World Travel & Tourism Council

Better safe than stranded

Gustasp & Jeroo Irani

We had careened around the precipitous mountain roads that snaked through the little Himalayan state of Sikkim. Night had fallen swiftly and Gangtok, the capital, was an hour's drive away. Suddenly the engine spluttered and the taxi we were in ground to a halt. The driver and the cleaner leapt out and started to tinker with the vehicle by torchlight. Fifteen minutes ticked away before the driver informed us that there was no way he could get us to our destination that night.

In the distance, the lights of a hut beckoned. Not sure of the kind of reception we would receive, we decided to go there anyway and explain our plight to the people who lived there. "Stay with us," they urged with the simplicity and warmth we would later associate with the earthy mountain people. The one night's stay reassured us that Indian hospitality, often extended with no questions asked, was still alive and kicking despite occasional reports in the media of how things have gone horribly wrong for a few tourists - domestic and international - travelling across the country.

Over the course of our travels across the world, we have had our share of mishaps: fallen victims to pickpockets in Europe, almost been mugged in USA, found Euro 50 missing from our wallet after we returned from an underwater dive in an island paradise. On one occasion, the personnel manning the security counter outside a Middle Eastern museum nicked US$ 40 from the handbag we had to leave in their custody!

We have been on the road long enough not to damn an entire nation because of a few isolated instances. The truth is that tourists are vulnerable the world over and tend to attract attention like flies to honey. Unfamiliar with a place, its customs and culture, they are easy prey for unscrupulous touts who stalk them either in the guise of being helpful, hoping one will be naive enough to bite or waiting for an opportunity to strike.

On the whole, Indians are a very hospitable people. They feel a sense of pride when strangers have taken great trouble to travel from distant shores, visit their land and often go out of their way to make them feel welcome and at home; sometimes even disconcertingly so.

And then there are stories in the press which make one sit up and ask whatever happened to traditional Indian hospitality? More often than not, most of the instances could have been avoided if tourists had taken the necessary precautions and followed certain tried and tested norms that apply not only in India but across the world.

Firstly, visitors must realise that there are cultural differences between where they come from and where they go to, on a vacation and more so when they travel to India. Girls wearing skimpy clothes, for instance, can give out the wrong signals and attract unwarranted attention to themselves. True, one does want to feel comfortable and relaxed in a hot country and more so while one is on a holiday, but in a conservative country like India, it only reinforces the perception that girls coming from more liberal cultures are easy game. Wear comfortable clothes but make sure that they are in keeping with the context and the culture of the country you are in.

Travel is more than just about seeing places, it is also about experiencing different cultures and the best way of doing this is by interacting with the local population. Sadly, there are cultural barriers here too and some - taxi and autorickshaw drivers, guides, hotel staff and even strangers on the road - might read more into a girl reaching out to them in a friendly manner and assume that it is a come-on.

The reality is that India is uncomfortable with the idea of women, Indian or foreign, travelling alone. But this is also the case with many other countries. That is why many of the better hotels around the world including some in India have special facilities like segregated floors and restaurants for solo women travellers.

If a woman travels alone for business or pleasure, taking sensible precautions is the key to a safe passage. Dress simply and conventionally. It's a contradiction but true: even though you are a tourist, avoid looking like one; it's a sure way of drawing unwanted attention to yourself.

Some evidence of marriage whether you are married or not - such as a mangalsutra or a ring does deter most men from getting too familiar. If a local Romeo tries to chat you up, introduce the subject of husband and children (mythical or real), as soon as possible. This puts off most would-be casanovas. A book or writing material acts as a subtle psychological barrier. It sends out a ‘Do Not Disturb’ signal which most people respect. Never look scared, vulnerable or defenceless. This is a dead giveaway. Try to look calm, confident and in command of the situation.

Never exhibit your goods or valuables and wear minimum jewellery. Carry the bulk of your money, valuables and travel documents in a safety pouch that is kept close to your body where pickpockets will find it hard to reach. Yet, carry enough money in your wallet/purse to meet the day's expenses.

Avoid going out late at night without a male companion you know and can trust. Never accept food or drink from a stranger: there are cases when people have been drugged and robbed. Most people will not be offended by a polite refusal.

Getting drunk or drugged is an open invitation to trouble.

Five star hotels and state-run tourist bungalows are voted to be the safest by most voyagers.

Indeed, many of the tips listed above could also apply to men on the road. Unlike women who are worried about their personal safety, men fear being robbed of cash and travel documents and finding themselves stranded in a strange country.

When one thinks of holiday disasters, it is often in terms of lost/stolen bags/documents/money. But poor health or physical accidents have marred more holidays than one would like to believe. Many countries insist on medical insurance before issuing visas. Indeed, it is advisable to buy travel health insurance even for countries that do not require it. The trouble and money it will save, should one require it, is worth the expense.

Nothing can ruin a trip as effectively as a toothache. So if you don't have time for a dental checkup before a long trip at least pack a strip of strong pain relievers. Also carry an adequate supply of essential medication to cover you for the entire duration of your stay abroad. In many countries, pharmacists refuse to fill in prescriptions by doctors not recognised by their medical bodies. But carry your doctor's prescription anyway as customs officials may want to know a little more about the 'drugs' you are carrying.

Imagine landing in your dream destination, then losing/breaking your only pair of glasses and being unable to see anything. Always carry an additional pair of glasses. Finally make sure that you carry all essential medication - money and important documents too - in your carry-on luggage. You don't want to be stranded without them if your checked-in baggage should be misplaced.

While the original travel documents - passports, visas, travellers' cheque purchase receipts, airline tickets, etc. - travel with you, it is a good idea to carry copies, more the better, in bags or folders other than the one carrying the originals. If the only copy is lost along with the original it serves no purpose.

Be alert at crowded railway and bus terminals especially when there is a scuffle or fight, around you. It is probably staged to cover up a pickpocketing attempt.

Before leaving the hotel, make sure you collect a card with its address and phone number from the reception desk. You never know when you might get lost and need to find your way back.

Being cautious and prepared is fine, but don't let it cloud your attitude. Think positive and have a wonderful holiday.