Being a lone female traveller

 So this is me, and I travel alone about 99% of the time.

This is something that I have done since my late teens ( including time living in Marbella and Puerto Banus in the 80's).

In the 70's I travelled abroad with my 2 sisters regularly to North Africa, which was no where near as worrying as it is now. ( Having gone back in 2023 I have no intention of going back to Tunisia again)

I am asked a lot if I am ever frightened travelling alone, and the answer is no. I choose my destinations and also try to make sure that I do not put myself in any situation that might be dangerous. Easier said than done, but anywhere you travel to you need to get a 'feel' of the area quite quickly.

I for instance in Mijas have no worries wandering around the village at night, not early hours as I am usually tucked up in bed fast asleep at that time. The one thing that I always have with me is a a small torch. This was useful in Bratislava as I arrived at 10.30pm and needed to see the key lock code at the apartment that I was staying at. It was a dark street and the torch was a godsend.

Also handy in apartment hallways at night when you are struggling to find the light switch.

I usually also find a couple of different routes back to where I am staying so that I am never using the same route. This is not always possible, but its something I try to do.

Money, passport and valuables are obviously put into a safe ( if available ) and I never carry a large amount of money with me.

However, I  honestly think I just do what I do here in the UK to keep myself safe, which is just being vigilant and aware of your surrounding.

And I do not let this impact on my holiday.

After being hospitalised in Croatia, in October 2024, I carry a number of over counter medicines in my case, which up until I had my gall bladder removed included 'Buscopan', and painkillers. ( I needed these in Norway in April after a pretty horrid gall bladder attack). I found that buying Ibuprofen in Norway was 

1. VERY expensive

2. Like buying illegal substances, I had to pay at one point and collect them from a machine at the door! I joined the queue of people obviously in discomfort waiting for their turn to get their 'fix'.

 I always carried a medical card, and ALWAYS have travel insurance, which I have to say is the most important way to keep yourself safe.

When I went to Poland and Bratislava, I arrived late in the evening, and needed to get a taxi from the airport. My tip here is to take a pic ( discreetly) of the Reg number and also any taxi name, I then send this to a responsible adult, ( my aunt being this person, as I am not!). This could be done at any time of the day if you feel unsure.

Above all, remember, you chose the destination, so really just get on and enjoy it.

Happy Travels