iVillagers give advice on staying safe when you're travelling alone

Member dilemma:
I recently split up with my husband of seven years and feel like I need to get away for a while. I was thinking of doing a diving course in Malta for a week, and then going to Thailand, backpacking around the diving hotspots. I plan to go alone, but in the past I've always been a tourist, rather than a traveller, with the hotel booked, transfer from the airport sorted in advance, etc. Although I love the concept, the reality of travelling alone scares me. Has anyone else done anything like this?
traceydl2003

Go for it
I have travelled extensively in Asia; I did my PADI open water qualification in Malaysia, and went on to get my dive master certificate in Thailand and Australia. When I left I was afraid of going it alone, but a few weeks in I was in my element, it was and still is one of the best things I have ever done.
sirren_xx

A friend's daughter is a bit bohemian and has been travelling the world alone, taking on odd jobs for 13 years now, and has only had bother when she's come off her motorbike! Travelling alone can be very rewarding - especially doing what you want when you want, with no compromises.
cl-ceammi

I haven't travelled by myself for about five years, but I studied languages at university and went away by myself all the time, and just loved it. It makes you grow, and you'll come back a different and stronger person. Admittedly, it takes a bit of courage. You'll feel daunted and part of you will wish you weren't going. However, the sense of achievement and independence that you get from travelling by yourself is enormous.
cl-cocktailprincess

Safety tips
Travelling alone is safe as long as you respect where you are and the culture you are in. The Thais are Buddhist, which generally means they are peace-loving and gentle. However, they are also poor, and will take an opportunity if it arises, so be aware of your possessions. Do not flaunt your money and be respectful of these wonderful people, and you will be fine! Having said this, I was ripped off by another backpacker who stole from me, so remember that just because they are travellers, does not mean they have to have scruples!
sirren_xx

Leave an itinerary, flight numbers and times, hotel names that are booked and their phone numbers with someone you trust. Secondly - agree to phone that person on certain days, and make sure you do phone them! If they don't receive your call, they can approach the police this end or call your hotel to check. If you leave a list of all your destinations and dates, then if something should go wrong, there will be a better chance of putting them right again.
cl-ceammi

When travelling around in the country, its worth paying that bit extra to go on first class carriages on trains and buses. Leave the hitchhiking on the backs of cattle trucks for when you feel more confident!
blue_gal

As a woman you will probably find that you will get some unwanted attention from the locals. The difference is that they mean no harm; they just want a good look at you! This can take a bit of getting used to, but soon you will find that you no longer notice it.
blue_gal

English speaking venues
Most of the dive centres in Thailand are run by English speakers, and Southern Thailand has loads of backpackers and travellers of all ages and backgrounds. I would definitely recommend that you do Southern Thailand first, and then, when you feel more confident, head North of Bangkok. You will get a far more accurate insight into the Thai history and culture.
sirren_xx

Stay in youth hostels where you can. They're not chic, but if you're alone for the first time, you'll find them a great place to meet other lone travellers, and you'll find people surprisingly friendly. Don't eat out in a restaurant alone until you are no longer conscious of being on your own - it'll only make you miserable! cl-cocktailprincess

I am a 23 and have travelled to lots of places on my own, including America, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, France, Sweden and Norway. I've never been a victim of crime abroad, and the worst thing that's happened is a couple of turbulent flights. Youth hostels are great places for meeting other single travellers to talk to, especially if you are in non-English speaking countries, which can get lonely if you can't find people to communicate with! I did a PADI learn to dive course in Australia and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it. Make sure you are well insured. Places like STA travel do good insurance packages for backpackers.
zoeb2000

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