Where are you planning on going to? I’m actually not a female….but just crusing around all the forums, figured I would get out of FP for a moment

I think you’d be pretty safe in most places, but I guess it depends on where you come from in the US. If you are from a major city here, you just have to be aware like you are at home. More than anything, don’t be "seduced" by any cheezy Euro guys, or cheezy American backpacking guys

But it would help to know what cities you will be in…

-A

I enjoyed travelling solo through W. Europe a lot more than I would have if I was with a friend. I got to do EXACTLY what I wanted.

I think that most places in Europe are very safe. Just be aware of your surroundings and watch your belongings (pickpockets are common in touristy areas).

Actually I think if your on your own it’s easier to just "blend in", whereas a big group of foreign tourists would stand out. Of course you can also be more vulnerable on your own, there’s a bit more risk if you’re hitch-hiking etc., but people will usually be more helpful if you’re a solo female, too, so in general I don’t think there’s much difference in safety or whatever wether you travel solo or not. I’ve travelled solo in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Serbia, Finland, Russia and Mongolia and have never encountered big problems, certainly not in Europe. Just be careful of the same things you would be careful of at home, beware of pickpockets in crowded areas, don’t flash your wealth in poor countries, keep your paasport and valuables with you, preferably on your body, and be conscious but not paranoid.

quote:
i’m planning to go on a trip to western europe and was just wondering how safe it is for a woman to travel alone? it’s probably pretty safe since many people have done it b4 but i want to know if there are things i should be careful of?
would it be better to travel with a friend?
it would be great if i can learn from your experiences or at least be directed to where i can find out more about women travelling alone on this site
thanks!

I agree with AdventureKat. Traveling solo affords you the opportunity to see and do all that you want, including napping and eating, hopping off of a bus on a whim. If you are planning to see all the tourist attractions, there will be a bunch of other tourist there also so you will not be any different than the others. It is very easy to tell Americans from the way that we dress so I would not combine tennis, with jean, a T-Shirt, and a baseball cap. Other than that, lock you passport and one credit card in the hotel/hostel safe. Use a saftey pin to keep your pockets closed and if you need to take out a lot of cash, do so in a restroom. Worked perfect for me.

I’ve only ever travelled solo through europe, its the way to go. like the others mentioned you have total control over your trip. you like a city? spend as much time there as you want. hate it? leave. you don’t have to worry about someone elses feelings and opinions. besides if you get lonely, there are ALWAYS other travellers to meet and hang out with. i’ve never feared for my safety while in europe. the worst i got was guys calling out to me and pinching my bum, but thats about it. people here at home will probably make you feel more scared than you should, "what you’re gonig all by yourself? aren’t you scared? what if you get mugged?" they only say that because they’ve never travelled alone. you shouldn’t feel any more scared in europe than you would at home.