All sorts of thoughts flood into the mind of many Nigerians when they see lone female travellers. The most obvious question they ask themselves is why she is travelling alone. This disposition is often hinged on either ethnicity or religion.
The advantages of travelling alone as a female either from Olumirin Waterfalls in Osun or the Lekki Leisure Lake in Lagos cannot be overemphasised. In fact, there are now many women travelling alone.
It is important for you to know the things not say to these women. Jumia Travel, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal points you to some of them.
1 What about your friends or boyfriend?
It doesn’t necessarily mean that because a woman is travelling alone she has no friends, family or even a boyfriend. It is always wonderful to have a travel mate while travelling, but some women may just want an alone time, hence they hit the road for a thrilling vacation on their own. Besides, there is no rule that says her significant other should always travel with her.
2 Are you not scared?
There are lots of things that happen on the road that can freak out travellers including the female travelling alone. Of course, you will be terrified, but it doesn’t stop her from journeying solo. The fact is that men can’t be asked this question. She is aware of the risk before deciding to travel under her own steam. You don’t need to say anything to her.
3 Be safe
Typical Nigerians don’t hesitate to offer unsolicited advice. Although you may be genuinely concerned about her safety, every traveller knows that their safety is paramount and not to wander aimlessly. Hence, it is not in your place to tell them.
4 Are you married?
This question pop up from time to time when people observe that you are not wearing a wedding band. So, when next you see a female traveller alone, don’t ask if she is married. Women feel uncomfortable with this question.
5 Don’t you ever get lonely?
It is awesome to always have a travel mate or companion that you can chat or share memorable moments with. It will definitely make you feel better. But since she is on her own, you don’t need to worry about her being lonely. She will simply enmesh herself in the thrills and frills of the destination thus forgetting that she is alone.
6 You are so brave
Yes! Women who travel alone are brave. You may consider it a compliment but women don’t find this statement funny at all. It is like you are eroding their independence, drive to travel and resourcefulness. Only brave women travel but you don’t have to say it to their faces.
Contributed by Adeniyi Ogunfowoke, PR Associate, Jumia Travel
Skype: Sleeksavvy
