There’s nothing quite like solo traveling. It offers a unique opportunity to choose your own pace and path, and to immerse yourself in another culture. But for women travelers who decide to go the road alone, there can sometimes be additional safety considerations.
The best way to protect yourself when traveling, whether you are male or female, is to arm yourself with knowledge. The more you know about your destination, the safer you will be. Read our ‘Savvy Travel Safety Tips’ post for a starter, but also find out about the cultural norms where you are going. Are there restrictions on what women can wear, where they can go, and who they can talk to? While some of these customs may be illegal and discriminatory in Canada, your travel experience will be affected by your ability to adapt to them, so consider them carefully.
The best way to get a sense of the realities on the ground is to connect with other women who have recently traveled to the area. You can search for blogs or online communities dedicated to the region, or look for expat women’s groups in the area. Reading posts or a pamphlet is great, but don’t hesitate to reach out by email or social media and make connections with real people. Not only can they share relevant safety information, they may tell you about sights you won’t find in a guidebook. And if something does go sideways, they can be a valuable contact.
If you are thinking of taking the plunge into a solo-travel adventure, check out some of the top Solo Female Travel blogs on the net:
In addition, The Government of Canada offers a women’s travel safety guide called Her Own Way that has a great deal of practical advice.
