Traveling alone to London? OK or Not OK?
#21
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
London is one of the safest, easiest places for a woman alone. Crime is minimal unless you wander in bad neighborhoods by yourself in the middle of the night - there's no language barrier - and restauants and pubs are almost always welcoming to a single woman. And I'm sure after a day or so you'll have made some friends for meals or activities. I've done this twice (once business and once pleasure) and there were no problems at all.
#22
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with all the postings and say that you are 99% certain of having no trouble as long as you are sensible. Even if you use a late night bus the worst you'll probably encounter is an aggressive drunk.
There was an interesting story today that Phil Collins and his wife were mugged in London. The story went on to say that there is a mugging every 9 minutes in the city. The key is to minimise the risk and always think.
There was an interesting story today that Phil Collins and his wife were mugged in London. The story went on to say that there is a mugging every 9 minutes in the city. The key is to minimise the risk and always think.
#23
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey, froggy. I've been to London three times alone - no problem at all. I avoid the "iffy" places, but still go out at night, when and where I want. I've stayed in Bloomsbury (many years ago), Kensington (probably best for going out at night), and Marble Arch. I can say that I've never felt any unease. Certainly in the daytime, it is absolutely fine. Go and enjoy!
#25
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just came back from London. This time I went with my father (a sentimental Father-daughter trip - had to go back to the Tower of London and the Natural History Musuem which we last saw together when I was 13!).
Anyway, I've gone to London solo many times and have had no problems. Bloomsbury or Kensington areas are quite safe (I really liked Bloomsbury because it is more residential - that's where we stayed this time). I have gone to the theatre and tubed it home (after the theatre, the streets are really busy so you are just one of the many).
What I always recommend is the following:
1. (even if you aren't) look self-assured and purposeful when walking
2. check your maps privately (when you are in the restroom or having tea - minimize looking at maps when in public).
Also to Kaudry: I went to Barcelona solo in October and was concerned as well. Again the rules above apply but I also put all my valuables - passport, extra credit cards and money in the hotel's safety deposit box. Then each day I ONLY carried enough cash for the day and one credit card so I could make purchases. I then put the daily money in a money belt. I experienced no problems. Have a great time - Barcelona is great!
Anyway, I've gone to London solo many times and have had no problems. Bloomsbury or Kensington areas are quite safe (I really liked Bloomsbury because it is more residential - that's where we stayed this time). I have gone to the theatre and tubed it home (after the theatre, the streets are really busy so you are just one of the many).
What I always recommend is the following:
1. (even if you aren't) look self-assured and purposeful when walking
2. check your maps privately (when you are in the restroom or having tea - minimize looking at maps when in public).
Also to Kaudry: I went to Barcelona solo in October and was concerned as well. Again the rules above apply but I also put all my valuables - passport, extra credit cards and money in the hotel's safety deposit box. Then each day I ONLY carried enough cash for the day and one credit card so I could make purchases. I then put the daily money in a money belt. I experienced no problems. Have a great time - Barcelona is great!