Oct 24 2008
A Girl on the Move
Do not believe that the desire to travel alone is naivety, unconsciousness, or insanity from the part of a girl. Obviously, the way a girl must travel is different but if she respects some basic principles, everything should be done well.
Before leaving, preparation of the trip is certainly one of the most important aspects when you are a girl. It is particularly important to know the culture, religion, mores, and customs of the countries where you are going. You must learn about the girl fashion that is tolerated there, social codes, attitudes, and behavior to people around you. Learn a few words of conversation; it is always useful.
Also, make sure to leave with a travel bag well supplied with sanitary towels, tampons, contraceptives, medicines and necessary for vaginal and urinary infections if you are exposed to it and any other personal items necessary for a girl.
Finally, even if you are girl, remember that the more you travel, the more you will be independent, flexible, and therefore less vulnerable.
If you travel outside North America and Europe, dress-up cautiously i.e.:
* cover your shoulders, chest, legs, and knee.
* In some Muslim countries, you must cover your hair with a shawl; in others, you must cover your head with a veil. Choose clothing that can hide your body shape.
As soon as you arrive in a foreign country, observe the behavior of the local population and especially of women and any other girl. Adjust your own behavior and attitude accordingly. It is both a matter of respect and the best way to travel in peace.
Do not be surprised if you are the object of curiosity of the local population, men, women, and children. If they see a girl travelling alone, it often happens to them to follow you or to ask you indiscrete questions. Take this curiosity with good humor but put an end to it when it makes you uncomfortable or affects your physical integrity.
Make clear and firm that you are not interested in any indecent proposals. If necessary, raise your voice to attract the attention of people around you and embarrass the person bothering you. Often, men are not discouraged by a refusal and can be very insistent. In this case, choose indifference, and continue your way or mix with a group of women or join another girl.
In conservative or Muslims countries
- Avoid eye contact and direct physical contact with men. They could be misinterpreted, even if committed unintentionally.
- Certain behaviors are not tolerated or simply poorly viewed by women:
smoking in public, speaking to men, attend places mainly “intended” to men
- It may be useful to wear a false wedding ring as a married woman should not travel without her husband …
- If you encounter a traveler in your way with whom you become intimate, do not show affection like taking his hand, caress, or kiss him.
Even if a girl is traveling alone, she can meet other travelers on the spot and make friends. If you have an independent nature, you like travelling and you are an assertive person, you can book your ticket as long as you are very well informed about your journey.
We suggest the following links:
