Our friends at the ASTA, American Society of Travel Agents, recently put up a blog post with safety tips for women traveling alone.  At Yampu Tours we work overtime to ensure that our travelers are always safe, even in unforeseen situations.  The issues for traveling alone are different for women traveling alone then it is for men.  To that end, we wanted to reiterate the wise tips that were given by the ASTA.

1) Know before you go

Learn as much as possible about the destination you are visiting before traveling.  Ask your Tour Operators questions about the local culture, lifestyle, and customs so that you know what to expect upon arrival

2) Familiarize yourself with the hotel staff

• Become acquainted with the hotel staff that will be familiar with the guests and more able to monitor the traffic through your hotel.
• Make sure your room is not on the ground floor and is away from any construction sites.
• Never accept a room if the attendant loudly announces your name and room number.  You never know who may have overheard that information.

Yampu addition:

• Always use the safe to store your passport, wallet, and items of interest like ipods and jewelry.
• If you do not have time to put your things in the safe, put the do not disturb sign on your door.  If your safe does not work, do not leave the room until they fix it.

3) Getting Around

• Make sure to have a card or item on you at all times that has your hotel’s name, phone number, and address.   This is helpful in foreign countries where the taxi driver may not speak English.
• Always prepare your transportation arrangements ahead of time.  Always familiarize yourself with local streets when renting a car.
• Ask the concierge at the hotel the best places to go, and the best places to avoid.
• Learn as much as possible before voyaging out on the streets to avoid appearing like a lost tourist.

Yampu addition:

• Always book ahead of time an airport transfer with y our tour operator.  This is the best way to insure safety.  Also book guides ahead of time.

4) Pack Smart

• During day trips always travel lightly so that you do not appear weighed down and easily accessible.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash and have only one credit card on you at all times.

Yampu addition:

• Always bring only things you do not mind loosing while on a trip.  This freedom makes you appear at ease and less of a target.  I have special travel jewelry and purses for this reason.  Also do not travel with fake designer bags, as this can be a target for thieves.
• Leave copies of your passport and credit cards at home or with your tour operator.  This way if things are lost while traveling, a copy of all your information is at hand at home.

Yampu’s single client’s have found that they still have lots of freedom and adventure but it is nice to have a tour operator as back up in time of need.  They are also busy people so Yampu arranges all the details including finding the right guides, and transportation.

Yampu Tours provides transfers for their clients that include a driver and an English speaking guide.  With these safety precautions, traveling smart and being aware of their surroundings, Yampu’s clients who travel alone have had wonderful experiences.

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