Whether it’s a work trip or solo holiday, women often face different safety considerations compared to men.
The key to a safe and successful trip is preparation, especially if you’re visiting a country with a different culture to your own. Understanding your destination’s social, economic, and cultural history, as well as its current political landscape, is essential. This knowledge can guide how you dress and behave, helping you mitigate unnecessary negative interactions.
“If you’re visiting a country with a culture very different from your own, it’s important to do your homework and understand the local customs, like avoiding drinking alcohol in public or wearing modest, loose clothing,” shares Kate Fitzpatrick, the Regional Security Director EMEA at World Travel Protection.
If you’re travelling for business, Fitzpatrick adds that “it’s also necessary to know the nitty gritty of how business is conducted at your destination. How do you greet people at the start of a meeting? What clothing is acceptable and respectful and what actions could cause discomfort or embarrassment? It’s important to know the answers to these questions from the get-go.”
Below are other important tips to keep in mind as a female business traveller:
Before you go:
- Carefully select your transport and accommodation. Your employer or travel risk management provider may also recommend providers that have been vetted for safety.
- Pack adequate clothing, climate and culture-wise.
- Consider packing essential safety items for extra peace of mind. Tools like portable door alarms, personal trackers or even a whistle can provide an added layer of protection.
- Pack enough medical and sanitary items for your trip.
- Avoid bringing items like expensive jewellery and electronics as they can attract unwanted attention.
- Know who to call in the event of a security or medical incident and save contact numbers outside of your phone in case the battery dies.
Once you arrive:
- Plan your arrival so that you make it to your destination during daylight hours.
- Choose a room that is away from the lobby.
- Keep your door locked, do not open it to unidentified individuals and do not hold any meetings inside your room.
- Place valuables in the safe before leaving the room.
When you’re on the move on foot:
- Move purposefully, in a confident manner.
- Wherever possible, stay in a group.
- Avoid isolated, poorly lit streets.
Get around safely in a vehicle:
- Always use trusted services like pre-booked taxis or ride-sharing apps with in-app tracking.
- Avoid relying on random or unmarked taxis.
- Sit in the back of taxis.
- Reroute or stop if you feel unsafe.
- Share your location with a trusted contact.
- If you’re arriving at a new place, arrange for an airport transfer or pre-arranged transport to ensure you’re heading straight to your destination safely.
When you’re dining out:
- Do not leave food and drink unattended.
- Do not accept food or drink from strangers.
- Avoid eye contact with strangers, as it can be interpreted as an invitation to approach you.
Handling unwanted attention:
- Always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.
- Refuse politely but firmly any proposal that doesn’t feel right.
- If you feel uncomfortable or cornered in a situation, don’t hesitate to seek help by making noise.
- Hand over your valuables if threateningly requested to avoid physical harm.
- Make sure you know how to report any incidents, starting with your company’s contact and deciding whether it’s safe to report to local authorities, hotel management, etc. Having a clear plan in place means you can act quickly if necessary.
How we can support female business travellers
While women can take all the necessary precautionary measures to ensure their safety, it’s equally important that employers provide adequate support before, during, and after their travels. A strong support system ensures that female business travellers feel confident, informed and prepared for any situation that may arise.
World Travel Protection plays a crucial role in helping businesses mitigate the risks inherent in travel. We offer tailored solutions and training programs to guide employees and employers in providing the right tools and resources for their teams, with an emphasis on equitable travel and helping each individual stay safe.
We offer dedicated training courses for female traveller safety that cover practical tips, emergency protocols and situational awareness techniques. These courses, which can be held online or in-person, are part of a World Travel Protection subscription, ensuring that businesses have a comprehensive, ongoing safety strategy for their employees, no matter where they travel to.
To learn more, contact our team today.
