Is It Safe For A Woman To Travel Alone?
This is the ULTIMATE question, isn’t it? I get asked all the time if it is safe.
“And when you're alone there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Are you alone? Where is your husband? Where is your boyfriend? Why are you traveling all alone? Aren’t you scared?
I know that maybe 30 years ago, it was not as common for a woman to travel solo, but in 2024, there are so many of us solo female travelers. So, if you are a solo female traveler, are you often asked this?
I don’t think it is just me, or is it?
Yes, maybe I get asked because of the concern for safety, but honestly, the second two questions that follow are, why don’t you have kids?
Why don’t you have a husband?
I honestly want to give a “none of your business” answer, but that would not be too professional. Yes, my profession at the moment is- Full-Time Traveler.
So, do I think it is safe for a woman to travel alone?
Obviously, I think it is safe, considering I am in my 6th year of traveling solo and have not felt unsafe even once. Even when robbed in Quito, I did not let that taint my outlook on traveling solo.
Instead, I turned it into a learning experience. What was I doing differently that day to make me a target?
I realized. I had my phone out taking pictures in a crowd, which is the #1 lesson on what not to do while traveling solo.
Safety tip:
Keep your valuables, including phones, tucked away for safety.
This should not be just for traveling but should be a general rule of thumb. So, a lesson learned: am I more cautious? Yes.
A second thing that I think of while traveling solo is that many people are concerned that since I am solo traveling, I can take care of myself. Is this true? Yes, this is also true.
But sometimes, it can intimidate people, especially those who might want to date you. Do I think this is a deterrent to dating? No, however, it shrinks the dating pool.
More or less if you are not a strong enough man to handle a woman who is strong and independent. Most likely, I would never date you, whether I was settled down or traveling.
This sometimes can be a tough pill to swallow.
So when traveling solo, you get pretty thick skin, which I think helps to avoid a lot of bullshit in the travel world. It will also carry over into your personal life, help build character, and make you well-rounded.
The biggest hurdle when traveling solo as a woman is relying on your intuition. It really goes off when you are in a situation and something “feels off.” Chances are you are right and can then change the course or direction.
Maybe you are in a room full of people and notice someone following you a little too closely or watching you from afar. What do you do?
This has happened to me, and it really makes you think. How can I avoid something bad happening? Depending on the situation, you will figure it out. Listen to your gut intuition, and do not let fear set in. That, to me, is always the key.
This has honestly helped me so much in life. Women always know what to do, but we don’t always listen. Start listening! It can change your life.
These situations can also happen when you are not traveling alone. This is what I really want you to be aware of.
When you are with someone else, maybe they will deal with the situation, and you just ignore it. The same situations happen solo or with others. When you are alone, you always have your antenna up compared to others, but in the group, there will always be one person more aware of the surroundings.
So, should you travel alone as a woman?
I think every woman should take a trip solo once in their life. Maybe two weeks or longer is the best personal and spiritual growth lesson you will ever experience. Also, it is addicting, so proceed with caution!
Have you taken a trip alone?
Did you feel safe?
Would you do it again?
Let me know in the comments.
I am currently traveling throughout Colombia.
XOXO
S