I have an American friend who loves traveling to the Middle East. Although she is of Pakistani descent with black hair and olive skin – she’s American through and through. Given her values and interests having grown up in the U.S., you’d think she might be put off by much of this region – but that’s not the case.
Me? I’ve never been to the Middle East and, while I likely wouldn’t turn down a trip if it came my way, right now I just don’t have a strong desire to explore this area of the world. In part this is because I would stick out with my blond hair and pale skin – I imagine I would be hassled relentlessly.
I recognize, however, that what might be right for one woman may not be suitable for another – which is why I never give a definitive response to the question, “What are the best places for solo women travelers?” There‘s not an easy answer and it really DOES depend on the person.
Instead, I provide a general guideline of what type of destination might work for solo women travelers and offer some suggestions on what types generally don‘t work.
Here are some guidelines to consider…
The Do’s
1) If you’re nervous about traveling solo, consider a destination where you know someone. Remember that college roommate who moved to Spain? Why not go visit her? You’ll have a safety net in case you need help but you can take time to explore on your own.
2) Pick a country where you know the language. English speaker? You’ve got lots of options – Australia, New Zealand and Britain to name a few. In addition to countries where English is the native language, there are many places where it is widely spoken (many European countries, for example) and you‘ll have few problems communicating.
3) No matter where you go, pursue your personal interests. When you’re uncertain about your travel skills, follow your nose. No matter where you go, enjoy those things that you like to do most. Music lover? Go shopping for local musical instruments or plan your journey around performances and festivals. Are you a hiker? Try the Swiss Alps, Machu Picchu or Alaska. The point is that if you’re doing what you already love to do at home, it’ll make it easier for you to enjoy your destination.
4) Choose a destination where women are welcomed as tourists. The fact is that there are some countries that are more welcoming to foreigners than others. Southeast Asia in general and Thailand specifically is well set up to accommodate a wide range of travelers, from backpackers to those on a big budget. Women travelers are treated well here – the people are gentle and you won’t have to deal (too much) with the macho attitude in many other countries.
The Don’ts
1) If you don’t have a high tolerance for catcalls and whistles from “admirers”, avoid countries where the men are known for their machismo. Blondie? Steer clear of countries where you’ll stick out and where the men are known to be, well, a bit forward – such as Central America, Italy and Greece.
2) First time out of the country? While many developing countries might be tolerable for newbies, those that are extremely impoverished might be too much to take on – especially as a solo traveler.
3) Don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re completely a fish out of water. Feeling out of your element means that you are going to seem insecure – ultimately making you a potential target for thieves and scam artists.
There are great benefits to traveling with other people, but if you don’t have a current traveling partner, don’t let that deter you from traveling solo. Exploring the world on your own can be very rewarding if you take some time to determine what will work best for you. This is the first step in having a safe and memorable journey.
Where to Travel Next from BootsnAll
A New Destination for a New Year from Sharing Travel Experiences
The Quirky Traveller Top 10 Destinations 2011 from Wandering Educators
Africa with Kids from Ciao Bambino
Travel to Southern Sudan, the World’s Newest Country from Spot Cool Stuff
Photo credits
Woman at Trevi Fountain photo: Alaskan Dude
Woman in London: Bob Jagendorf
brilliant tips – thank you!
Pursuing an interest in hiking as a solo female traveler can be challenging. Hiking is safest in a group. I’ve been lucky to hook up with other travelers when I wanted to go hiking, but female travelers should realize that if they aren’t as lucky, hiking may not (or should not) be in the cards.
This is good advice. I started my solo travels in the U.K. in part because it is an English-speaking continent. It really is a lot simpler to get your feet wet there and in other English-speaking countries, like you said. And in most of the Mid East I don’t think you’d be hassled much at all. Egypt, yes, as they’re a pretty liberal Muslim country and quiet aggressive. Israel, no, except for possibly the predominantly Arab areas of Jerusalem and the rest of the country. The Persian Gulf, no. They’re very conservative people and don’t do catcalls and the like. There are hundreds of thousands of Indians in the Persian Gulf, though, and they are a little bit more vocal than the locals. I didn’t even mean for that to rhyme. 🙂
First time venturing out solo? You could start with something enjoyable.
http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/teasugaradream/2007/11/19/start-with-something-enjoyable/
I think these are great tips. Another point that might be worth making is that you are rarely alone as a solo traveller, unless you want to be. It’s very easy to hook up with other people when you’re travelling independently — and to let them go when you feel like it, too.
I hope you inspire some women out there to make the leap, anywise…
Although, like one commenter earlier, I encountered aggressive attention in Egypt (even though I was covered up), I have to say that I felt incredibly safe and respected in Oman. Don’t give up on the Middle East! (And I have blonde hair, too, so I know what you mean about standing out.) While rights and attitudes towards women may not be what you’d hope they are in some places, sometimes you’ll find a respect and a distance that’s lacking in other countries where women’s rights are supposedly more enshrined.
As for this: “There are great benefits to traveling with other people, but if you don’t have a current traveling partner, don’t let that deter you from traveling solo. Exploring the world on your own can be very rewarding if you take some time to determine what will work best for you.”
I agree!
hi there everyone, I’m new on here and excited to be a part of the discussion!
As a woman i was always worried of traveling alone to different places. But now after reading your blog i am quite confident about traveling. Thanks for giving all the female travelers such important tips.
This is my ultimate way to travel. I can do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it.
Bonus–people are very trusting of women, so it is very easy to become a part of the experience in whichever country you choose to visit.
Try it, you’ll love it and hate it at the same time!
Hi your website is great, the tips are too, BUT here’s the thing: what if you are solo, female and over sixty? And not very rich? I’ve travelled so far to around forty destinations, for work and leisure, and over sixty you’re invisible. Service is less than good, you’re treated as if you’re going to be mentally unable to keep up! And accommodation offered is never great. Any solutions? Or maybe someone should set up a travel agency for those ladies of a certain age who are glamorous, agile, interesting, and mentally more than able!