Security

It's a sad fact of life that a woman traveling alone faces more danger than a man. To fight the fear, the Women's Travel Club--founded in 1992 by Phyllis Stoller--posts its members' tips on the club's Web site. Here's what they've learned over the years. (As with any advice, some of it may seem overly cautious, but the cliché holds: it's better to be safe than sorry.)

It's smart to keep your luggage locked at all times. Carry several small locks and two sets of keys.

Avoid expensive-looking camera bags. They may only serve to identify you as a wealthy tourist. Be creative. Try using a diaper bag instead.

Luggage tags with flaps that hide your name and address from enquiring eyes are a smart idea. They protect your anonymity and thwart would-be thieves who may try to identify the empty home you've left behind.

Taking a purse? One that has zippered inner compartments for added security and a thick shoulder strap that goes over your head as well as your shoulder is ideal. The best way to carry your purse is in front of you, next to your stomach.

This way, it isn't easily accessible to pickpockets.

Extra Security Makes Sense

In your purse or fanny pack, carry only those necessities that are lightweight and that you can afford to lose or have stolen. You should conceal those items that are not easily replaceable and are crucial to your travel arrangements - your passport, traveler's checks, cash, medical prescriptions, contact numbers for your doctor and a copy of your insurance policy - by carrying them close to your body.

You can use a cotton money belt that you wear around your waist or a cotton pouch that hangs around your neck and is concealed by loose-fitting clothes. Another excellent option is a security half-slip worn under a skirt or dress. Hidden under the hem are three zippered compartments perfect for holding travel documents, cash and credit cards. If you plan to spend time at the beach, consider the Seal Pak™, a waterproof pack worn around the waist. It's a practical method for keeping your valuables safe and dry.

If you'll be traveling in developing countries, pack a small flashlight. Power failures can be frequent. Consider carefully whether to accept food or drink from strangers. Understand that drugging is always a possibility.

In any country you visit, avoid sightseeing in isolated places.

If you plan to rent a car, consider traveling with a cellular phone. If you do, make sure you have an emergency telephone number in case you experience a mechanical breakdown or find yourself in a dangerous situation. Never pick up hitchhikers. And never get out of your car if someone bumps into it; wait for the police to arrive.

Before your trip go into any department store (does not have to be A-1 quality, a store such as Target will do). Buy a cubic zirconia wedding ring set. They are relatively inexpensive and you don't have to fret if you lose your rings or if they are stolen. Also an added plus if you are traveling alone, are single, and really are traveling for work-related purposes only.

Always bring maxi pads with you regardless if you may need them or not. Place money inside of one of the individually wrapped pads, then re-seal the pad and return to the package. The ultra thin ones are perfect to hide inside of each cup of a bra on days when you do need to use one. Not only is this inconspicuous, but you never know when it may come in handy to use for toilet paper, cuts, etc.

Accommodation

Choose your accommodation carefully. You may wish to consider small hotels, B&Bs or homestay exchanges. Their size generally allows for caring, personal attention.

To avoid extra stress, travel early in the day, especially if you don't have reservations. This gives you time to find a place you like before it gets dark.

Whether the accommodation is a hotel, a B&B or a hostel, always ask to see the room before you take it. Is it clean enough? Does the door lock properly? Does it feel safe? Trust your intuition. Don't stay anywhere unless you feel entirely comfortable with both the accommodation and its location.

Never accept a room if the check-in clerk calls out your name or room number. Others within hearing distance may se this information to try to call you or gain access to your room.

You should avoid ground-floor rooms or any room that has easy access from outside (i.e., a balcony or fire escape). Book a room that is close to an elevator and away from exits. Stairwells allow troublemakers to hide and to come and go undetected.

Never open your door to anyone without taking the necessary precautions. Even if your visitor claims to be a member of the staff, you should check with the front desk to verify the person's need to enter your room.

Consider investing in a small, lightweight, portable smoke detector, as well as a deadbolt that can easily be installed on any inward-opening door. These items are perfect if you plan to stay in very simple accommodation.

When traveling alone and checking into a hotel, make sure that the person at the desk does not state your room number aloud. Anyone standing nearby will have already heard that there are "no other guests" for your room. If this does happen, quietly pass the key back to him/her and politely request that they reassign you and that they not state the room number aloud.

Alone after Sundown

Women rightly tend to be more cautious about going out after sundown. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't go out at all. Simply take precautions: for example, in planning an evening at the symphony, arrange in advance to have a taxi take you there and back; in deciding where to eat dinner, choose a restaurant that is close to where you're staying.

Since it's always interesting to experience the sights and rhythms of a place after dark, consider joining a sightseeing group. Check with the local tourism center for any appropriate tours or cultural events that are available. Make sure that the tour bus picks you up and drops you off at your hotel or hostel.

Alternatively, you may appreciate matinee performances, which are far less expensive and may give you an opportunity to meet others.

If you're not comfortable eating alone in the evening, have your main meal at lunchtime when even the finest restaurants offer their specialties at more reasonable prices.

During the day, why not stop in at a market or supermarket and shop alongside the local women? You can learn about the food specialties of the area and put together a meal to eat as a picnic in your room. Even with wine, it's less expensive than eating out every night.

Understand that, in some parts of the world, "respectable" women don't go out alone in the evening. In these places, a flagrant rejection of this custom could very well put you in jeopardy. Instead, after a long day of sightseeing, welcome the opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate yourself, so you can be ready to enjoy another full day of new experiences.

In Saudi Arabia , a single woman doesn't drive a rental car. She must have a male driver.