It seems quite scary, doesn't it? Every article that I have read on this topic makes it seem as though if you are a female you better be super careful when you are traveling to not draw any attention to yourself, and basically go hide in a corner because if people see you walking around by yourself in this world you're obviously in for some trouble. Okay that is a little extreme, but seriously, every blog is always about how to be safe while you're traveling on your own. I mean, isn't it kind of obvious?

You do realize that your entire life you are doing things by yourself. You are driving to work by yourself, you are taking the bus by yourself, you are going to bed by yourself(most likely), and you sometimes even eat by yourself. Why is traveling by yourself so much different? Its not. You can make the same mistakes traveling with someone else, if not be even more distracted.

But honestly, WHAT? Why can I all of a sudden not dress or look how I normally do when I am in a different place compared to when I am at home? It's not like you have suddenly entered another dimension where girls can't carry a camera around, can't get dressed up or walk around by themselves because that will make strange people suddenly notice that you aren't from here and now you are not safe anymore. (I mean maybe don't go to places where you know women are looked down on for traveling by themselves or for just being a woman). I am still the same person I was when I left my home, the only thing that has changed is the scenery around me.

Not going to lie, I stay away from peoples advice on how to travel as a female just because it all seems so cheesy. It's all very obvious or filled with people just coming up with ways to not draw attention to yourself. For me, it's a good thing if you make yourself known that you are there, so if in some weird instance something happens to you then people will see and try to help you. This world isn't filled with only shitty people, you will see that.

It all comes down to common sense and confidence.

Common sense in cases where you maybe don't go outside when its past a certain hour that you wouldn't go outside in your own neighborhood? Maybe don't take the dark alley that looks a little sus? Maybe don't talk to strange men asking where you are from? Maybe don't carry your phone or wallet in your back pocket where literally anyone can pull it out and take it? Maybe don't get wasted by yourself? I mean I hope these are things that are pretty obvious in your daily life anyway.

Confidence is key to traveling on your own. You should be able to say no or that you are not interested to people who are asking where you are from or what you are doing. If you are walking around clinging on to your bag or fanny pack that you have strapped around you, chances are you look a little unsure of yourself and you probably just kinda look funny, that's why people are looking at you, because you look funny, stop it. Even in cases where you are a bit scared, you need to act like you have it together. Think rationally how you will get yourself out of the situation that you are in, and you will figure it out, I promise. If you really need help, ask someone official like a guard or police officer.

You will notice that your natural instincts will come out when you are in a foreign place and you will feel really empowered when you do something that you decided was a good idea and it actually turned out well. You realize you can do this life thing on your own and you don't always need other people giving you direction.

So I encourage you, if you have the desire to go out and travel on your own, do it. Don't be scared of everything that could go wrong, look forward to all of the adventures you could have and how you will grow as a person. Also don't be so scared about being a female solo traveler, you are so much more powerful than you think. There are so many girl travelers out there, trust me, you won't feel alone.