Safety First
Four ways to travel solo with confidence
Check out the plethora of resources on the Government of Canada travel website (travel.gc. ca), from “Her Own Way: A Women’s Safe-travel Guide” (which covers cultural issues, medical matters and overseas partnerships) to country-specific government-issued safety advisories. Have a touchstone back home. Leave copies of your travel documents and your itinerary with a close friend or family member and preschedule regular check-ins. Look to local women for advice. Ask the female staff at your hotel or a nearby café what’s safe. It’s also key to know the law in countries you might be visiting— especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, where there are prohibitions on women’s movement. Do your research and ensure that you’ve got a good sense of the local landscape. Know the available services. Some cities—including Mumbai, Tokyo and Mexico City—have female-only taxis, subway cars and buses, while many hotels also offer women-only floors. Female travel networks like Maiden Voyage regularly inspect hotels for safety features such as well-lit car parks and 24-hour reception.