An article entitled "Find Yourself in Solitude" by Cameron Karsten from www.matadornetwork.com, basically implies that traveling alone will help us find answers we've been seeking and discover the questions to all our unfounded thoughts. Solo travel gives us complete freedom and independence.
"Isolation, solitude, being alone-these words derive a connotation of growth and progress. They emphasize a deeper understanding not only of one’s surroundings, but also of the most significant and empowering quality-finding oneself within the present moment.", states Karsten.
Traveling alone helps us reconnect with ourselves, we start feeling those senses which we had never experienced before. For example when I travelled alone, I have this heightened sense of freedom and 'can do everything' feeling which I don't feel often. It gave me a sense of confidence which I'm not aware of in regular living. I also drape an extra active, vigilant and protective shell over myself which is not witnessed usually, amongst friends and family. Point to note here is that traveling alone is not making me a different individual, but makes me aware of my personality extensions. I am this, and so much more.
Traveling solo has its advantages. You are your own boss and you don't have to tailor your travel plans to suit others tastes. However, it is always better to take extra precautions especially for women travelers. Although, times have changed and the world is increasingly becoming a secure place for women traveling alone, unwanted attention from males and being considered easy targets by thieves are some of the common problems women tend to face inevitably.
An article entitled "Should Women Avoid Traveling Alone?" by Karina Martinez-Carter from www.bbctravel.com, states that women face greater obstacles when traveling alone compared to men when it comes to health and security, and how travellers are affected by the religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit. In fact, there have been an alarming high-profile violent incidents this year alone and has pushed the topic of solo female travel into the forefront of public dialogue. Several murders involving women were mentioned in the article such as Sarai Sierra, a mother who was killed while traveling independently in Istanbul, her body found near the city’s ancient walls; her killer was never convicted. Another incident also happened in March, a Norwegian woman who reported being rapedwhile on business in Dubai was charged with having extramarital sex, perjury and drinking alcohol, and sentenced to 16 months in jail. The article also states that in the first three months of 2013, female visitors to Dubai fell 35% compared to the previous year, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, probably due to the increased number of rape reports the year before. For many, the response has been to speak against women travelling alone, labelling it as shocking or unwise especially to countries who discriminates women. The article also mentioned Jodi Ettenberg, travel/food blogger at Legal Nomads, who said the number of women reaching out to her with concerns about travelling solo has spiked due to the numerous incidents where Western women travelling alone can face unjust stereotypes regarding promiscuity, especially in more conservative cultures such as in the Middle East.
"But discussing the subject of solo female travel as it relates to such incidents is a faulty simplification, The real issue is violence against women, regardless of where they are and where they are from." states Ettenberg.
I believe violence against women can transpire anywhere and with anyone. My sister traveled alone countless of time and while she did prepare herself to possible worst case scenarios, she was responsible enough to avoid getting herself into dangerous situations. Also, the key is to stay alert at all times. Traveling alone can be a very fulfilling opportunity but we should understand the risk and should take other factors involve into consideration. We should always make our safety our number one priority and it all comes down to how how a person values his security and the precautions he's willing to adapt but never let those precautions and fear stop you from exploring.
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