Posted on September 26, 2011 by Fiona Hilliard

Gutsy Traveler founder and National Geographic author, Marybeth Bond is one of  the web’s leading authorities on women’s travel. Recently she was kind enough to take part in an interview with the Glove Box Blog to offer her top tips for female travellers…

 

 

Q1.      What do you think is the main difference between travel for men and travel for women?

 I believe that women travel differently than men. We look for different things in our travel experiences. Women are attuned to the safety of neighbourhoods, the ease of talking with local people, the décor of the hotel room, the helpfulness of the inn keepers, the softness of the pillow and the courtesy of the waiter. Most women are responsible for purchasing birthday, wedding, birth, graduation and holiday gifts, so we’re always looking for interesting local crafts and unique shops. And we enjoy buying for ourselves. Plus, we don’t mind asking for directions.

 

However, the greatest difference between travel for men and women is a woman’s concern for her personal safety.  We’re aware of the footsteps behind us, from the time we step out the door.    

Q2.      Where would you say are the best destinations for female travellers?

I’ve hiked, cycled, climbed, dived and kayaked my way through more than 90 countries, from the depths of the Flores Sea to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro—and I even met my future husband in Kathmandu after a month of trekking.  So from my perspective, the best destination is wherever you want to go next.

Most of the world is welcoming and friendly to women. My 100 favorite places worldwide all described in my books 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America and Best Girlfriends Getaways Worldwide.

Q3.      Are there any destinations you would be reluctant to recommend for females?

            If so, where?

I would be reluctant to recommend women travel to areas of the world where their safety could be compromised: where there is political upheaval or where local women are not free to dress as they like or travel unescorted.  Of course if you travel with an organized group then it’s a different story.  

Q4.      What are your top tips for solo female travellers?

• Prepare.
• Read guidebooks and travel literature and talk to women who have traveled to the country of your destination. Be aware of cultural taboos and sensitivities to Western dress, and pack accordingly. It is better to dress conservatively and begin with modest, extremely polite behavior. The Lonely Planet guides have special sections for female travelers that explain cultural taboos, discuss hassles and precautions, and offer destination-specific tips for women traveling solo. 
• Pack lightly.
• This may be especially helpful if you are traveling to more than one destination or plan to change accommodations. For example, if you are rambling around the Continent with a Eurorail Pass, you’ll have to manage your own luggage, lifting it on and off the train and hauling it to taxis or buses.  If you can’t carry your own bag from the train station to your hotel, you will be vulnerable to theft or assault and dependent upon anyone who can lend a hand.
• Believe you won’t be lonely.
• Just because you are traveling alone doesn’t mean you’ll be more lonesome than at home. Like PMS, it comes and goes. Take care of yourself. When you start to feel down, it’s often because you haven’t eaten or slept enough, or you are dehydrated.
• Do what the locals do—when they do it.
• Get up early and go to the market. Visit the pubs in Ireland and sing along. Plan your trip around festivals.
• Travel like the locals.
• In the Himalayas, trek on foot. Consider going by horseback in the Wild West, by rickshaw in the Orient, or bicycle in Holland.  
• Learn a couple of words in the local language.
• You may find the people appreciate your attempt to communicate in their language. Just a few words such as, hello, goodbye, delicious, beautiful, boy, or girl, can cause a local person to warm up to you.
• Avoid being a target.
• Leave your expensive or expensive-looking jewelry at home. Wear a money belt or carry your valuables in an inner pocket.
• Protect yourself.
• You may want to invest in a simple rubber doorstop. It can stop intruders in their tracks. It’s inexpensive, light to pack, and gives you the peace of mind to sleep well. The main door to your room usually has a pretty good lock and peephole and sometimes a bar chain. But if there is an adjoining room, that door usually has a fairly flimsy lock. The doorstop is especially useful in those situations.
• Trust your instincts.
• They are well-honed from living in the USA. Take extra precautions not to end up alone on empty beaches, on dark streets, or in situations where help may not be available. Late at night take taxis and sit in the back seat. If you feel something is off, wrong, or strange—get out and move on. Do it quickly. With preparation and caution, you can feel secure traveling alone.
• Consider wearing a wedding ring if you don’t already. 
• Some men will try their luck with single women and be annoyingly persistent. If you don’t want this kind of attention, ignore them, adapt an uppity attitude, and flaunt your ring. An imaginary husband can give you respectability, and besides, he may arrive at any moment.  
• Nudge yourself to move out of your comfort zone.
• Smile, talk to people, and step out the door. Travel is great therapy, as well as one of the fastest ways to boost your self-confidence.
•  Don’t let fear keep you at home. There are many solo women out there traveling right now.
• Just because you start out alone does not mean that you will stay alone.
• Trust your instincts.
• Talk to other women. Ask for advice.
• Go for it. You only have one life, so live it fully.

Q5.      What’s the best piece of travel advice you’ve ever been given?

Slow down. Talk to people. Give back.

Q6.      What are the five essentials you never travel without?

 My ipad.

Pictures of my family.

Silicon ear plugs and an eye mask to help me sleep well.

Small packages of California wildflower seeds to give as gifts.

Chocolate.

Q7.      You haven’t always led a nomadic lifestyle. What gave you the push to get out and explore the world?

I grew up in flat Ohio, far from an ocean, mountains or a foreign language. I was decided no one would make my life exciting. I had to do it for myself, so I took off alone, during my college summers, to work in Wyoming in a National Park. I made friends with adventuresome people from all over the world who showed me by example how to life one’s dreams.

Q8.      What was it like appearing on Oprah?

Awesome.

 Q9.      Your ‘gutsy’ attitude makes you a great role model for female travellers, but who do you most admire?  

My mother. She urged me to dream big, try things she never did, not give up, and to keep loving. 

Q10. So, where to next for the gutsy traveller? 

Bali, Java and Lombok in Indonesia. I love traveling in Asia!