More and more recently, fellow female travelers to Panama contact me with one pressing question:

As someone who usually travels abroad alone and is well-aware of the issues and stereotypes that comes with being a single female traveler in certain spaces, the question is completely understandable. With many stories of travelers who have been taken advantage of or worse abroad, there is a growing concern for safety amongst women. Thus, I’d like to tackle these issues head on.

Every woman wants to feel safe wherever they go, and they should (guys too, if we're completely honest). Experience has taught me to make safety one of my main priorities when I travel. I want to know if I can go out alone, is public transportation safe, and also if being alone as a woman will bring me unwanted attention.

In general, I’ve never felt unsafe in any part of Panama.

While the catcalling in Panama City specifically can really become exhausting (to get a feel about differences in perspectives, this has already been covered on this blog before by others, here and here), it never escalates beyond unwanted comments to make me feel physically unsafe.

I’ve traveled alone to the beaches, to various parts of the city, and the countryside, without any issues on both public and private transportation. I also go out alone often and don’t feel uncomfortable or stand out since women are widely visible in public. When I’ve had issues or gotten lost, I’ve never had trouble finding someone to offer me assistance.

With that being said, no utopia exists where a woman doesn’t have to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Here are my suggestions for making sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip in Panama:

• Avoid looking like a tourist- the fanny pack, wide-eyed gawking, expensive jewelry, and flashing expensive cameras, iPads, and cell phones make tourists stand out like a sore thumb at times. Wherever you go in Panama, try your best to blend in and travel light. For example, I purposely carry my Nikon in an inconspicuous leather bag rather than a camera bag with “Nikon” splattered all over it to avoid the chance of petty theft as much as possible.

This #Summer, come and play with us in #Panama.

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Posted by Habla Ya Spanish Schools on Thursday, June 8, 2017

• Ask someone about a new area before you go alone. I always ask a Panamanian about the best way to get to a new location and what I should be on the lookout for when I’m going somewhere. It’s better to know exactly where you are going and what to expect rather than be surprised. Additionally, the locals can tell you what areas you should avoid.

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• Ladies, let’s be honest, if you meet a guy(s) that seems just too sweet and says all the right things, use common sense before accepting a drink from this guy, leaving your drink unattended around him, or following him into a dark alley, or into his room. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

This week's #hablaya #photocontest winner is @kili.1893 for reminding us that life is always better at the playa ... : : : #hablaya #travel #learnspanish #travel #visitpanama #panama #ig_caribbean #panamagram #instatravel #travelgram #tourist #tourism #vacation #getaway #ilovetravel #traveling #travelpics #passportready #beach #beachlife #panama #igerspanama #Summer #wanderlust #sea #islandvibes #bucketlist #bocasdeltoro #wearetravelgirls # @girlsborntotravel #femmetravel #thetravelwomen @visitpanama

A post shared by Habla Ya Spanish Schools (@hablaya) on Apr 28, 2017 at 7:59am PDT

• Always let someone else know where you are going and when you expect to return when you plan to travel alone. As a matter of fact, even if you’re only going to the dance floor with a guy you met at the bar, let someone know so that they know exactly where to look for you. If you are gone for too long for any reason, the person who was expecting you then can notify the appropriate authorities in a timely fashion. “Checking in” to tell someone you made it safely and you are okay adds a level of accountability to your travels as well.

Here at Habla Ya they'll send you a couple of links to some safety reading material (click here and here for example). It's quite dense and a bit over the top if you ask me, but once again, it's better to be safe than sorry. And the practical advice related to excursions, nature and dealing with local circumstances, certainly stems from their broad experience in the Language Travel and Study Abroad industry.

Traveling solo can be a freeing experience that allows to learn about yourself and the place you are visiting. I have enjoyed every excursion I’ve taken in Panama and the opportunity to see the country at my own pace.

To fully enjoy the experience as a solo female traveler, make sure to put your safety first in Panama and beyond.

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