Nhahanh_Nguyen

Hi all! I am Vietnamese-American in my early 30s. I'm planning a 2-week trip to Spain and 2 weeks in Croatia (w/ 1 wk in Medjugorje). I've never been to Europe, let alone by myself. Does anyone know how locals would react to an Asian female traveling alone? Any racial issues there? I was thinking of doing an escorted tour of Spain and then go off to Split, Croatia for a week by myself before joining the pilgrimage.

I've never done an escorted tours and would hate to be herded around by a tour company in Spain but I figure a guided tour is a good start. I'd love to do all of it on my own but a little intimidated. I speak enough Spanish to get by.

I appreciate any feedback! Thank you!

Shanti

While I'm not Vietnamese, I traveled solo in Spain a couple years without any problems. Had a great time and I speak very little Spanish.

Alec

Remember Spain is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, and today it receives visitors from all over the world. There are now increasing number of Asian visitors, particulatly Chinese and Korean, as well as Japanese who have been coming for years. I have met a great number of Asian and Oriental tourists in Spain, in Madrid, Toledo, Granada and Seville among other places, so you won't be a novelty and should have no problems. Spanish themselves are very friendly and welcoming, esp if you speak a few words of Spanish.

ira

Hi NN,

I suggest that as long as you refrain from such things as
asking "How much is that in real money?",
speaking in English very loudly, especially to people who don't speak English,
criticizing the country as if no one understood you,
and otherwise being obnoxious

you will be no less safe than in the US.

Enjoy your visit.

dilemmalyn

I'm Asian American, traveling solo through Spain, and never had a problem. I've found that in Barcelona and Madrid Asians are very thoroughly integrated into the community. Spaniards in general are helpful and friendly. In smaller towns, you might get a few curious looks, but you'd probably get a few curious looks anyways just being a solo female tourist.

Mimar

Croatia should be fine. Lots of English spoken there.

Do you plan a whole week just in Split? What about Dubrovnik? And the islands?

ncounty

other than getting romantic male attention, I don't think being a solo female traveler there is any issue at all. I have been to Madrid solo and just came back from a solo trip to Peru. I did not feel any racism.

kja

I'm not Asian, but I am female and have traveled solo in both Spain and Croatia. I can't imagine it would be a problem, or at least, not more of a problem than any where else and perhaps less of a problem than some places.

> I'd love to do all of it on my own but a little intimidated.

I found both countries easy to visit independently. I don't see any reason why you should take a tour if you prefer to do it on your own. Get some good guidebooks and come back with questions.

Hope that helps!

Fanjoy

I recently travelled in Croatia (and Bosnia & Herzegovina) by myself (older single female) and went by local bus and had no problem. I was rather surprised that I only saw about two people "of colour" the whole time I there and I found that rather surprising (I am from Canada which is quite a multicultural place). That is not to say it is more difficult but you will "stand out".