Solo female travel: independent or unsafe?

The Rough Guide to Everywhere

Bring a fake wedding ring, cover up, don’t stay out late – just go with friends and don’t risk it! Every woman knows to expect these responses when she starts planning a trip by herself. But is this advice helpful, or does it just end up putting women off the exciting, enriching business of travelling on your own terms? Join host Rebecca Hallett (instagram.com/becca.hallett) in conversation with three intrepid women who’ve heard every cautionary tale, well-intentioned tip and “but is it safe?” under the sun, and done it anyway. Rachel Mills (about.me/rachmillstravel) is a one-time Rough Guides senior editor turned freelance travel writer; Rebecca Lowe is a human rights journalist, who spent a year cycling alone across the Middle East (thebicyclediaries.co.uk); and Jay Abdullahi is a black, disabled travel blogger, freelance writer, charity ambassador and show host (jayonlife.com). Between them, they try to figure out what it means to be a solo female traveller today – and whether that label is even useful. Thanks to our producer Alannah Chance, of Reduced Listening (reducedlistening.co.uk), and researchers Femi Oriogun-Williams and Jessie Lawson.