Is is safe for a woman to travel alone?
Yes. I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel safe. I also do my research and take precautions - I don't just wander around willy-nilly. I talk to people, listen to personal recommendations, check Reddit and Facebook groups, read blogs, and read my guidebook. I generally don't go out alone after dark. I watch my surroundings, watch my drinks, and I trust my gut. I always leave a situation that doesn't feel right.
Are hostels safe?
Yes. I've stayed in many, and I have never felt unsafe. I actually feel safer at a hostel than a hotel when traveling alone because they are designed to be social, so there is often a vibe of people looking out for each other. I wouldn't leave valuable things laying around, but I am not worried about a man forcing himself into my room with six other roommates. That being said, there are shady hostels, just as there are shady hotels. It is important to read reviews, take recommendations, and leave if it doesn't feel safe.
How much money are you spending?
I plan to keep my daily average at or below $50, but I may extend to $60 per day.
Wouldn't it be better to invest the money or save it for a down payment on a house?
Depends on what your life goals are. While we're on this topic, no, I have not touched my retirement accounts to pay for this.
Do they have insulin in other countries?
Yes. Some countries do have other varieties and concentrations, so I will be careful to read the labels and pay attention to how I feel. I've been diabetic for almost 23 years now with no complications or hospitalizations, so I am good at recognizing symptoms in my own body and I trust myself.
Do you ever read books for fun? (not a frequent question, but I was asked this recently and would like to reply here)
Yes, I am currently reading Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer
Do you watch the news? (also not a frequent question, but I was asked this recently and would like to reply here)
Yes, I think it is important to stay informed on current events. These are the sources I consult regularly:
PBS Newshour
BBC
New York Times
Economist
Time Magazine
Yes. I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel safe. I also do my research and take precautions - I don't just wander around willy-nilly. I talk to people, listen to personal recommendations, check Reddit and Facebook groups, read blogs, and read my guidebook. I generally don't go out alone after dark. I watch my surroundings, watch my drinks, and I trust my gut. I always leave a situation that doesn't feel right.
Are hostels safe?
Yes. I've stayed in many, and I have never felt unsafe. I actually feel safer at a hostel than a hotel when traveling alone because they are designed to be social, so there is often a vibe of people looking out for each other. I wouldn't leave valuable things laying around, but I am not worried about a man forcing himself into my room with six other roommates. That being said, there are shady hostels, just as there are shady hotels. It is important to read reviews, take recommendations, and leave if it doesn't feel safe.
How much money are you spending?
I plan to keep my daily average at or below $50, but I may extend to $60 per day.
Wouldn't it be better to invest the money or save it for a down payment on a house?
Depends on what your life goals are. While we're on this topic, no, I have not touched my retirement accounts to pay for this.
Do they have insulin in other countries?
Yes. Some countries do have other varieties and concentrations, so I will be careful to read the labels and pay attention to how I feel. I've been diabetic for almost 23 years now with no complications or hospitalizations, so I am good at recognizing symptoms in my own body and I trust myself.
Do you ever read books for fun? (not a frequent question, but I was asked this recently and would like to reply here)
Yes, I am currently reading Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer
Do you watch the news? (also not a frequent question, but I was asked this recently and would like to reply here)
Yes, I think it is important to stay informed on current events. These are the sources I consult regularly:
PBS Newshour
BBC
New York Times
Economist
Time Magazine