Lucknow :11 ways for women to stay safe when traveling alone

Introduction :

Times are changing and with it there’ a significant rise in the percentage of single women in urban India, living alone, working late and long hours. While there’s more social acceptance for the single woman and plenty of professional opportunities there are safety hazards of being on your own in a big city. But there are ways to ensure you stay safe.

About half of business travelers are women. Although the travel industry is adapting to accommodate women travelers, they’re still more vulnerable than men when traveling by themselves. These tips can help women avoid becoming a victim. Women traveling abroad will also benefit from these tips

10 ways for women to stay safe when traveling alone 

1.Stash your valuables :

Take only the personal credit and debit cards you must have; leave the rest at home. Keep the cards you take on your person — in a hip pocket, your shoe, a sock,but not in your purse. Some experts recommend using a money belt, but that’s cumbersome and frankly, if robbed, you’ll lose everything at once. Instead, stash your money and cards in a couple of hard-to-reach spots in your clothing.

Keep your daily spending cash easily accessible. You don’t want to pull a wad of bills out of your sock to buy a hot dog from a kiosk. Avoid carrying a lot of cash.

2: Don’t appear to be traveling alone

Never tell anyone that you’re traveling alone. Lie if you have to — society and your mother will forgive you. If someone approaches you and asks, “Is this your first time in Atlanta?” respond with “No, we visit often. We love it here!” The stranger’s request is probably genuine, but there’s no need to advertise your vulnerability.

3: Know where you’re going

Plan your trip before leaving home, and always review your travel route before leaving the hotel. Avoid pulling out a map in public, even in your rental car. Never leave a map that’s been marked with your route sitting around in your hotel room or your rental car. Better yet, use a GPS app and use a map as a last resort.

4: Don’t loiter

While on route, don’t hang around at the airport (other than layovers), rental car facility, or other interim spots. Don’t stop for a quick bite, phone call, or to check messages. Move on to the next stop as quickly as possible. The baser elements hang out at these places looking for targets. A moving target is harder to hit, so keep moving.

5: Blend in

You don’t want to look like you have money. Nor do you want to look like a tourist or dress provocatively. Pack light so you can move quickly. Avoid expensive luggage and keep your bags locked. Keep the local customs and climate in mind and try to blend in.

6: Choose your accommodations carefully

Choose a national hotel chain with a good safety record. Some hotels now offer women-only floors. Ask for a room above the ground floor, near the elevator, and away from emergency exits and stairwells.

When a larger hotel isn’t available, consider a small inn or bed and breakfast rather than a motel. Many delightful B&Bs are run by women. Shop around and make reservations before you travel. Don’t wait until you hit town to find a nice place to stay.

If you’re staying at a reputable hotel, you’re probably safe enough.

8: Belong

You can hide the traveler target on your back by looking confident, even if you don’t feel that way. Keep your head up while walking. Look around. Note your surroundings. You can even be friendly. The more you look like you know exactly what you’re doing (even if you don’t), the less your target will show.

9: Be wary of new friends

After a long day of negotiations or brainstorming, you might want to let your hair down a bit and make merry. Just be wary of the new friends you make, especially anyone not introduced by a business associate. Don’t socialize with strangers. Limit your alcohol consumptionn

10: Know how to defend yourself

Most police departments offer self-defense classes. Your company might even be willing to foot the bill. Better still, encourage your employer to sponsor a class at the workplace. The YMCA and many religious organizations also sponsor classes.

11.Carry pepper spray