Solo female travel can be an empowering and enriching experience. But that’s not always the case, says seasoned travelers in an online forum. That’s due to factors such as high crime rates, cultural attitudes towards women, and lack of infrastructure for solo travelers. In other words, by avoiding these spots, traveling alone can still be a safe endeavor for women.
1. China
While there have been no reports of harassment in the forum, the things one can witness there can be unsettling enough to make them avoid traveling to this country. One user shared a disturbing incident in China, where a man physically assaulted his girlfriend while his friends watched.
The same user talked about one more incident, saying “Another when some Han Chinese were harassing Tibetan girls was pretty rank.” These incidents serve as a reminder to exercise caution—for all genders—when traveling alone in China.
2. Morocco
While most cities in Morocco are safe, the culture doesn’t necessarily respect Western values, and a symptom of this is how some misguided young men view women. “I’ve just remembered that there was a guy who tried to drug me in Morocco,” is one commenter’s shocking revelation. “I was so lucky that my hotel owner spotted him luring me to his place, and intervened.”
3. Northern India
The huge subcontinent is renowned for occasional stories of abuse, presenting a physical danger to any woman traveling alone. Sadly, India gets stamped with safety advisory comments throughout the thread, identifying northern India as a particular culprit. “I traveled with two female friends, and as a woman, I have never felt so powerless,” writes one former visitor. “When I was in an uncomfortable situation, I didn’t even know who to turn to. It was weird.”
4. Egypt
Like Morocco, Egypt’s culture is kind to indigenous residents, but if you look remotely Western, some young men see this as an invitation. Tragically, the perception of women for some male Egyptians is limited to movies and the Internet. Especially when you’re a young woman under 40 and can not pass as an Egyptian woman,” comments the next weary tourist. “All of my friends and female relatives that went there were harassed.”
5. Rome, Italy
Rome was pretty uncomfortable for me. I (a 23-year-old female) was followed back to my hostel for about a mile,” recalls a summer tourist. “It was beautiful, and I’m glad I visited, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back as a solo traveler.” Unfortunately, any major European city now has its problems with illegal migrants, which results in less safe streets at night. However, traveling in larger groups remains safe.
6. South Africa
“As a South African female, I suggest avoiding South Africa altogether,” warns the next observer. “But especially Johannesburg.” J-Burg is renowned as a city you just don’t want to see at night time. During the day, many people will tell you it is a pleasant town, but not to be anywhere near the streets during nightfall.
7. Pakistan
A country with unbridled natural beauty also comes with relentless instability, political friction, and religious conformism, which presents dangers for visiting women. “Do not go to Pakistan,” confirms a commenter. “There is too much uncertainty and extremism in the country right now for safe travel.”
8. Peru
Peru is another aesthetically stunning location, but with some caveats for solo women. The country receives huge influxes of tourists due to its historical sites and world-class trekking potential. However, even tour groups aren’t safe, according to one testimony. “I did a solo tour for Machu Picchu, and the guide groped me and kept touching me even when I asked to stop,” writes another harassment victim.
9. Colombia
“Walking the streets in Colombia, it’s more or less socially acceptable for men to catcall women,” recalls a former tourist. “If you’re blonde and have long hair, well, you’re gonna get it constantly, every time you leave your front door.” South America is an enigma — the continent is full of beautiful nature, but sometimes, the men can be overtly macho, which is unpleasant for most women.
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“I spent about two weeks there as a solo female traveler, and while I felt safe overall, I had some very unfortunate and sketchy experiences in Kuala Lumpur,” the next experienced jetsetter writes. I have been to rural parts of Malaysia, and I cannot imagine the gentle people in the provinces allowing such harassment. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is a huge city that will naturally attract scavengers.
11. Turkey
While Turkey deals with millions of tourists annually, reports of harassment for female travelers are sadly a thing in more provincial areas. “I had a man with me, and even still, I felt very much like I was being watched, followed, and noticed,” complains a married woman. “If I’d been alone, I think it would have felt a lot less safe.”
The U.S. Has Issued Travel Advisories For These 10 Vacation Destinations
There are so many countries waiting to be explored and within the grasp of United States citizens looking to get away and travel the world. Unfortunately, the risk of crime has drastically escalated in many of the top vacation spots. This list details which travel destinations are unsafe to travel to due to the risk of violent crime or death. Please read to ensure you stay safe on your travels!
The U.S. Has Issued Travel Advisories For These 10 Vacation Destinations
Want To Test How Angry You Can Get? Just Visit These 11 Worst Airports in the United States
Look, I get it. Airports are generally crowded and really noisy, and that’s enough to irritate most of us. That’s understandable, even for me. But according to people online, there are just some airports bound to anger us in the worst place possible. It’s just a matter of how you manage not to lose your composure should anything stressful happen to you in these places.
Want To Test How Angry You Can Get? Just Visit These 11 Worst Airports in the United States
12 Things That Make People Terrible Tourists
Being a tourist in a foreign country is exciting – you get to see new things, meet new people, and learn all about cultures that are completely foreign to you. And most of the time, locals enjoy having tourists visit – even if they find them a bit annoying, tourism is good for the economy. However, sometimes, tourists behave in such a way that makes their presence incredibly unwanted. Often, it comes down to a lack of respect or thought about how their actions may impact other people. Here are some things that people do that make them terrible tourists.
12 Things That Make People Terrible Tourists
10 Incredible Destinations You Can Explore for $1000 or Less
When a limited budget stifles you, exploring the world and going on adventures you’ve always dreamed of can feel unachievable. It may feel impossible to do this while on a budget, but we’re here to tell you it’s not. Traveling on a budget is entirely doable, with many affordable countries, like Mexico and the Philippines. These countries, well known for their history, culture, and stunning scenic landscapes, are waiting to be explored!
10 Incredible Destinations You Can Explore for $1000 or Less
Botanical Marvels: 11 Enchanting Gardens Around the World That Demand a Personal Visit
There is nothing quite like an elegant and rejuvenating stroll through a well-manicured and landscaped garden. It can truly be a jaw-dropping experience thanks to the creative inspirations of the world’s most stunning gardens that have cemented the beauty of plants, architecture, and creativity. Many of these selections have defined their reputations as the world’s most stunning gardens for over a hundred years – and there’s nothing quite like seeing these masterpieces for yourself to see what all the hype is about!
Botanical Marvels: 11 Enchanting Gardens Around the World That Demand a Personal Visit