Despite being an outdated grandma of the Peace Corps world at this point, I’m amazed by the amount of people who still reach out to me as a result of this blog. It’s humbling and lovely, and also a massive reminder to all the kiddos that your 13 year old selfies will live on in infamy thanks to the internet. Google searches can still find you! Boolean search terms (eh? eh? dusted that one off for the internet nerds out there) like “How is life in Morocco?” or “Traveling alone in Morocco” or “sexy Morocco girl time” (forreal) for better or for worse orient people to my blog. So here’s a pot o’ gold for all of you who, for whatever reason, stumble across my blog in search of wisdom. I don’t really have any, but I’ll pass you along to someone who always pulls through with shining nuggets of it.
Everyone who knows me is aware of my massive girl crush on the one and only Elizabeth Gilbert. She’s the entire package– intellect, good looks, and a wit that will slap you across the face and make you love it. I (shamelessly) follow her on Facebook and may or may not get teary eyed when she posts stories and inspirational anecdotes. Liz (can I call you that?) also posts some super sage advice, due to being enlightened and more zen-ed out that I could ever aspire to be. This recent post is chock full of Liz-dom (GET IT?). I dedicate this to all of the females who have emailed me to find out about what it’s like to travel in Morocco alone, or even those just interested in traveling period. There are some quality reminders for all of us– veteran to novice travelers alike.
I myself have always had great experiences traveling alone. While there are certainly dangers, I have found that the same factors that make you vulnerable as a woman also make you powerful. What I mean to say is, a woman on her own does not telegraph a threat to anyone—which means that strangers all over the world will welcome you and trust you. They will let you into their houses. They will let you play with their babies. They will tell you their stories. They will give you a place to sleep. They will offer you assistance, food, directions, affection. I feel that, as a female traveler, I have had much more intimate experiences with new people than any man could ever have. They know I’m not going to hurt them, and so they open up to me. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
That said, do be careful—or at least alert. There are places in the world I would not travel alone. There are places in my own state I would not travel alone, for that matter. If you don’t see any local women walking around the streets at night, you probably shouldn’t be walking there either. Other tips:
DRESS MODESTLY. I keep this rule just about everywhere I go in the world that isn’t Miami. In developing countries or more conservative countries, I am especially careful to wear long sleeves and loose clothing. It’s more comfortable, for one thing. (Less sunburn!) It also tends to attract less male attention. But most of all, in places in the world where modesty still reigns, dressing carefully will win you the favor of local women—whose good graces you will always need. If you’re walking around in what looks to a nice Indonesian woman like underwear (tank top and shorts) she will be too embarrassed to interact with you. Try not to make people of either gender feel either aroused or embarrassed.
PACK LIGHTLY. I never travel with checked luggage…not anywhere, not for any amount of time. Carry-on only. Never bring more than you can comfortably carry. Being over-burdened makes you vulnerable in a thousand different ways. Stay light on your feet and you’ll be safer and less conspicuous. Also, you don’t really need it. Really, you don’t! If you’re traveling from place to place and living among strangers, nobody will notice that you work the same shirt today as yesterday. You will also be safer from people putting things in your luggage (drugs) or taking things out of your luggage (cameras) when you aren’t looking.
EYE-MASK, EAR PLUGS, PJ’s, SLIPPERS. Bring good ones. Sleep is the most important thing.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO LOOK STUPID. Try to speak some of the local language, even if it makes you sound like an idiot. People (except waiters in Paris) will usually be charmed, not appalled. Eat things you wouldn’t normally eat. Ask questions. It’s OK if you don’t know what’s going on — the whole point of being a visitor is not to know what’s going on, and to be unafraid to learn. Good manners and friendliness trump sophistication any day. You can always apologize for mistakes later.
DON’T ACT ENTITLED. I won’t give any examples here. Just ask yourself constantly, “Am I acting entitled?” Then stop. Actually, this is kind of good advice for even when you aren’t traveling.
Vintage Tameslouht, thanks to the former PCV, Lindsay, who served prior to Eric and me!