Came across a good article in HT City for women who are on the move.
Look out for danger
Be aware of your surroundings, watch out for the people around you. Any undue interest shown by a person should immediately alert your warning signals. Bring it to the notice of the cops in the area. Don’t ignore it. Since it’s an unfamiliar place, do not try to resolve the matter by speaking to the person. Keep important helpline and emergency numbers with you. When you feel the situation is beyond your control, call up for help without a second thought!
Trust your instincts
Listen to your gut feeling to gauge whether a person trying to be friendly means harm or not. If a person is making you uncomfortable, get out of there as fast as possible. Avoid getting involved in arguments with strangers, be polite but firm. Remember they would have more friends than you do in their city, and just in case they decide to teach you a lesson, you’d be outnumbered. It’s better to take precautions and be on your guard.
A guidebook can Help
A guide book is the most helpful companion on a trip to an unknown land to help you get around. Avoid asking strangers. Try not to be adventurous and take off to unfamiliar suburbs or faraway restaurants as it would be difficult to get help in such places. Plan visits to places mentioned in the guidebook as these books suggest things only after doing proper research.
Busy places are safe
Don’t walk alone on deserted stretches, especially in the dark. Going to a popular and crowded place can actually make a woman less of a target. Remember, when on foreign shores, stick around only in crowded places and leave a note at the hotel, saying where you are going.
Guard your belongings
Use covered luggage tags. Instead of your home address, write that of your office.It is not necessary for people to know where you stay. Lock all suitcases and secure documents that reveal your identity. Keep your passport safe; carry a copy of it and leave the original in the hotel safe. When out, keep a close track of your handbag; don’t leave it on the floor or a chair. A good idea is to put your valuables in a security waist pack and wear it while sleeping.
Pick your hotel with care
If you are going to a country for the first time, it is wise to get a room booked in advance after thorough research. It saves you from being lost in a new place. After the first night, you can always find another hotel that suits you better. When choosing a hotel, aim for a busy street (neighbourhood restaurants and late-night stores mean traffic). Avoid corporate office areas which get deserted at night. Affluent residential areas tend to have more reliable transportation and fewer threatening people. A reception and concierge desk near the entrance or elevators is more likely to deter miscreants from entering the hotel. Check if your hotel has a safe; avoid carrying valuables around.
Dress appropriately
It’s important to dress sedately when travelling to new places. Avoid getting unwanted attention. Also, avoid wearing jewellery or expensive items. Always dress comfortably, so that in time of danger you can easily get away and make a run for your safety.
Sightseeing Tips
Study a map before going out; once on the street, use a pocket-size guidebook to avoid looking like a tourist. Your hotel’s concierge or a female employee can mark all those areas on your map that can pose danger and should be avoided. While walking from your hotel towards the town, register landmarks and remember street names so you can find your way back. If you must ask for directions, approach families or women with children. To be extra safe, say, “Where is the XYZ place? I’m meeting my husband there.” If possible, also try to carry a GPS-enabled phone with you so that you don’t get lost.
Watch your drinks
Avoid getting drunk.Drink if you must, but drink moderately.
Pick your hotel with care
If you are going to a country for the first time, it is wise to get a room booked in advance after thorough research. It saves you from being lost in a new place. After the first night, you can always find another hotel that suits you better. When choosing a hotel, aim for a busy street (neighbourhood restaurants and late-night stores mean traffic). Avoid corporate office areas which get deserted at night. Affluent residential areas tend to have more reliable transportation and fewer threatening people. A reception and concierge desk near the entrance or elevators is more likely to deter miscreants from entering the hotel. Check if your hotel has a safe; avoid carrying valuables around.
Dress appropriately
It’s important to dress sedately when travelling to new places. Avoid getting unwanted attention. Also, avoid wearing jewellery or expensive items. Always dress comfortably, so that in time of danger you can easily get away and make a run for your safety.
Sightseeing Tips
Study a map before going out; once on the street, use a pocket-size guidebook to avoid looking like a tourist. Your hotel’s concierge or a female employee can mark all those areas on your map that can pose danger and should be avoided. While walking from your hotel towards the town, register landmarks and remember street names so you can find your way back. If you must ask for directions, approach families or women with children. To be extra safe, say, “Where is the XYZ place? I’m meeting my husband there.” If possible, also try to carry a GPS-enabled phone with you so that you don’t get lost.
Watch your drinks
Avoid getting drunk.Drink if you must, but drink moderately.
Company can be helpful
Travelling as a woman alone can be brilliant, but in case you want to go somewhere remote and would like company, having other fellow travellers accompanying you is a great idea. Travellers often watch out for each other, and sometimes, this is the best safety bet.
Source: HT City
No comments:
Post a Comment