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As more and more women travel abroad for work and leisure, their lifestyle has undergone a sea change. A little caution and a few guidelines can go a long way to ensure solo women travellers are secure even in a foreign land If, like me, you have grown-up in India, these would be routine queries thrust your way as with other young ladies of the family stepping out for the evening. As an adult, you have planned to travel abroad solo. The unfortunate unsavoury attention that women travellers attract in our country serves as a training ground to work your way around other parts of the world. Opposition encourages enhanced self-preservation. Although most parts of the developed world are relatively safe for women travellers, it would serve us well to remember that every city has an underbelly; which should be avoided. Write the names of these localities in a pocket notebook which you carry. Use your instinct. If you venture into a narrow graffiti lane, hosting a bunch of rowdy boys that leave you uncomfortable, turn back. Similarly, if you walk into a restaurant mid afternoon to find it dimly lit and barely populated, take the exit. An advance hotel booking and airport pick-up is a must, especially if you reach your destination late in the evening. Many airports close at night and may not host you even if in distress. More than likely, the local currency exchange would be closed as well. That's why credit cards were invented. Don't be tempted by strangers offering to change money; even if they promise to pay more; head for an exchange at first opportunity and then distribute the money in various pockets, waist belt or backpack. As a rule keep copies of documents such as passport, identity card, credit card, travel insurance etc. in your handbag at all times along with a key card or notepad of the hotel you are checked into. Travel light. Since phone connections are available locally for travel overseas, it's worth investing in one. Keep friends or family informed of your plan and have their numbers on speed dial; and the police helpline number too. Avail of local intelligence available to you. While enjoying popular watering holes or restaurants, keep clear of honey traps. Do not accept a drink unless prepared in your presence. Usage of date rape drugs is common on unsuspecting visitors. Do not share your hotel address and definitely do not invite any unknown person to your room. A lively locality can turn eerily quiet and lonely after hours, which raises the issue of a safe commute. Book a return cab before the crowd thins. Keep a public transport timetable handy; the last train/bus ride is avoidable. A tram ride in friendly Amsterdam left me lighter by a digital camera; displaying a marvellous technique of distraction my handbag was whisked off a table in Frankfurt. Robbers are getting smarter with their modus operandi. In the unfortunate event of an attempt at knifepoint mugging, pull out your valuables, throw them away from your path and run for your life. The person wants your money, not your life. Respect local customs; the mini skirt in Rome is highly inappropriate for a mosque visit in Turkey. Be aware that a friendly smile can be misunderstood. To borrow from Emerson, continue to "live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air" and, most importantly, stay safe as you traverse this lovely world of ours.
Thinkstock photos
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“Alone. After dark. In an alien place? Watch what you wear. Keep my number on speed dial. Do you have to go? Lock the car doors, will you?"
If booking a tour, do so through a reliable travel agency. There is strength in numbers. A friend had a nervy experience as the sole person in a 10-seat coach tour off Hollywood Avenue in Los Angeles zipping through Beverly Hills and many deserted alleys with only a driver and guide for company. 
A pepper spray and/or whistle could extract one from many a sticky situation. A shrill whistle draws attention to your person, helping to foil an attempt at robbing while a pepper spray aimed straight at the perpetrators eyes disables him/her temporarily leaving you valuable seconds to getaway. 