Coping with being a single white female

As a 'single white female', being on your own isn't all that bad. Like I've said to the people I've met and friends back home, the only thing that bothers me is sleeping in a room on your own; I'd do it at home, but here it feels a little off. Being a young female traveller is always something to be wary of, more so if you go alone. So here's how I made sure I got through it in one piece:

Trust your instincts. You've made it this far and, media aside, I think SE Asia is a very safe place to travel. Would you get a lift with a stranger at home? Would you leave your drink unattended at home? Then don't do it here. Keep your wits about you as much as possible (you never know when you're going to have to make a decision) and be careful.

Don't put a price on safety and security. Cheap, rickety night bus and hostel rated 15% on security? No, thank you. If you have to, budget for those extra expenses that keep you a little safer - a hostel in a safer area, a bus with lockers for your 14 hour journey etc etc. Once you're on the other side, you won't regret paying a little more because you and all your stuff is fine.

Know you will get attention. Looks and personality aside, people will talk to you. Some nice and genuine, others lechurous. Deal with it politely (the phrase "I have a boyfriend" won't really cut it with the locals, because he's not there to stake his claim) and try not to get scared off by it, it's very common here.

Hardly the definitive guide to solo travelling as a woman, but a few tips. How can you make sure you're even safer?

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