Young Female travelling alone

alana

Newbie

Posts: 1

« on: July 22, 2008, 03:17:24 AM »

Hi,

I'm 18 and I'm going to be travelling by myself for a couple of months and my mum thinks it's going to be very dangerous. I'll just be staying at backpackers and seeing the local sites. How dangerous is it really? Are there any things I should look out for?

thanx


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Travel Addict

Administrator
Newbie

Posts: 18

Re: Young Female travelling alone

« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2008, 03:22:46 AM »

I've read some tips for females travelling solo:

* Think about how your behaviour may be interpreted
* Say a firm 'No, thank you' to unwanted male advances
* Don't dress provocatively
* Find out the local customs
* Make sure no one spikes your drink
* Get travel insurance
* Plan ahead. Get maps and always know where you are and where you're going.
* Take a personal alarm
* Make copies of all your travel documents and get your family to hold them
* Take licensed taxis and sit in the back
* Tell people where you are going
* Try to arrive in a place during daylight

Hope these help


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Jacintax

Newbie

Posts: 5

Re: Young Female travelling alone

« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2008, 03:28:40 AM »

Travelling alone is the best, but you do have to be careful.

Apart from what is mentioned above, I'd just say try to stick to the tourist routes. I know that a lot of the fun is in going off the beaten track and discovering, but that's where most of the dangers lie in my experience...

Good luck, and where are you travelling to? Some countries are a lot safer than others


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katehayes

Newbie

Posts: 2

Re: Young Female travelling alone

« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2008, 11:51:25 AM »

I travelled as a single female all by myself for 6 months throughout Europe and NEVER ran into a single problem. I didnt hit the bars and the dance scene though. I figured it was a time to travel and see sights and I could always go out dancing when I had a good crew around me. I stayed with local families in the towns I visited. I would go to the travel agencies and tell them I wanted to rent a room. That way I really got a sense of local flavor, got great room rates and got to know some incredible people. I visited 18 countries in 6 months and treasure every minute of the experience. You'll make friends along the way for sure! Just dont risk going out to discos or night clubs on your own. There is plenty of time to do that for the rest of your life. dont risk it while travelling in unknown places.
Another good thing to do is to start out your trip perhaps on a guided tour so you can learn how to take the train, the ferry, navigate through cities etc. Dont underestimate the guided tours - you can learn a lot in a safe environment and then can ask the tourguides about parts of towns/cities you should avoid and definitely see too!


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RXD

Full Member

Posts: 112

Re: Young Female travelling alone

« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2009, 03:01:42 AM »

Yes, you absolutely can travel on your own. But be vigilant. Always try to stay in hostels, because you will meet lots of other people there. Don't be shy about making friends BUT be wary of locals who try to befriend you , especially older men. Do what you can to blend in, although sometimes that's impossible. Never get in a car with a stranger, unless it is other young people you have met at the hostel. Walk with confidence, even if you are lost. Do not be out alone at night in Asia, or southern Europe, although northern Europe is absolutely fine.
Be sure to write down the address of where you are staying and have it with you at all times, and be sure to have enough cash for a cab with you at all times. Believe it or not, after traveling all over the place and having a drink or two, it's easy to forget where you left your stuff! This is really crucial. Bring photo copies of all your documents: passport, credit cards, train and plane tickets, etc. Be sure to make use of lockers, and lock your luggage to the seat on the train. Because you are alone, you will have to make caution your routine. Also, carry the numbers and addresses of local embassies in your money belt. Pack very lightly. Make sure you have at least one credit card PLUS your atm card. The more options for payment, the better.

If you find yourself in a scary situation, do not worry about offending anyone, GET OUT. Run if you have to, use force if you have to. Always follow your gut.
With all that said, traveling alone is immensely empowering. I have loved my solo travels and have no regrets. You will meet tons of great people along the way. Stay flexible about your travel plans and have a great time!


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My experience over a neatly arranged and well-provisioned Honeymoon bed breakfast was interesting.

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