Travel, a la Lone Wolf

You don't know the character of a person until you've travelled with them. And seen how they handle tangled Christmas lights.

I'm fairly certain that's not how the phrase goes, but it's true nonetheless.

So, folks, sometimes it's more enjoyable to go it alone on your world adventure than with your type A friend Rick whom has a strong aversion to crowded spaces, nature, and doesn't like any lumps in his porridge.

Sorry, Rick.

Traveling alone as a woman has a negative aura surrounding it. It encourages gasps from non-travellers. This reaction is especially amplified for younger women who want to travel alone.

Side note: some cultures have serious respect for age, and that could perhaps be to an older woman traveller's advantage when traveling alone. (Any comment, ladies?)

But I often receive questions like:
"Aren't you scared to travel alone?"
"There is so much crime! How can you trust the people you meet?"
"Haven't you seen 'Taken'?"

No really, I've gotten all of those questions multiple times. Apparently Liam Neeson and his "special set of skills" have left a strong impression on the American populace.

Firstly, the world is not such a horrible place has you might think. In all my travels, I've had an overwhelming amount of kind people see that I was traveling alone, and choose to help me instead of harm me. And I've met many solo travelers, both women and men, that have had the same experience.

As a point of reference, let me explain my situation. I'm an American, 25 years old, currently living in Namibia (which is obvious, as it is the whole point of this blog), very nonthreatening in stature and appearance, and I've visited 15+ countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. And North America too, I guess, if you count Canada. Not many people do. Which really, any country where you can ice skate up to a Beaver Tails stand to buy a large sugary piece of dough should not be discounted in my opinion. Anyway, I'm by no means an expert in this field, but I've acquired a bit of knowledge over my years of travel, and I want to share with you what I've learned in order to encourage women to travel more and simultaneously occupy my time on this boring Tuesday.

Two birds, one iPad-shaped stone.

So, to the tip section!

Mailin's Tip Section:

1. To both women and men, before you enter a new country, if you can, do a bit of research. What is going on in that country at the moment? What is the general societal role of each gender? And youth? Now, ladies, while I also disapprove of some of the societal restrictions set on women, the time to come out guns blazing is not when you are traveling alone. So, you might consider making sure Thelma and Louise aren't falling out of your travel-worn brassiere, while taking note of the cultural practices going on around you. Perhaps, although you don't normally do it, wearing something to cover your shoulders or head might make your life a little easier and the people around you feel more at ease. Not that you should go out and buy a full-out burka, but be sensitive to a culture's norms. Which brings me to my next point.

2. Observe to learn more, yes. But also to protect yourself and your things. I always try to be aware of my surroundings, not just the awe inspiring view in front of me. Of course, stay calm and relaxed, enjoy yourself, experience things fully--that's what travel is about. But have some idea what the people around you are doing and where your possessions are, i.e. If you are in a crowd of people, talking to someone, etc., don't let your attention fully wonder away from your surroundings. Humans have peripheral vision for a reason. This is a lesson that many people, myself included, learn the hard way.

3. Like I said, the majority of people are not out to get you, so don't be afraid to talk to people and get to know them. Be the intelligent woman you are, and "feel out" the situation. If something feels a bit dodgy, it probably is. You've heard the phrase "Hope for the best, but expect the worst," yes? Well, something I've always preferred to live by is "Expect the best, but be prepared for the worst." It seems to give a little more credit to humanity. But, anyway, play things by ear.

4. And if you feel it's time to make like a tree (meaning leave, not grow bark or produce maple syrup), don't panic. Be confident, calm, assertive, keep the language friendly. Getting upset and hollering or crying at people usually only escalates a bad situation. Attempt a graceful exit (says the very not at all graceful person).

5. Everything else is common sense. It's ill advised to get raging drunk or wander off the beaten path by yourself after dark. Duh. If you feel the need to let off some steam at the bar, ask for a suggestion as to where to go from the hostel or hotel or wherever you are staying, and find another tourist or trustworthy local for a drinking buddy. And probably nix Battleshots as the evening entertainment. Otherwise, wait until you are traveling with friends, you party animal.

6. Also, in some countries it's totally normal and legal to hitchhike, and it's a great way to get around. Obviously find out if you are in one of these countries before trying this. But if you feel uncomfortable getting into a certain car (that goes for taxis too), wait for a ride you feel good about. The point is that you shouldn't give yourself an unnecessary panic attack before anything even happens. There is no fun in that, and stressing before there is cause for stress causes even more stressful situations. So don't stress. Stress, stress, stress. Stress stress. If it makes you feel more safe, wait for a car that has another woman inside.

6. I guess the biggest suggestion that I can give you is to keep a sense of humor. Sticky situations, cat calls, marriage proposals, they occasionally happen. Turn that frown upside down, Sweet Pea. Life is good, and an adventurous life is the best you can have. Be smart, expect some bumpy times (those happen even when traveling with a group), and give people a chance to surprise you.

Traveling by yourself, as a dude or a dudette, is totally possible. So, if you want to give your independence a work out, give solo travel a go.

Does anyone have any other tips or questions about traveling as a woman or traveling as a party of one? If so, I'd love to hear from you. I always love hearing from you.

Happy day to you all!