Comments on: Women Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Travel Alone

By: Joydeep Phukan

Joydeep Phukan — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 16:37:56 +0000

I can relate to the points. I always try to motivate and share such stories with my female friends who doubt and fear to travel solo. We are never alone. In the journey of solo travelling, better friendships are formed. Being cautious and with proper information regarding the trip always helps. Recently a friend of mine finally decided to do a trek solo, and eventually ended up meeting more such solo female trekkers. Glad I found the post on your Facebook page. I will share this with my friends.

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:55:16 +0000

Was just in Rwanda. Criss-crossed the country on motorcycle. In Kigali, everyone was either neutral or very pleasant to me, no matter the circumstances. The further I went towards the shared border with Uganda and the DRC (by Virunga), the more things changed. Given COVID, I was the only tourist in the remote parts of Rwanda that I saw. About 20-25% of the people I saw there either gave me very dirty and aggressive looks or, in a minority of cases, outright yelled at me (in a language I couldn’t understand) using aggressive postures and expressions, with sharp farm tools or machetes in hand. It was frightening, kept my helmet on and quickly got back on my bike in all such cases. The thing is, I never did anything to warrant any of this. Every such encounter happened as I either carefully passed through a small town’s center using the major road everyone else has to use, or when I pulled over on the side of the road for a rest, to take a picture, or check my map. I never initiated any eye contact, spoke, or made any threatening gestures; just kept to myself. And yes, I kept my facemask on as required. So I cannot understand the hostility so traveler be ware.

By: richa maheshwari

richa maheshwari — Thu, 19 May 2016 09:18:38 +0000

always respect outsiders… ya somewhere in shops and hotel some creepy people can make fool to tourist for money but if tourist come with perfect programm no body can harm

By: Kerjan

Kerjan — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:48:24 +0000

Excellent post! Solo female travel is a lot safer than most people think. If you are staying in dorms, you are more likely to meet new people and build new friendships. Chances are you won’t really be alone too often.

Also being alone sometimes is super nice!! You choose where you want to sleep, eat, hang out. Such a positive growing experience too, you gain so much independence and freedom from these adventures! xx

By: April Baiella

April Baiella — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 22:36:05 +0000

Thank you for this excellent article! This topic is always on my mind as a woman who enjoys traveling alone as much as traveling with others. I just take standard precautions as mentioned here, but feel I’m more alert and aware than male travelers. I think this is a vital discussion to have and is helpful to have these excellent tips. Thank you for easing worries of others.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 10:01:54 +0000

Ah so true, and it gives you the most amazing opportunities to meet and talk to other people. Its amazing how many others are travelling alone too! Safety is important as females can be vulnerable, especially in other countries, but if you are generally aware of your surroundings, it is the absolute best.

By: Beth Santos

Beth Santos — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 14:08:14 +0000

Fully agree on the “you’re never really alone” part — I almost hate the word “solo travel” sometimes because it truly is never solo! Great words — bring on the women in travel!

By: Nina

Nina — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 04:16:48 +0000

Solo female traveler and digital nomad here. Awesome post 🙂
You can do it ladies. Stop being scared. Just be aware, informed, and ready to have fun!
Plus you will be meeting friends all along the way. So really, you’re never alone.

By: Arlette Brenes

Arlette Brenes — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 23:52:54 +0000

Thank you so much for this, such a good reading when I was freaking out for my first trip booked in 5 months 🙂

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 23:20:34 +0000

Thanks for the tips, Laura! They are very helpful. I travel occasionally, and am not really a “backpacker” since I only travel for 3-5 days at a time, and I only carry a 7-kg backpack (so that I don’t have to check it in). I have a “regular job” and I plan my travels during my holidays and within my budget. As I’m not much of a night person, I don’t go to bars or drink alone, and as one traveler said, I try to be at the hostel/guesthouse when it’s dark already. As an Asian girl traveling in SEA, it helps that I have “generic Asian looks” – given my dark hair & skin and slightly small eyes. Having generic looks has given me lots of bargaining opportunities (for souvenirs) which I think would not be very applicable if you fit the “blonde Caucasian” type of traveler. I have traveled through some places in Europe as well, and being petite, I can sort of “disappear”. Like other solo travelers, do your research. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. And I agree that taking public transport seems to be as safer than taking taxis, plus public transport is cheaper too! If you’re ever in SEA, try visiting the Philippines. It’s a very friendly country, and most people (sellers & street people included) speak English. 🙂

Laura or Matt, if you ever travel to Manila, I would love to meet you guys! Thanks for keeping up this blog. Continue traveling, continue writing! 🙂