Amid ongoing attacks on female tourists abroad, a solo travel survey has found women are more likely to travel alone now than they did five years ago.

By Mia Ohlin

Amsterdam based accommodation booking site Booking.com and market research firm Vision Critical recently conducted the survey, which revealed half of female solo travel enthusiasts are now more likely to holiday alone than they were five years ago, with two-thirds claiming they feel more confident when adventuring by themselves.

Further research also found that the trend is set to grow, with over half of female solo travellers set to embark again in the next 12 months.

Booking.com published the survey findings in the Solo Travel Report in late April after collecting data from men and women aged 25-45 who have travelled in the last 12 months from the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Booking.com Chief Marketing Officer Paul Hennessy says it’s a phenomenon.

“Our research suggests that female solo travel is a phenomenon that is here to stay,” Mr Hennessy says.

Incidents of violence and sexual assault against tourists in Mexico, India, Turkey and Egypt seem to have undeterred travellers, despite many warnings from national consulates regarding female safety.

According to Lauren Wolfe’s New York Times article, Women Alert to Travel’s Dark Side, published on May 23^rd of this year there is a dark side to travelling.

“Whether it is on a bus in New Delhi or at a resort in Acapulco, Mexico, the risk of an assault may seem ever-present, if recent high-profile attacks in places like these are indicative of a general state of danger for female travellers,” Ms Wolfe writes.

Ms Wolfe indicated in the article violence could be directly related to the rise in female solo travel abroad.

“A number of experts tell me that it is possible that violence is on the rise in part because more women than ever are traveling alone, and are venturing ever farther off the beaten path,” she writes.

Townsville resident Alexandra O’Toole recently began a seven-month round the world trip, starting in Morocco.

“While I was planning my trip I was always keeping in mind the risks involved with travelling alone,” Ms O’Toole says.

“You can’t not see the world and explore new cultures just because you’re afraid that something might happen to you.”

“I feel confident that I will be able to have a good time and remain safe while I make the most of my travel opportunity.”

If you’re thinking about travelling overseas alone, the Australian Government’s Smartraveller has some top tips:

• Register, subscribe, insure and know the exclusions of your insurance policy
• Check the validity of your travel documents
• Don’t ever purchase, carry or consume drugs
• Know your alcohol limits
• Choose safe transport options
• Know the law and respect local customs
• Take care of your mates
• Phone home regularly

Two JCU students have been given the opportunity to participate in an international program.

By Domanii Cameron

Two JCU Townsville students will get the chance to experience international policy as they head overseas to take part in Global Voices conferences.

Bachelor of Arts and Law student Bryn Smith and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student Phoebe Shiu  have been selected to represent Australia at two separate Global Voices conferences this year.

JCU Students: Phoebe Shiu and Bryn Smith have been chosen to attend Global Voices conferences. Photo courtesy of Phoebe Shiu

The 22-year-old Bachelor of Arts and Law student Bryn Smith focused his research proposal around the links between poverty and food security and what the World Bank and Australia could do to address poverty issues around the world.

Bryn is currently attending a conference in Washington DC.

He will have the opportunity to hear from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, World Bank President, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, and International Monetary Fund Managing Director, Christine Lagarde.

On his return, he aims to finish his degree and use the knowledge he gains from the experiences to make himself a stronger applicant for job interviews.

“I’m going to really try and anchor a job with the Royal Australian Air Force.

“I want to work in the Intelligence Division in the Information Wing as an Intelligence Officer,” he says.

The delegation will also meet privately with Australian Ambassador to the United States, The Hon. Kim Beazley AC, and the World Bank’s Executive Director for Australia, Michael Willcock while in Washington DC.

Medical student Phoebe who will be travelling to Nairobi, Kenya in late June says she is looking forward to all the activities.

The 21-year-old medicine student’s research proposal entailed looking at Sustainable Health in Low-Resource settings such as slums and refugee camps through the use of vaccinations and the potential improvements that could be implemented to increase efficiency.

“I am interested in Global and International Health and I believe this trip will give me an insight into something I would like to pursue in the future which is medical aid work in developing countries,” Phoebe says.

While in Kenya, she will be spending time at the UNEA for policy making for sustainable development and will also be visiting orphanages and supporting the local businesses.

“I think being able to experience United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) will be fantastic.

“To really see world leaders congregating and discussing implementing and committing to goals and tasks for global development.,” she says.

Both students will have the opportunity to partake in numerous seminars, workshops and briefings.

IN CANBERRA: Phoebe Shiu (far left) and Bryn Smith (far right) with the Foreign Affairs Minister The Honour Julie Bishop

Communications Officer for Global Voices Kirby Taylor says the students will be provided with an array of professional development opportunities.

“These opportunities include high profile networking opportunities, developing new writing and research skills, the potential to get their work published and the chance to spend time with like-minded young Australians who are also passionate about international diplomacy,” Kirby says.

James Cook University has a strong partnership with Global Voices that always sees many students participating.

“Our partnership with them (JCU) began with four students in 2013 but we also had two students from JCU attend APEC and G20 delegations in 2011 and 2012,” Kirby says.

“This was through a partnership specifically with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

“This year will see at least 3 students partaking in our programs.”

The primary purpose of Global Voices is to educate.

“We believe that education is a powerful driver of change in society and we seek to provide a platform for young Australians to engage with youth and other leaders from across the world,” Kirby says.

“We believe that young people are powerful agents of change and that practical education opportunities are crucial to unlocking this potential.”

Students who wish to apply must submit a short personal statement, a specific research proposal related to the delegation’s theme, and a copy of your CV or resume.

“Delegates are chosen on the basis of what they can contribute to a delegation, but also what they will gain from the experience.

“The selected young leaders are high achieving individuals aged 18 – 30 who are active in their local and national communities and have a passion for youth empowerment and global affairs,” Kirby says.

Students can apply directly through Global Voices when applications open in February and July.

Ever wanted to study or undertake research amongst lush green rainforest? Well here’s your chance!
By Domanii Cameron

If you currently enrolled in the Science and Engineering Faculty, then you will soon have the opportunity to study amid some of the world’s most pristine rainforest.

James Cook University is currently redeveloping the Daintree Rainforest Observatory located in Cape Tribulation.

The redevelopment can now house up to 56 people, which is a significant jump, compared to the previous capacity of 10.

Project Manager Rachel Argent, says the $9.37 million grant from the Federal Government in 2011 enabled an upgrade in facilities.

“The Federal Government Grant enabled JCU to purchase the site, remove the existing portable buildings and provide a research centre designed for the tropical climate.

“The centre will accommodate 40 students, 8 researchers and 2-4 staff,” Ms Argent says.

The construction works which began in August 2013 and are set to finish in this coming May, will provide amenities and kitchens for anyone who utilizes the accommodation, a multi-purpose building for dining and lecturing, a wet laboratory, a field laboratory and an office area.

This building houses 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. Photo Credit: Peter Byrnes

Ms Argent said the redevelopment has taken into consideration numerous environmental issues and will be conscious of any energy consumed.

“There is extensive environmental management on the site.

“We have our own water harvesting, on-site sewerage and there are proposals for solar panels which would be backed up by generators.

“We also have a building management system on-site which shows the energy usage so we will be able to regularly check our energy consumption.”

The project, which is expected to be completed on time and on budget is a wonderful example of sustainable life in the tropics, she says.

“It has been a positive experience for anyone who has worked on the project.

“The grant has allowed us to build and establish a globally significant field research centre for the conduct of research on low land tropical rainforest environment.”

The redevelopment is set to be completed In May 2014. Photo Credit: Peter Byrnes.

The land was granted ministerial designation in 2013, which will allow future developments and renovations.

Ms Argent confirmed that the site has a master plan that would provide accommodation for up to 80 students. However more funding would be required.

Site Manager Peter Byrnes says Cape Tribulation is an ideal location for students or researchers to undertake studies.

“It has high plant biodiversity and lots of fauna and animals.

“It is a large area of continuous rainforest so it provides a less disturbed space,” he says.

“We’ll do any research that people want to come and do as long as it has strong scientific validity and is not repeating stuff that’s been done before, so we have criteria that projects have to meet.”

JCU students can expect to visit the site from the 1^st of June this year.