Travelling alone?

[CosmicCreepers]

Hi everyone,

There is an event coming up in October in the next city to me and none of my friends are interested in going. It’s for a video game event and none of my friends play them. I’ve been to this city 3 times now but always been with a friend, the event is taking place in the day time and I really want to go as it’s a one off. I’m totally comfortable getting transport alone and always avoid potientially dangerous situations. The city is quite a neutral place and not known (unlike my hometown lol) for crime etc.

I just don’t know if I’m taking a big risk going? I know this might seem silly but I’m 21 and female, and do worry about weirdos like I’m sure most of us do. I’ll be back hopefully by 8pm and I don’t wanna tell my parents (I’ve moved out) as I don’t wanna worry them. I was mollycoddled a lot as a child and know my parents would be worried if I told them I’m going by myself. I’m just going to pretend I’m at home that day and still message them so it’s not suspicious. I’ll be telling my friends where I am and have my Snapchat location to them just in case.

I just wondered if anyone has any advice, like other than carrying an alarm and powerbank for my phone any other safety measures I can take?

 

[LaurieLaurie]

Not a big deal really is it? No different to someone travelling around for work imo, especially if it’s only a one day thing and you’re back by 8pm.

I would tell people though.

 

[usandthem]

If you are unsure about walking alone in the evening, research the local taxi companies and book one in advance.

 

[hereforthememe]

You'll be fine. I understand where your concerns are coming from, but it is the middle of the day... The worst thing that'll happen is a train being cancelled or you'll be stuck in traffic

 

[Traazers]

I'm 29 and have been going on holiday on my own for the last 5 years or so. I've also been to gigs etc. in the UK on my own, both staying away or coming back late at night. It's really not a big deal unless you make it one - most areas are pretty safe as people live there anyway and don't all go about in groups. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine. If you don't like being on your own then you won't regret going I don't think, you'll just have learnt not to do it again. And if you like it then it opens up a door to do other stuff independently too!

 

[CosmicCreepers]

Thanks everyone. As you can tell I do worry over very small matters. I think the fear comes from things you see in the news etc but I shouldn’t stop myself doing something I want to do for the sake of a small chance of something bad happening. Thanks again everyone it’s reassured me

 

[hereforthememe]

Thanks everyone. As you can tell I do worry over very small matters. I think the fear comes from things you see in the news etc but I shouldn’t stop myself doing something I want to do for the sake of a small chance of something bad happening. Thanks again everyone it’s reassured me

Remember, the news only reports the shocking and uncommon events.

I know this may sound patronising, but I literally travel to different cities all the time on my own as a young woman using public transport in the day. You get used to it, trust me, and you'll be absolutely fine

 

[Traazers]

Thanks everyone. As you can tell I do worry over very small matters. I think the fear comes from things you see in the news etc but I shouldn’t stop myself doing something I want to do for the sake of a small chance of something bad happening. Thanks again everyone it’s reassured me

Have a lovely time and don't forget to report back!

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Hi everyone,

There is an event coming up in October in the next city to me and none of my friends are interested in going. It’s for a video game event and none of my friends play them. I’ve been to this city 3 times now but always been with a friend, the event is taking place in the day time and I really want to go as it’s a one off. I’m totally comfortable getting transport alone and always avoid potientially dangerous situations. The city is quite a neutral place and not known (unlike my hometown lol) for crime etc.

I just don’t know if I’m taking a big risk going? I know this might seem silly but I’m 21 and female, and do worry about weirdos like I’m sure most of us do. I’ll be back hopefully by 8pm and I don’t wanna tell my parents (I’ve moved out) as I don’t wanna worry them. I was mollycoddled a lot as a child and know my parents would be worried if I told them I’m going by myself. I’m just going to pretend I’m at home that day and still message them so it’s not suspicious. I’ll be telling my friends where I am and have my Snapchat location to them just in case.

I just wondered if anyone has any advice, like other than carrying an alarm and powerbank for my phone any other safety measures I can take?

Go. Let people know your plans - where you are going/how you are getting there/when you’ll be home and drop a text once or twice during the day to let them know you are ok/on the train/on the way home etc

then go and enjoy your day out.

 

[Warpaint]

Seems like you'll constantly be in public places so it will be fine.

 

[turkeydinosaurs]

Go and have fun going by yourself is nerve wracking at first but you’ll soon get the bug and want to do it more

 

[justheretoread99]

Do it! Go! We only regret the things we didn’t do in life.

Tell your close friends/family where you are going and keep them updated with your location. (If you have WhatsApp use the live location setting) & stick to well lit and busy areas.

If it’s an event where all the people attending will have similar interests you may even make new friends. Just be friendly and open to conversation with others in there. There’ll probably be lots of people who are attending alone. Travelling alone isn’t uncommon. Enjoy it and go!!!

 

[Megansnarkle]

100% go. I lived in another country as a student at 20. Horror stories happen everywhere as we all saw with Sarah Everard. Use the same precautions you would in any city. If it's a non-English speaking country and you aren't familiar with the language I'd download Google translate and make sure you know how it works. You can either type or talk and it translates from images (either photos or live). Genuinely brilliant.

Also, do tell your parents you are going. Firstly they have to get used to you doing things like that but also, what happens if something happens in the city when you're there? I had a friend who was in Barcelona in 2017 when a bomb went off and because we knew she was there we all checked in on her (she was nowhere near). Your parents deserve to know and be in the same position.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Just as an aside - you said your parents would worry if you told them you were going to a different city alone. What exactly is it that worries them? You are just as likely to come to harm on the street you live on as your are anywhere else. I’m not saying that to frighten you or anything I just mean that unfortunately there are weirdos no matter where you go, thankfully the chances of anything happening to you are low but please don’t worry about this sort of stuff too much - you are more than old enough and capable enough to go out and enjoy your life without feeling like you should be looking over your shoulder 24/7. just take sensible safety precautions as you would day to day and enjoy yourself.

i moved out of home aged 18 and moved hours away to a different part of the country. Moved to and visited various other cities and areas of the UK/Europe over a few years. spent large chunks of time in the USA & Canada in my early 20s, moved to London before I was 25….. my point here is, the world is there to be explored, don’t allow your parents fears or your own to stop you from enjoying it.