Customer Reviews

Safety and Security for Women Who Travel (Travelers' Tales)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 $5!), 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!

This book was informative and full of fun anecdotes, but I didn't find it very useful. Most of the information contained was rather common-sense for a savvy traveler, or someone who spends a lot of time in cities.

Think smart, protect your belongings, don't go out in dangerous areas at night, and always feel secure with your surroundings.

As an experienced traveler, I found that most of the book contains common sense or "old tricks" that I learned via tips passed on from other travelers. Even so, I did learn a few things and believe that any woman who is relatively new to travel, especially worldwide, will benefit from this comprehensive book.

This book is full of useful tips and resources that any traveler might want to know, especially is you are a woman traveling alone. For some reason, common-sense tips are things we need to be reminded of. Like always registering at a hotel under your last name and initial, thus avoiding advertising the fact you are a woman. Like taking the hotel card when you register, so that if you get lost you can get someone to help you find it. Like covering guidebooks with covers made out of local newspapers, making it less obvious you are just passing through.
This book is a veritable gold mine of valuable advice, the sort that you could write on a 3 by 5 and keep with you when traveling. The best recommendation I can make is that my copy is bristling with stickies. Five stars.

I received this book on time, and I am still enjoying reading it. It's almost the same as the other book I ordered. They give the same advice for women traveling alone. But, I enjoy the reading of both of them.

Must reading for the ladies. It will help you avoid unwanted predators of all species.