[ul]
[li]Travel early in the day, so you’ll have time to find a suitable place before dark. Better still, book your lodgings in advance, especially if you’re due to arrive late at night. You’ll have the peace of mind of not having to search for a hotel on the shadowy streets of a foreign town.[/li][li]Make sure you feel comfortable about your accommodations and their location. Always ask to see the room before taking it. Does the door lock properly? Are there holes in the door or walls that could be used by peeping Toms? Are there fire alarms and escape routes? Does it feel safe? Don’t stay anywhere unless you feel comfortable.[/li][li]Avoid ground-floor accommodations or any room that has easy access from outside, such as from a balcony or fire escape. Book a room that’s close to an elevator and away from exits.[/li][li]Understand the risks of staying in low-budget accommodations, such as hostels and campsites. Never leave valuables or travel documents behind in your room and keep them close to you if you sleep in a dorm. Remember that camping solo or accepting lodgings from a stranger could be an invitation to danger.[/li][li]Even if you choose luxury accommodations, you should always be vigilant. Ensure the door of your room is locked, even when you’re inside. Consider packing a rubber door wedge that can be installed on an inward-opening door for added security. Never open your door to anyone without taking precautions, such as looking through the spy hole or using the door chain. If a visitor claims to be a staff member, always ask the front desk if the person is authorized to enter your room.[/li][li]Never leave your window open, especially if your room is on the ground floor or has a balcony.[/li][li]Be aware that stairwells allow troublemakers to hide and to come and go undetected. Don’t get in an elevator unless you feel safe.[/li][li]Keep your room number and location private. When checking in, write your name with only your first initial, without a title, such as Ms., Miss, or Mrs. Don’t accept a room if the check-in clerk calls out your name or room number. Others within hearing distance may use this information to call you or get access to your room. Keep your key out of view to prevent anyone from noting your room number.[/li][/ul]
[SIZE=4]Coping with sexual harassment[/SIZE]
The normal and acceptable treatment of women varies widely from culture to culture. Women are often uncomfortable with the conduct of local men in some countries, where whistling, hissing, catcalls, leering, stalking, voyeurism, groping, pinching, and indiscreet comments are not considered harassment but acceptable forms of male attention. Partly due to the widespread misconception that Western women are flirtatious and promiscuous, a Canadian female may be seen as fair game, particularly if she looks different from the local women and is travelling alone.
The following strategies will help you deal with sexual harassment.
[ul]
[li]Behave confidently. Act as if you know exactly where you’re going and what you’re doing, even if you’re lost. At the same time, maintain a formal demeanour. In some cultures, being outgoing or friendly – or simply smiling or initiating a conversation – may be interpreted as flirting or a sexual invitation. If a man tries to talk to you, don’t feel pressured to respond. If someone makes you uncomfortable, keep your composure and remove yourself from the situation at once.[/li][li]Avoid eye contact. In some cultures, meeting a man’s gaze may suggest that you want his company. A simple solution is to wear dark glasses in public places.[/li][li]Take your cue from the local women. If they don’t sit in cafés or parks alone or wear tank tops or miniskirts, neither should you. Avoid wearing form-fitting clothing that may be considered provocative. If you’re fair-haired in a country where most women are dark-haired, you may attract unwanted attention. Consider wearing a headscarf or hat.[/li][li]Wear a (fake) wedding ring. Also carry a photo of your husband (or an imaginary one), which you can show to persistent suitors. Being seen as married will lower your profile and stave off uninvited advances.[/li][li]Be vigilant when travelling on public transport. Crowded buses and trains can be hot spots for anti-social behaviour. Some men may exploit the opportunity to harass female passengers. If you’re targeted, make a fuss. Point at the offender and chastise him in a loud voice. He’ll probably slink away. To avoid such advances, consider choosing reserved seating or insist on sitting next to another woman. Or avail yourself of female-only sections on buses or passenger cars on subways and trains in such cities as Tokyo, Mumbai, Mexico City, Jakarta, and Rio de Janeiro.[/li][/ul]
[SIZE=4]What to wear[/SIZE]
The rules of dressing for success vary hugely from culture to culture. They’re often based on age-old religious and moral beliefs. Defying these customs may be strictly forbidden in some societies and put you at risk.
[ul]
[li]Find out what women wear in your host country before you arrive. Pack a suitable wardrobe based on your research.[/li][li]Err on the side of modesty – or dress conservatively – if you want to blend in. The dress code is especially strict in some male-dominated societies, where bare shoulders, short pants, mini skirts, and other revealing attire may cause offence. A shawl can be a priceless part of your wardrobe. So can a long skirt: it’s not only modest but also convenient if you ever need to use a squat toilet![/li][li]Be prepared to cover your entire body, with the possible exception of your hands and face, in certain Middle Eastern countries. Bring loose, linen trousers, a long-sleeved tunic, plus any mandatory head or face covering, such as a hijab, chador, or niqab. Pack both sandals and shoes in case your feet must be covered.[/li][li]Know the local laws regarding nude or topless bathing before you disrobe, even on the most secluded beach.[/li][/ul]
-For men