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?

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | advice