Okay, real talk – who else has had their mom send them 17 panic texts after posting a sunset pic from Santorini? 🙋♀️ Listen, I’ve backpacked alone through 15 countries since turning 25, survived a creepy stalker incident in Prague (more on that later), and discovered secret thermal baths in Hungary that aren’t on Google Maps. Let’s chat about traveling solo without becoming a true crime podcast episode.
The “Always Look Like You’ve Got 3 Bodyguards” Trick
My first rule? Master the art of confused-local energy. Last year in Marrakech, I avoided pushy vendors by muttering “dziękuję” (Polish for “thank you”) while speed-walking like I was late for a meeting with the mayor. Pro tip: Download maps.me for offline navigation so you’re not glaring at Google Maps like a neon “ROB ME” sign. Oh, and always carry a rubber doorstop – my €3 lifesaver that’s blocked sketchy hostel doors from Bangkok to Bogotá.
Hidden Gems That Won’t Get You Kidnapped (Probably)
Forget Paris – let’s talk Ericeira, Portugal. It’s like Lisbon’s cooler little sister with surfers, secret seafood shacks, and sunset cliffs where locals teach you curse words in Portuguese. Then there’s Vilnius, Lithuania – their “street art district” is basically Banksy meets Soviet nostalgia, plus the safest metro system I’ve ever seen (seriously, grandmas will personally walk you to your platform). My latest obsession? Vis Island, Croatia. It’s where Mamma Mia! meets Jurassic Park, with zero crowds and family-run konobas serving wine from grapes they stomp barefoot. 🍇
The “Yes, I’m Alone – No, I’m Not Lonely” Paradox
Here’s the tea: 72% of women in a 2023 Travel Sisters survey said they’ve faked phone calls to avoid chatty strangers. But here’s my hack – join free walking tours in the first 24 hours. I met my current Berlin bestie at a Cold War bunker tour after bonding over our mutual hatred of selfie sticks. Apps like Tourlina (think Bumble BFF for travelers) helped me find picnic buddies in Kyoto’s bamboo forests.
When Sht Gets Real: My Prague Incident
So about that stalker… I was photographing Charles Bridge at dawn when a guy “offered directions” that somehow led to his apartment building. Cue me loudly announcing, “WOW, MY BOYFRIEND’S POLISH ARMY UNIT WILL LOVE THIS STORY!” while speed-dialing the actual police number I’d saved as “Pizza Hut” in my phone. Which brings me to:
5 Sneaky Safety Moves You’ll Actually Use
1. Buy a “decoy wallet” with expired cards and €5 cash (thanks, TikTok)
2. Learn to say “my husband is parking the car” in the local language
3. Sew a hidden pocket into your jeans for backup cards
4. Book female-only dorms through HostelHero (their Lisbon location has a rooftop yoga studio!)
5. Carry a whistle and a portable phone charger that doubles as a flashlight
Why Your Anxiety Is Lying to You
Did you know solo female travel searches spiked 89% last year? We’re literally everywhere – meditating in Bali cafes, debating philosophy in Buenos Aires bookshops, learning to make couscous in Moroccan villages. My therapist once said, “Fear is just excitement without breath.” So breathe, book that ticket, and remember: The old lady selling flowers in Istanbul’s markets? She’s been navigating this city alone since before you were born. You’ve got this. ✨
