A recently commissioned safety survey of 2,000 business travellers in Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK revealed that seven in ten women business travellers feel that travelling for work as a woman is less safe than travelling as a man. In contrast, 31 percent do not travel or go out at night alone, compared to 18 percent of men.
According to the survey, 46% of women keep their family and friends informed of their whereabouts, compared to 36% of men. More than a third of women, 36%, also reported that they dislike travelling to countries where women’s rights are not protected, in contrast to only 15% of men. Additionally, 10% of women have experienced a health issue. While they travelled, they did not seek help due to lingering stigmas surrounding women’s health problems, and 12% of women have encountered negative experiences, ranging from theft to assault.
World Travel Protection, a member of the Zurich Insurance Group, and AFA Corporate Travel suggest, the following eight ways for women to improve their safety while travelling for work or leisure.
1. Choose Safe Transport
Ways to reduce any transport risks include.
- Before you arrive, arrange airport transfers using only official, licensed, and reputable taxis. Be wary of people posing as taxi drivers.
- Sit in the backseat of a taxi behind the driver.
- While in a taxi or car service, behave as if someone is expecting you. Make a phone call or inform your driver that someone is waiting for you.
- Exercise caution when using crowded public transport in urban and rural areas, as you may be vulnerable to harassment or theft. If you feel uneasy, consider sitting in train compartments designated for women or near the driver or guard.
- Avoid travelling in train carriages where you are by yourself.
- Do not hitchhike. Hitchhiking is not safe in any country in the world.
2. Ensure Safe Accommodation
When booking your accommodation:
- Book before you go
- Book and check-in using only your first initial and surname - no title (Miss, Ms or Mrs)
- If you're travelling alone, avoid staying in isolated accommodations. If you can't discern from a map, consult online reviews from other travellers.
When you arrive at your accommodation:
- Ask to see your room before taking it.
- Ensure the telephone is functional and that the door is equipped with a peephole, deadbolt, or chain lock.
- Avoid taking a room on the ground floor.
While staying at your accommodation:
- Use the locks when inside to ensure your door is always firmly secured.
- If you return to your room and find doors or windows open or broken, do not enter. Instead, contact reception or the police.
- Don't reveal where you're staying to strangers.
- Keep in mind that in some countries, it is illegal for an unmarried man and woman to share a hotel room.
3. Avoiding Unwanted Attention
As a woman, you may attract unwanted attention in certain countries. Stay composed and leave a concerning situation as quickly as you can. Move to a safe, public location.
- Always act confidently. If you behave like you know where you're going and what you're doing, you're less likely to appear vulnerable.
- If you ever feel uncomfortable or in danger, shout or make a scene to draw attention. However, if you suspect someone has weapons, trust your judgment.
- Have a photo of your partner (real or imagined) to avoid unwanted romantic attention.
4. Dress for the Destination
Think about your clothing in relation to the culture you are visiting. Many countries are more conservative than Australia and have different standards for women and men.
This may involve wearing modest clothing or covering your head or shoulders in specific locations.
- Observe what local women are wearing, and if uncertain, dress similarly.
- Wear clothing that respects local laws and customs, even if you don't agree with the local way.
- Refrain from wearing or carrying items that may give the impression of wealth, such as costly jewellery or handbags.
- Wearing a wedding ring can help you avoid unwanted attention.
Research the destinations you'll visit to understand where conservative dress standards apply or where women are required to wear specific clothing by law.
5. Be Social Safely
- Keep the details of your travel plans private and avoid announcing that you are travelling alone.
- Never leave your drink unattended or entrusted to a stranger or new acquaintance. Drink spiking is common worldwide.
- When you're out, keep your bag close and on the side of your body opposite the street to deter bag snatchers.
- As in Australia, avoid walking alone after dark or in isolated areas.
- Be mindful of cultural standards..
- Make sure you control your transport moving from place to place.
6. Take Care of Your Health
- Buy feminine hygiene products and condoms ahead of time to ensure quality.
- If you plan to travel while pregnant, consult your doctor well in advance. Airlines may have different rules for pregnant women travelling and might not allow you to fly as late into your pregnancy as you can in Australia.
- Ensure you have adequate medical insurance to cover any sickness or accidents during your trip.
7. Be Aware of the Law
- Some countries' legal systems impose strict limitations on women's rights. While these laws may seem severe by Australian standards, they will apply to you while you are in the country. Please refer to the Laws section of our travel advice.
- Some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, may imprison foreigners for having sex outside of marriage. Victims of sexual assault may face criminal charges rather than protection.
- Women may be legally required to travel with a male escort.
- In some countries, it is illegal for women to drive alone.
8. Overlapping Risks
Different aspects of your identity can expose you to overlapping forms of discrimination and increase the risks you may encounter. This concept is often referred to as intersectionality. Aspects of your identity may include your:
- colour
- race
- ethnicity
- Religion
- Nationality
- Age
- Gender
- sex
- Sexual Orientation
- Ability
- Mental health
To understand the risks you may face, refer to this guidance from Smart Traveller, along with our advice on colour, race, religion, LGBTQIA+, disability, age , and mental health
A Commitment to Employee Wellbeing
In today's interconnected world, business travel is inevitable. By partnering with AFA Insurance and heeding the insights from World Travel Protection, companies can navigate the complexities of travel with greater ease and assurance. Equip your team with AFA Corporate Travel Insurance and embark on your next business venture with the utmost confidence.
Choosing AFA Corporate Travel Insurance reflects a company's dedication to its employees' well-being. It sends a clear message that their safety is a top priority, fostering a culture of care and responsibility.
For more information on how AFA Corporate Travel Insurance can safeguard your business trips, visit AFA Insurance.
