Travelling as a single female

Travelling on your own can be hugely liberating but you may want to consider some safety issues, just to make sure your time away stays fun

Now we know there shouldn’t really have to be a separate article for female travellers, gender equality is an issue that was settled a long time ago and we women are perfectly capable of looking after ourselves. While this is very true, what matters most is your safety and there are one or two things worth considering before setting off on your travels.

Cultural considerations

When exploring the globe it’s a given that we will come into contact with a wonderful array of new sights and sounds, new cultures and people. Just as we would expect someone visiting our homeland to respect our culture, it is vitally important that when travelling you respect the culture of the countries you’re visiting.

Though for some of us it may seem like the worst sacrifice of all, one of the biggest considerations is going to be what you wear. It’s not going to be a problem everywhere you go but in some cultures shorts, mini skirts and tank tops are considered a tad revealing. We know it seems old fashioned but just for a hassle free trip it can be a good idea to take a smock top and a longer skirt to throw over what you’re wearing if you do start to get a few whistles or even just feel a bit self conscious!

Europe

Generally travelling in Europe it’s rare that you’ll need to worry about your clothes. The only places you might have to cover up a little are in religious buildings such as Catholic chapels and cathedrals; shoulders, midriff and knees need to be covered as it’s considered disrespectful. With the impact of tourism the more famous buildings such as the Basilica and the Vatican in Rome provide a covering much like a long plastic poncho not very fashionable but it only needs to be worn while you're inside.

However, if you’re travelling to more rural areas and fancy having a look at the local chapel, you may well be turned away if you’re improperly dressed so it’s a good idea to get yourself a guide book like the Eyewitness travel guide to Europe or Lonely Planet Europe on a shoestring and plan ahead!

Africa and South East Asia

Primarily the main issue is the same, clothes. The issue won’t crop up too often but in Muslim countries such as Egypt, Morocco and certain areas of South East Asia showing respect for the countries beliefs won’t necessarily mean being covered from head to toe but it may mean not wandering around scantily clad.

While you’re travelling you will come across countries with very different traditional and social values. It may not be what we’re used to and travelling in a country with different beliefs doesn’t mean that you’ll have to adopt them, but it is important to be aware of the difference.

Safety

Whether you’re a single female or a single male, travelling on your own always has risks. Foreword planning isn’t the most spontaneous of things but it’s easier than you think to loose your bearings and it’s never fun to be lost on your own, so plan your excursions as much as possible and take your guide book and map with you everywhere; you won’t begrudge that space in your rucksack when all the streets and buildings start to look the same!

Travelling on your own can be one of the best ways to see the world; the freedom to go exactly where you want to go and do exactly what you want to do. Plus it’s also a great way of meeting new people whether they’re local or travellers like you. You’ll often meet people with similar travel plans to yours and it can be fun, and a little safer, to travel with other people and head off on your own again whenever you feel like it!

For the periods of your journey that you are on your own be very aware of your own safety; keep your money safely tucked away, preferably use a card, don’t go out on your own late at night if you don’t feel safe and make sure you’ve got all the important numbers written down and in a safe place. For each country these should include your nationalities embassy, the local authority/emergency service numbers, you banking and insurance numbers as well as numbers to contact back home in case of emergency that you will hopefully never need!

Health

Last but by no means least. Here there are definitely some issues that don’t apply to the boys;

• Time of the month. No matter how long you’re going away for this is something you will need to bear in mind. Not everywhere will have local a chemists and not every chemist will have the kind of sanitary products you’re used to back home. Under privileged countries may have rather old fashioned products so it’s a good idea to take a big supply of your own.
• If you’re on the pill make sure you tell your doctor how long you’re planning to be away for and get a prescription accordingly. Be careful not to loose it as it may not be easy to get another prescription once you’ve started your travels!

Useful links:

http://www.femaletraveller.co.uk/

http://seniorliving.about.com/od/travelsmart/a/womentravel.htm

Page Comments

Add Your Comment!

Log in to leave a comment or Create an account