Travel for fun but travel safely

Posted by Maryan Pelland Jul 21, 2006

Travel to certain areas of the world, particularly the Middle East, is more than iffy, it's downright inadvisable. As we get older, we're more at risk. We're not as strong, and I'm telling you, swift no longer defines my style.

If you're older and a woman - you owe it to yourself to keep completely up-to-date on world situations. It's in your best interest to be aware of travel safely tips, as well. So here are a few -

• The U.S. Department of State issues travel alerts with details of why. There are always alerts, and you'd be surprised at where some of them apply.
• From Women's Travel Club online: Choose a hotel with less than 100 rooms on a well trafficked street with busy neighbors (restaurants, etc.). Small reception and concierge desk near the front door and/or the elevators. Privacy space between guest checking in and guests waiting. Room numbers should not be mentioned aloud. Amenities should have attendants. Parking lot well lit and secured. Plastic electronic keys with no identifying numbers. Sufficient staff to walk you to your room late at night. And choose a room near elevators. Away from the emergency exit. Double locks, preferably a bar lock. On upper floor and away from catwalks and terraces. Do not use the Maid Clean sign - call housekeeping if necessary. Do use the Privacy Please sign if you wish people to think your room is occupied. Put expensive clothing on hangars under other clothing. Lock valuables in the safe and larger items in your suitcase (computers for instance).
• Learn common sense self-defense and self-protection techniques and school yourself to use them in an emergency. Of course the best tip is, don't put yourself in danger; and second best is make a ton of noise. Scream, shout, blow a whistle. My grandmother said tell an attacker you have a highly contagious disease, but I never had to try it. this self-defense page has some tips you can look at.

  Lastly, consider alternative travel ideas. See Elder Hostel's article for one idea.

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