Safety As A Solo Female Traveler: Am I Choosing The Man or The Bear?
The viral question on social media at the moment asks women if they would rather be alone in the woods with an unknown man or a bear. Much to the shock of men everywhere, women are emphatically choosing the bear. “The worst thing a bear can do is kill me, the same can’t be said for men” reads one comment. Another woman mentions, “No one will question if the bear attack really happened.” The amount of content surrounding this hypothetical question is shedding light on how safe women feel around men.
As a solo female traveler, I have a heightened awareness of the precautions necessary to safeguard myself, and I know I’m not alone in this sentiment. Whenever I share my next travel destination, there is always a woman who expresses her desire to do the same but is too scared. It’s disheartening to think that fear is preventing someone from experiencing the wonders of travel. I wish the world was a safer place for women, where all we had to worry about was the rare bear attack, but since that’s not our reality, sharing strategies for staying safe is paramount. Here are my non-negotiables for staying safe when solo traveling:
PACK THE ESSENTIALS
Sabre Pepper Spray - Available here
This pepper spray not only incapacitates an attacker but it also leaves a UV-traceable dye to help police identify suspects. It is also available in multiple bright colors, making it easier to find at the bottom of your purse.
Portable Door Lock - Available here
Staying in a hotel or Airbnb means multiple people may have keycard or code access to your room. To give yourself peace of mind, use a simple door lock for an extra layer of security.
Luggage Lock & Zip Ties - Available here
If you frequent hostels, locking your luggage and securing smaller bags to the bed frame with zip ties will help prevent theft.
PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
During Conversations
Be cautious of how much information you are giving away. It’s common for people to be curious and ask about your plans, but before you jump into sharing your itinerary consider the potential risk of being followed. Chances are the person asking you doesn’t have bad intentions but you never know who is listening.
Online
I love seeing people’s travel photos so definitely keep sharing, but think about the timing before you click post. You should never share a photo, especially one with a recognizable landmark like the Sydney Opera House or Tower Bridge in London, while you are still in the location. I typically recommend posting a day behind your actual schedule, no one will ever know, but it will ensure you are a safe distance away.
DON’T PUT TOO MUCH STOCK INTO PEER REVIEWS
Call me pessimistic, but when a 6’2” white man named Chad tells me he “felt very safe” in a city, I’m not putting a lot of faith into that review. He’d probably also choose to be alone in the woods with a man than a bear.
Researching a destination ahead of time is great but travel sites and friend reviews are subjective to the person’s individual experience. It’s important when you get to a new city to be vigilant and form your own conclusions. Remember that everyone’s experiences are different and what’s true for one person might not hold true for you.
Example 1: Malawi
When I traveled to Malawi, several people expressed concern for the “little blonde woman” going to central Africa. They all had the same idea; the country was poor, under-educated, and under-developed, meaning it must be dangerous. For months before departure, I received warnings to be careful. However, upon arrival, I was immersed in an incredibly joyful culture with the warmest people I’ve ever met. Throughout my trip, I never once felt unsafe or uneasy.
Example 2: New Zealand
On the other hand, I had only ever heard positive things about the safety of New Zealand, and most research supported this. To some extent it’s proven true, I’ve completed several solo hikes – something I would be hesitant to do in other parts of the world – and have felt safe. With high numbers of tourists, decisions I wouldn’t recommend in other countries, like sharing rides and accommodations with strangers, are normal and statistically safe in New Zealand. However, I’ve encountered aspects of New Zealand living that make me uneasy.
There is a high level of mental illness in New Zealand that is not evident in pre-travel research. Stepping beyond the tourist veneer, you can have interactions with individuals who make you feel uneasy. The number of people with poor mental well-being is increasing and the country is not equipped to handle the rising demand for support, so the most vulnerable are receiving the least care. Sadly, this gap in care contributes to instances where men, lacking the help they need, may pose a threat to female travelers. This week alone, I was followed from a coffee shop by a man who was upset that I wouldn’t talk to him, cursed out by a man at the library for sitting at the same table as him, and unnerved by an outburst from a man on the bus. I’ve found the unpredictable nature of men here makes me apprehensive.
Again, everyone has different experiences. Some people are adamant that New Zealanders are friendly, which a large portion are, while others acknowledge my trepidation. I share this anecdote to remind you of the importance of discerning the safety of a place for yourself. Just because one person felt safe or unsafe doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same.
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT:
When in doubt, trust your intuition. If something is making you feel uneasy, there’s usually a reason. I know when we travel, we put pressure on ourselves to make the most of it and do as much as possible so we sometimes ignore the voice in our head questioning if this is a good idea. Checking something off your travel list is never worth your safety.
I’m sure after reading my strategies, it’s obvious what I would prefer in the man versus bear scenario. I’m picking the bear every time! Until women are actually presented with a choice, I hope that these tips provide a sense of security on your next solo adventure. Safe travels!
