Travel Safety Tips for Women

Nervous about flying or travel? Take a look at the following safety tips that every woman should keep in mind when traveling.

AIRLINE SAFETY

• Avoid rushing in an airport; this makes you a prime target for pickpockets.
• Observe suspicious people/activities around you.
• Contact security if you anticipate a problem .
• Stay close to your luggage; never leave your briefcase or unchecked baggage unattended.
• Use your business address on bag tags - NEVER use your business name or home address.
• Place additional ID inside your checked luggage.
• Use sturdy tamper-proof combination lock luggage vs. key-lock luggage.
• Don’t use expensive designer luggage.
• Never place valuables or prescription medications in checked luggage.
• Take important telephone numbers with you.
• Leave your itinerary and contact information with corporate travel.
• Avoid the subway during early morning or late hours.
• Ensure that you have the proper documentation; passport, visa or international driver's license.

HOTEL SAFETY

• Use the main entrance of the hotel.
• Hide your gender from potential troublemakers - when checking into a hotel, register under your last name and first initial only.
• Ask the agent to give your room number discreetly or in writing so that others cannot overhear.
• Ask if the room you are assigned has a deadbolt.
• If you are traveling alone, ask for an escort (such as the bellman) to accompany you to your room.
• If the hotel offers underground parking, ask for an attendant to park your car.
• Ask for a room near the elevators and take the elevator not the stairs.
• Use all locking devices when you are in your room including the hotel safe for valuables.
• Keep luggage locked and place it in the closet when you are not in the room.
• Know the location of all exits, fire alarm boxes and the nearest stairwell.
• Do not display “Please Clean Room” sign, this will draw attention to the fact that you are not in your room.  Instead call the front desk to request housekeeping services.
• Do display the “Do not disturb” sign when you leave for the evening so that anyone passing by will think that you are in the room.
• Avoid using the door sign provided to order food service. This would allow anyone reading the sign to know that you are ordering for one person only. Call the room service to order meals instead.
• Leave your TV or radio on at all times.
• Don't be afraid to refuse a room if you're not comfortable with your safety. Check that the connecting doors windows and sliding doors are locked and the locks work properly.  In general, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors.  Additionally, keep in mind that many fire truck ladders do not reach higher than the sixth floor.
• Keep your room key secured and out of sight at all times.
• Many hotels in foreign countries will keep your hotel key at the front desk in a box with the room number labeled on it in plain view.  When asking for your key, take care who may overhear you stating your room number.
• Consider carrying a small door wedge and keeping it tucked under the door, or using an alarm that can be set to go off if someone opens the door. (These can be located at travel and luggage stores). 
• Never open your hotel door to anyone (i.e. maintenance, flower deliver etc.) until you call down to the front desk to verify the service.

STREET SAFETY

• Safeguard passport and carry a photocopy.
• Avoid opening your purse or wallet. Keep several dollar bills and change for tips and pay phones in a pocket easily accessible.
• Women should carry a purse over one shoulder only or wear a money belt. 
• Keep your hands free; women are more vulnerable when their hands are bound up in straps of purses or bags.
• Be verbal; talk loudly if you feel threatened, as this will control your breathing and release energy to help you gain control over the situation.
• Be confident. Be smart. Travel well trafficked, crowded streets. Walk like you are part of the crowd and are not alone. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, If something seems amiss, return to a safer surrounding, such as a hotel. Look and act as though you know where you are headed, walk with your head up and look around you. Walk briskly and with a purpose
• Don’t get caught off guard. Make note of the times of sunrise and sunset and avoid being out alone at night.
• Minimize direct eye contact with men. Dark sunglasses will help.
• Don't accept gifts from strangers. It may be considered an invitation to more.
• Try to sit next to other women on trains/busses. Women will help women. Ask for directions from families or women with children.
• Don't flaunt it.  Avoid being conspicuous.
• Don't wear expensive jewelry.  Robbers won't know the difference between real and fake until it's too late.  The exception to the jewelry rule is to wear a simple wedding band so people believe that you are married.
• Keep your eyes peeled. On the next red eye flight, know where your valuables are at all times.
• Ask questions. Ask an employee at the airport or your concierge for more information about the safety of your destination.
• Keep advised, via the local media, of the current security situation in the area.
• Avoid using ATM machines at night unless the area is open and well lit.
• When you need to go… take your valuables with you. 
• Surprise them. If a car is following you, turn quickly and walk in the opposite direction.
• There's safety in numbers. If you feel that you are being followed, immediately go into a store and wait to see him or her pass. Ask a person in the store to walk out with you to make sure the person is gone.
• Avoid a foreign cutpurse (pickpocket). On sidewalks, keep your handbag and other valuables away from the street side. On escalators, keep your handbag away from the opposite ramp.
• Park in the light. When driving, look for a parking lot that is well lit and secure. If you are followed in a parking lot, bang on cars to set off car alarms.
• Keep them guessing. If you take a cab, carry a mobile phone and call your room and pretend you are talking to someone and announce that you will be arriving in ten or fifteen minutes. Mention the cab number.
• Speed dial. Carry a concealed cellular phone. Put the local police on speed dial. 
• Surround yourself with noise and lights.  A personal alarm, whistle, and a small flashlight are good ways to frighten attackers.
• Never look at maps in public. Memorize them in advance, or look at them in your hotel room or ladies room. 
• Carry embassy contact info.  If you are going to a far-flung or potentially dangerous destination, always have with you a list of local embassies, with their phone numbers and dialing codes.  Let the local embassy know you are there, and leave a list of numbers with your office. 
• Research the country you plan to visit. Seek to understand the local culture, customs and dress. (Dress according to the social and cultural norms in each country, loose fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is usually appropriate.)
• If you become the victim of a crime, immediately contact the local police, US diplomatic or consular office and your supervisor.

CAR SAFETY

• Make sure rental car names are not displayed on the car. 
• Get a map and directions before leaving the car rental location. 
• Keep your keys in your hand while walking to your car. 
• Have a cellular phone on you at all times.
• Place luggage in your trunk and keep vehicle locked and windows rolled up. 
• Leave space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you when stopping. 
• If you are involved in a minor car accident, motion the driver to the nearest police, fire station, hospital or well-lit store.
• Do not stop for any flashing lights. Drive to the nearest police/fire station or lighted area.
• Avoid driving alone and be aware of your surroundings when using public transportation.