With economies developing rapidly in new markets such as the Middle East, and Africa there is an ever increasing need for personal business contact with key people there. An ever increasing number of women reach the professional sales ranks each year and are tasked with making those personal, long-distance contacts. Business travel for anyone can be a chore. One usually travels alone-- away from family, friends, colleagues and the familiar creature-- comforts of home. It can be especially challenging for women traveling alone. Why? During the day the company representative is busy doing what he /she is there to do. Be it computer consulting or myriad sales tasks, the rep is usually fully engaged for some 9-12 hours. Many report that it is the after hours, "down time" which can be painfully lonely. Large numbers choose to remain in their hotel ordering room service. After awhile this gets pretty stale. There is a need for camaraderie especially true when dining out.

When traveling for business, I found it uncomfortable sitting alone at a table. Maybe it’s just me but I felt self-conscious. Women I’ve met relate similar experiences. After a short time reading or texting they feel eyes are on them. Good news! There is a growing solution for women travelers. Women professionals are meeting other women travelers (business or not) thanks to social networking sites aimed at women traveling alone. Through websites such as the Global Dinner Network, women are connecting with women in distant cities for social interaction: dining, clubbing or just conversing. This online site has more than a thousand members and attempts to connect travelers to the same destination city. Dinner now becomes a celebratory experience as diners share their commonality, diversity and events of the day. Conversation is on a wide range of topics which tends to bring "home closer"- family, interests and, maybe, after dinner activity. In a strange city there is always safety in numbers and more synergy to enjoy the off hours.

Another site, Maiden Voyage boasts 350 members and unearths hotels which demonstrate more safety options for the woman traveler. These include special lighting and other safety features such as 24 hour desk service and late night concierge and hotel transportation. All are aimed at making the traveler—especially women traveling alone feel more secure. To be sure the aforementioned sites have some critics who say they should be more specific when seeking to match business travelers, such as segmenting them by specific industry. I disagree to the extent that it is the varied women’s experiences which make the rendezvous more rewarding. In any event, it’s no secret that corporations, very concerned about their personnel overseas, are promoting networking for employees. It is an especially comforting notion for women business travelers seeking other women travelers!