In this age of the #MeToo movement, heaps of douche-bag sexual misconduct and abuse have been unearthed not only from the entertainment industry but also from various other facets of our society. We now come face-to-face with a chilling reality—to which most of us have turned a blind eye for years—that sexual harassment happens in every aspect of our daily lives.
For solo female travelers, the risk of being subjected to different kinds of harassment on the road dips the scale toward high probability. It is difficult enough to find oneself in an unfamiliar place; being subjected to catcalling, groping, and flashing by perverts definitely adds a layer of danger to women travelers all over the world.
How Female Travelers Should Respond to Sexual Harassment on the Road
What can be done to avoid these situations? Unfortunately, nobody can control the actions of perpetrators of these sleazy behaviors. What female travelers can do is remain brave and aware of their surroundings at all times, while keeping in mind the actionable tips listed below.
Be Vigilant as Sexual Harassment Can Happen Anytime and Anywhere
In high-profile cases like that of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, victims recounted abuses happening inside offices, apartments, restaurants, and even hotel hallways. One cannot predict when and where a sexual predator might strike.
Female traveler Angeline Ibarra recounts a distressing episode during one of her trips:
“Traveling alone can be daunting, especially for a solo female traveler. On the occasions when I travel alone, safety on the road is one of my primary concerns. I remember years ago when I was traveling on a local 'chicken bus' in a remote area of Rajasthan, India. The bus was full of locals and stopped in almost every town. At one of the stops, a man got on, looked directly at my seat, and stood right beside me even though there were vacant seats elsewhere. I didn’t mind it at first—until I saw him start touching himself inappropriate.”
Angeline could have remained frozen in her seat—a natural reaction, as shock often impairs clear thinking—but her presence of mind saved her from further distress, leading to our next crucial tip.
Gather Courage and Call the Attention of Others
Angeline took immediate action when the situation escalated:
“I stood up, shouted for the conductor, and pointed directly at the guy. Many of the locals turned to look at him, and the conductor immediately came over. The bus came to a halt, and the man was promptly kicked off.”
Although shaken, Angeline successfully removed herself from a dangerous situation by drawing public attention and asking for help.
“I was disgusted that this could happen in a public place. This kind of harassment can happen anywhere in the world. As solo travelers, we need enough courage to call out things that make us uncomfortable and enough healthy caution to stay alert—but this should never stop us from traveling and experiencing all the world has to offer.”
Do Not Respond to Cat-Callers
While shouting for help is necessary when a harasser physically approaches you, cat-callers at a distance should generally be ignored. Cat-callers thrive on getting a reaction.
Popular travel blogger Aleah Taboclaon offers similar advice:
“Whenever I’m traveling or just walking around in a city, there’s one rule I follow for non-contact harassment on the road: I ignore them completely. I act as if I haven’t seen or heard them. Harassers seek attention, and the minute you give it to them, they feel satisfied. When you ignore them, they don’t get what they want. This is the most common form of harassment I experience while traveling, and ignoring it is consistently my best defense.”
Plan Your Trip Thoroughly
Thorough trip planning is essential for solo travelers. This involves booking accommodations in well-reviewed, safe neighborhoods. Avoid staying in isolated or dimly lit areas far from main centers. Read detailed guest reviews, check safety ratings, and map out your transportation routes in advance.
Do Not Go to a 'Second Location'
A common tactic among perpetrators is persuading individuals to move to a secondary, more secluded location where they have greater control. If someone you recently met invites you to an isolated or unfamiliar place, maintain firm boundaries and say "No."
Make New Friends While Remaining Vigilant
Connecting with fellow travelers can provide an added layer of safety. Staying vigilant, well-prepared, and open to positive social interactions creates a safer travel experience.
Tripkada founder April Margaret Cuenca advises:
“It’s a matter of being prepared and staying aware. This is why I like making friends when I travel solo. Having reliable people around helps immensely. Additionally, I make sure I am familiar with the staff running my accommodation, keep local emergency numbers saved, and know where the nearest security or authority is located.”
Solo exploration remains an empowering way to see the world. While being on the road alone requires extra precautions, safety awareness ensures you can protect yourself without letting fear compromise the rewarding experience of travel.
