Since living in Japan with my loved one, I started traveling solo. From short daily trips and weekend trips to multi-day holidays. This time I am going to Thailand alone, and I would like to share my experiences and thoughts as a solo traveler with you.
Traveling solo as a woman
This time a slightly shorter piece, but certainly not unimportant for a female solo traveler. As you may know, I lived on Bonaire and I’m also a big fan of South America’s atmosphere. Unfortunately, I often experience unwanted attention there as a woman, such as being whistled at, chased, or constantly spoken to. It strikes me that this is not only the case there, but unfortunately also happens to many women every day in the Netherlands.
Women-friendly Asian countries
What strikes me, and what I would like to share with you in this blog, is that this problem does not occur in the Asian countries I have been to. In Japan people are shocked when they realise they are staring, in Vietnam it is only the children who want to have a conversation in English, and here in Thailand I also feel completely safe.
Safe feeling during your trip
At first I thought this was because Thomas was walking next to me, but even when I walk down the street alone, I don’t get any unwanted attention. It is a relief to be able to move freely without being harassed and to feel safe in another country.
Japan
Japan deserves a special mention in my travel diary. I feel safer here than in the Netherlands. Of course there are strange people everywhere, but in Japan I feel confident and know I can rely on myself. However, so far I have not experienced any annoying Japanese men. I also only walk quietly on the street in the middle of the night. So, if you are a woman who wants to travel alone for the first time and safety is a priority, choose Japan! Please feel free to contact me for additional travel tips or for a nice meeting in Tokyo. Will I see you there?
Read more of my diary as a solo traveler here.
