In a country where the culture, values and language are alien, women travellers, especially those travelling alone, are real and easy targets for danger.
With the proper precautions, you can prevent mishaps. Here are some tips to help plan your next trip for ensured security while checking-In.
Choose reputable lodgings. It can be a star-rated hotel, B&B or hostel but make sure it is located in a safe, not-so-quiet area of town.Keep your room number private. Never leave your key where someone can see it and get your room number. Don’t accept a room if the front-desk clerk mentions the room number out loud. Make them write the number down.
If there is an elevator, use it. Save the stairs for your workout at home.
If you feel someone is watching you or following you, return to the front desk and ask for a security guard or the concierge to escort you to the room.
Once in the room, before you shut the door, check all hidden areas like the closet, behind the curtains, behind the shower curtain or even under the bed. You may have not found baddies in your room, but there might be dangerous four-legged creatures or creepy-crawlies. This is especially important if you are staying in a nature resort or chalet.
Don’t open your room door to anyone – maintenance, flower delivery, room-service – until you are sure of the service. For added confidence, ask for two people, one female, be sent to your room to provide service.