101 Media Travel Guides, Travel Tips

Safety and Security for Women Who Travel (Travelers’ Tales) Review

Ever lie awake in a dark hotel room knowing full well that the ‘safety chain’ and pushbutton locks on the door couldn’t stop a determined six-year-old from coming in, much less a predatory adult? Had your purse snatched on a trip and had to cut your trip short for lack of funds — or waste two days’ worth of prime sightseeing and shopping time trying to replace credit cards and travelers’ checks? For women traveling alone or in groups, travel hassles ranging from annoying to outright dangerous can ruin a trip. This does not have to be the case! This book is full of common sense advice that I never would have thought up myself (flimsy chain lock? two rubber doorstops provide security, bring ‘em in your carryon bag and safety is yours for approximately !), as well as seasoned-traveler insider information that most women have to learn the hard way (photocopy all of your documents, both sides, including photo ID..read why and you’ll be glad you did). Reading this book was a pure shot of travel courage for me. If you have ever wanted to take an adventurous travel step but thought, “It would be safer if I did x instead even if it isn’t as fun”, grab a copy of of Sheila Swan’s book and read it cover-to-cover. The book provides a host of steps women can take to increase their safety but uses a ‘you can do it’ approach rather than relying on scare tactics that too often keep women locked in their hotel rooms at night missing the fun. I don’t want to give away any more of the handy tidbits, but as an added bonus I’ve used some of the tips in navigating my way out of sticky situations in my own city as well. Could *you* tell if someone was setting you up to steal from your purse, or to pick your partner’s pocket? I can!