Anyone who saw Liam Neeson’s Taken might think the movie exaggerates the risks to young female travelers. However, as dramatic as Neeson’s film is, there is some reality in the message — some places are unsafe for solo female travelers. A recent online post shares people’s picks for countries you should discourage your daughters from visiting alone.
1. Morocco
While most cities in Morocco are safe, the culture doesn’t necessarily respect Western values, and a symptom of this is how some misguided young men view women. “I’ve just remembered that there was a guy who tried to drug me in Morocco,” is one commenter’s shocking revelation. “I was so lucky that my hotel owner spotted him luring me to his place, and intervened.”
2. Northern India
The huge subcontinent is renowned for occasional stories of abuse, presenting a physical danger to any woman traveling alone. Sadly, India gets stamped with safety advisory comments throughout the thread, identifying northern India as a particular culprit. “I traveled with two female friends, and as a woman, I have never felt so powerless,” writes one former visitor. “When I was in an uncomfortable situation, I didn’t even know who to turn to. It was weird.”
3. Egypt
Like Morocco, Egypt’s culture is kind to indigenous residents, but if you look remotely Western, some young men see this as an invitation. Tragically, the perception of women for some male Egyptians is limited to movies and the Internet. Especially when you’re a young woman under 40 and can not pass as an Egyptian woman,” comments the next weary tourist. “All of my friends and female relatives that went there were harassed.”
4. Rome, Italy
Rome was pretty uncomfortable for me. I (a 23-year-old female) was followed back to my hostel for about a mile,” recalls a summer tourist. “It was beautiful, and I’m glad I visited, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back as a solo traveler.” Unfortunately, any major European city now has its problems with illegal migrants, which results in less safe streets at night. However, traveling in larger groups remains safe.
5. South Africa
“As a South African female, I suggest avoiding South Africa altogether,” warns the next observer. “But especially Johannesburg.” J-Burg is renowned as a city you just don’t want to see at night time. During the day, many people will tell you it is a pleasant town, but not to be anywhere near the streets during nightfall.
6. Pakistan
A country with unbridled natural beauty also comes with relentless instability, political friction, and religious conformism, which presents dangers for visiting women. “Do not go to Pakistan,” confirms a commenter. “There is too much uncertainty and extremism in the country right now for safe travel.”
7. Peru
Peru is another aesthetically stunning location, but with some caveats for solo women. The country receives huge influxes of tourists due to its historical sites and world-class trekking potential. However, even tour groups aren’t safe, according to one testimony. “I did a solo tour for Machu Picchu, and the guide groped me and kept touching me even when I asked to stop,” writes another harassment victim.
8. Colombia
“Walking the streets in Colombia, it’s more or less socially acceptable for men to catcall women,” recalls a former tourist. “If you’re blonde and have long hair, well, you’re gonna get it constantly, every time you leave your front door.” South America is an enigma — the continent is full of beautiful nature, but sometimes, the men can be overtly macho, which is unpleasant for most women.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“I spent about two weeks there as a solo female traveler, and while I felt safe overall, I had some very unfortunate and sketchy experiences in Kuala Lumpur,” the next experienced jetsetter writes. I have been to rural parts of Malaysia, and I cannot imagine the gentle people in the provinces allowing such harassment. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is a huge city that will naturally attract scavengers.
10. Turkey
While Turkey deals with millions of tourists annually, reports of harassment for female travelers are sadly a thing in more provincial areas. “I had a man with me, and even still, I felt very much like I was being watched, followed, and noticed,” complains a married woman. “If I’d been alone, I think it would have felt a lot less safe.”
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