The Ultimate Guide to Female Travel Safety!

Hello Travel Chicks,

Hope everyone is having a great week as we start the summer. I am sure everyone has read or seen in the news about all the Travel Advisories regarding some of our favorite destinations. 

I recently attended a webinar about "Female Travel Safety" and I had to share with my squad.

Please read below:
 

Female Travel Safety Workshop with Joan Morgan. 

Over 60% of business and solo travelers are females. Do your research before the trip - entry requirements, local currency, bank hours, security, legal, entry requirements, knowing few phrases in local language, culture and health planning. 

1.      Entry requirements - passport valid for 6 months, visas, register with US embassy or consulate. Mention to credit card company you are traveling, check on your phone plan, understand health insurance coverage. Should have regular phone number to call health insurance, not 800 number. 

2.      Health planning - immunizations some required to be done 4-6 weeks in advance before travel, carry your health records if you have chronic disease, check insurance coverage, have prescription refills, carry extra glasses. 

3.      Culture and social norms - public displays of affection, wearing shorts, skirts above the knee, social interaction between unmarried people, certain publications, films are not acceptable in many countries. Customs to consider- shaking hands, looking in the eye, personal space. Wait for local person to initiate a contact. No hugging in Japan. 

4.      Technology: phones, computers – are vulnerable to malware, easy to steal and have direct links to personal info. Laptops and tablets - install all updates, have firewall, make note of serial number in case they get stolen, ensure file sharing capability is disabled. Leave laptop in the safe, use VPN. 

5.      Before you go - ensure connectivity at destination and have remote shutoff for your devices in case they get stolen, outlets, consider solar charger. 

6.      Social Media - do not disclose your travel plans in advance, be careful, turn off geo location services for social media posts. 

Packing - don’t over pack. Should be able to carry all you belongings by yourself. 

Wallet only essentials such as ID, credit card, debit card, health insurance card. 

Make 3 copies of all essential documents. Consider radio frequency identification blocking wallet, keep small amount of cash in inside pocket.

Have a small bag with copy of your passport, cell phone and you wallet next to you in the hotel room, so you can grab it and leave quickly in case of emergency. 

Carry-on bag - use heavy straps so they cannot be cut easily, zip should be closed, large enough for laptop, empty water bottle, low sodium snacks, medicine in original bottles, extra set of clothes, socks, 3-1 rule for gels, headphones, adapter and converters.

Clothing - 3 C terminology. Conservative, Culturally sensitive, interchangeable. 

Slip on shoes, no belts, pashmina, light raincoat, work gear, bathing suite, layering clothes, like items together, roll, heavy pieces at the bottom. 

During travel - be organized at check-in, put your bag between legs, so it’s hard to access them, take what you need for carry on, drink water, take your bag to restroom. 

On arrival - keep personal items nearby, don’t use porter, let someone know you arrived, find pre-arranged transportation, have all phone numbers, take small amount of local currency at the airport from ATM. Know drivers name, arrange meeting location, no last names,  take only airport taxis, ask for cost before getting in, watch bags being put in the car, know general route to hotel, have written address in local language. 

Renting a car - use only authorized provider, understand insurance, license, find gas stations, safety record of car, have full tank of gas, what to do in accident, drive in middle lanes. 

Checking in - keep personal stuff with you, ask for new room if clerk said it out loud that someone could hear it, 2nd  thru 7th floor rooms are safest, fire equipment does not reach past 7th floor, should not have connecting door, note location of emergency exits. 

In the room - always leave do not disturb sign on, unless you need your room cleaned. Use rubber door stops. 

Street smart - plan ahead. Change up routine, carry cell phone, let someone know your plans, carry ID, keep away from deserted areas, show self confidence, don’t except food or drinks from strangers, be socially smart, get only sealed drink bottles. Dress to blend, be aware of customs, avoid disclosing travel details to strangers. 

Staying healthy – getting used to time zones: if you arrive after 1pm local time stay up as long as possible. Food and water safety - must be cooked. Avoid milk and cheese, wash and peel all fruit. Know local 911 service number, consular services assistance phone number, take action if you think you are getting sick, be prepared to pay upfront. 

Worst case scenarios - avoid standing out, trust your instincts, stay silent, use strong body language, take advantage of women only areas, remove yourself from dangerous situations. 

Shots fired, kidnapping - find shelter, be aware. 

3 C for kidnapping - Calm, Connect with captors, Capitalize on opportunity to escape. Consider K&R insurance for high risk countries. 

Getting back home – watch for any health symptoms such as cough, rash, headache. Sick medical assistance rig away, let your doctor know where you traveled.

I hope this helps and stay safe as we continue to Inspire a lifestyle of Travel!

Happy Travels,

Dee

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