question from a reader (pt. 1)
Hi Heather
I’ve got a travel question for you. I’ve initially made plans to travel with a friend to Barcelona but she has just backed out on me with two weeks to go before the trip. I know I should be less of a wuss and say I’m all ready to travel alone but what do you say? Cancel or go?
I’ve been flooded in the past hour by horror stories of muggers and how Barcelona isn’t a safe place for a lone lady traveler. I’m sure it’s not entirely representative of the place because every one has heard about how beautiful that place is. At the same time I know it
would be a shame to just drop it because “I didn’t want to travel alone”.What are your thoughts?
- Hilary, 24
Dear Hilary,
My thoughts are, go, go, go! I traveled to Barcelona by myself in October and didn’t have a single moment of worry. But I think that peace of mind (especially when you’re a female on your own) comes with being really, really prepared. It probably goes without saying that I’m ridiculously jealous of your upcoming adventure but I’ll try to put aside my jealousy long enough to help a gal out.
Tips for no-sweat solo travel:
- Stay off the Rambla at night. Period. If the sun is setting, get thee to a cafe on a nearby, well lit street. This may sound over-cautious, but you’re a girl and you’re by yourself - our dad’s would say there’s no such thing as too careful. In general, it’s fairly safe to be out on the main streets after dark, but foreigners become great targets for pickpockets in the craziness that is the Rambla at night.
- Keep your day pack locked or your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Vigilance is key. And if you get the feeling someone is closing in on your personal space with dastardly intentions, don’t be afraid to give them a really dirty look. Whatever, even if you’re wrong, you’ll never see them again.
- Don’t dress like a tourist. Wear a pair of nice black pants and comfortable but very non-sneakery shoes when you go out exploring. In fact, try to wear all black all the time and constantly look just a little bit annoyed. That and confidence will do wonders for blending in. And, if you’re so inclined, you can chain-smoke to up your chances of looking like a local.
- Have dinner one night at Rosalert. The food was almost as yummy as my waiter.
That about does it for me. Anyone else care to chime in?
hi heather,
i d gone to barcelona with a bf tho i did a fair amount of wandering about on my own. i also did the ramblas stretch on a couple of evenings alone…walked from the placa catalunya to the pier and shopped a bit at the roadside shops…yes, while you do need to be on your guard and vigilant, i think its pretty safe. its just too crowded to be unsafe, if you know what i mean. and there are people sitting around on sidewalk cafes enjoying a glass of wine and tapas, so its quite nice an atmosphere…
dunno if this helps.
cheers
sheenu
If your concern is getting attacked, then yeah, you’re totally right, it’s too crowded to be unsafe. But the more crowded it is, the easier it is to grab your purse. Girls on their own just make easier targets for that.
I’ve never been to Spain but I did just return from a trip to Costa Rica solo. Even though I lost my luggage, I had a great time all by myself. I met lots of nice people and had some good quiet time. Plus, your schedule is your own. Want to skip the museums, go ahead. Want to have four ice creams, there’s no one to judge you. It’s very empowering. Enjoy!
Hilary,
You should absolutely go. There’s a magic about Barcelona that you must experience–alone or with someone. It’s a fascinating place, and I’ve been twice or three times. I did go by myself. And you must go. Be sure to go to the fountain at the palace. They have a sound and lights show every night, and I think it’s on the hour. There are several shows every night and they’re all different so take a snack, and go park yourself there for several hours. You won’t regret it!
I travelled to Barcelona alone a few years ago. I had a fabulous time, and found it to be a great place to be alone, being that there was so much to see and do and so many wonderful places to wander. I highly recommend the Art Card (I think that’s the name) which is a lump sum paid for free or reduced admission to all of the museums- the Miro Institue was my favorite… don’t miss it! That being said, it’s the only time I’ve felt threatened while traveling. I had been on the beach for a while and on departing an old man and some of his friends (clearly very intoxicated) crowded around me as he made lewd gestures and (I assume, I speak Spanish but not Catalan) comments. I shoved him and screamed “NO!” and walked around the rest of his crew. No harm done, and it was over so fast I almost wondered if it was real, but it was scary. He of course then backed off and started trying to smooth things over with the ubiquitous “No problem, baby.” I just scowled as I continued on my way into a crowded street. Afterward, I imagined how fun it would have been to give him a good tongue lashing in perfect Spanish in front of all his buddies, but alas, I wasn’t so clever in the moment. (Or so brave, I suppose.) Still, I say GO, and make friends in a hostel. I spent several evenings with a couple of very fun Spanish women from the southern part of the country, and two German travelers as well. We’d all go about our own business during the day, and then gather together for evening excursions to hear music and eat delicious food. A great city!!
Traveling with a companion isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. I have definitely had more fun on solo trips!
If you stay in a hostel, there’s a good chance you’ll meet lots of other fun people to go out with. But, if I’m eating alone, I find it’s a good chance to write postcards or in my journal.
I had almost the exact same experience… only we were supposed to be going to Portugal when my friend backed out.
I ended changing my destination to Greece (because Id always wanted to go), and just went for it. Heather is very right that as long as you’ve planned things, its a lot of fun.
Go - you’ll have a great time!
And if you’re worried about being alone at night or not meeting other travelers you want to go out with, consider signing up for night group tours. Then do you own thing during the day…
Thank you for the advice people. Anyone got any suggestions for hostels say under 20 Euros?
I have a suggestion for a hostel under 20 Euros, but you’d also need a time machine to transport you back to the 1990’s. Sorry, even if they could be found, I don’t know that you’d want to stay in them!
Barcelona is wonderful…but definitely hold on to your valuables. I was only there two nights, but met two fellow travleres who had stuff stolen - one his laptop; the other his wallet, passport and Eurailpass - and in both cases it happend in the main train station - Sants