After three years of solo travel around the world, if there's one secret I can share, one question that keeps coming up, it's this: How can I travel alone as a woman? Is it dangerous? Let me tell you all about it!
Do you think I've always traveled alone? Not at all! I've also traveled as a duo, but most of my solo travel took place in India. Ah, India! A country of a thousand contrasts and colors... and also a country where the place of women raises a lot of questions. I can already hear the questions: India? Are you crazy?
So, yes, I've met dozens of women from all over the world, with the same question on their minds: I'd like to rephrase that question in a more constructive way: How can I feel safe? How do I handle tricky situations? Should I be afraid to travel alone? Spoiler: not at all!
Let's dispel a few myths
1. No, some countries are not more dangerous for women.
2. No, women don't have to be more careful when traveling than men.
3. No, traveling alone shouldn't stop you from having this adventure!
That said, every country has its own customs. As travelers, we have to adapt to them out of respect for the local culture. Yes, this sometimes means moderating our outfits or attitudes. But let's be honest, this respect applies just as much to men as to women! How many times have I seen shirtless male tourists in countries where this is absolutely not the norm - just because they were hot?
Women are careful all the time. Our survival radar is already in active mode at every moment of everyday life. It's not specific to travel: we instinctively know how to analyze situations and adapt our behavior. Ironically, I've often seen men put themselves in risky situations because they didn't perceive these subtle signs. We have a precious instinct: let's trust it.
My Tips for Solo Travel
Here are a few tips to boost your safety while keeping a smile on your face!
1. Trust your instincts That little voice, that knot in your stomach, listen to it. Don't keep quiet to be “nice” or “polite”. Can you think of a time when you wanted to say no, but didn't? You can learn to do this, and it's essential if you want to preserve your limits when traveling.
2. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, express it loud and clear at the very first sign. If the person didn't have bad intentions, they'll sense the discomfort themselves and adjust their behavior.
3. In a public space, is there a majority of men? If so, you may not be in the right place. Take a look at how local women dress, too: it's often a good indicator of cultural norms.
4. If you're uncomfortable, don't be silent. Let it be known loud and clear that something is wrong. Not only does this increase your safety, it often has the effect of destabilizing people with bad intentions.
The message I'd like to pass on to you
I hope these few lines have reassured you, made you smile and, above all, given you the strength to travel alone. Because, frankly, traveling alone is one of the most intense and transformative experiences you can have.
So pack your bags, get your sneakers ready, and set off to conquer the world, one destination at a time!
With all my love,
Marine
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