For Women Travellers

Women travellers are often confronted with cultural, health, security and other problems particular to their gender. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has prepared an interesting booklet entitled Her Own Way, Advice for the Woman Traveller that provides a lot of interesting information. Here are some highlights from this publication.

You can visit the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade web site and view the complete text of this publication and view the complete text of this publication.

Lessening the Cultural Shock

As smart traveller is one who finds out everything she can about the culture and customs, and the role of women, in the places she'll be visiting. It makes sense to learn what to expect and prepare yourself for as many eventualities as possible. One of the best sources of travel information is other women.

Travel Light, Travel Smart

It is a good idea to travel light. As a woman alone, you will be far less vulnerable and much more independent if you're not loaded down with heavy baggage an extra bags.

A few days before your departure, you might want to try some test walks. Pack your bag and make your way around the block. Visualize yourself climbing subway stairs or getting on and off a train unassisted.

Extra Security Makes Sense

In your purse or fanny pact, carry only those necessities that are lightweight and you can afford to lose or have stolen. You should conceal those items that are not easily replaceable and are crucial to your travel arrangements.

Another excellent option is a security half-slip worn under a skirt or dress. Hidden under the hem are zipped compartments perfect for holding travel documents, cash and credit cards.

Air Travel

Remember that, when you're flying, your body has to adapt to changes in cabin pressure, the air you are breathing and different time zones.

If you use contraceptive pills, be sure to take them every 24 hours. Don't be misled by crossing time zones.

Accommodation

Whether the accommodation is a hotel, a B&B or a hostel, always ask to see the room before you take it. Is it clean enough? Does the door lock properly? Does it feel safe? Trust your tuition. Don't stay anywhere unless you feel entirely comfortable with both the accommodation and the location.

Never accept a room if the check-in clerk calls out your name and room number. Others within hearing distance may use this information to try to call you or gain access to your room.

Networking Along the Way

As soon as you begin your journey, start plugging into the female network. Finding a good source may lead you to many others. Local women are easily as pleased to meet you as you are to meet them.

Carry referrals from women back home. Take advantage of contacts they made when they travelled...

Dress Sense

In the western world, you'll encounter few, if any, clothing in restrictions, but it make sense to dress conservatively.

If you travel to developing countries and male-dominated societies, make every effort to dress modestly. In some places, customs based on religious and moral beliefs strongly influenced the way women dress. For you to blatantly break these rules would be considered irreverent and might put you in jeopardy.

Avoiding Harassment

Unfortunately, the potential for sexual harassment and intimidation is a reality around the world, as it is at home. Be prepared. Do your networking and researched before you leave. Finding out as much as you can about the roles of both women and men in places you plan to visit.

In some male-dominated cultures, it's considered incorrect for a woman to travel solo. For these and other potentially challenging destinations, you might want to team up with a companion. Two women travelling together might have an easier time.

In some cultures, making eye contact with a man is a sign that you want his company. Some women solve this problem by wearing dark glasses.

Alone After Sundown

Women rightly tend to be more cautious about going out after sundown. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't go out at all.

Understand, that in some parts of the world, "respectable" women don't go out alone in the evening. In these places, a flagrant rejection of this custom could very well put you in jeopardy.

Maintaining Connections

You should maintain contact with at least one person back home, especially if your travelling solo. By letter, fax, e-mail or phone, let that person know where you are and where you're heading next.

Staying Healthy

Not all travel books that deal with uniquely female health needs. You can augment what you read with experienced advice of other women travellers.

Your regular brand of contraceptive pill may not be available at your destination. Take enough with you to last the whole trip.

When travelling to developing countries, carry a supplied of tampons and sanitary napkins. They can to be difficult to find and may be expensive.

Coping with Foreign Bathrooms

Modern bathrooms as we know them in North America do exist around the world, but not everywhere. As a traveller, you'll come across everything from out houses to simple holes in the ground where squatting is a necessity.

To cope with the big vagaries of foreign bathrooms, consider wearing a long, full skirt. This will allow for some modesty in situations where you have to "go" outdoors...

Always carry a supply of toilet paper with you. In some parts of the world, it's either very scarce or too coarse to be usable.

Some upcoming topics for women travellers are:

Security Health & hygiene Contraception Pregnancy With children

Further Reading