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Scotland
Ireland
Japan
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Traveling
around the world has become as common as traveling to the next town.
Once the domain of businessmen and bodyguards, globetrotting trendsetters
no longer fall under the domain of celebrities and princesses.
With
international business a thing of the present it's just as common to
see women alone on international flights as it is men. Up 5000% since
1970, women business travelers are closing in on the half way mark of
all business travelers today.
But
what do women face that men don't? Plenty. With international laws varying
from country to country, women face illegal body searches, detainments,
and sometimes compromising negotiations to finish their journey. Not
to mention unsanitary conditions in many countries, little to no access
of toiletry items, and scant traces of sudden disappearances. The answer?
Be prepared.
Forecast
your needs ahead of time and bring as many of your own personal items
as possible. Leave an exact itinerary of your trip and stops with family
or colleagues. Call home frequently. Stay at decent hotels and know
how to contact security when there. Be aware of your surroundings at
all times, and expect the unexpected. This is not to scare anyone away
from international travel. It is, however, an effort to prepare women
that international travel is in no way anything like going to NY from
LA.
Many
major American hotel chains, like the Hilton and Marriott for example,
have hotels in other countries as well. When preparing for your trip
you may want to check with a reliable chain to see if they have foreign
properties or if they can recommend one. Do your homework. Learn what
you can about the local area in which you'll be staying. Get brochures.
Research the web for the basic laws and customs of the area. Do they
drive on the left or right side of the road? What about the indigenous
culture, weather, food, water? Foreign foods and drinking water are
notorious for making people ill. Can you bring your own drinking water?
Are there dress requirements for females? Absurd, you say?
Remember,
women in other countries are not treated the same as they are in the
U.S. You may even be refused in a meeting that you've traveled 8000
miles for because you're a woman. Research and learn those customs
before you go. While some countries are loosening up on women visitors
from other countries there are still some very stringent rules and inhumane
cultures being practiced against women in many countries. So, go prepared.
Assume nothing. And bring your camera. There's nothing in the U.S. to
compare to the history and culture that the rest of the world has to
offer. While you may be there to accomplish your business, or enjoy
a much-deserved vacation, your personal safety should be your first
priority.
Our
global directory is scarce, we know, but we are building it. It will
soon be filled with stories, tips, ideas, suggestions, comments, and
a host of other things that will be designed to make your trip exciting,
entertaining, unique, fun, convenient, and most of all, safe. As it
grows please let us know the ways upon which we can improve.
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