Comments on: We Need to Stop Telling Women They’ll Get Assaulted If They Travel Solo

By: Nadine Bardieu

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:42:01 +0000

You don’t trust anyone that you met, but feel free to know people step by step, then you will know his/her goals after that you will be confident.

To learn cultures and histories, you should travel to different lands and meet many people… It’s not easy to get more serious people in the world.

But you can also know meet real friends in several countries ,if you are a good person… Just trust yourself and be a good and happy human.

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By: Nadine Bardieu

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:25:56 +0000

In reply to Carol Miller.

Hi Carol,

Yes, you can find it everywhere in the world… But as I lived in Morocco 7years ago and I’m originally from France, I’m living safe here and I did a successful project with a Berber family here…

Morocco is a safe country and lovely people…

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By: Clarissa

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:54:40 +0000

Thanks for sharing this. I think the point about women warning women is especially important. With the discussions about misogyny and patriarchy increasing, I have found men now actually lean toward offering me practical advise. And if they are worried for my safety, they tell me about tips and tricks they use to keep safe when they travel. Women still ask “Aren’t you worried? As a woman, I would think it would be too dangerous.” It is disheartening to know that these women I love and admire are so afraid of their world. And when women I don’t know as well say similar things, I often point out that I feel safer in many foreign countries than I do in major US cities.

I often try to take an opportunity to share some safety tips that help me feel more comfortable. By sharing this, I hope to encourage them to see how they can feel safer in their own life and to know that I am being wise in my travels. For example, I stay in female dorms, not mixed dorms. No precisely to avoid men, but because they tend to have fewer people overall. I choose hostels rated high for safety and avoid party hostels. I review maps of where I’m staying thoroughly so I can navigate without hesitation. And I’m a 2nd degree black belt. That last one usually gets them to stop fussing, interestingly. I attribute my safety while travelling to being prepared and aware of what is actually dangerous and what is just outside my comfort zone. They attribute it to my training, which only comes into play if the worst happens.

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By: Kristin

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 07:13:57 +0000

From one Kristin to another — spoken kindly and with the best of intentions: While I appreciate the spirit of this post (courage!) and I myself am a young woman who has traveled to over 30 countries, I do have a few questions. I looked at the countries where you have traveled, and I didn’t see places like Nigeria, Iraq, Pakistan, Colombia, Bangladesh, or any of the borders with Syria. I didn’t see where you have visited refugee or displacement camps or conflict zones.

I work in humanitarian aid, and I would simply (and humbly!) like to add another perspective: I’ve been nearly assaulted on numerous occasions.

I’ve been in fear of my life more times than I can count. The risk is high for women who wish to connect with women and children in extremely vulnerable situations (who are already facing extreme danger).

I wanted to add this comment because not every woman is traveling solo to countries where they might feel reasonably safe (although I love it when I do!!). Sometimes our work — or our passion for human rights and humanitarian work — takes us elsewhere.

For ALL of the women out there who are braving the risks of conflict zones, refugee camps, and dangerous border areas, for all the women who are volunteering in “child-friendly” spaces on the edge of war zones, for all the women I know working to serve Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar …. I think another perspective should be put forward.

I have had some horrendous experiences. Many of us have. I’m scarred (probably forever), but I’m not scared.

My fear hasn’t stopped me from traveling. But it has made me hyper aware of my surroundings, wherever I go.

I wanted to comment on this piece because I think there should be a follow-up post on the most basic ways that solo women travelers — specifically in dangerous situations — can best protect, negotiate, and advocate for their own safety.

Thank you so much for your kind consideration!

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By: Lydia

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 15:50:42 +0000

Thank you so much for such a powerful message. I have the same situation: people often point out that it is dangerous for me to travel alone. But the actual truth is that I felt safer abroad than in my own country even though I lived with grown-up men for a week.

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By: Div

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 08:45:53 +0000

Seriously, we need to change this conservative thinking of shaming women. Thanks for sharing this wonderful write-up!

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By: Danielle

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 02:43:31 +0000

By: Ben

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 20:34:42 +0000

Well travelin solo my be like some slef neglect fun, but at one point every body has to do it, you can have people join for any adventure all time. i must say is something new every one got to embrace at one point.

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By: Joanna

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 16:06:02 +0000

My life changed once I stopped waiting for people to come along on my adventures. I learned so much from traveling solo! It’s the best way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.

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By: Kristin

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 15:50:21 +0000