Woman Travel Home Page>Travel tips for woman

On this site you'll encounter words of wisdom from myself and a multitude of experienced women travelers.

What are my qualifications? Well, I've done it, and written about it (five books in the Travelers' Tales series and travel columns). In the 1980's I traveled solo around the world for two years, and since then, I have traveled with my husband, children and girlfriends. I have hiked, cycled, climbed, dived and kayaked my way through six continents and more than 70 countries, from the depths of the Flores Sea to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I trekked across the Himalayas and rode camels across the Thar and Sahara Deserts.

Seven years after the publication of my first book A Woman's World, and after appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, ABC, NBC, Oxygen and as former Travel Expert for CBS Evening Magazine, I feel it's my turn to give back.

Many courageous women are already traveling, are on the road as you click through this site. And many more need only a word or two of encouragement to step out the door. Perhaps you're collecting information to give that encouragement to your sister, daughter, friend, wife or mother.

I invite you to learn from these pages and to share my passion - not only for travel - but for life itself.

Happy and Safe Travels!

Top Safety Tips for Women Travelers

It's a fact that women travelers need to journey with special care, especially internationally. Female concerns include sexual verbal harassment or physical assault, unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, crude propositions, groping and even rape. Younger women are likely to be considered naive or even "loose" (thanks to American stereotypes) and thus fair game for sexual come-ons. Females are more likely to be the victims of theft, too.

Chances are that, as a student traveler, your uniform is khakis and hiking boots with a backpack. Wearing an expensive dress and carrying an expensive bag, combined with your youth and sex, tattoos a target on you reading, "Rob me!". That's not to say you can't dress up - just choose the right place to wear your fancy duds, and ensure that you have safe door-to-door transportation back to your accommodations when you do step out.

Women Travelers

Even after the modern influence of western countries, India still remains a conservative country. Some western habits are perceived as inappropriate and degrading if practiced by women here. Here are some travel tips for women in India:

• Don’t wear revealing clothes while in India. They do not appeal to Indian sensibilities. You will attract unwanted attraction and advances if you are wearing skimpy outfits.

• Apart from the big cities, touching between people of the opposite sex in public is very unusual. Even married couples avoid any display of affection publicly. It will be better if you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her hand first. Among Hindus, the way to greet is by bring your palms together in front of your chest, or simply saying 'Namaste'. You can say Hello or Hi also. But some old people may not appreciate it.

• Smoking by a woman is not acceptable anywhere in India, except for the metro cities. A woman who smokes/drinks is thought to be having a loose moral character, especially amongst the middle class.

• Discos, dance clubs, pubs, 5-star hotels are areas with a modern touch. You can easily head there for some entertainment or for drinks. However, having a male companion or at least another female with you is quite a good idea.

• Even at beaches, the people here are fully clothed. First find out what kind of attire is appropriate for the beach you are heading to. In some places like Goa, the visitors to beach mainly consist of foreigners. There, you may wear swimsuits on the beach. However, even there it is inappropriate to roam about dressed in swimwear away from the beach.

• In local trains, some cars reserved only for women. It is advised for you to travel in those.

• It is better not to venture outside in a street party. Street parties on holidays generally don’t consist of women. Inebriated men are seen partying at such occasions. Women, in these parties, can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behavior from the inebriated males. It is very unsafe for women to attend these festivities alone.

• Avoid talking in a friendly manner with men you meet in buses, trains, restaurants, shopping places, etc. It may be viewed as a flirtation. It may also lead to unwanted and unexpected sexual advances. However, befriending Indian women can be a wonderful experience for female travelers. But, you may have to start the conversation.

• A way to get more respect from Indians is to wear traditional Indian clothes, such as salwaar kameez or sari.

• Do not venture in isolated places alone. It is also advised not to go outside alone after it is very late and dark.

 

Travel tips for women and travel preparation                                        

Before you set out there are a few things you should take into consideration. Once you have decided on your destinations, make sure your passport is still valid. If it has expired , then apply for a renewal and do it much before the actual date of your travel. With your passport in order, the next thing you need to take care of is the other travel documents that you are required to have.

Before you actually set off for your journey , it would help if you make an effort to read up about the place you are going to and its culture . It can be a great advantage if you can master some of the basic phrases in the local language.

You should also leave behind a detailed itinerary of yours with either a family member or a friend. Provide all the details of the places you will be putting up, the flight details and do try to keep in touch once you are there. Don't travel with much jewelry or valuables. Avoid taking extra credit cards. Doesn't make sense to make yourself a target for thieves and pickpockets. In any case, you would stand out as a foreigner.

Do check if you have enough health insurance to cover you and if you are traveling abroad you may need a traveler's insurance. Also see to it that your insurance provides for medical evacuation. If you have any particular condition that may develop complications or you are pregnant then do consult with your physician before you travel. If you take prescription medication, remember to carry enough so that it lasts your trip. Also carry your prescription with you as you might be enquired by the anti-narco-trafficking agents.

Once you are there use your common sense to deal with situations. Always be alert of your surroundings. Be confident. Don't let others know that you are feeling uncomfortable or anything. If you are traveling alone you don't have to announce it. You can become a target for thieves and other men who can single you out to harass. Instead you can do with wearing a wedding ring.

While choosing a hotel make sure it's safe and secure. Transportation should be readily available. Check all your room's doors and windows and see to it that all the locks work.

Before you go out, ask for directions from the hotel staff. Generally they would be able to help you. Ask from them which vehicle to get in and what should be the fare like. If you feel you are lost, ask for directions. The safest people to ask are families or women with children.

Choose your clothes wisely. If your fashion statement is inappropriate for the place then avoid wearing such clothes. Dressing conservatively can help you avoid the glares and any further harassment. Take your cues from local women.

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Tips for women travelers in Gos                             

• Avoid wearing revealing clothes while your stay. You will end up attracting unwanted attraction and advances if you are wearing skimpy outfits because they do not appeal to Indian sensibilities. Jeans and trousers with normal shirts are accepted.
• Avoid any public display of affection. It will be better if you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his hand before you do.
• The visitors to beach are allowed to wear swimsuits. However, even there it is inappropriate to roam away from the beach dressed in swimwear. Nudity is not acceptable and is a punishable offence.
• It is advisable not to venture outside in a street party or celebration. Street parties on holidays generally don't consist of women. Women can be subjected to groping and sexually aggressive behavior from the inebriated males in these parties. It is very unsafe for women to attend these festivities alone. If you do want to attend, go with a group of trusted friends.
• Beware of over friendly strangers and touts who eye your money and will try every trick to vanish away with your luggage and money.