SA ranks as most dangerous for women travelling solo

While it may come as no surprise, it’s not pleasant to see your country ranked as the worst on a list of most dangerous countries to visit, for woman who travel alone.

Travel advisors Asher and Lyric Ferguson have looked at the top 50 destination countries and collected data from the United Nations, World Hunger Organisation, Gallup, the World Economic Forum and others, in various categories like: ‘safe to walk alone at night?’ and ‘intentional homicides of women’ and compiled the results. The scores in each category were added up and unfortunately it’s South Africa that takes the number one spot as most dangerous, followed by Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Iran.

At the other end of the spectrum, the safest countries for women travelling alone are Spain, Singapore, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland.

Researched and developed by Asher & Lyric Fergusson

While the facts speak for themselves, many South African women have and do travel alone safely (including myself). While we may have been fortunate, there are precautions that women travelling alone in South Africa can take to reduce their risk of becoming a statistic.

For instance:

1. Research your destination and your route thoroughly.

2. Make sure that your guest house or hotel knows that you are travelling alone and what time to expect you.

3. When you leave to go exploring, let someone know what time you expect to return.

4. Keep your phone charged and carry a powerbank.

5. Try not to drive at night.

6. Don’t walk alone at night, hike or run alone, especially in unfamiliar places.

7. Chat to locals and get their understanding of the neighbourhood you’re staying in.

8. Be aware of your surroundings.

9. Don’t leave your drink unattended.

10. Don’t drink too much.

In an interview with Cape Talk radio, Rashid Toefy, Economic Development and Tourism Deputy Director-General – Western Province responded to this study by saying, ‘There are so many women visitors who travel for adventure and to make a difference and thousands who live in townships hosted in family homes and make a difference in the country.’

Image source: Tim Johnson/ Unsplash

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