10 Tips for women travellers for a carefree overseas travel experience

By taking some basic security precautions both prior to departure and while away, women travellers can greatly reduce the travel risks they might otherwise face. Travel Messenger™service developed by Melbourne based Loop9 scans 24/7 a wide range of global network security risk centres to bring in up-to-the-minute travel warnings for the country you are in directly to your mobile phone by SMS.

"It is important to plan you trip ahead of time in order to make it safer and more enjoyable" says Mark McCormack, Managing Director of Melbourne based Loop9. He recommends the following helpful tips for women travellers should they encounter a situation in an area of political instability or civil unrest as well as on how to stay safe at major events.

Pre trip:

1. Take photo copies of all your travel documents, keep them separate from the originals and e-mail all your details such as passport numbers, your itinerary etc to your own email address in case your lose anything.

2. Pack as light as possible and always pack your own bags and do not offer to carry any parcels whose contents you may be unsure of. The penalties for possession of or trafficking in drugs in some countries can include long prison sentences or even death.

3. Before travelling, find out the general dress code for the country. Once you arrive, take note of what local women wear to get an idea of appropriate attire.

4. Use a handbag with an inner zippered pocket and a strong strap. Preferably, wear the strap across the body, to make it more difficult for thieves to steal. Consider wearing a money belt under your clothes.

On board:

5. Do not announce your final destination or length of stay to fellow passengers, as the information may be overheard.


On arrival:

6. Where possible arrange to be met at the airport by someone you know. If you are being collected by a driver always establish their bona fides by asking their name, enquire who they are waiting for and where they intend taking you.

7. Stay in a hotel or guesthouse on a residential street that has a number of restaurants and late-night stores located on it. This is far safer than staying in a corporate area that will be quiet at night and so less secure.?

8. Never let on that you are travelling alone; inform inquisitive strangers that you are expecting your friend or meeting your partner.

9. Avoid wearing provocative, figure-hugging clothing. Unwanted attention can be also avoided by wearing a wedding ring and avoiding eye contact

10. Act confidently. Know where you are going and what you are doing, and walk with assurance. Confidence can be a major deterrent of criminal activities, such as petty theft and harassment.

For more information and to book Travel Messenger™ service for your next trip please contact your local travel agent.

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Travel Messenger™ is the flagship SMS 'concierge' service for international travellers available from travel agents. It provides up-to-the-minute travel information, tips and advice that travellers could require regarding flights, travel warnings, accommodation, currency exchange, weather, news, events and a translation option in 15 languages. Travel Messenger™ is the latest in travel information technology covering 200 countries and 3000 cities around the globe by Loop9 Pty Ltd.