Safety Tips For Women: Coz We Are Not Damsels in Distress!

♫♫ He had it coming, he had it coming

He only had himself to blame

If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it

I betcha you would have done the same ♫♫

-- “Cell Block Tango” (Chicago)

Hello Ladies! The New Year has begun and celebrations are slowly giving way to new timelines and of course, meetings. For many of us, work involves travelling to destinations near and far, be it alone or with colleagues. And while we cannot completely devoid ourselves from such pleasures of travelling (nor should we), we can always avoid committing the same mistakes that our favourite fairy-tale heroines did. Keeping that in mind, here are a few important safety tips for your next business trip.

#1 You can wear a little red dress, but you must not ride foolishly!

Unlike our Little Red Riding Hood, DO NOT trudge on isolated roads (especially in the night), remember you landmarks well, and it’s always better to have a map handy. Never indulge in conversation with strangers and reveal information about your whereabouts and travel plans. They might just be wolves scheming against you.

#2 Beautiful you may be, but try all you can, this beast will not turn into a prince!

Be it in a public transport or a plush high-end party, avoid talking to strangers. Nightlife is one of the great perks of travel. Have fun, but you must watch your drinks (literally so!). Get high on travelling and not while travelling.

#3 Venture out at midnight Cinderella, but don’t you leave your shoes!

It is very important to keep your belongings safely while travelling. Preferably, avoid wearing flashy jewellery and expensive accessories. They just make great fodder for thieves. Ensure that you have all the essentials in you handbag, which includes your phone, a valid identity card, a copy of your passport, and off course, PEPPER SPRAY!

#4 Oh my lovely beauty, stay alert, thy shall not sleep!

Sleeping beauty might seem attractive to the prince then, but she can only fall as a prey under malicious intent now. The keyword here is to be aware and alert at all times. Try not to doze off in public transport and ensure that your luggage is locked safely, especially in case you are travelling in trains and buses. Also, always book a legal and reputable taxi and NEVER hitchhike.

#5 Hell hath no fury, than the distress of the princess over the pea!

While enjoying on a holiday, don’t put your instincts on holiday too. In a foreign land or your hometown, you can always sense whether someone means well or ill. If you find a person’s behaviour uncomfortable, get out of there quickly, or if matters get worse, raise your voice and let your discomfort be known in public. Never be ashamed or scared of the scene it will create, it is only for your betterment. Also, the culprit will think twice before repeating it with someone else.

#6 Naïve little Rapunzel, your prince will not come to rescue, and the witch shall not let you escape!

While it might annoy most of us when parents incessantly call to know our whereabouts, it is really a boon for us after all. Poor Rapunzel couldn’t call for she had no phone, but we do and must make good use of it. Keep your folks informed about your whereabouts. Also, there are many new apps that feed your information and inform your folks as soon as you send an SOS. God forbid, if things go wrong, taking this precaution can be a life saver. You must also keep the number of the local police station handy.

#7 Mirror mirror on the wall, let my Snow White be safe after all!

When visiting a foreign land, it is advisable to get familiar with the countries culture and dress accordingly. Do not wear revealing clothes, if the culture does not encourage, it will only get you unwanted attention.

Oh my fair lady, thy shall be adventurous but not silly

Coz travel smart and wise is the key to be,

To stretch your wings wide and fly to lands far away,

For no prince in shining armour shall come to sway!