The adventurer who wants to camp in the desert, swim in waterholes and cook over a campfire and sleep under a clear sky of sparkling stars. The older woman who hasn’t lost her yearning for adventure but is looking for a comfortable, slow journey, afternoon naps, gentle walks and plenty of time for relaxing, delving into that novel they’ve always been meaning to read.
There is the fashionada who is seeking perfection in shoes, the ideal makeup or designer clothing, or the foodaholic who wishes to subject herself to the exotics of China, the wines of France and the food in romantic cities like Rome or Venice. Lastly, there is the sportaholic who can’t wait to run a marathon in America.
Whoever you are and whatever your needs are for wanting to travel, the safety aspect is crucial when traveling alone, and it is good to be wary. It really does pay to be educated travelers. It is imperative for women to plan every step of their trip – from packing a suitcase to choosing a hotel room – to ensure a safe return.
It is very important to learn as much as you can about your destination, especially when traveling to a foreign country. An area’s cultural or religious beliefs can directly impact you, compelling you to adapt your dress and demeanour to comply with local customs. Also, what is regarded as sexual harassment in one country is part of the social fabric of another, so it would be a good idea to avoid form-fitting or revealing clothing to prevent unwanted attention.
Getting to know the staff where you will be staying, someone who is familiar with the guests and are able to effectively monitor who enters and exits the building is a good start. Ask a member of the staff beforehand to escort you to your room if you arrive late at night. Ask for a room on a higher floor near the elevator but well away from emergency exits, stairwells and any renovation work. Never accept a room if the clerk loudly calls out your name and room number. When you are at the counter, grab a card with the hotel’s name, address and phone number and keep it with you at all times. When you are in your room, make sure the door has a peephole and a deadbolt. If it doesn’t, don’t open the door to someone you don’t know.
It’s a good idea to make copies of your travel documents, one for you and one for your friends and family to keep at home. Try not to weigh yourself down, pack lightly and don’t make yourself 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.
Exploring transportation options available at your destination ahead of time is a good idea; especially if you think 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, write out directions in advance and take a cellular phone with you.
Study a map of the area you will be visiting. 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 beforehand. With some advance planning and the advice of a professional travel agent, your vacation or business trip can be safe, hassle free and memorable