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LIFE&FAMILY
122
June15
Whether on a business trip or on holiday, there
is a lot all of us, particularly women, can do to
safeguard our security. Beyond petty thefts are
violent and invasive dangers that no one wants
to think about, yet it’s vital to
guard against them. We asked
Australian FELY BOWEN,
Regional Security Manager,
Consulting and Training, Asia-
Pacific at International SOS
and Control Risks for her
practical advice.
Safe
PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR WOMEN
What troubles do travellers encounter in general?
By far the most common risks for both men and women are
opportunistic crime and traffic accidents, rather than the
well-reported incidents of kidnapping or plane crashes. Bag-
snatching is a particularly big problem for women, followed
by theft and sexual assault. Women tend to be targeted more
than men, and this happens all over the world.
Obviously clothing choices are important, right?
Yes, this is part of the preparation for travel, and we ask
people to research acceptable clothing in the country they
are visiting – business colleagues can usually help. Err on the
side of caution and dress more rather than less conservatively.
Generally, anywhere in the world, a skirt to the knee and a
jacket is acceptable business attire.
Be aware of cultural differences. In Ghana, for example,
revealing cleavage is not considered sexual, but the thigh area
is. A shawl is handy for covering up, especially in Asia, where
you may visit temples and should show respect.
What do you advise womenwho are preparing to travel?
These five rules are applicable to men too:
1.
Know your personal profile:
Understand that if you are a
Caucasian visiting China, you will stand out, no matter how
you dress. As a female you will stand out more in some
countries, especially in business environments.
& Secure