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By Paula Froelich
In fact, data from this site which shows that that despite safety warnings and concerns, solo female travelers in some cases are traveling in increasing numbers to the countries like Colombia and Egypt, which were also rated some of the Least Safe Countries.
But these four countries aren’t the only unconventional places to visit in these troubling times. Pack your bags and check out these alternative and sometimes surprising destinations that welcome solo lady travellers.
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Jordan
Explore Petra – on your own
Jordanians acknowledge they “live in a rough neighborhood.” Surrounded by Iraq, Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia, it’s in a bit of a tight spot despite the fact that there have been no major terrorist attacks (to date, there has been one attack along the Jordan/Syrian border earlier this year – but still far less than the number of attacks in “safe” countries like France, Britain or Germany). Yet travelers have shied away because of geography (and, let’s be honest, religion). Places like Petra, The Temple of Hercules, Wadi Rum, and waters of the Dead Sea are basically empty. Which is heaven for solo female travelers, who can walk through history undisturbed. And I’ve never been treated so well and with so much respect in any country, much less a Middle Eastern one. Jordanians take the Islamic mandate of hospitality seriously here and at any moment will invite you to coffee, share their food and even offer to drive you almost anywhere (my friend Candace just finished hitchhiking through the country. Note: Candace is a little bonkers. I’m not a fan of hitchhiking and do not suggest this anywhere).
Floating alone in the Dead Sea
Trip.com’s Solo Female Travel Tips for Jordan
India
India has gotten a bad rap lately. Reports of assaults on female visitors have taken their toll on the perception of India as a peaceful, spiritual place. But let’s look at this in perspective: a handful of attacks have taken place over several years in a country of 1.3 billion. While all attacks are abhorrent, it’s far safer than we’ve been led to believe. In 1997 I traversed the country for four months, mostly with a friend, sometimes on my own – and the trip changed my view on life. I’ve been back (alone) several times since. India is interesting and the people are also interested in you. It is a magical, ethereal country – with thousands of local tribes, customs, languages. It is a visual journey as well as a spiritual one. And should not be missed.
Expert Take: Solo Female Travel in India
Oman
Oman, a conservative, Islamic country on the Arabian Peninsula, is full of wonders. It’s a land of hidden oases, ancient market towns, desert fjords and, in the western desert is the rumored site of the civilization ruled by the Queen of Sheba. Oman is a country where truly nomadic bedouins still traverse the sands like they have for a thousand years and, although the women are covered in niqabs, they don’t mind if you’re not. As one nomadic tribal woman told me when I asked about cultural differences (and travelers penchant for showing up in tank tops, shorts and bare heads): “That is their culture, this is ours. It is okay.”
Mexico
Mexico has been famous for its beaches for years. But, thanks to the drug wars, pollution and overcrowding, the inland was always looked at with suspicion. But in the past few years, Mexico City and Oaxaca have emerged as a female-friendly meccas for art, gastronomy and culture.
Even better, Once a year for four months, the pine and oak forests of the UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve, high up in the Transatlantic Volcanic Belt outside of Valle de Bravo, come alive. Starting in early November, on the Day of the Dead, millions of monarch butterflies arrive after their 3,000-mile journey from eastern Canada and the United States to mate … creating one of the most majestic natural wonders in the world. It’s a safe, magical trek every woman should make.
Morocco
Morocco is a bit of an oxymoron. It is ostensibly an Islamic country and is on almost everyone’s international watch list. Yet, as a half-Jewish, solo woman it was one of the most welcoming places I’ve traveled to. Last year I flew into Casablanca and immediately boarded a train to Fez. There I stayed inside the medina at a lovely boutique hotel, for four days. The couple who ran the riad treated me like family and the staff kept an eye out on my comings and goings. I then took the train (again, solo), eight hours to Marrakech… and had a blast. I found the city’s only female cab driver, toured the city’s (still functioning and well attended) Jewish temples in a sidecar and visited a plethora of female-owned and operated shops, hotels and businesses. In addition, due to the city’s design and history (Yves Saint Laurent used to live here) Marrakech is also home to a large, (quietly underground) expatriate gay community here – and I always feel safer around a thriving homosexual community.
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Source: gogobot.com