Advisability Of Women Traveling Alone

By Author: Steve Robinson
Total Articles: 468
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The fact that there are so many cheap travel options these days, including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, and cheap vacation packages, plus a desire by some women not to have to depend on others in deciding what to do, is leading many women to travel alone.

Some people are now questioning the wisdom of such travel in light of the New Yorker who was recently killed while vacationing in Turkey.

People who decide to travel alone, whether female or male, tend to do so because they find such travel to be good for the heart and soul, freeing in a way different from other pursuits.

Solo travelers have found that when you have a travel partner that you tend to remain insulated. When traveling on your own, people are forced out of their shells, making them more approachable and more likely to interact with other people.

Those who argue that woman have no business traveling on their own have never experienced the joy and amazing times that can be had traveling solo.

Many female solo travelers agree that there are numerous ways to make such travel safer:

• Carry ...
... a picture of a large man in your wallet.

• Respond to strangers asking about your plans by saying that you are on the way to meet your husband.

• Wear a wedding band, regardless of your marital status.

• Avoid unwanted male attention by not encouraging it in the first place.

• Be aware of the social norms at your destination. Making eye contact and being friendly can be thought of as a “come on” in some cultures. Wearing sun glasses can help avoid sending the wrong signal.

• Dress appropriately depending on where you are visiting. For example, in India, a woman baring her shoulders is considered risqué.

• Dress to observe rather than to be observed. Wear neutral, modest clothing.

• Pack a rubber door stop, which costs around $1 and can prevent intruders from entering hotel rooms that do not have deadbolts or chain locks.

• Pack light so that you do not have to rely on other people to help you out of or into taxis.

• When in an unfamiliar city, ask the concierge which parts of town to avoid.

• Depending on how safe a city is, avoid going out at night and eat your main meal at lunch.

• When first starting to travel alone consider visiting a country like the Netherlands which is an excellent destination for a first solo trip abroad. It is a small country that is easy to get around and full of interesting sites. Women commonly travel around the Netherlands by themselves.

• Remain cautious and aware of your surroundings.

In general it is not a big, bad world. Most people are very nice, open, friendly, and willing to help when possible. Nevertheless it is important to use caution and common sense when traveling.
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