Wanted to find out from all you solo women travellers about
places you have visited that you found to be female friendly
(ie. safe, respectful, etc.) -- cities, towns, countries or
wherever! Thanks gals! :)
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Iraq
Central Africa - Uganda, Zaire, Congo
Turkey
Burma
Palmyra Island
Afghanistan
Albania
USA....
How 'bout none at all? There isn't one country I've visited
or lived in where I didn't have to worry to some extent or
another, about getting felt up, or followed, or verbally
harassed, or raped...sorry to be a downer, I love
travelling, but there are women positive people, and women
haters, in every country.
Norway,Finland and Sweden.
Travel to New Zealand & Australia. I'm an American who's
enjoyed living there for the past 4.5 years.
There are maniacs everywhere, so no place is really safe.
Some countries are more polite though, and in other
countries the punishment for harrasment is severe.
SORRY.
I was recently in Stockholm and Helsinki and felt absolutely
safe everywhere I went. Not even the occasion of the
non-threatening but irritating lusty looks and comments as
you pass. The ferry between the two cities is another
matter, though. I should add, too, that I didn't spend any
time in bars unless with a larger group.
And actually, some cities in the US are generally pretty
okay-- again, assuming you aren't headed into nightlife
solo. A specific suggestion--I spent 4 and a half years in
Seattle and found it beautiful, intellectually stimulating,
in most respects culturally satisfying (although the Seattle
Art Museum is terribly disappointing), and if you avoid a
few limited areas (University Ave, South Broadway, right
near Pike Place Market after dark)- you should not only be
safe but free of harassment. Last time I was in NYC was two
years ago, and at that time it felt much more
female-friendly than LA, which is far more familiar for me.
Lived in and LOVE San Francisco but wouldn't recommend
strolling out around the city without knowing which
neighborhoods you'll be passing through. There are
perfectly safe havens which can turn to danger zones in a
mere block. (Around Fell St and Upper Haight, for instance).
Tokyo and Singapore weren't completely void of
overly-foreward men, but again it was only an occassional
hassle. In fact, I frequently walked through Shinjuku late
at night after the last subway had halted. Malaysia (where I
don't recall going anywhere without my husband) was
hard(uh--challenging?) for a different reason: especially on
the east coast and in the small towns through the jungle--
my very pale skin, and (pardon the lack of
modesty)attractiveness of an unusual- to them- variety me a
travelling freak show. Can't tell you how many people
remarked on my whiteness. Children followed us down the
street giggling. Mixed feelings about this-- I'd definitely
go back though. SO interesting.
My travel in Amsterdam and Paris as a lone female was rife
with approaches from lusty men-- but both are beautiful,
interesting cities and I really never felt endangered.
The only place I did feel REALLY nervous was in New Zealand
and that was because I was 22 and hitchhiking. SO there you
are.
Maybe more than you wanted to know- but it's a real issue
for me currently since I'm mulling over a solo trip to
Turkey.
:)
The Canadian Rockies in Alberta and eastern British
Columbia, CANADA, including Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper,
Yoho National Park, and the Icefield Parkway -- especially
if you like hiking and nature. Stay at the hostels.
Japan is the safest place I have ever been to. I regularly
travel home late at night alone and walk home from the
station. Although there are plenty of stories about people
being groped on the train/subway I have never experienced
this is 2 years of living here (unless maybe I am
unattrative to Japanese salarymen). The Japanese male is
all "talk" anyway and there is absolutely no violence
towards women, either verbal or physical.
For "women's lib" issues, that's a different matter, but
safety, Japan is the place to visit.
..vietnam.
Just wanted to know what travelling in Thailand as a woman
on your own was like. I travelled around India with a
female friend for 6 months and we got so much hassle,
despite always being completely covered up. Should I expect
the same from Thailand?
Hi Lydia, I have also done quite a lot of travelling in
India (with men) and had a horrendous time Indian men not
matter how many clothes I was wearing. I love the country
passionately but the men are appalling. I have only been
to Bangkok but found that completely different. I was
there for three weeks and never had the slightest bit of
hassle. Have a good trip.
I am english & have travelled a bit, Asia,Africa,Aus &
europe.I think the important thing is is behave properly,
respectfully & you are ok. If local people see you behaving
properly they will come to your help. You can wear shorts &
things. Try speaking to the locals especially women, they
will look after you. I find from the time I leave the uk I
have to think about sex 24 hours a day because that is what
the men I speak to think about. Casual conversations with a
man , normally turn to sex. Hotel porters, chief of police
in Bali all made advances. You have to be ahead of them.
i violently disagree with Karen's assertion that "you can
wear shorts and things." Maybe that is why all the men she
encounters keep brow-beating her about sex sex sex 24 hours
a day.
Ireland is teh first place I travelled solo, and it was
great. People were so friendly - the worst thing that ever
happened was that I was in a bar and some drunk guy told me
how great Guinness was and that I should take home a Guiness
poster. His two friends immediately came up to me and
apologized profusely for him. The men were generally very
respectful, and I felt safe even when I was walking back
from pubs at night. This is not to say it's totally safe,
but I did not get harassed or hassled at all, being alone
there.
For women living there it may be different. I think the
conservatism would get to me if I lived there. But
travelling, it was wonderful.
any place with p r e s e n t culture and civilization is
fine.
Im an 18yr old (almost 19) female first time solo would-be
traveller...
although i am from australia (sydney), i am yet to travel
within my own country and would like tips on where to go and
stay (hostel/bed & breakfast etc)...this leg of my trip i
will be travelling with friends.
however, i would like info about tramping in new zealand..
where to go and stay and (whether it's safe for solo female
travellers!!!)
Also, as this is my 1st time, how do I go about buying a
backpack, what do i need to buy etc..... HELP!!!!
cheers :)
Scandinavia (been in Finland and Sweden) and Greece (not
Rhodos and Kos). But DO stay away from Turkey! When you are
a woman and alone they won't leave you alone!!!!!!!!
Many have recommended Northern Europe and I think they are right. However, if you want to go someplace warm I suggest Thailand. The people are friendly in a very polite way; sexual harassment or any other kind of harassment is very rare in buddhist culture. The difference to muslim or hindu culture is huge.
Thailand receives a lot of male sex tourists but don't worry about those. They will sit in their own bars in places such as Bangkok's Patpong area, watch sex shows and drink expensive beer. You have a wide choice of restaurants where you can drink the same beer for much cheaper, get good service and not be harrassed even though everyone can see that you are travelling alone.
hello I do not know from where you are or where you plan to
go, but if you come to England you are welcome to stay with
me.0044-1730-233303.
Otherwise I think it depends muchmore on ones own attitude
towards life and people and places than the other way
around.I have cycled around the world with a boyfriend and
after that travelled a bit alone, and certainly will travel
more in the future and would not hesitate to go
anywhere country-wise, altough I am a bit vary about
Colombia. It is much more important to know where to go and
where not to go in ANY country... Please do contact me if
yopu would like to knoiw more about specific countries once
you know where you will go. All the best for the travelling
and as soon as you are linked into the magic which is out
there once you are on the road when one listens to the
*universe* and ones heart -- everything will be fine Hope to
hear from you Dagmar
i felt the safest in laos and in outer mongolia.
also in japan (as a western travelling woman you might get
hit upon a couple of times, but definately less than in any
european country).
northern and western europe is more or less ok.
but you have to be careful everywhere...
I've travelled all over the world, alone and with
companions. I'm pretty adventurous, but aware and cautious.
I've taken risks and probably been places that I shouldn't,
however it was 5 miles from home in a very nice and safe
section of town that I was held up at gunpoint. Wherever
you go be aware, smart and cautious but don't let it stop
you from going.
My favorites?
Australia - Sydney, Byron Bay
Japan - Tokyo
England - London, York, Bath, Carlisle (take the
Leeds/Carlisle train for one of the prettiest in the
country)
France - Paris, Arles
Italy - Venice, Rome, Positano, Florence
Carribbean - St. Croix
Rangiroa
New Orleans, LA
Boston, MA
San Francisco, CA
New York, NY
Cambria, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA