by Carolyn Pearson
LA, Sydney, Tokyo, where next might your tag-along travel schedule take you? The prospect of accompanying your other half to some of the world’s most vibrant cities sounds exciting, but the reality can often be rather different. Without sufficient planning, the whole experience could end up being dull, boring or even slightly scary. That’s why I want to share with the ladies amongst you how you can use maiden-voyage.com to get the most out of time on your own.
I launched Maiden Voyage after a business trip to Hollywood. I had planned to spend some down time in Santa Monica and Venice when I wasn’t in meetings. Arriving on a Friday night however, I didn’t feel comfortable going out to dine alone, the hotel restaurant was dull and soulless, and the room service menu had nothing in the way of interesting or healthy options. I pondered the fact that there must be literally thousands of women in exactly the same predicament.
Female business traveller network
This realization inspired me to take on the ambitious task of creating a platform through which women could connect in their spare time whilst travelling on business to experience a new city safely and in like-minded company.
We now have a growing community of over 8,000 women in over 80 countries and a team of local ambassadors who can give you the inside track on each of their cities.
Here’s my top tips for making the most of your tag-along trip whilst your partner is otherwise occupied on business:
Travel Safety Tips
When your partner is working you are effectively a solo traveller so brush up on our travel safety tips before you travel and be prepared for any situations that might arise.
Safety First – book a female-friendly hotel
If you have any influence over which hotel you and your partner book, refer to our list of female-friendly hotels. Not only have these hotels been vetted for safety and comfort, they also provide perks for maiden-voyage.com members such as upgrades, spa treatments or little food and drink treats. By booking a female-friendly hotel you will have the assurance that the hotel rooms have adequately locking doors with two independent locking mechanisms, meaning that nobody can enter your room with a key card or master key. All of our recommended hotels are also in safe areas too so you are going to feel comfortable venturing out and coming back alone.
Photo credit: Worldhotel Grand Winston, Rijswijk
Ask a local – Your friend in every city
With more than 40 ambassadors in different cities around the world, Maiden Voyage ambassadors can share their local knowledge with you. Our ambassadors are all super enthusiastic members who understand what it’s like to be a stranger in a new city and many of them are expats or have worked extensively internationally.
Rather than point you in the direction of the tourist traps, Maiden Voyage ambassadors will share more personalized and local tips of great places to visit and eat. They can also advise on local cultural etiquette and social protocols. If you’re really lucky (and sociable) you might be able to meet up with one of our team for coffee, lunch or drinks. Ellen, a member from the UK previously met up with one of our Ambassadors in China and spent a great afternoon chatting and taking in the Christmas decorations around the city. Read our ambassador city guides for top tips and links to local women’s networks and events.
Expand your global network
Whilst travelling with your partner gives you that nice balance of “me-time” and togetherness, there are occasions when he may have to attend an evening event to which you are not invited. If you still have the energy left after a day of sightseeing, there’s an alternative to a “table for one” or room service. Connect up with other maiden-voyage.com members for a nice, sociable dinner. This works best if you register your travel dates in advance or you can search on the site for women visiting the same city and arrange to meet when you both have free time.
My raison d’être is to make travel safe and social for women everywhere and part of that is “joining-the-dots” on the global map of women everywhere. So next time you are planning your solo city travel, register on maiden-voyage.com and make new friends wherever you are, best of all the network is free to join.
About Carolyn
Prior to launching maiden-voyage.com Carolyn led technology teams at blue chip media and travel organisations in the UK and the Netherlands. when not working she loves sailing and horse riding, she practices Reiki and is a volunteer dog walker for the RSPCA and provides career advice for a local homeless charity.
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