Majority of the people would think that travel for business is fun; after all 60 million business people a year get to visit places on the expense of their company - guys, trust me; that much is so not true; it hurts, it’s not fun travel.
You have to take into account issues such as; the stress level, the work time schedule, the pre meeting preparations and the energy consumption of each meeting, what about the travel conditions such as jet lag, driving to distant locations, and poor hotel conditions…
When the day is over you don’t have much strength or passion for quality “travel” time; furthermore, on your own… the most you want is a hot meal & a long hot shower.
In the face of the world financial situation crime rate will increase. Travelers are easy targets, and unfortunately, business women are easier prey. For this reason and to all my wonderful, talented, powerful business women clients I made a short list with tips;
1) In general don’t tell people you are travelling on your own.
2) Arrive your new destination in day light; try to avoid late night hour arrival.
3) Driving a rented car;
a. Make sure you have a GPS - it’s worth every penny, avoid asking strangers for directions.
b. When driving your car - lock yourself inside.
c. Someone hits your car (by mistake or not!) - WAIT, take a minute, don’t open your car door and go out; take a minute to look around watch the location, try to pull into a gas station or any other public place like a hotel parking, drive through fast food etc.
4) Hotel rooms;
a. Ask for a mid floor room; not high to be left in the elevator on your own.
b. The room should not be too far from the elevator; avoid long dark scary corridors.
c. Make sure your room is locked.
5) Keep your belongings as close to you as possible; carryon computer bags are temptation to local bandits, specially at breakfasts when you are still half asleep and at dinners when you are on your own at a local restaurant and tired from a long day - it only takes a second… these guys are pros.
6) Taxi:
a. If he looks creepy don’t go in, wait for the next one, even if it rains L
b. Try to book your taxi in advance, women taxis are very common, don’t be shay to ask meeting companions to walk you out and wait for the taxi.
7) Dress code; I am aware that fashion is a matter of trend, and I am probably out of it L but getting dressed non provocatively is always a positive approach.
8) Keep in touch with home & office on regular basis.
9) 911 is known as the emergency number, from GSM phones its 112 - log it in your speed dial - it should work in most countries even without a SIM card.
Using common sense is perhaps the single best tip for staying safe and having a good time while you’re traveling alone.
