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Opinion: Solo-Traveling As A Woman

written by Giuliana Gentile | May 7, 2021

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Disclaimer: the term “woman” is inclusive to all that identify as one.

Additionally, this article is not meant to antagonize men as a whole. We at ecomadic are perfectly aware of the fact that there are plenty of men out there trying to make the world a better place for women to feel safe and empowered. Unfortunately, however, that’s not always the case for all men, ultimately causing the case for a woman traveling alone to face dangers that a man normally wouldn’t.

The aim of this article is to encourage women of all ages who wish to travel alone to do so, while opening up some room for discussion on the sexist and dysfunctional way our society justifies some men’s predatory behavior, whilst simultaneously blaming women for not being “cautious enough”.

The Stigma Behind the Female Solo-Traveler

As women, we are constantly being taught that the world is a dangerous place for us. Whether we’re traveling or walking home in our own neighborhood (especially at night), we should always stay alert and never trust a stranger, no matter how strong we are. Primarily, because of men; men are stronger.

For reference, a survey conducted by UN Women in the UK found that 86% of young women (aged 18-24) have been sexually harassed in public spaces, and while just 3% did not recall experiencing this kind of behaviour, the remaining 11% preferred not to answer the question.

The very fact that women should be afraid of men is utterly absurd. We’re all humans! We have all evolved collectively into a rational and extremely intelligent species. So how come, when a woman walks on the street, she becomes prey in the eyes of dangerous and “uncontrollable” men?

This is where we, as a society, have work to do: men are not animals. They are perfectly capable of controlling their “instincts”, just as women are. The fact that, since the beginning of time, we have justified men as “uncontrollable”, via the typical “boys will be boys” mantra. And we’ve given them the opportunity to act however they want. Even when what they want results in hurting another human being.

That’s why all the responsibility falls on women: “you should be careful”, “you should dress adequately”, “don’t engage in a conversation”, “carry pepper spray with you”, “don’t stay out too late”, “never travel by yourself”.

The fact that women feel unsafe is a male problem. Men have to be held accountable for their actions, and women should be able to go wherever they want, while wearing whatever they want; feeling both confident and safe.

This article is not meant to impose any rules on female solo-travelers. It’s an empowering guide to encourage all women to explore the world, and feel more confident about themselves while doing so.

A Bit of Advice for Female Travelers

Knowledge is power:

Learn about the country you’re going to while planning your trip. It’s important to inform yourself on the cultural background of the people you’re going to interact with, the best form of transportation, the neighborhoods to avoid, and the best accommodations for your needs. Some things will always be unpredictable, (it’s one of the best parts of traveling!) so it’s good to do some research beforehand for your own safety, and for the sake of being a respectful tourist.

Follow the daylight:

Unfortunately, in countries where there are high levels of violence and crime, walking at night is simply not an option. Do all your exploring and fun during the day. After watching a beautiful sunset, it’s best to head back to your accomodation for a good night’s rest.

Trust strangers, but not too much:

Making friends while on vacation is one of the best ways to travel the world and create amazing memories. You should trust the people you meet along the way, but as well as your instincts. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings, too. You should be able to leave at any time if you feel uncomfortable. Remember: you have no moral obligation to be nice to people, your safety is your priority.

Keep your belongings with you:

In case you do find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, try and make up an excuse to leave, and then do so. This is also why it’s important to always have your belongings near you. For example, if you’re taking a taxi, keep your luggage in the seat next to you instead of the trunk, that way it’s within your reach at all times.

Your phone is also your best friend. Make sure it’s always charged and try to have data wherever you go.

Walk away whenever you want:

In mildly uncomfortable situations, the best thing to do is smile and walk away. If you start overreacting, things can escalate very quickly, so it’s best to not show your discomfort and leave. If you need help, a good tip is to look around and find a family. Families are generally very trustworthy.

Make sure you know how to contact the authorities in case you find yourself in a truly dangerous situation.

Common sense:

While we’re on vacation we tend to be more careless and, let’s face it, sometimes we even make stupid decisions. This kind of behavior often leads to some funny anecdotes, but when traveling alone, it can also put us in life-threatening or dangerous situations.

Even though it sounds like obvious advice, don’t forget your common sense, sometimes that’s all it takes to have a fun and safe experience.

Have fun with yourself:

Remember you’re there to have fun. We should all learn how to enjoy some time alone, so maintain those happy thoughts, explore as much as possible, and make the most of your time alone.

A Bit of Advice for Male Travelers

If you’re a man and you want to make women feel more safe, just… don’t be creepy, dude!

All jokes aside, it’s really that easy. A woman walking around is an independent human being who has no idea about your intentions. Stick with basic human interaction rules: respect her personal space, don’t follow her, don’t stare at her, if you want to talk to her, walk up to her (walk, don’t run) and introduce yourself first.

You might think no one in their right mind would do anything different, but, trust me, this is no easy task for everyone.

Unfortunately, our life experiences have taught us to be scared of strangers, so do your best to change that as respectfully as possible.

What Needs to Change in our Society

Traveling alone is an amazing opportunity for personal growth, and it’s the best way to truly immerse yourself into a foreign culture. If we all had this kind of experience, the world would be full of inclusive and open minded people.

Instead of teaching the next generation of women to be careful, we should teach the next generation of men to be respectful. We should encourage young girls to explore the world, relying exclusively on themselves and their capabilities.

So, please, talk to your kids, talk to your friends, talk to your teachers, talk to your relatives. Spread awareness and have those uncomfortable conversations to shape a better future where all women feel safe and respected.

Want to learn more?

Four-Fifths of Young Women in the UK Have Been Sexually Harassed – The Guardian

Devastatingly Pervasive: 1 in 3 Women Globally Experience Violence – WHO

Victims of Sexual Violence: Statistics – RAINN

Opinion: Solo-Traveling As A Woman