going solo - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

jaboba46 · 10-30-2005, 07:48 PM

so i leave in about six months for my first solo trip to england, ireland and scotland. i've got a few travel guides and talked with some friend about the details. is it really safe for women to go alone and what do you think would be best way to stay out of trouble? i'm open to any help or tips. thanks. if there are any guides you think would be best for those area that would be a plus too.
thanks
jeri

**space virgin** · 10-30-2005, 08:04 PM

Hell yeah it's safe for women to travel alone. Unless you're planning on walking around naked all the time, and even then your likely problems would be the risk of catching a chill and/or getting arrested.

Follow rules that you already do at home. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Don't let your drinks leave your sight or, preferably, your hand. Don't believe a guy who drives up as you're walking home from school one day and says "I'm a friend of your mom's, get in the truck." Wait, never mind...

I've wandered into some really sketchy neighborhoods alone both in the US and abroad at night, and while I wouldn't advocate it, it's usually not going to end up with you being victim of a crime, either.

Your most likely annoyance will be guys pestering you for a date or hustling you for cash in full daylight in tourist-trap areas. Don't ask me why that is, it just is.

**Esterina** · 10-31-2005, 08:45 AM

Space Virgin said it all. I've travelled a lot in Eastern Europe and Asia (not in UK though) and haven't have problems when applying the basic security rules. As for specifically local dangers and annoyances, they usually are listed in the guide books.

Chocolaty Claire · 11-01-2005, 08:37 AM

England Ireland & Scotland are completely safe anywhere in daylight, however as with anywhere if you use your common sense and don’t go anywhere youre not familiar with on your own late at night then you should be fine!

If you do happen to break the rule.. in my experience the worst that’ll happen is that you’ll get a shady character trying to talk to you and the best thing you can do here is not make eye contact smile and keep on walking.

If you want a more detailed opinion on particular areas just post em below and I'm sure people will comment

jaboba46 · 11-01-2005, 10:03 AM

i grow up in chicago so it sounds just the same as there. thanks for the help