Safety first
Sumitra Senapaty

AS a woman traveller, and the type that tends to wander off the beaten track, I long for a recommended list of places and countries that point out where women should go and where they should not go. Planning a holiday would be much easier if there was a clear divide between best and worst places for women venturing out into the big bad world. Though some of the most exotic, interesting places are labelled "unsafe", you just cannot drop them from your wish list, if you are really a true traveller.

When you travel, there are places like Johannesburg, the crime capital of the world, notorious for flight delays and lost luggage. Best to avoid Johannesburg, fly in but make sure that you take the next connecting flight to Cape Town or Kruger National Park. `A0

When it comes to places like Egypt or Turkey, or anywhere in the world, just look and act confident, even if you aren’t. Don’t act lost (even when you are), and don’t stand in the street poring over your map, since wannabe hustlers will take this as an invitation to "help" you. Be cautious toward offers of hospitality, especially if the hospitality separates you from safe public areas. When in the hotel, keep your door locked at all times, and be suspicious if someone knocks on your door late at night.

Turkey is a country popular on women wish-lists. You may see many women in full hijab, or covered discreetly by veils, long shirts, and flowing pants. If planning a trip, consider these details and leave the spaghettis at home.

In every part of the world, there are cities that are safe for women to visit, but there are risks wherever you go. Even when you’re in a "safe" place, it’s important not to let your guard down and always be cautious. Both in India and anywhere else in the world, women should use common sense, not look at strange men straight in the eye, not walk down dark deserted streets and always ignore cat calls and advances. Follow these basic rules and the world is your oyster and you can be safe at all times.