Advice for the Woman Traveller

Avoiding Harassment

Unfortunately, the potential for sexual harassment and intimidation is a reality around the world, as it is at home. Be prepared. Do your networking and research before you leave. Find out as much as you can about the roles of both women and men in the places you plan to visit.

Avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing.

In the Pacific Islands, a woman's thighs are considered an erotic part of her body and should not be exposed in public.

A woman alone may be considered fair game. Understand this and prepare yourself mentally for any propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls. Then simply ignore them.

In some male-dominated cultures, it's considered incorrect for a woman to travel solo. For these and other potentially challenging destinations, you might want to team up with a companion. Two women travelling together might have an easier time.

In some cultures, making eye contact with a man is a sign that you want his company. Some women solve this problem by wearing dark glasses.

Be aware that you'll probably be openly stared at. In countries where you look very different from everybody else, both men and women will make no attempt to hide their curiosity.

Behave confidently. When you're out, try to look as if you know exactly where you're going and what you're doing.

Take your cue from the local women. As a general rule, if they don't sit in cafés alone, you shouldn't do so either. If they aren't wearing sleeveless dresses, neither should you.

In India, a female's upper arms are considered sensual areas of the body and therefore must never be exposed in public.

Never accept car rides or hitchhike. Ask the local hotels to recommend reputable taxis and, whenever possible, try to double up with someone you know when travelling by cab.

Crowded trains and buses can be perfect breeding grounds for antisocial behaviour. Some men will use this opportunity to touch or pinch the female passengers standing close to them. If this happens to you, make a fuss. Point at the offender and chastise him in a loud voice. He'll probably slink away. However, to avoid these types of advances, consider choosing reserved seating if you can afford it. It will be money well spent.

In countries like Egypt and India, take advantage of the female-only sections in buses, trains and subways. Use this excellent opportunity to communicate with local women and their children.

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