You’ve probably heard some iteration of the viral TikTok debate. Eight women were asked this simple question. Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?
Seven of them responded “bear” without stuttering or faltering. The video got more than 2,000 likes, but it was the comments that riled people up, mostly men. Conversations centered on violence against women, and that men could be potentially more dangerous than wild animals.
According to Everytown Research & Policy, intimate partner violence and gun violence are intrinsically linked in the U.S. Unfortunately, most of these instances are underreported, skewing the stats and research.
Here’s another shocking fact. The R Street Institute notes that random acts of violence have spiked. And yet, women are expected to choose the man.
When women travel solo, it’s not passports, bikinis, or sunblock they worry about. Safety concerns are at an all-time high, no matter where in the world they are. However, fear is not a conduit for locked doors.
These fearless female travelers are not superheroes. They’re everyday people who faced fears, dodged dangers, and made memories that changed them forever.
Here are their stories and the lessons they’ve learned.
The Beauty of Going Solo
“I travel alone so I can listen to the world, and myself,” writes Shivya Nath in The Shooting Star, a blog that captures her most intense solo travel moments.
From sleeping on a beach in Nicaragua to hitchhiking through rural Georgia, Shivya’s tales reflect the unfiltered beauty of exploring the world on your terms.
Yet, she doesn’t sugarcoat the fears. There were nights she was “scared sh*tless,” but she pressed on because freedom, she found, was worth it.
Solo travel isn’t always sunshine and stunning views. It’s miscommunication, loneliness, and gut-wrenching dread. Nonetheless, it also builds a deep resilience that few other experiences offer.
Challenging Authorities to Do Better
Unfortunately, some vacations take darker turns.
Zainab Oladehinde, a woman traveling alone in Zanzibar, recollected her harrowing experience after facing assault and police indifference. Her courage not only warns others but also challenges travel authorities to do better.
Oladehinhe’s story underscores why it’s essential for solo travelers not only to plan smartly but also to know their rights.
There’s growing attention in the U.S. on the dangers some women face using rideshare services. Multiple sexual assault cases were filed against Uber over sexual assault claims, leading to increased calls for safety protocols and accountability.
If something happens, seeking legal action with an Uber sexual assault lawyer can be a vital step in healing from sexual abuse.
Between 2017 and 2020, nearly 10,000 sexual assault incidents by Uber drivers were reported to Uber. That’s a staggering number, considering rideshare services are the preferred mode of transport for millions of women around the globe.
The lawsuit claims that Uber Technologies failed to implement adequate safety measures and conduct background checks on its drivers, explains TorHoerman Law.
When the Dream Gets Complicated
In an eye-opening essay for Vogue, journalist Tara Isabella Burton admitted that she “failed” at solo travel.
Her Eastern European trip was marred by emotional fatigue, awkward encounters, and a growing sense of unease.
Burton’s honesty reminds us that it’s OK not to love every moment and that solo travel isn’t a litmus test of bravery or strength. It’s just another kind of human experience, complete with ups and downs.
Even seasoned travelers like Naomi of Just One Passport faced deeply uncomfortable occasions. She shared stories of local men following her through markets and of feeling vulnerable in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
“There are stories we don’t tell,” she wrote, highlighting the emotional weight that many solo female travelers carry in silence.
The Power of Community
Despite the risks, women continue to embrace the road, and they’re not alone. The rise of female-focused travel communities is a game-changer.
One of the most heartening examples is Host A Sister, a Facebook group where women offer each other free places to stay and companionship.
The grassroots movement creates a safety net and fosters friendships.
As one member put it: “It’s not just about saving money. It’s about knowing there’s someone out there who has your back.”
Embracing the Imperfect Journey
Why do these women keep going back when battling fatigue, danger, and trauma?
Solo travel brings with it lessons on self-awareness, culture, and friendships that span oceans. Women say solo travel made them more confident, more empathetic, and more courageous.
What it all comes down to is not planning for the perfect trip but embracing an imperfect journey.
