Founder of popular Instagram page style in Sri Lanka, Lankaphile and intrepid traveller Alice Luker explains the art of exploring Sri Lanka as a solo female traveller.
Let me start by saying that I’ve quite literally travelled all across Sri Lanka solo in every way you could possibly imagine. From cars, trains, bicycles, tuk tuks, boats, vans and buses to a hot air balloon and an army jeep, I have a lot of first hand experience as both a tourist and a resident. I honestly do believe Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in Asia to travel solo, but as much as I loved living here, unwanted attention, even harassment can be an issue for women. The question is, how to avoid it and stay safe throughout your travels?
To begin with, make a conscious effort to not only understand but respect the culture, follow some additional precautions and seek out other travellers’ experience and knowledge from blog posts and articles before you go. Fortunately, a lot of issues can be avoided when it comes to harassment but it’s easier said than done if you ‘walk in blind’ so to speak.
I believe a woman should theoretically be able to wear what she feels comfortable wearing without being harassed. However, when visiting a country with modest and conservative values and culture, this is really not a wise mindset in certain areas, especially when travelling alone.
However politically incorrect as it may seem, for me as a liberal, friendly individual I had to make a conscious effort to hold back a little, especially when interacting with men in what would technically be described as working class professions such as tuk tuk drivers.
Words: Alice Luker
