Safety Issues for Solo Female Travelers

Solo female travelers are likely to be victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment than males. That’s why many people warn women against traveling alone. However, you can also travel solo safely. You just need to know the safety issues that you’re likely to face when traveling alone and how to avoid them. 

Cultural Issues 

In some places, cultural issues are very sensitive. For instance, there is a way a woman is culturally not allowed to dress in some places. Inviting a man to your hotel room can also be misinterpreted as asking him for sex in some places. Therefore, research the culture of your travel destination to understand sensitive issues and how to avoid them. 

Sexual Stereotypes 

Baywatch is among the most-watched TV shows in history. The audiences see American and European porn flicks across the world. Therefore, it’s not surprising that some people in some countries think that women from Western countries are loose. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to misunderstanding and harassment. An attempt to fight this harassment means you could be fighting imagery that Hollywood movies have created and perpetuated for years. 

Illness 

Illness is another safety issue that solo female travelers can face abroad. For instance, using ice or drinking unbolted water can lead to sickness. Local microbes in Western Europe and other places can shock your body system. Therefore, get all the necessary prescriptions and shots before you travel. And if you get ill when traveling, visit a doctor that is recommended by your embassy. 

Common Crime 

Women can also be victims of common crime when traveling abroad. For instance, your gold chain can be ripped from a female’s neck in a public place. Therefore, be careful when traveling, especially in places that don’t feel safe. For instance, avoid traveling with valuable items. If you must carry luxurious items, don’t flash them out. 

Other safety issues for solo female travelers include accidents, as well as, potential terrorism and violence. Be keen on these issues to ensure a safe and enjoyable solo trip.

How to Visit Dubai on a Budget

How to Visit Dubai on a Budget

Due to its reputation for luxury hotels, posh restaurants, and high-end shopping malls, most people consider Dubai to be an expensive tourist destination. However, you can still experience the best of this progressive Middle Eastern city on a budget. The following are useful ideas for visiting Dubai on a budget. 

Use Public Transport

Dubai has a well-developed public transport network, which you can use to cheaply traverse most parts of the city. Apart from having the cheapest metro tickets in the world, Dubai also has trams, buses, and water taxis. Public transport is usually more efficient and cheaper than taxis, especially if you are planning long journeys around Dubai. 

Ditch the Popular Tourist Attractions 

Dubai is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and natural attractions that keep millions of visitors flowing in throughout the year. As such, you can expect huge traffic and higher rates for accessing popular attractions. But, there are still lots of budget-friendly attractions in Dubai such as beaches, beautiful landscapes, and museums. 

Besides, the destination also hosts periodic cultural and arts events that you can visit for free entertainment and learn more about the region. With a little more research, you can also easily find alternative accommodations in Dubai for budget travelers. 

Eat Locally 

Dubai is undoubtedly a great destination for food lovers with endless options for gourmet international cuisines. However, you do not have to eat from high-end restaurants to experience the food culture. There are several budget-friendly food outlets and restaurants serving a wide variety of finger-licking Middle Eastern, American, Asian, and English cuisines. Some of the local restaurants might look simple but, the food is great and quite cheap. On the other hand, visiting the local food joints will also give you a better perspective of the culture. 

Whether you are planning a trip for a few days, weeks, or longer, Dubai boasts something for every traveler. The above tips can help you to get the most of Dubai without breaking the bank.

How to Stay Safe when Traveling Alone

How to Stay Safe when Traveling Alone

Traveling alone can compare to a resurgence for people whose world is hyper-connected. However, most people are concerned about their safety when it comes to solo travel. If safety is one of your major priorities, here’s how to stay safe when traveling alone.

Stay Connected 

You no longer have a reason to travel without devices or apps for keeping you connected with your loved ones. Therefore, use your Smartphone and apps like Skype to keep in touch with loved ones. A Smartphone with GPS and online maps are a great option when you intend to drive alone. 

Share Your Daily Itinerary with Loved Ones 

Make sure that your loved ones are constantly updated on your daily itinerary. This includes your family and friends back at home. Additionally, let them know when you intend to get back home. That way, they may have an easier time locating you in case you go missing. 

Carry Your Valuables Wisely 

Stash credit cards, money, and passport in different places. You can keep them in a purse or wallet. You can also carry additional cards and money in your pouch or pockets. When you go sightseeing, carry the data page of your passport only while the passport stays locked in a hotel safe. 

Research Your Destination 

Research your destination before you go. That way, you will know the safety concerns to be aware of. You will also know the local etiquettes and customs to observe in terms of dressing. If in doubt, be conservative. 

Stay Healthy 

It’s easy for thieves to take advantage of you if unhealthy. Therefore, make your health a priority. Drink clean water and avoid food poisoning. Additionally, avoid poisonous spiders, snakes, and mosquitoes among other insects and animals. 

In addition to these tips for staying safe when traveling, avoid sharing personal information with strangers. Also, follow your guts when making decisions. 

Types of Travel Agents

Types of Travel Agents

A travel agent mainly operates as a middleman between travelers and travel service providers. According to Chris Cooker who owns a glass company in San Antonio Texas, he shares with us that working on behalf of travelers or travel companies, travel agents often sell tickets and travel products, make reservations for accommodations. Contrary to what some people usually think, travel agents make their money through commissions deducted from the overall sales that they make to the service providers. Nevertheless, the following are the main types of travel agents that you should know. 

General Sales Agents 

These travel agents work like tourism ambassadors, promoting the services of foreign travel companies. Such travel agents are scattered across various destinations in the world but, they only promote travels to or within a particular destination that also serves as the headquarters for their organizations. Their only duty is to help travelers to get better deals for visiting that particular destination. Hence, they are not indebted to any airline or resort. 

Business/ Leisure Travel Agents 

Many travel organizations today have a designated/ leisure business travel department. These agents are specifically focussed on finding better deals for those who travel for business reasons and leisure. That kind of specialization enables them to source travel deals based on the specific needs of travelers, which is more convenient. 

Online Travel Agents 

The internet has played a major role in shaping up key procedures in the travel industry. Online travel agents enable travelers to get amazing deals by comparing various flights and hotel options. The agents have websites with information about the airfares and accommodation rates by different airlines and hotels. Putting all that information on a single platform gives travelers an easier time to find the best travel deals at their convenience. 

Multi-Destination Travel Agents 

As the name suggests, these travel agents have a wider reach and can help you find better deals for visiting any part of the world. 

Whether you are planning to travel locally or internationally, it is always advisable to seek the help of a professional travel agent. However, you should first find out the particular travel services that the agent offers to determine the right entity to work with. 

Travel Tips that Will Make You the Savviest Traveler

Travel Tips that Will Make You the Savviest Traveler

Nobody is born a savvy traveler. To become a savvy traveler, you have to learn and acquire experience. According to Dr. Coto of Dental Coto in Costa Rica, he confirms that when starting to travel, you will make many mistakes. You will miss flights and buses, behave foolishly, exhibit cultural unawareness and other countless errors. It’s only after some time that you will start to move through the airports seamlessly and integrate into different cultures with ease. Here are useful travel tips that will make you the savviest traveler. 

Use a Small Suitcase or Backpack 

A small backpack or suitcase will compel you to always pack light when traveling. You avoid carrying excess stuffs trying to fill the extra room of the suitcase or backpack. With a small suitcase or backpack, you carry limited clothes and few essentials. This makes traveling less tiresome. 

Carry an Extra Credit Card and Bank Card when Traveling 

Disasters happen. Therefore, carry an extra credit card or bank card as your backup. This will help you if you lose your card or get robbed. You avoid being stuck in a strange place without access to money. 

Travel Solo At Least Once 

When you travel solo, you learn to be independent and reflect. It’s a chance to learn more about your personality. Traveling alone will teach you to talk to other people and deal with challenging situations alone. You will learn what you can do and what you want. 

Make Copies of Travel Documents 

Make copies of important documents like your passport. Email yourself copies of your travel documents too. That way, you will have an easier time getting a copy in the event that your original documents are stolen or lost. 

In addition to these tips, always conduct an extensive research of your travel destinations. Make sure that you know where you go every time you travel. This will enable you to get anything you need, including help, when traveling. 

How to Ensure Your Safety during International Trips

How to Ensure Your Safety during International Trips

Traveling internationally is among the most exciting things for most people. When you travel abroad, you experience the beautiful cultures of other people. But, some people are wary of traveling internationally. They fear that traveling abroad is dangerous. However, traveling internationally is generally safe. Nevertheless, every international traveler should employ safety precautions during international trips to ensure their safety. Here are safety tips for international travelers.

Get Appropriate Vaccines and Checkup

Undergo a medical checkup to confirm that you are healthy before you travel. If there are health concerns in your destination country, understand them when planning the trip. When traveling to some destinations, you need vaccinations. Therefore, get all necessary immunizations before you travel.

Make Copies of Your Travel Documents

When traveling internationally, you will carry some documents. Make electronic copies of those documents including your medical insurance card, immunization record, passport, travel insurance, visas, and plane tickets. Also email yourself the copies to access them directly from your inbox in the event that you damage or lose your paperwork.

Avoid Carrying Everything Together

You may be tempted to keep your credit cards, cash, traveler’s checks, and identification in the same wallet. However, avoid keeping everything together. Keep your credit cards, money, IDs, and checks locked in the safe of your hotel room if you don’t intend to use them. Separate identifying and monetary items you intend to carry in different places. This will ensure that you won’t lose everything in case your wallet is stolen.

Avoid Carrying Things in the Back Pocket

Pickpocketing happens in specific places. It’s known that pickpockets target tourists. Avoid keeping valuables like keys to your hotel room, a small purse, and wallet in the back pocket. That’s because doing so will open you up as an easy target for pickpockets with swift hands.

In addition to these tips, buy international insurance before you travel. This will ensure that you get the assistance you might need in the event that something unexpected happens while abroad.

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