Travel Tips For Women

Safety Tips For Your Next Trip

By Stephanie Michaels

      Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences. It should be a carefree time to unwind and discover your surroundings but women still need to take precautions to ensure that their trip is a safe one. Here are some tips on how to make you next trip exactly what you want it to be:

Ask for rooms on higher floors in hotels. They are generally safer.

Learn about local laws and customs and how to get help in the places you are visiting. If you're traveling to a country where people do not speak English, learn key phrases you might need to get the help.

If you're booking a trip for yourself or your teen, ask questions about the safety of locations and get referrals to legitimate companies through organizations such as the World Travel Agents Association (WTAA), the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or The National Travelers Association.

Don't open your hotel room door without knowing who is knocking. If someone appears to be a hotel employee and you're not expecting them, call the front desk and ask if they have sent someone to your room and who it is.

Log incoming and outgoing calls from your hotel room. If something happens, you will have a record to trace.

Travel with a buddy, if possible. When traveling alone, give a friend or family member your itinerary.

Bring a door alarm to put under the door so it will go off if anyone tries to enter.

When traveling overseas, bring a cell phone that works in that country.

To avoid looking like a tourist (and a mark for criminals), dress down and avoid wearing loud colors or clothing that bears sayings. Don't wear cameras around your neck or other things that identify you as a tourist.

Be aware of your surroundings and follow your intuition. If you feel like you're in danger, get to a safe place or call for help.