Hi ghee101 and febmary, thank you for your wishes and advice.
ghee101 - In the pat I have typically gone into such meetings adopting the idea that it is best to assume the worst and anything else is a bonus.
For the first trip, it appears my friend lives a few hours drive away from the nearest international airport. She can drive and has offered to pick me up at the airport, then take me to my hotel. This I admit seems very appealing and of course I'd give her the petrol money. While with my friend I do not have any safety concerns, I think it is something I need to think about a little more. Considering the idea that she'd be travelling a few hours just to collect me, I'm not sure if I'm as keen on the idea as I first thought I was.
In the past I have always subscribed myself to the idea that the individual should make their own way to the town/city location where the initial meeting was to take place. The exception being the previous lady I met in another country. She met me at the airport and we took a bus from the airport direct to the city - in fairness we had been talking for at least 3-5 years online previously. I guess talking for 3-5 years is no gold standard certification of safety, but it helps reduce the risk somewhat.
Anyway the trip will not be until February, there is plenty of time to go yet
Ayum
