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Dear girls, let NOT society decide if you CAN or CANNOT travel SOLO

Go Solo - streettrotter - Mexico

Before you judge this post from its title as just another feminist rant, let me start with a disclaimer: This post is not about me, it’s about you, solo travel and courage. It’s about a shift in society that more and more girls are making everyday – so, these are just my two cents of hope – for you girlfriend! 🙂 

I am off to Mexico solo – and I must say, the people who matter in my world have been hugely supportive. But was I loaded with raised eyebrows, taunts and lots of odd questions before booking this trip? – Hell, YES! Was everyone completely okay with it? – Hell, NO! Am I still doing it? – YES.

Well, let me tell you, I am neither privileged nor a rebel. I don’t have an inherited trust fund and I am using every bit of my savings for this trip. I do have a liberal family, but they are protective to the core. And my husband hyperventilated every inch of my trip planning! Honestly, I won’t be surprised if I’ll be feeling like I am on parole in Mexico – but I am fine with it. (You win some, you loose some, in the end – it’s all worth it!)

But the question is can YOU do it? – Well, if you want to – you should, you can and I hope you will! – You don’t have to fight for your right to travel solo as a girl – but you can make the people you love trust your decisions, believe in your hopes and all the chances you want to take in your life. If it’s a risk – evaluate – can you take it confidently? Then go ahead and do it.

Truth is, society is brutal and it will always tell you not to trust the world, and being a girl is not safe. It will tell you to hold back your unconventional dreams, and not to take steps that break tradition. But – as they say – “well behaved girls seldom make history!” 

Instead, in reality – the world is kind, people are nice, far away countries and cultures are equally welcoming and sometimes all the other races of people you meet – are way better than yours. And most of the times – you will be taken better care of as a woman traveling solo – than a man. 

And trust me you are not alone! There are thousands of solo women out there who are smart, confident, kind, and fierce. If they can do it, I can do too and you can do it too. These women are nothing short than being an inspiration or are any lesser than a man traveling solo. The one thing that solo women have and our society doesn’t – is courage. Courage to change, to accept and redefine its taboos. Courage that is changing our world bit my bit – one more girl each time. 

High time, you live a bit for your dreams and take a few steps that scare you and the people around you. Be yourself, and demand your freedom – because finding yourself on your solo trip is the best gift you will ever give to yourself.

But in the end – I do know that for some – its easier said than done – and if you are reading this – you might have your own doubts, situations that are holding you back or just another mind-block you want to share and let out. Please do drop me comments if you have questions on how can you travel solo or if there is something you want to talk about or ask! – I will make sure I write back to you!

Go Solo - streettrotter - Mexico

Till then girlfriend – Go and conquer the world. But most importantly – GO, CONQUER YOURSELF. 


 

CategoriesEditor's Notes
STREETTROTTER

StreetTrotter is a Travel, Culture & Lifestyle blog, inspiring people everyday with real stories to look good and travel even better. Founded in 2012 by Shraddha Gupta, Founder & COO, this space is all about experiencing new things in life, be it a daring mountain trek, a frugal backpacking trip, a runway look made local, or simply anything that scares you enough to live a little more deeper.

  1. lloyd says:

    Great read. although i am a man, i try to relate to how hard it is to travel as a single female. the troubles you girls get is insane. you go girl!!

  2. It’s a great post very inspirational. I have a friend who traveled solo in Mexico for over a month and loved it. She never really had a reason to be scared once there, everyone was friendly and helpful. I am sure you will have a great time. My moto is not to listen to anyone and do my own research.

  3. Lydia Smith says:

    Awwwwwnnn. This is so cool. I have experienced traveling solo and eyebrows were raised from family to even fellow travelers. I thought I was weird at some point. But guess, I’m not. Thanks for this post.

  4. Christina says:

    I don’t think there’s any question that women should be able to travel solo these days. But why would you want to? It’s more fun to explore the world with someone you get on well with.

  5. Rhiannon | Rhiannon Travels says:

    This is a great post. But I personally don’t enjoy solo travel. I love being able to experience seeing the world with the person I love. That’s why I travel with my partner, and wouldn’t have it any other way! I love that you’ve shared your thoughts on the topic, though! It’s great that you love to travel solo 🙂

  6. Megan Jerrard says:

    This is great! I’ve traveled as a solo female for 10 years and it was the best decision of my life, I was blessed and fortunate to have encouraging parents who believed the experience would be good for me, though they copped a LOT of crap from family and friends for “letting” me go. Regardless of the fact that I was 18 and an adult. It’s crazy the fear throughout society of the unknown, and people’s willingness to push their beliefs on those around them, and discourage. Thankyou for wrtiting this post – and all the more power to you for being strong in your convictions 🙂

  7. I still get questions from girls like how does your parents allow you to go n stuff! Great post I’m glad I came across this! I’ll be sharing it with the girls who ask me next time ?

  8. Natasha says:

    This is amazing! I experienced the same responses when I told my family I was going travelling and they had a lot of questions to ask! I also love how determined you are that no one will stop you and definitely not because your female! Great read!

  9. Indrani says:

    I prefer to travel with some friend.
    But those who wish to travel solo should be able to do it safely. One must always be careful, alert and watchful. That can be little stressful too while traveling.

  10. Kate says:

    This is great. I got the same reaction when I told people that I was travelling alone to South America. People were convinced that I was going to be violently attacked or preyed upon by local men. People truly underestimate the capabilities of solo female travellers, and what we can accomplish!

  11. I never grew up thinking I couldn’t travel solo, but I do find when I go to a more exotic place such as India or Cambodia, people always want to give me dire warnings. Whatever. They can stay at home and practice their warning speeches while I travel the world. That said, I do try to be cautious.

  12. Candiss says:

    Solo travel can be the best! I think I am pretty good company haha so why not go explore the world with me myself and I! It isn’t always easy but you learn a lot about yourself traveling solo!

  13. One of the biggest advantages to travelling solo is that you’re much more likely to reach out to locals and other travellers. If you’re with family and/or friends, you tend to stay in that group a lot more. Of course there is nothing wrong with either approach – and depending on the type of holiday you want, or your destination either can work well. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you – and it’s GREAT to have a choice!

  14. Drew says:

    Enjoy your time in Mexico. Inspiring others to step out and go solo on their travels is awesome. There are so many solo female travellers who have been at it for years, and it is always great to encourage others. Good luck!

  15. Elena says:

    This is a great and much-needed post. However, as a person who traveled solo in my younger years and travel as a part of the couple now, I have to say that arguments about “dangers of travel” extend beyond solo travel. Essentially, for some (unfortunately, quite large) group of people, doing something that is outside of their comfort zone brings resentment and scorn. Moreover, even if it is not them who is doing it, they feel compelled to voice their opinion and express negative emotions. It takes time to master a skill to put aside a “society opinion” and do what you set your sights on.

  16. Right on. Traveling solo, especially for the first time and internationally, is scary for anyone. I felt it as a teenage boy years ago, and I can’t imagine what it’s like for a woman. Keep up the encouragement, perhaps it’s needed now more than ever.

  17. Tami says:

    If this is what you want, you should do it. But I can understand why your husband might be concerned for your welfare. I personally have always preferred to travel with a family member; I haven’t tried any solo travel with the exception of a short road trip.

  18. I love solo travel and totally agree with you – people are often even more encouraging and caring than usual because they want to help you! It does take courage but it’s so worth it!

  19. Claudia says:

    If traveling solo is what your heart desires then you should follow it. Great to hear that even though not everyone is fully onboard with the idea, they are still supporting you.

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