Female-friendly network is just the ticket for business travellers

When away on business, wouldn’t it be great to have access to a network of like-minded contacts that could give you advice on how the local transport system works, suggest a cool venue for a meeting, or even just meet you for a coffee? This scenario has become reality thanks to Maiden Voyage, a secure, personal network set up by entrepreneur Carolyn Pearson.

Carolyn first came up with the idea while travelling alone on business in LA and her service now has around 2,000 members, spanning the globe from Bolton to Buenos Aires.

Maiden Voyage has created an international network of City Ambassadors, who have all written local guides with a specific focus on female travellers. These include such notable members of the PA community as Director of the Yorkshire-based PA Hub Marion Lowrence.

Yvonne Reay-Scott is a PA at law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner and says: “Maiden Voyage has been instrumental in encouraging the travel industry to adapt to the needs of women business travellers.”

Meanwhile, in Vienna, Karin Richman, an executive assistant at EMC Computer Systems, comments: “I see it as part of my role as an EA to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. An extensive female network like the one Carolyn is building up provides useful information and local support all over the world, enabling me to give that experience.”

As well as being able to meet up with a friendly face, the network also recommends hotels that have tailored their property to cater to female business travellers.

This checklist contains safety criteria that include double-locking doors and 24×7 security, as well as elements designed to make a woman’s stay that little bit more comfortable, such as quality toiletries, salon standard hairdryers and plug sockets close to mirrors. Plus, the service has negotiated a range of member offers at certain properties – room upgrades, a welcome glass of champagne, or a spa treatment, for instance.

The Maiden Voyage service is free to use for women travelling on business; to register, or simply find out more, visit maiden-voyage.com.