Tips for Women Traveling Solo
Too many movies and books give us images of women as helpless victims. That’s wrong.
But the truth is that a majority of women say that security issues are their number one concern when traveling alone. And given the choice, 79% of women road warriors say that they prefer to travel with a companion.
It seems though, that the joys of travel are so strong, these women would rather travel alone than not travel; to which we say, “Travel on!”
But take care, because there are real challenges to being female and on the road alone, like sexual harassment, being touched or groped, receiving inappropriate or uncalled for remarks. Women are more likely to be the victims of theft, too.
One recurring bit of travel wisdom for women traveling solo is to ask directions from other women or women with families, and not from men. A woman’s take on what’s safe is very different from a man’s.
Obviously, hotels should be near easy transportation with well-lighted parking lots and lobby areas, and some experts suggest women sport a wedding ring to discourage unwanted male attention, especially in male-dominated cultures.
Other women say this is “sexist” advice and is giving in to the image of the “helpless woman.”
The practice here seems to be to avoid advances by remaining silent, avoiding eye contact and simply moving away from the source of irritation.
Remember, what you may think of as ok to wear at home or for a night out with friends, can be provocative in other places. Take your cues from what the local women in the culture wear. Think to yourself, "What’s standard dress for them?"
There are several all-women tour groups offering companionship and security (Women Traveling Together) and, sorry, guys, increasingly women are opting to travel with other women and leaving their men at home.
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