Is Solo Travel Safe for Women? Q&A

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That time I lost my wallet in Portugal: • My BIGGEST Solo Travel...
00:00 Intro
00:28 Is traveling alone as a woman safe?
01:18 What are your top safety tips?
04:16 How do you decide if a destination is safe?
05:38 Good destinations for beginners?
06:47 Airbnbs or Hotels?
07:48 Do you see other women traveling solo?
08:09 Hardest part of traveling alone?
09:01 Is dining alone awkward?

[@allisonanderson]

Thanks for watching! Drop your best solo travel tips in a comment below!

[@ericqpan]

I went on a solo trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi a few months ago. A mistake I made was revealing too much information in the wrong situation. I was at the Dubai gold souk market and if you went there during your solo trip to Dubai, you know that you can negotiate prices with them. I told them where I was from(USA) and they immediately tried to take advantage of me. They know that we never negotiate prices in the USA, so they charged me almost 500USD for a bag of tea and 1 souvenir. I realized that I was being ripped off and tried to leave. One of them grabbed my arm and I told them to let me go or I'm calling the police.

[@moinulislam3262]

i love you!! I love your videos.......

[@joelcrow]

You are absolutely smashing it, video after video, little ckicka!! Keep up this incredible channel, totally top shelf content!! Thank you for making content that both my wife and I can enjoy... just being you!! #smashingit

[@MacTravellers]

I think for women alone there’s a whole category of unwanted attention and harassment that needs to be considered separately from safety.

[@debbic2055]

Great video. I’ve been traveling alone for many, many years. I’m 71 and will continue as long as I’m able. My biggest tip is never tell anyone you’re alone. People assume you’re with someone else so don’t tell them anything different.

[@hanshuang4287]

Yes and if necessary stay with a crowd will be much safe cause other people cannot tell if you're alone or within a group, so traveling in some big cities and high population areas does help increase safety index, with that being said, we cannot deny that travel individually just need to consider more and judge more compare with traveling as a group.

[@Toriano0]

I've travelled internationally solo at least 4 times and it has always been safe for me. The tip I'd give is for the solo traveller to always respect the traditions, norms and culture of the country they're going to. I say this mainly because I've travelled to Arab and Moslem countries often; UAE, Egypt, Lybia, Zanzibar.....

[@givemeknowledge8522]

But in india Even You disrespect Unintentionally their culture the Indian people never mind

[@cozyhome307]

I took a solo trip from Wyoming to Galveston Texas several months ago. I felt totally safe the whole time. I never stayed out after dark. I always locked up the airbnb I stayed at, whether I was there or not, but I too feel safer in a hotel. I did rent a car so I could do my own thing and not necessarily have to chat and end up telling a stranger I was in the area alone. I did dress very casually and didn't carry all of my cards and cash on me. I was in almost constant contact with my husband as well. I DID wake up early for sunrises and long walks on the beach. There was never anyone around, (it was February) it was magical and a very fun trip. I did dine alone, I'm 40 so I've done it before. It was fantastic. I'd love to travel alone again asap! -I'd love to go to Savanna!

[@veebee69]

Nothing is safe. Nothing is promised. And nothing lasts forever. Live your life now!

[@allisonanderson]

Love this. Yes!!

[@jennahoran8647]

I travel alone quite a lot, mostly within the US, and often in remote areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, try to never look lost, act like you know what you are doing. Book hotels in advance so that you have a known destination and check in online if that’s possible, so that the hotel knows to expect you. ALWAYS update someone in your life regularly with your location, especially if driving or flying. Lock your car doors, even when getting gas. At night, stay close to well lit entrances if you’re parking or entering/exiting a building. Separate cash and cards among multiple bags, in case something is stolen. Carry back up chargers for your phone. Confidence is key - look and act like you are from there and know what you’re doing. If something feels wrong, assume it is wrong.

[@tillyfreeman5192]

Thank you!! I was lost one time and asked a man who looked like a decent dad for directions while I was in my car and opened my window. This was near Livermore California and next thing I knew the creep grabbed my phone from my now opened window (I rolled down my window so he could hear me) and tried to open the car and pull me out. Such a scary thing good thing I was able to dial 911 and he spoke to 911 even but I closed my window immediately and tried to scream for help. Police came thank God. Such creeps but they look ok on the outside like typical residents

[@jennahoran8647]

@@tillyfreeman5192 you just never know! I had a weird incident a few months ago with an older man at a gas station, before entering a very remote area that I know well. I made the choice to leave as soon as possible and made sure he didn’t follow me, because I knew I would lost cell service within about 20 minutes. Next day I called the gas station and they walked through every second of their security footage to make sure he didn’t approach my car while I had been inside (I was worried about a tracker or him taking down my plate number). Better to be a little paranoid than sorry!

[@travelmurmur]

"Is being a woman safe?" That really is the right question 💔 I think all your tips are super helpful! I would also say that female clothing usually doesn't include pockets and if whatever you're wearing has pockets they're either too small or too loose so be careful when you put things in your pockets like a phone or credit cards. And never assume you're safe just because there are people around. That's what I learned the hard way!

[@mohammadfarooqi6255]

How a woman dresses and presents herself has a big impact on a man's perception

[@blinkeuisaswiftie8397]

@@mohammadfarooqi6255 so i should wear a potato sack dress not a pant and shirt to be safe while I'm travelling? Interesting.

[@anomaly9156]

@@mohammadfarooqi6255 That doesn't even matter. Statistically, most attack on women are done by known man than total strangers. Also, would it really matter if they know you are alone? No, it won't. A criminal will commit crime regardless of something like that.

[@oopppsss]

@@mohammadfarooqi6255 says MUHAMMED 🤢 Your name tells a lot about you

[@94AnnaAnna]

"I'd rather be sitting on the beach in Portugal" I felt like you spoke to me because I'm going to Portugal in a few weeks and your blog post and a video about your trip there is why I decided to go 😅

[@alison_5050]

Agree with all these points! 100% recommend some solo travel to anyone thinking about it. Also, if you're apprehensive, start small with a weekend trip.

[@michellecherie419]

Canadian here, and gotta say, I don't feel the safest travelling alone in many US cities these days.

[@jordynsophiamakeup]

Do you think Canmore is safe for a female to solo travel? I’m looking to Airbnb’s in condo buildings

[@lisas9937]

Pretty much all my travel has been solo and I've never really felt unsafe. One of my biggest tips not covered in this video, is to always carry a well-charged power bank. That way you can always recharge your phone if the battery starts dying after all that Google mapping and train schedule checking. I also never post on social media where I am or where I'm going. I just text my contacts or make a good old-fashioned call. I stay at hostels because I'd rather spend my money on experiences than a bed. However, I do make sure it's in a good central, busy location. And, last but not least, try to dress like the locals to avoid standing out too much.

[@Robyncavallaro]

I took my first solo trip when I was 18...40 years ago, I worked for the airline and flew to Miami for the weekend. My channel is about Florida Real Estate, food and fun and have decided to add a Solo Travel component. I know so many women who will not travel on their own and feel it limits them. I want to empower women, especially over 50, to get out there and do it. Love your content and you're are an awesome photographer!

[@maevee3846]

Have solo traveled 3 times internationally this year as a 20 year old woman (because you inspired me!) it is so empowering, yes it can be safe or unsafe, and I have had some dodgy and scary moments but I always pretend I have friends nearby/pretend to be on the phone/and yes save your data! Be willing to change your plans- I don't plan in advance, I have a rough idea but I plan my route as I go along so I don't feel pressured to get somewhere for the night. This also comes with its own risks financially!! Currently solo travelling around Greece then onto Italy, loving it!

[@birgitsmetana]

Thank you Allison for sharing your tips & tricks. I like that way to check whether a place is safe ... I started solo-travelling many years ago - when I recognized that if I always wait for someone to join in, I'll never go anywhere. Many, many, many trips later, I can only say, this has been the right decision. I'd say I never felt unsafe - yet, of course I ran into one or the other dodgy situation, yet luckily it always worked out fine. If you're thinking of whether you should go or not - do it! It's so worth it! (and still today, I usually think, when I'm supposed to go to wherever for the weekend "what on earth should I do there by myself?!?" - after months and countless solo-trips, I can assure you, I've always found something to do, see or learn) (Solo-)Travel is beautiful! ❤

[@kimcamp8802]

I never thought of considering whether women work outside the home to reflect on the level of safety for women travelling there, but it totally makes sense to ask that question

[@carriehagstrom9777]

This was super helpful! I’d love to see more solo travel videos!

[@Fatty885]

Thanks for doing this video! I always get asked if it's safe for all the destinations I go to so this video is a useful one to send my friends/ family when they're a bit worried!

[@smileygigglez88]

Loved this!! Looking forward to more of videos like these

[@ladybugmom10]

Just when I think I have watched all the solo travels safety videos… I watch one more and learn new things. Seriously just about every answer you gave was a new one I hadn’t heard or thought of before. I’m traveling with my kids for the first time soon for a week. Every video on this topic gives me more confidence to do it.

[@AsianGargamel]

Awesome advice, thanks for sharing. Just getting into travelling solo. Found it weird the first time and at times I wished I would be able to share a nice moment with somebody. However for concentrating on photography and getting creative juices flowing, it is almost crucial to be by one’s self and don’t have guiltily feelings because someone is waiting for you to take the 50th shot from yet another angle.

[@lostpinemedia8954]

Another tip that goes along with the itinerary, is to write down a list of clothes/outfits you take with so, so that if you do go missing or get lost or stranded, at least people have a general idea of what you might be wearing!

[@lenajc1]

I recently travelled solo and I agree with all your tips. I also found myself doing takeout at the end of a long day :)

[@dianeb2349]

Right on time for my solo trip on Wednesday 😍

[@allisonanderson]

Have fun!!

[@rachel.isabelle]

Always love hearing your tips and tricks!! thank you! I went on 3 domestic solo trips last year and loved it! started my own vlogs too! maybe one day I'll venture out to another country haha

[@rachel.schmidt]

This is so helpful 👏🏻

[@viviangraeber5640]

I’ve booked a 3 month trip to Europe beginning in August and I am thrilled!! I’ll be mostly in Switzerland and traveling from there. Switzerland is by far a really safe place, but this was so helpful and reassuring! Great tips for future trips!

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

Omg sounds so fun! Have a blast

[@RosaSukkerspinn9]

I really want to travel solo to Barcelona next year, so this video was perfect!

[@Musimakeup]

100% agree that the stats confirm that in most cases the place in question actually has a lower crime rate than where you live. (Won't even comment if you're in the us).. only point is in your own urban area you know where the dodgy / dangerous places are,so you're relatively safer.

[@user-lq4py1kf8j]

I really like your speech, diction. You pronounce the words very clearly. Besides, I love the topic of travel. That's why I'm watching you with pleasure

[@ChristinaGrace05]

Agreed on Portugal!! I adored my solo trip there. I’d also recommend Thailand as another safe place 🥰

[@Art_in_her_eys_6]

Thanks for making this video. I am planning a solo trip to Dubai for 4 days preety soon. I hope to be strong and enjoy my trip.

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Brilliant discussion.

[@jordynsophiamakeup]

If I do notice anyone dining alone, I always admire the person. Never judging! I haven’t done it yet, but I’d definitely start with bar seating so I can get some conversation in.

[@mirandaalexis]

this was super helpful esp since im on the travel nurse journey

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

I'm proud of you and you are amazing Supporter and these tips is sooo Important happy Tuesday morning

[@nayy600]

Big fan of this channel 😍🌹

[@leighalexandra7899]

Thanks for all the good tips. I would love to see a video on summertime in Texas. How to dress to stay cool and other ways to beat the heat are on my mind this summer. What do you do for day trips near your home?

[@hueyen3113]

Great tips!!

[@mooremindfulmoments6599]

Yes these were great tips

[@CristinaFilms]

❤ Vera inspirațional! Thnak you for making!

[@Robyncavallaro]

Thanks for the Storyblocks rec I just purchased ! What theme did you select for your website. I love the layout and plan on switching from Wordpress

[@jackytheripper]

I was sexually assaulted when I was doing a couch ride service. I will never do anything like that again. The man kept talking like I was his girlfriend and he kept sitting with his arm around my shoulders, then after I went to sleep he got nude and pulled out his member in my face. He tried to have sex with me repeatedly and I had nowhere to go. I ran out of his house when he went to sleep. I will never put myself in that situation again

[@tillyfreeman5192]

Same. Even a walk in a nearby park and I was in my shirt and sweatpants I was assaulted almost kidnapped. Now that I’m older not so much. But it really depends. I don’t see white women harassed more because they exude that independence or confidence I’m not sure but not unless they are in India, for example or Egypt they’re pretty much left alone and most people are friendly towards them, and curious. I’m Filipina and first time I came here in the Bay Area I was followed by men on few occasions, not a one-time thing, and I’m not flashy or dressed provocatively. Just a regular gal exercising and running or running errands. And same thing happened when I went for a drive to another city in California (close to Livermore). I asked for direction from a resident who looked decent when my GPS died, and the creep grabbed my phone from my car window when I sensed he was going to attack me instead, didn’t know he didn’t want me to call friends or family and he called another family member when I was just asking for direction to get back on 580 E, then he tried to pull me out of the car to rape me!!!!! Creep good thing I already dialed 911 before he snatched my phone so it relayed my location somehow. The firefighter and police came when he was pulling me from the window to open my door. I was too weak to even scream because of the heat and travel, police called my ex-husband’s family. Never again. Now i went back to school to make more female friends and go out with a group

[@NiOriginal]

Allison, you have to come to Porto, it’s way waaay nicer than Lisbon 😉

[@danibabdallah-nx4ln]

Thank you

[@letyouleadbjc]

I've really enjoyed watching your trips all over the place! My sister told me about your channel! ❤ Question: you mentioned getting a sim card for your phone for international trips. Do you Have a video that elaborates on that?

[@tillyfreeman5192]

Hi Alison, thank you for bringing up such an important topic for discussion. I want to travel so much especially when I was younger but I get harassed by creeps. I’m not beautiful or provocative in any way I think I just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I still want to travel to Europe so I try to make friends locally from trusted network after a series of bad experiences (almost kidnapped from just exercising in a park in California and followed by creepy men).

[@annan.3283]

I travel alone because I don’t have anyone to travel with, but I’ve noticed you’ve done solo trips after getting married. Does your husband not want to travel?

[@saraazizam4519]

I need to try to travel alone too ❤ I want to go to Japan 😻

[@TravelingInstyleWithBrooke]

Gonna share this with my Facebook friends, over 5K😉

[@IKrsty]

Hey Allison, I know u said in a previous video where you got ur camera bag/purse was from? Can you pls leave me a link or the name of the bag. Thx

[@alessandra1374]

I'm thinking of going to Berlin for my first solo trip and staying in an airbnb in Kreuzberg. Any tips from anyone who's done it before? Thanks for another great video, Allison! :)

[@ben_chao]

Alison, do you typically shoot handheld or with a gimbal on your travel vlogs? I’m thinking of getting a gimbal but not sure if I need it. Your travel vlogs are the best!

[@allisonanderson]

Thanks! I shoot everything handheld. For me, a gimbal takes up too much space in my bag and time balancing/setting up to use on the go. I bought one a few years ago thinking I would travel with it and never did.

[@ben_chao]

Thanks for the help 👍

[@joelcrow]

How in the world does this super cute and sweet chickadee have less than a million or more subscribers?!! Yall better watch them videos twice and once with your family, this is such honest, intelligent, interesting and gorgeously scenic content!! Get to clickin!! ❤️🥰🤣👍

[@AvinashSingh-vj3rk]

Nice 👍

[@pizastyle4026]

Love you sister

[@hanas527]

I really appreciate all of your tips but I think it’s quite prejudiced to say if women in that country are working outside of house it’d be (relatively) safe. Yes you might draw eyes on you more in some cultures that women don’t necessarily have jobs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a safe country

[@parandjahtravel]

Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.

[@Tripuriexplorer374]

Love from India ❤️

[@stephaniex8776]

i think for traveling solo you need to have somewhat of some lifeexperience, be confident, have some worldknowledge, do research and dont be scared!

[@iluvsydney1]

The fashion one is interesting-if you wear sweats or athleisure in a place like Italy, you’re going to stand out for sure! Fashion is highly contextual so do some research about your destination’s fashion to see what the norms are to make blending in easier! Unfortunately this was a bad story for me, I was walking around Vatican City with some friends who looked really cute in their outfits but didn’t quite meet the standards of appropriate dress inside a church. We were getting catcalled and harassed in the streets, getting told over and over we couldn’t go into any of the buildings. We didn’t even go inside any of the buildings because we were short on time but it was a memorable experience because it forces us to really tackle how we travel: do we stay our authentic selves and bring our own culture to another or do we completely melt into the other and live the othered experience? I think it’s impossible to do one or the other and find a balance between the two, but learn from my story and just do some research!

[@rachel.isabelle]

I think it depends what country you're in. Western countries like USA or Australia don't seem to care and let people from other cultures do their thing, while as you said some places in Europe and more so middle east won't tolerate other cultures and you have to conform

[@iluvsydney1]

Idk, Even growing up in my home town I felt like an outsider bc I didn’t attend the church or have affiliations with the very religious university there. I wore leggings to school once and everyone made a huge deal out of it (the university bans leggings for women outside the dorms) so even that university culture spilled out into my public education experience and quite honestly made me feel like an outsider all of my life living there. There were other traumatic things that happened too, the leggings was probably the funniest occurance, but it makes me wonder why we can’t tolerate differences in the US when we’re too often celebrated as the best country in the world.

[@rachel.isabelle]

@@iluvsydney1 Schools and walking around cities as a tourist are two different things though. Schools have reputations and standards to uphold, hence dress codes. But when you're walking around a shopping center in a western country wearing something from another culture, or just something different in general, no one is going to say anything...at least not to your face lol.

[@iluvsydney1]

@@rachel.isabelle eh, the times I’ve been catcalled would prove otheteise

[@rachel.isabelle]

@@iluvsydney1 oh, I'm referring to the average, normal, respectable person...I get catcalled too (which I hate) but I attribute it to those particular people being gross pigs rather than because of the clothes I wear. Also I just re-read your first reply and I completely miss-understood what you said...sorry you had to go through that. I guess certain towns/places have different mentalities. I grew up in larger cities and I feel like they're more tolerant or at least used to different ways of dressing there so things like that didn't really happen and I assumed it was like that everywhere. Checked out your channel btw, your Yosemite trip looked awesome! I've been wanting to go there for ages! lucky you!

[@daimgill1739]

Iceland is also safe for women's Allison

[@praisethatprays6305]

I guess you wouldn't consider this as a younger person but as an older person what about the possibility of a sudden medical emergency particularly in the middle of the night such as a heart attack or stroke while traveling? I guess even younger people could still experience this though not as common.

[@Mariischa]

This could also happen if you‘re home alone. You just can‘t prepare yourself for every possible scenario.

[@BubblyViolin11]

If you’re at a higher risk for medical emergencies, get travel medical insurance. It will cover any medical costs you may have. Most countries outside the US have universal healthcare, but the insurance can even cover extra copays and prescriptions that you’d otherwise have to pay out of pocket. There are also medical ID cards you can purchase that are valid in a variety of countries. It allows you to put down any health issues you may have that can inform paramedics.

[@jennahoran8647]

I have several chronic illnesses and I travel alone a lot. I prep with all my meds and make sure that my purse and a change of clothes are ready in case of emergency. I keep my phone nearby if I have I have to call for emergency services. This is my normal at home, so I do it when traveling as well. My health insurance is top notch (I chose the best plan my employer has) and I have national coverage within the US. For international travel, I would consider travel insurance with medical coverage. But, emergencies are just that - sometimes no matter how much you’ve prepared, things happen.

[@paigez7680]

Have you ever stayed in a hostel? If so, whats your opinion of them?

[@studywithmimiupsc111]

🙏🙏🙏

[@moinulislam3262]

i love you!! I love your videos.......

[@danielamarialow4130]

Hy how are you doing ?I love you job I am also a tour guide

[@Rumaii7]

Why don’t you visit bahrain its very nice

[@misskimberly5]

Just curious - why doesn’t your husband travel with you?

[@user-ge6wyJacqueline]

is it safe to travel alone to vancouver canada as a woman

[@eljj7968]

Of course...

[@user-ge6wyJacqueline]

@@eljj7968 there's pickpockets in Vancouver Canada to

[@eljj7968]

@@user-ge6wyJacqueline Lol what? Where are you from? There are pickpockets in any city. Canada is one of the safest countries in the world.

[@user-ge6wyJacqueline]

@@eljj7968 NZ

[@galacc2668]

You are the most beautiful woman,❤️❤️❤️

[@ankushverma9392]

Mrs Charlotte is legit and her method works like magic I keep on earning every single week with her new strategy

[@irneseip2592]

Mrs Charlotte is obviously the best, I invested $3,000 and she made profit of $28,000 for me just in 15 days

[@irneseip2592]

Her success story is everywhere

[@laurajosie9926]

Who's this professional everyone is talking about I always see her post on top comment on every KZbin video I watched

[@laurajosie9926]

I think I'm interested how can I get in touch with Mrs Charlotte

[@vernerlaura8224]

You'll have to write to her on What's App

[@raheelazam6385]

Hi beautiful awesome work I like it ❤💜💖💛💖💜💖💞❤💞💖💜💖💞💖👍👍👍👍

[@osd1012]

Oh Good!!! But why don"t you come to S.Korea?

[@maryw1778]

You were in a women's-only cart on the Japanese subway. Groping and similar kinds of sexual harassment is commonplace on the Japanese subway. So common that it required a separate cart. Safety is relative.

[@AInews11]

Welcome to Tunisia 🇹🇳 #visitTunisia

[@beautyjournal217]

It’s safe for certain women that’s the truth

[@azarelpillay8538]

I wouldn't let my wife travel anywhere alone in today's sick world.

[@amaizeingndn]

Look- staying in the good ol us of a isn’t safe for women so get out there😂😩

[@19miraclesarehere]

ln God's arms everything is safe with Jesus

[@TheTurdballs420]

It’s extra safe now that the Supreme Court has affirmed your 2A right to carry. When seconds count the police are just minutes away

[@kiskiversek]

Hi, I sent you a sponsorship offer, please check your mailbox (incl. the spam folder )!

[@moonlit_tripsnstyle]

Thank you for this! I have been thinking about traveling solo 🤍🤍