Travel Tips for Solo Women Travelers
in Europe
Every year, thousands of women,
young and old, travel to Europe on their own. You can, too, by using the same
good judgment you use at home. Begin with caution and figure out as you travel
what feels right to you. Create conditions that are likely to turn out in your
favor, and you'll have a safer, smoother, more enjoyable trip.
Theft and harassment are two big
concerns for women. If you've traveled alone in America, you're more than
prepared for Europe. In America, theft and harassment are especially scary
because of their connection with assault.
Here are some tips for safe and
pleasant travels:
Be
proactive about public transportation
Before you leave a city, consider
visiting the train or bus station you're going to leave from, so you'll know
where it is, how long it takes to reach it, if it feels safe, and what services
it has. Reconfirm your departure time. If you're leaving late at night and the
bus or train station is sketchy, ask your B&B owner if you can hang out in
their lounge or breakfast room — generally untouched in the evening — until you
need to head for the station. Cafés, including busy Internet cafés with long
hours, are also a safe and productive place to wait.
When taking the train, avoid
sleeping in empty compartments. You're safer sharing a compartment with a
family. If available, rent a couchette for overnight trains. For a small
surcharge, you'll stay with like-minded roommates in a compartment you can
lock, in a car monitored by an attendant. You'll wake reasonably rested with
your belongings intact.
It's possible to ask for a female
roommate on overnight trains. (You'll have better luck if the train isn't
crowded.) Some countries, such as Spain, are better about accommodating these
requests than others. On France's night trains, a one-bed compartment closest
to the conductor is set aside for women, but it's the most expensive type of
accommodation. In general, ask what your options are, make the request to bunk
with other women, and hope for the best — but don't count on it.
Unless you're fluent in the
language, accept the fact that you won't always know what's going on. Though it
might seem worrisome, there's a reason why the Greek bus driver drops you off
in the middle of nowhere. It's a transfer point, and another bus will come
along in a few minutes. You'll often discover that the locals are looking out
for you.
Use
street smarts
Be self-reliant and well
prepared, so that you don't need to depend on someone unless you want to —
carry cash, a map, a guidebook, and a phrase book. Walk purposefully with your
head up; look like you know where you're going. If you get lost in an
unfriendly neighborhood, be savvy about whom you ask for help; seek out another
woman or a family, or go into a store or restaurant to ask for directions or to
study your map.
When you use cash machines,
withdraw cash during the day on a busy street, not at night when it's dark with
too few people around.
Learn
how to deal with European men
In small towns, men are often
more likely to speak English than women. If you never talk to men, you could
miss out on a chance to learn about the country. So, by all means, talk to men.
Just choose the man and choose the setting.
In northern Europe, you won't
draw any more attention from men than you do in America. In southern Europe,
particularly in Italy, you'll get more attention than you're used to, but it's
usually in the form of the "long look" — nothing you can't handle.
But be aware that in the Mediterranean world, when you smile and look a man in
the eyes, it's often considered an invitation. Wear dark sunglasses and you can
stare all you want.
Dress modestly to minimize
attention from men. Take your cue from what the local women wear. For young
women, even wearing a shapeless sack and sensible shoes may not ward off
unwelcome advances. Try to stay with a group when exploring, and avoid walking
alone at night, particularly in unlit areas with few people around. Don't be
overly polite if you're bothered by someone; it's important to create
boundaries to protect yourself. Use facial expressions, body language, and a
loud firm voice to fend off any unwanted attention. If a man comes too close,
say "no" firmly and loudly in the local language. That's usually all
it takes.
If you feel like you're being
followed or hassled, trust your instincts. Don't worry about overreacting or seeming
foolish. Start screaming and acting crazy if the situation warrants it. Or head
to the nearest hotel and chat up the person behind the desk until your would-be
admirer moves on. Ask the hotelier to call you a cab to take you to your own
hotel, hostel, or B&B.
Wear a real or fake wedding ring,
and carry a picture of a real or fake husband. There's no need to tell men that
you're traveling alone, or whether you're actually married or single. Lie
unhesitatingly. You're traveling with your husband. He's waiting for you at the
hotel. He's a professional wrestler who retired from the sport for
psychological reasons.
If you're arranging to meet a
guy, choose a public place. Tell him you're staying at a hostel: You have a 10
p.m. curfew and 29 roommates. Better yet, bring a couple of your roommates
along to meet him. After the introductions, let everyone know where you're
going and when you'll return.
By using common sense, making
good decisions, and above all else, having confidence in yourself and your
ability to travel on your own, you'll be rewarded with rich experiences — and
great stories to tell your friends.
