TRAVELING ALONE IS TOO DANGEROUS
TRAVELING ALONE IS TOO DANGEROUS!!!
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Traveling alone is NOT too dangerous. Traveling alone as a female is nothing new. There are girls just like me who have been happily and safely traveling the globe solo for years. It is a much less common concept among Americans, where only 36% of the population owns a passport..
Below are some of my favorite blogs of solo female travelers. Badass girls who are out there taking on the world one day at a time. Check them out to see that traveling solo doesn't have to be scary, unattainable, or dangerous.
Here is the thing, bad shit happens everywhere. EVERYWHERE. I live in Chicago, Illinois. Currently under a microscope for the rapidly increasing amount of deaths and violence over the past year. Does that mean I should move? Is Chicago all of the sudden unsafe to live, or travel, or work?
No.
This violence does not discount all of the good there is in Chicago. Bad things happen all over Chicago, my neighborhood included. However if you are familiar with Chicago you will know that there are safer areas than others. This applies everywhere. It is about being informed and knowing your surroundings.
Just because bad things have happened in Central America, does not automatically mean the entire region is an unsafe place to travel. Global news coverage tends to report and focus solely on the negative headlines. I, among many others, have chosen not to let this sway my entire perception. I have done my research, there are plenty of safe places to travel in Central and South America.
In fact, the vast majority of the places I will be traveling are statistcally 'more safe' than Chicago.
It is not unsafe to go to Central America.
It is about being informed and knowing how to stay safe no matter where you travel.
Here is the key to staying safe on the road -
Keeping yourself informed and knowing your surroundings.
Researching and understanding the potential dangers, current events, and culture of the areas you are headed.
Being self aware
Making smart decisions
Going with your gut
Not being afraid to say no to offers or situations you think are not right
Not putting yourself in potentially dangerous situations such as walking alone at night, or drinking too much.
The vast majority of the world is good and kind and will treat you like guests in their home. They want you to love their country as much as they do.
Common sense, awareness, my intuition and faith in the human race is all I need.
How I plan to stay safe and prevent dangerous situations:
Not making it obvious I am traveling alone
Reading blogs of women who have done and gone to the same places before me for tips and advice
Researching where I am going - the culture, scams, current events
Not putting myself in uncomfortable or sketchy situations
Keeping valuables and money hidden
Travel health insurance for any illnesses or emergencies I encounter along the way
Letting my friends and family know where I am as frequently as I can
Registering my trip with the US Embassy
Getting my vaccinations
Traveling during the day, not at night
Making friends along the way to travel with! There are so many people out there doing the same thing I am. I may be going solo, but something tells me i'll never really be alone.
Feel free to send me a message in the below contact box! What was your favorite part of this post? I would love to hear from you!
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