safe solo travel for women?

Question

i really want to travel. i have a list of destinations that i want to see in my life. my husband says he isn't interested in traveling, even though he enjoys the destinations once we arrive. he doesn't help plan or make decisions about destinations or itineraries. i'm starting to wonder if i should just travel on my own. is it safe for a woman to go overseas (australia, UK, france, italy, jamaica) alone or am i just asking to end up in a missing person's file?

also, i'm a sociology study conducting a survey on marriage & divorce at http://geocities.com/sbiv37/ check it out if you are interested.

forgot to mention, travel with friends isn't an option. two are pregnant with their 1st children and are unwilling to travel for months. the other is a full-time student and our schedules don't mesh at all.

Answer 1

I have been traveling alone for the last 25 years.
I am a woman too.

Traveling alone is safe enough as long as you keep some simple safety measures. They are mostly the same as when you go to the nearest town to you: Do not go in the park at night, stay away from areas you do not trust and do not go home with people (men) you do not know.

The country I felt the best about traveling alone was New Zealand, it should be on your list too, seeing the other places you mention.
But most of Europe, Canada and Australia are good for traveling alone too, I have been there.

Start with a reletive short trip, to see if you like being apart from your partner, and how he reacts.
Traveling I have met many other people on their own, some maried, some living alone.
For those who leave their partner home there is often a shade of doubt, but some take to it and find it the best solution, specially when the partner does something else he enjoys, like spending a fortune on a fishing trip, a car or going out with the guys, (or girls.)

One reason your husband may not like you traveling alone is that you can easily meet someone else, and even if you are not that kind of person, the doubt may be there and real for him.
For his piece of mind, do not go to one of the destinations where most people going singly go to find a partner, like the all inclusive holidays in the Caribians.

When you start traveling alone, make sure your first trip will not turn into a lonely thing, go to a town or area where there are many things to do, where you will meet with others traveling alone.
If you go for a longer time you should use hostels rather than hotels, because you are more likely to meet up with others. In the USA hostels are not as well known, but they are there too.
And be sensible about taking risks, if you want to do an adventurous thing, ask at the tourist office or your hotel/hostel for a group going that way. Many people traveling alone or couples without a car also want to see those falls, that sight out of town or whatever

Answer 2

Oh yes, you can travel alone. Do you have a sister, friend or mom that would go with you? I've traveled with my sister and mom to Singapore, Japan and Indonesia and we had a great time. There are some great books available on safe travels for women. I have an aunt that has traveled to innumerable destinations solo. My future mother in law has spent 6-months at a time traveling in South America and Mexico solo. Get out there and see the world! You will be so happy that you did. Bon voyage! (The link is for a book called: Wanderlust and Lipstick... enjoy!)

Answer 3

I'm a single woman and I just moved half way around the world to take a job in Australia. So, yes, I think you can do it. But some places will be safer than others (as much as I'd like to visit Jamaica, I wouldn't go without friends). You'll need to learn to be 'street smart' and being alone will mean that you will be limited in some areas (such as going out at night).

Answer 4

How can they be safe? 1. Practice self-defense through martial arts. Learning martial arts can significantly help you protect yourself, often using a series of counter moves to protect yourself from other people. This method takes a long time before you can be sure that you can defend against anyone. 2. Buy a taser or pepper spray. Though people can disarm you, these items can protect you somewhat against other people. Always keep these self-protecting items in a place where you can reach for very quickly. Perhaps even use both, it's your choice. Thanks for asking. -Philly CheeseStake

Answer 5

The most safest and beautiful city I have ever been is San Francisco, California. I just loved the beauty and air of that place. My strategy before leaving to new place is to read and search completely about that place. This actually works each and every time I travel.

Answer 6

I treavel all the time by myself. I went to Morocco in May and Lebanon in July. I loved Lebanon so much i will be going back again Saturday and all the trips were done by myself. Just be careful who you talk to and dont give out to much info to strangers, watch the areas you go to of any city and you should be fine.
Happy Travels

Answer 7

Take a bodyguard with you. I'm available and very professional. No funny business. Just pay for the plane tickets and hotel accommodations. What can I say, I like to travel too.

Answer 8

it's aint 100% safe for a man to travel alone
if u have confident to that country, just go for it

Answer 9

I wouldn't do it alone.... find a girlfriend or a few Friends to go with you!

Answer 10

nope i am an Aussie and you will be safer in Oz than in the US
Most of Europe would be fine too
Jamaica outside of the resorts would not be wise
most of Asia is OK too
you have to remember that because of the USA's gun laws it is one of the most dangerous countries on earth