Exploring the world as a solo female traveler can be both exciting and intimidating, particularly when it concerns safety. Sabina Trojanova, known for her travel insights as @girlvsglobe, has tackled these concerns head-on, evaluating countries often labeled as unsafe for women traveling alone. Recently, she shared her personal safety ratings for several such locations, sparking conversation about the reality of solo travel for females.
Trojanova, who has traveled to 66 countries, rated various destinations on their safety for solo female travelers based on her own experiences. Her scores reflect not just personal encounters but also broader societal safety trends, offering insight to those considering similar adventures.
Among the places she visited, India received a rating of 7 out of 10. Addressing the prevalent violence against women, Trojanova explained, "India is a country where high rates of violence against women exist. Despite my positive experience, I reflected on these statistics when rating the country." Nonetheless, she remains optimistic, recommending Kerala as a gentler introduction to India for newcomers.
Moving to Guatemala, Trojanova awarded it 8 out of 10, highlighting the breathtaking hiking opportunities at Volcan de Fuego. She described the trek as challenging yet rewarding, with spectacular views as her motivation for this recommendation.
Palestine also received the same score of 8 out of 10, primarily for safety concerns stemming from the Israeli occupation. "I had a wonderful experience there but felt compelled to lower my score due to general safety concerns," she shared, pointing out Nablus as one of her favorite spots, famous for its delicious knafeh.
Kyrgyzstan, awarded 7 out of 10, is ranked lower due to limited tourism infrastructure but praised for its adventurous spirit. Trojanova recounted her three-day horse riding trip to Song-Kul Lake as one of her most unforgettable experiences, emphasizing the thrill of exploring off the beaten path.
Mexico garnered another score of 8 out of 10. A vibrantly diverse country, Trojanova couldn't choose just one highlight, advocating for off-the-beaten-path exploration instead of heavily commercialized tourist hotspots.
Albania received high praise at 9 out of 10, which Trojanova described as a "true European gem for adventure travelers." She noted Gjirokaster and Berat as historic cities ideal for anyone who loves to soak up culture and history.
Lastly, Kosovo was rated at 7 out of 10. While the country's status is disputed, Trojanova calls it ideal for short visits, making it manageable for travelers from the UK.
How does Trojanova determine her ratings? "My ratings take both my subjective experiences and the broader safety trends of each country,” she explained. “I aim to avoid promoting overly optimistic views of countries or downplaying their challenges. The narrative surrounding female travelers being inherently unsafe is problematic, as the truth is, existing as any woman anywhere poses risks."
Trojanova challenges prevailing assumptions, relatable to many stated, "A woman dies at the hands of a man every three days in the UK. A survey from 2021 revealed 97% of British women reported experiencing harassment or assault." These stark realities influence her perspective on safety both locally and abroad.
Despite the sobering reality of travel, Trojanova refuses to give the perfect score of 10 to any destination. "No place can guarantee complete safety today," she stated. Her recommendations for beginners underline the importance of building confidence. "If you're traveling alone for the first time, I wouldn’t suggest these challenging destinations. Starting closer to home or selecting places where language or cultural barriers are minimal is wise. Thailand is ideal for first-time female travelers due to its popularity among solo women."
Through her experiences, Trojanova hopes to show women everywhere, "Solo travel shouldn't be something to fear. It's important to do diligent research and follow governmental guidelines, especially when visiting regions with conflict." While emphasizing caution, she also notes, "Challenges can happen wherever you are, at home or abroad. Restricting oneself out of fear can hinder incredible opportunities. We should empower women to explore, educate themselves, and make informed decisions."
Ongoing efforts to promote the safety of female travelers aims to change narratives surrounding solo adventures, fueling discussions about the dual reality of exploring the globe – the excitement of new experiences and the reality of personal safety. Sabina Trojanova advocates for practical choices and knowledge, inviting women to embrace the world with curiosity, confidence, and personal responsibility.