Advice for special travelers: LGBT, Solo Woman and Disables

Travelling is the passion and basic rights of all people over the world. While Vietnam is an oriental country, this country is very open and always welcome you to come. However, if you have special request than popular travelers, we may wish to know in advance to best support. Vietnam can very well accommodate for special travelers such as LGBT or disables and very safe for solo woman. 

For woman traveling on her own:

"Low crime never means No crime". Woman by nature is more vulnerable than man. Keep in your pocket those tips for your utmost safety then most enjoyable of your holiday, even it is an adventure holiday:

• When travelling, particularly alone, leave an itinerary of your trip with a responsible person contacting them at pre-arranged times and dates. Ostentatious displays of money, jewelry, luggage and dress can encourage the wrong type of attention. When travelling be aware of where your luggage, particularly hand bags, are at all times. Do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of chairs in restaurants.
• Always inform your plan for family's members or friend at home. Updating your holiday to them daily is a very good way to let them know that you are enjoying and more importantly, you are safe.
• Think carefully before updating status on Social networks. It is very popular today to share your trip on Internet. However, be aware that you happen to inform to the world your exact location and plan.
• Choose your accommodation carefully:
  • Try and pick accommodation which is in a safe area; stay away "Red light" area.
  • Request a room near the lift or stair well, not on the ground floor;
  • Inspect the door locks and window fasteners;
  • Never open the door to your room until you have identified the caller;
  • Do not identify yourself on the telephone until the caller has done so;
  • Keep your money and valuables close by you at night.
  • Mind your behind while opening your room's door.
  • If you find uncomfortable, insist to change room or even change your accommodation.
• Be alert, listen to the advice of locals and fellow travelers, develop a street sense, try not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• In a confrontational situation, a woman traveler is rarely a physical match for a man. So, the following rules can help:
  • Don't turn a scary situation into a dangerous one if you can help it (e.g. it would be unwise to launch into a physical attack if the man confronting you just want your money - hand it over and avoid finding out what he may do if provoked);
  • Don't panic or show fear or let the person confronting you to get the upper hand, try to gain psychological advantage throwing him off his balance i.e. compliance;
• If you do find yourself in physical danger, try to anticipate the aggressor’s next move and plan ahead for it. As the innocent party in the confrontation you have the advantage of surprise, if you are forced to strike back physically, make sure it is a crippling blow that gives you a chance to escape;
• If you are worried about your ability to gauge dangerous situations and to defend yourself then consider joining a women's self defense course before travelling.
• How you dress is an easy method of self-preservation and the most immediate symbol of respect. Dress codes differ greatly from country to country and to get them wrong would put you at an immediate disadvantage. A culture's standard of dress has a lot to do with what parts of the body are considered to be sensuous or provocative. As a general rule tight and skimpy clothes are inappropriate for most countries outside of Europe and North America. Clothing should be conservative and presentable, loose fitting and comfortable. Arms and legs should be covered, especially when visiting places of worship and national monuments.
• Remember many men can see eye contact as a 'come-on'. The use of dark sunglasses will limit this problem.
• Be prepared to answer questions about yourself particularly if single and travelling alone. The often-asked questions of your marital status and family, are ones of genuine interest. To avoid the unwanted attention of some men, the use of a few white lies about 'your husband' and a fake wedding ring are a useful pretence.
• Menstruation
  • 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 travelers, 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. Dysmenorrhoea may also be aggravated by travel.
  • Sanitary hygiene: Tampons and sanitary towels are widely available in larger cities but harder to find in remote and mountainous areas. Locally made menstrual supplies are usually available although the standard varies
• Know and keep local Police Phone number and/or Emergency contacts

For LGBT members to enjoy...