Traveling Alone as a Woman (VLOG Ep. 6)

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This post was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

Traveling alone – especially as a woman – is no piece of cake. Even after all these years on the road, I still get nervous butterflies in my tummy when I’m about to make a big travel move on my own. Feeling nervous and even scared is totally normal – and some might argue that the heightened awareness which comes with this nervousness even helps keep you safe.

So that scared feeling on its own shouldn’t prevent women from hitting the road; we just have to do it with a bit more street sense and cautionary behaviour under our belts.

That’s where this month’s vlog comes in. A reader wrote in to me expressing her concerns about traveling alone as a woman, and asked me for some tips.

So in this episode, I’m rolling out my tips for traveling alone.

I cover off things like:

  • What to do if you find yourself in a situation or place that feels unsafe
  • Street sense advice
  • How to take a taxi (especially in Colombia)
  • The consulate phone number trick
  • How to not get drugged in a bar(!)
  • …and more

I also share some relevant stories and experiences, and hopefully in the thick of it all, in addition to learning all these great tips, some of your own concerns for traveling alone will be abated.

As I said in a previous vlog, I haven’t decided if I prefer traveling alone or traveling with people. Both have their pros and cons. But I’ll tell you what: on the whole, I absolutely love the freedom, independence, and empowerment I get every time I get out there and discover a new place by myself.

There’s really nothing like it!

Please enjoy my vlog this month!

Traveling Alone as a Woman (VLOG Ep. 5)

Click here to watch this video on YouTube.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

Solo/Couple/Family Travel: Pros and Cons of Each

Classic Travel Scams, and How to Avoid Them

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8 thoughts on “Traveling Alone as a Woman (VLOG Ep. 6)”

  1. Hi Nora, really enjoyed the video, and as a man I found it really informative both in terms of safety tips for everyone, but also to be more aware and considerate of issues women travellers face. Shared it with my 20 year old son who’s travelling and working abroad with both female and male friends.

    Reply
  2. Very sensible tips. Having a plan and being aware of your surroundings helps. And if something makes you feel uncomfortable or nervous, trust yourself. I was in Paris in the winter once and it got dark early. I was walking in Montmartre heading back to the metro station when I felt suddenly nervous. When I entered the train station the feeling grew stronger, like I was being watched. I headed straight for the information window and made up a bunch of questions to ask until my train came. Once on board, the feeling left and I got back to my hotel safely.

    Reply
    • Hey Wendy,
      Good thing you listened to that inner voice! Our instincts are a great guide – as long as they’re not overshadowed by irrational fears. Sounds like you did exactly the right thing. And heck – I’ll bet you learned a lot from the information guy! Ha ha!

      Reply
  3. Hi Nora – great vlog! Your best yet so I’ll be disappointed to not see more but it’s totally understandable as you work to achieve better work-life balance. The information your shared here is very timely for me as I continue planning my first long-term solo journey this year. It’s very exciting but since the fear does occasionally creep in, I made sure to take note of your tips.

    BTW – love the humour and joy you show at the end of the video πŸ™‚ Cheers,

    Reply
    • Aw….thanks Sherry! The other day I was talking to a friend about another vlog idea I had….before he reminded me that I’d said I would take a hiatus from the vlogs. Sigh! Maybe just a couple more…. ha ha! πŸ˜‰
      Happy travels – I’m so glad you found this month’s vlog timely and useful.

      Reply
  4. Hi, Nora!
    I just discovered your website, bought your e-books and watched some of your videos!
    So, so great !!!
    Actually, I’m a 64yo french woman, retired and travelling all time long. I got retired in September 1st of 2016 and on the 2nd I was in a plane to Australia!!! I spent 5 months there, one month in New Zealand and now I am in Taipei, heading to Japan for 3 months next.
    I was passionated to see your videos, I love your energy and your warmness, the direct way you tell things and the creative way you see your life!
    Your freedom is amazing!!!
    To me, travelling is easier, because I’ve got my pension to live on! When I retired, I quit everything as you did, sell or gave all my belongings and have no home any more in France.
    So I can use my pension to accommodate where I am and to live there, and when you live like locals do, it’s cheap!!!
    I usually live Airbnb, there are very cheap accommodations when you know how to find. And owners are so great! I usually stay longer than their usual guests and they love it, and love my story!
    I can give some advices for lonely pensioners women bored to stay at the same place until death!!! ; )
    I will be delighted to follow you and to read carefully your advices for finding house sitting or pet sitting, I would like to do it !!!
    Thank you for everything you give us!!!
    Warm regards
    Anne Marie

    Reply
    • Hi Anne Marie,
      Thanks for getting my books and for your enthusiasm for my videos and writing! πŸ™‚
      I’m so glad that you can support yourself traveling around the world with your pension – travel really can be both rewarding and inexpensive if you know how to do it – which you do!
      Happy happy travels, and I hope you enjoy Japan. I haven’t been there yet, but I look forward to going one day.

      Reply

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