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Let's get real: Money belts might be helpful, but are fairly excessive when considering that all Madrileños get by without one. Just keep an eye on your bag and you should be fine. A fake wedding band? Seriously?
I do like to have people think about the things they'd tell foreigners about visiting cities in America. We probably wouldn't warn them to wear money belts or fake wedding rings, nor would we tell them that they must be hyper-vigilant and live with excessive fear because they will probably become a victim of a heinous crime. What we would tell them is that they should exercise appropriate caution, the same they would in any city in their own country.
There are some places where the reality of a solo female is very different. I'm talking about those places where women are required to follow a certain dress code (not just suggested, but actually required) or where foreign women are highly advised or required to have a male escort. Some of the super scary and excessive advice here might apply in these places. For much of the rest of the world, standard caution adjusted to fit the environment will suffice.
I recently booked a trip to Madrid from nyc. It was last minute, so nobody can accompany me. Everyone I know is warning me not to go alone and since I am female, I will be targeted by criminals. I'm staying in a 5 star hotel in the best part of the city. I planned on doing some group day trips and evening tapas tours so I'm not alone all the time, but I'm beginning to feel discouraged by everyone's negativity.
Any solo travellers here that can offer me some encouragement? I have travelled quite a bit, but never alone.
Let's get real: Money belts might be helpful, but are fairly excessive when considering that all Madrileños get by without one. Just keep an eye on your bag and you should be fine. A fake wedding band? Seriously?
Quote:
Originally Posted by UsernameCreativity
I do like to have people think about the things they'd tell foreigners about visiting cities in America. We probably wouldn't warn them to wear money belts or fake wedding rings, nor would we tell them that they must be hyper-vigilant and live with excessive fear because they will probably become a victim of a heinous crime. What we would tell them is that they should exercise appropriate caution, the same they would in any city in their own country.
There are some places where the reality of a solo female is very different. I'm talking about those places where women are required to follow a certain dress code (not just suggested, but actually required) or where foreign women are highly advised or required to have a male escort. Some of the super scary and excessive advice here might apply in these places. For much of the rest of the world, standard caution adjusted to fit the environment will suffice.
I have to agree. People forget that they live in a country, the U.S., that has crime 24/7. How is it less worse than traveling to a foreign country? Do these same people live in this state of fear, wearing money belts, wedding rings, etc. on a daily basis while living here? No, so why on earth would they feel the need to do it anywhere else?
I do like to have people think about the things they'd tell foreigners about visiting cities in America. We probably wouldn't warn them to wear money belts or fake wedding rings, nor would we tell them that they must be hyper-vigilant and live with excessive fear because they will probably become a victim of a heinous crime. What we would tell them is that they should exercise appropriate caution, the same they would in any city in their own country.
There are some places where the reality of a solo female is very different. I'm talking about those places where women are required to follow a certain dress code (not just suggested, but actually required) or where foreign women are highly advised or required to have a male escort. Some of the super scary and excessive advice here might apply in these places. For much of the rest of the world, standard caution adjusted to fit the environment will suffice.
This is very well said and so true! There are certain places in the world where I would not travel right now, much less travel alone (Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, etc), but anywhere else is pretty much fair game. I've recently been to the Middle East (UAE and Oman) and spent a whole day walking around Dubai alone, and was perfectly fine. People here thought I was INSANE to go, much less walk alone, but my point was that I've walked the streets of New York City alone -- what's the difference??
I wore a money pouch around my neck for exactly one day in Rome....then I quickly switched to a cross-body bag that never leaves my body until I'm back in my apartment. When on a crowded subway, bus, or just a crowd of people, I always keep my hand on the top zipper (even though my money and valuables are safely zipped away in an inside pocket), especially if it isn't a PacSafe bag that has a more secure clasp on the zipper. And I might wear a fake wedding ring on my travels but it's only so I don't have to worry about losing my real one.
I do like to have people think about the things they'd tell foreigners about visiting cities in America. We probably wouldn't warn them to wear money belts or fake wedding rings...
Fake wedding rings, no - but I most certainly would tell them to use a money belt. Losing a passport and all your money and credit cards when you're visiting a foreign country is a whole different level of pain than simply losing you wallet when you're back at home. You've got a support network of family and friends that can tide you over in the latter case.
I'm the poster who suggested fake wedding ring and money belt.
The thing is, US is different than other countries, we have crimes, much more violent crimes even, but trust me, the pickpockets in most parts of Europe are definitely more superior than any I've encountered, including countries where most westerners won't even consider going. A poster pointed out that the locals in Madrid go about their daily life without money belt, well, sure, they're locals. They know what to watch out for, what areas to avoid, etc, the OP does not. Luckily, pick pockets are probably the only thing you need to worry about in Madrid, crime-wise.
As for fake wedding ring, that's just from my own experience. When I was in my 20's and 30's and traveling solo, a fake wedding ring did make a difference to me. A couple of my single girlfriends who also like traveling solo told me they get less 'attention' from men as they get older when traveling.
Take it or leave it, won't make a difference to me.
The problem with money belts is that they are the opposite of caution. They are essentially neon lights that tell everyone that you are a tourist, that you do not know your way around, and that you carry valuable information and wealth on your body. A cross body bag with a zipper is so much more useful in protecting one from having money or passports lifted or from casual loss like leaving a purse somewhere (though, in most places keeping a passport on your body isn't required so it's usually foolish to not attempt to leave it in a safe and carrying large amounts of cash is stupid no matter where you are in the world). Proper bags also actually provide a safe space for other valuables, like camera, phone, things you purchase, which a money belt can't do. These things are just as easy for pickpockets to lift and they are more likely to do so if you walk around showing off your neon sign under your shirt.
I admit the ring might be a good idea. Women experience harassment wherever we go and I can think of a few places where it might have been nice to have a ring to back up my lie that I was married just to avoid certain situations.
The problem with money belts is that they are the opposite of caution. They are essentially neon lights that tell everyone that you are a tourist, that you do not know your way around, and that you carry valuable information and wealth on your body. A cross body bag with a zipper is so much more useful in protecting one from having money or passports lifted or from casual loss like leaving a purse somewhere (though, in most places keeping a passport on your body isn't required so it's usually foolish to not attempt to leave it in a safe and carrying large amounts of cash is stupid no matter where you are in the world). Proper bags also actually provide a safe space for other valuables, like camera, phone, things you purchase, which a money belt can't do. These things are just as easy for pickpockets to lift and they are more likely to do so if you walk around showing off your neon sign under your shirt.
I admit the ring might be a good idea. Women experience harassment wherever we go and I can think of a few places where it might have been nice to have a ring to back up my lie that I was married just to avoid certain situations.
Exactly, I use a messenger bag. It's on me all the time so I don't worry about someone stealing my money ever. I see no reason for a money belt, whatever the heck that is. Is that the same thing as a fanny pack, lol?
The problem with money belts is that they are the opposite of caution. They are essentially neon lights that tell everyone that you are a tourist, that you do not know your way around, and that you carry valuable information and wealth on your body.
Not if you know how to use one properly. You NEVER (and I do mean NEVER) access it in public! You keep a day's cash and one credit card in your regular bag where you can get to it easily, and everything else in your money belt (or in your hotel safe, if you're staying in a place that has one).
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