cherrysoda Posted August 2, 2008 Posted August 2, 2008 I work for a large US based company which has locations internationally. Recently I was told by my boss I’m supposed to travel to several of these international locations with another coworker as part of this project that I’m supposedly a part of. Currently I have no travel dates, no agenda or any details of what’s expected of me for this trip. The coworker who I’m supposed to travel with has tried to get additional information and has not been able to get it. In short, it’s vague and I’m thinking of it as ‘just talk’ at this stage. Lately I’m thinking about this trip more and realized I just don’t want to go. I’m supposed to visit 4 countries and of the 4 there is only one where I’d feel comfortable walking down the street. The other 3 are countries where English is not the primary language and one of them I’m concerned about my safety since I’m a woman. For that one I’d insist on a guide for the entire visit. The coworker I’m supposed to travel with is also a woman. I don’t know how well it would go over with my boss if I said I don’t want to go. A possibility I considered is waiting for the travel dates then make my statement based on some personal obligation I can’t ignore. My present attitude about this trip began when it started to sound like I was going to have to visit the countries one after the other after I initially thought I heard they were to be separate trips. I don’t want to be away from home for over a month. Lastly, there is another person in the group who the boss seems to think of very highly. He is aware of this trip and was asking me questions about it the other day. I've been wondering why he isn't being sent instead.
Cherry Blossom 35 Posted August 2, 2008 Posted August 2, 2008 Wow, it sounds like an adventure to me. Why don't you do some research on the countries to see what it is like for a female traveller? Your perception could be off base. If you are concerned for your safety, I would insist on another co-worker going with me or at least a guide, as you said. I know a lot of people who travel to far-flung countries for work on a regular basis. They have had fantastic experiences and wouldn't trade it for the world.
Blackfrost Posted August 2, 2008 Posted August 2, 2008 Lately I’m thinking about this trip more and realized I just don’t want to go. I’m supposed to visit 4 countries and of the 4 there is only one where I’d feel comfortable walking down the street. The other 3 are countries where English is not the primary language and one of them I’m concerned about my safety since I’m a woman. For that one I’d insist on a guide for the entire visit. The coworker I’m supposed to travel with is also a woman. I do alot of international travel, and believe me, 1/3 of these countries are not safe for any gender to be walking by themselves down the street - especially if they find out you're american. Your best bet is to be extremely smart about where you go and what you do while you are in these places. If you are afraid to go out of your hotel room and explore - then listen to your gut instinct and stay in your hotel room. I have been to places where I would not go out, without my traveling group with me. Just be smart. Some travel is fun, and some is not - if international travel is not your cup of tea, but is a requirement for your job - I would consider looking for another position where you won't have to deal with travel stress. It can get interesting at times.
Author cherrysoda Posted August 2, 2008 Author Posted August 2, 2008 Blackfrost, Thank you for your words of advice. I do like to travel, however, the country I'm most concerned about my safety in is Indonesia, especially because I'm American. The other 2 that I'm not too crazy about visiting are China and Mexico; Australia is the one I think I'd be okay visiting. Have you been to any of these countries? International travel isn't really a requirement for my job as there are others in my group who pretty much do the same work as I do. Some of them are men and I had been considering asking that one of them go in my place or travel with me instead but based on your comments that wouldn't change anything as far as safety goes.
Blackfrost Posted August 3, 2008 Posted August 3, 2008 I've been to all those places, with Australia (that place is as vanilla as it gets) and Mexico many many times. Indonesia is actually a rather nice place, but I would be smart about understanding that they have a very strong muslim culture. You will see plenty of tourists everywhere in that country - especially australians - because it's an easy place for them to visit, and the shopping is fantastic. if you are visiting Bali, Jakarta, Jogyakarta, etc (the big cities) you'll have no worries at all. My advice on warnings (if you go to any of the ancient sites) would be about the monkeys: do not let them near you! they are usually trained to steal stuff for their owners. In the cities themselves you are fine, they are very modern there China is not a worry either, again I assume you are going to major cities there. It's actually a really neat place to see. You'll have no worries here. Drink bottled water in all these countries you are going to! Mexico can be a hit or miss type of place depending on where they are sending you. Simple advice for Mexico in general is: do not take taxi's that pull up to you and ask if you want a ride, do not flash or wear expensive items when you are out on the street, and personally, I do not recommend walking around in the streets at night in this country, unless you are with someone. Most of the major cities aren't too bad, but the lesser cities can be pretty rough if you are alone (La Merced, Lagunila, Basilica, and Guadalupe). I think that overall, you are worrying to much about going to these places. None of these are that bad, as long as you always remain aware of your surroundings, and don't act like a naive rich tourist. I thought you were nervous because you might be traveling to places that can be rather unhospitable: most of Africa, the Baltic states, some of South America, or the Middle East. Enjoy your trip! I'm jealous. Just remember: you're canadian
Jilly Bean Posted August 3, 2008 Posted August 3, 2008 I've been to ALL the places you are slotted to go. You have nothing to worry about. And remember, if you tell your boss you object to doing your job, then he will find someone else who won't have the same apprehensions.
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