Tips for Women Travelers

First and foremost, lone women should never ride in unlicensed London taxicabs, especially at night. Recent high-profile cases have seen this method used by predatory sex attackers. However attractive the price you're quoted, flag down a black cab or call a minicab instead. Addison Lee (tel. 0844/800-6677; www.addisonlee.com) has a huge, efficient fleet, and will text you the registration plate of your cab for added security.

Journeywoman (www.journeywoman.com) is the best source of tips and ideas for women travelers, and has substantial coverage of London. Subscribe to the free newsletter online. For a female-only hostel try St. Christoper's Oasis at the Orient, 59 Borough High St. (tel. 020/7407-6266; www.st-christopers.co.uk; Tube: London Bridge). Rooms in the women-only dorm start at below £20 per night. If you want to dig a little deeper into the history of women in London, visit the Women's Library, London Metropolitan University, Old Castle St. (tel. 020/7320-2222; www.londonmet.ac.uk/womenslibrary; Tube: Aldgate East). Admission is free and opening hours are Tuesday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm (until 8pm Thursday).