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This Women's Day, Leading Ladies Of The Corporate PR Sector Share Travel Tips

This Women’s Day, leading ladies of the Corporate PR sector give an insight into their bucket list and what it means to be a female traveller.

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By: Bayar Jain Published: Mar 07, 2020 07:00 AM IST

This Women's Day, Leading Ladies Of The Corporate PR Sector Share Travel Tips
Picture Credits: Song_about_summer/ Shutterstock

This Women’s Day, we got in touch with leading ladies of the Corporate PR sector for an insight into their bucket list and what it means to be a female traveller. After all, who understands travelling better than them? Experts share Women’s day travel tips. By Bayar Jain

Advice for Women’s day: How to travel

Richa Sharma, General Manager- Corporate Communications & PR, ITC Hotels

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

My bucket list has Bhuj, Bhubaneshwar, and Shillong in it. Incidentally, ITC Hotels is launching a property in Bhubaneshwar soon, so I’m really looking forward to that. I also want to experience farm stays across India. I am game for monsoon and beach destinations; there’s no better poetry than the endless pitter-patter of raindrops.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

My concerns are pretty gender-neutral: a secure place; an informed concierge, if I’m staying at a hotel; local experiences like meeting the local community and partaking of their traditions and culture; and WiFi. However, it’s not a necessity as I seek to soak in the destination and experience it minus internet intrusion!

One tip for solo women travellers?

Stay informed and stay hydrated

Silki Sehgal, Vice President – Corporate Communications, The Oberoi Group

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Bhutan and Rwanda to spot Gorillas.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

Safety.

One tip for solo women travellers?

Solo travel can be challenging if you have not done it before. It requires a little bit of planning. My tip for women travelling solo would be to travel light. Select your wardrobe carefully. Protect your documents, passport, cash and cards. You don’t always have to eat alone. Instead, opt for culinary tours and cooking classes. Stay local, buy local and meet locals! It can be a liberating experience.

Rajyasree Sen, Director – Global Communications, Hyatt India

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Machu Pichu in Peru followed closely by Japan.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

I make sure I’m not in a very secluded hotel or area, and that I always have proper phone connectivity. I prefer a full-service hotel or a boutique hotel. If it’s a new hotel, I ensure it has good reviews and recommendations.

One tip for solo women travellers?

Always ensure there is security round the clock, and 24-hour access to the front desk. If you ever feel slightly unsafe, contact the hotel staff immediately. But, don’t stop travelling. Try the local food, learn about local customs, buy local art and widen your horizons.

Nidhi Verma, Corporate Manager – PR and Marketing Communications, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Peru! I’ve heard a lot about this destination ever since we did a Latin American food festival in our hotel.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

It is very important for you to be confident about the place or the hotel you are staying in. When travelling, I ensure I know enough about the place before I go. I try to familiarise myself with the basic do’s and don’ts of the city beforehand.

One tip for solo women travellers?

My mantra is to walk and talk with confidence. Don’t make it obvious that you’re an unsure tourist by burying yourself in a map. Walk tall and proud, and people might think you’re a local. Always give yourself an opportunity to try something new, to learn, and to grow.

Akanksha B Maheshwari, Regional Director Destination Marketing – Hilton India

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

This year, the iconic Via Francigena walk in Tuscany is on my bucket list. The walk is approximately 100 kilometres, covering the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome. You walk through medieval villages and the Tuscan countryside and experience a wealth of history and culture. It even includes a day of truffle hunting and tasting.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

It’s pretty much the same for everyone – location of the hotel, and the time you would be reaching. If it’s a new place, I would like to venture out and explore the destination. For that, I would consult the hotel’s concierge for recommendations. Even during business trips at a new place, I love to step out and experience something local. But, in doing so, I ensure I get the right advice and the right means to get there!

One tip for solo women travellers?

The only tip I have is that while selecting your destination or hotel, pay equal attention to the ground transport as well. If you’re arriving too early or too late, ensure you have reliable transport to reach safely.

Vivian Koh, Area Director of Public Relations and Content (Asia Pacific), Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Petra, Jordan. It’s been on my bucket list ever since it featured in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. Since then, I’ve admired it from afar by following influencers who have been there on social media. It’s historic, looks awe-inspiring and just so beautiful!

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

I love places that are colourful and cultural. I enjoy taking the time to explore them. If I’m travelling with my girlfriends, I’ll pick destinations where public transportation is easy to figure out or has a reliable ride-hailing app. That way, we won’t have to spend too much time negotiating with taxis.  Plus, great restaurants and bars are also essential for all trips!

Similarly, I like colourful or design-led hotels that have a homely feel as they make for more memorable photos. However, if I’m in a destination for the first time and I’m uncertain about the accommodation options, I rely on trusted hotel brands for guaranteed comfort and security.

One tip for solo women travellers?

Even though I tend to overpack my suitcase, I ensure I can lift my luggage on my own. Moreover, for better security, opt for a hotel rather than a home rental.

Ruchika Mehta, Corporate Director – Communications and Public Relations, The Park Hotels

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Australia, Cannes, and Maldives.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

In a hotel I look for safety, how well connected the hotel is to places of interest, its easy accessibility to local transport, location – whether it’s on a beach or mountain, room’s view, clean rooms, and good internet connectivity. When looking for destinations, I prefer those with a historic significance, or somewhere on the beach or mountains. I find cities boring to travel to.

One tip for solo women travellers?

Researched well, and book things you would like to do in advance. This helps save time and money. Also, do things at your own pace. Most importantly, have fun!

Amisha Gutgutia, Director of Communication, Accor India and South Asia

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

I have quite a few on my list! The vibrant Red Square in Moscow for its intriguing combination of colours, patterns and shapes; Bagan’s temples in Myanmar to go on a magical hot air balloon trip and get a bird’s eye view; and Amritsar to see the iconic Golden Temple and gorge on all the delectable food.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

Before heading to any destination, I like to read up about the geographical and historical lie of the land, along with the country’s artistic and cultural events. Knowing the cultural norms always comes in handy. When I am checking into a hotel, I like to have my room closer to the lifts. I always ensure that the room’s doors lock automatically as well.

One tip for solo women travellers?

I would recommend taking a break from technology. Social media has seeped into all aspects of our life. Instead of letting it direct your vacation, you should reduce your screen time, relax and do things that you have always wanted to do.

Aparupa Ray Ganguly, Head of Marketing and Public Relations (PR), The Imperial New Delhi

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Definitely, Bhutan!

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

For me, it is important for a destination or hotel to have a unique charm or character. I like places that have captivating natural beauty and are serene. Commercial destinations which are buzzing with people and noise put me off.

One tip for solo women travellers?

Opt for a slow holiday that allows you time to reflect. Focus on your own self rather than chasing a bucket list.

Ruwaida Abela, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications (Middle East, India and the Indian Ocean) Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

I am eager to explore Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has some incredible natural spots, as well as untapped ancient historical sites. For example, I am interested in visiting The Edge Of The World, which is a natural formation of high cliffs which are 300 meters tall and just half an hour from the capital city of Riyadh. The country also has some of the best diving spots in the Middle East. I would also like to see Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage. It is the old hub of Jeddah which was established 1,300 years ago as the gateway to Mecca for travellers arriving from Africa by sea. Luckily for me, we are opening a hotel in Jeddah this year, so I will get to tick it off my list!

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

Location and safety are key for me. I like being within walking distance of key attractions.

One tip for solo women travellers?

For me, the first golden rule is to travel light. I have almost never checked in any baggage and instead try my best to travel only with hand luggage. Before travelling, I plan my outfits for each day and try to save space by packing clothes that can be worn in multiple ways. I also make sure I have access to backup copies of all my essential travel documents by saving them on the cloud.

Simran Kodesia, Communications Lead, AirBnb

women's day tourism and hospitality

What’s your bucket list destination for 2020?

Finland, Denmark, Vienna, Prague…it’s actually quite endless! I have a five-year Schengen Visa, so I want to explore all of Europe before that ends! In India, I want to cover the entire country, but actually more of North East. I also want to explore more of Ladakh this year because it’s been on my bucket list for quite some time now.

As a woman traveller, what are the key things you look for when you’re travelling to a destination or checking into a hotel?

First of all, I always check into an AirBnB. I make sure that its a very cool one with lots of character because those are the kinds of homes that I like to go and stay in. The other thing I check for is that they’re always close to the main high street, restaurants, and places to shop.

One tip for solo women travellers?

Take as many trips as possible. Solo travel is a great way to connect with yourself and with your passions. Go eat at a restaurant alone and shop by yourself. It teaches you a lot, and also gives you an opportunity to go and talk to strangers, which we otherwise don’t do. And always, stop to smell flowers.

Related: International Women’s Day: Let’s Celebrate First Women In Their Fields

Related: Why These 8 Mexico City Neighbourhoods Are Worth Planning Your Next Trip Around

Written By

Bayar Jain

Bayar Jain

Senior Content Manager

Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing ..Read More

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