Contrary to popular opinion, world travel and exploration have never been the sole prerogative of men. There have been some well-known intrepid women travellers who have travelled to the far corners of the earth.
How they overcame the social, moral and religious objections to their gender is left to the modern woman to imagine but some of these objections still exist today at various levels in different countries.
Women travellers have their own peculiarities due to the age-old problem of physiology which includes menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, traveling with children and ‘personal safety’ are all too present.
Apart from all necessary basic steps a traveller must take before travel, a woman must seek travel advice on, menstruation, personal hygiene, fluid retention, contraception, pregnancy, traveling with children, personal safety and security.
If you are going to a country where medical facilities are poor or not easily accessible, it is advisable to have a gynecological check-up at least 6 weeks before departure. If you have had a previous gynecological problem, you should have a clear understanding of the problem and carry a written note of the problem.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding women are in an altered state of health that requires practical consideration prior to travel. If possible delay your trip or plan carefully. Emotional upset, exhaustion and travelling through different time zones can all contribute to an upset in the menstrual pattern. Irregular menstruation is a very common problem affecting women travellers.
Excessive exercise and the stress of travel may cause infrequent periods. If this is the case, it may lead to confusion over the timing of oral contraception and great anxiety of unplanned pregnancy. Dysmenorrhea (Painful menstruation) may also be aggravated by travel. Ask your doctor about oral contraception which may be used to suppress menstruation if the need arises. This is achieved by taking the pill continuously without the usual seven day break. It is advisable to take extra packs and note that Biphasic and triphasic pills do not work.
Personal hygiene is important. Though Tampons and Sanitary towels are becoming more common in developing countries, they are still scarce luxuries in some places.
Cultural and religious attitudes exist in some countries towards menstruation. Women may be forbidden to enter places of worship and even to touch or walk near food during their periods. To avoid such situations, discreet use of and disposal of sanitary towels and tampons is advisable.
During prolonged journeys on buses, trains and planes, the female bladder can be under considerable stress due to lack of or infrequency of ‘comfort stops’. In an inhospitable environment if you must squat over a hole in the floor or behind a bush, squat high to avoid bites.
Women are tempted not to drink ‘too much’ which can cause problems of dehydration. Drink small amounts of fluid frequently and avoid alcohol.
For remote travel like expeditions where water is rationed, lack of skin cleansing, sweating and inappropriate clothing can encourage chaffing, open sores and monilial (fungal) infections. Along with sports like water sports (for example water skiing) the female anatomy may be subject to risk of foreign body penetration and inrush of contaminated water resulting in ascending vaginal infections. It may be advisable to take a supply of antibiotics and treatment for fungal infections more so if you have suffered similar ailments in the past. Fluid retention arises mainly during inactivity and prolonged sitting during long journeys. Postural Oedema (swelling of the feet and legs) arises, especially in older women with poor venous circulation. Use of a simple diuretic may help. Exercise where possible. Little walkabouts or exercise while sitting e.g. rotating ankles, flexing muscles in the arms and legs, can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by improving circulation.
Women using contraceptive patches, contraceptive vaginal rings oral or injectable depot contraceptives have an increased risk of DVT during travel involving long periods of immobility so exercise during the journey.
Dress for comfort rather than fashion. Loose fitting skirts and trousers allow for waist expansion, and comfortable shoes will prevent the struggle to replace or force on tight shoes at the end of the journey.
For the avoidance of disease and pregnancy, especially for those women who plan to be sexually active, please consult your Doctor for the best form of contraception for you. Remember HIV/Aids, is more transmissible from men to women than vice versa and other STD’s (Inclusive of the Zika Viruse) can cause increased transmission of the virus. Remember, if not your partner, then abstinence is best.
Personal safety and security are very important, especially if travelling alone. Leave an itinerary of your trip with a responsible person contacting the person at pre-arranged times and dates.
Be careful in ostentatious display of jewellery, money, luggage and dress, to avoid the wrong type of attention. Be aware of your luggage and hand bags at all times. Do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of chairs in restaurants, even in the so called safest places. If confronted by a potential physical attack, avoid getting into a dangerous situation and hand over your bag. Don’t try to fight. If you are forced to strike, make sure it is a crippling blow that gives you a chance to escape. You may join a women’s self defence course before travelling if you are worried of your ability to gauge dangerous situations.
Generally, do not panic or show fear or let the person confronting you get the upper hand, try to gain psychological advantage throwing him/her of balance that is compliance. When choosing accommodation, look for safe areas. Avoid red light districts. Request a room near the lift or stairwell not on the ground floor. Keep your money and valuables close by you at night. Inspect door locks and window fasteners and never open your room door until you have properly identified the caller. Identify yourself on the phone only after the caller has identified himself or herself. If you have inspected your room and you are not happy with it request a change or move to another hotel. Listen to advice of the locals and fellow travellers. Try to develop a street sense and be alert at all times, and make sure you are not in the wrong place at the wrong time.
When in a confrontational situation, a woman is rarely a physical match for a man. Try as much as possible to always be with someone you know and trust.
A woman travelling alone will generate interest from locals and tourists alike. Dressing is important as codes differ from country to country. Tight and skimpy clothes are generally inappropriate in most countries outside Europe and North America.
Clothing may have to be conservative, presentable, loose fitting and comfortable. Arms and legs may need to be covered especially in certain religious places and landmarks. Head scarfs may need to be worn. Try to be inconspicuous yet confident avoiding confrontational challenging situations by adopting an assertive, dismissive manner.
Small tips: Pack light, avoid flirting if you did not set out to do so, wear a wedding ring if necessary, carry a can of mace if allowed. High heels except for business meetings and official social functions can be “Wahalla”.
Always carry a mobile phone with your ICE (In case of emergency) numbers on it. Sanitizers, tissue paper, small hand bag & maps may be useful.
Maids do steal have a functional fully roaming fully loaded mobile phone. Remember the worldwide emergency number even if your phone has no credit is 112. It is free of charge and it works. Have a pleasant and safe trip. Next topic will be on The Pregnant Traveler and Travelling with young kids.
Dr Ade Alakija
Q-Life Family Clinic
Member: Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine (NSTM)
