things to love about travelling solo as a woman in Brazil

Pousada da Amendoeira, São Miguel dos Milagres (Praia do Toque), Alagoas

Travelling alone as a woman can be a challenge in any country. In Brazil solo travellers do end up having to pay double or nearly double for hotel rooms, since they are priced for 2 and single supplements don’t apply. Also in restaurants often one main course is enough for 2 and priced accordingly, which is a bit of a pain. However, Brazil is a lot better than some other countries in the world. Since I have been travelling around the world and in Brazil for over 40 years and mainly alone, I thought I would  allay any concerns female travellers or indeed anyone might have about travelling solo. Here are my tips and why I love travelling alone in Brazil:

1. Brazilians are really friendly and will always try to help. They may not understand a word you say if you don’t speak Portuguese, and may send you off in a completely wrong direction, but the good intentions are there.

2 . You never get hassled by souvenir peddlers or indeed beggars these days. Anyone selling things will move on if you say “não obrigada ” or just “obrigada”.

3.  I, nor any fellow female travellers I know have experienced any sexual harassment when travelling. No unwanted pinching of the bum, or unnecessary  leering, but its always still good to have your wits about you and think about your personal safety.

4. You always get a double bed in a double room in a pousada or hotel if that’s what you want. The concept of the cramped single bed and “single” has not yet made it to Brazil!

Casa Colonial 12, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro

5. You can find  ”kilo” restaurants everywhere now, you just pay the weight of what you eat.  Some like my favourite ‘Desacato’ restaurant in Leblon are excellent if you are eating alone and it is often cheaper than cooking yourself.

6. You get to choose where you sit in nearly all restaurants so you don’t get shoved in a corner in the back if you don’t want to be there. You don’t ever have a problem getting served in a bar or restaurant as a single woman. They don’t wait for a man to appear before taking your order!

7. People will always be curious as to why you are alone, so that often provides great opportunities to spark up conversation and meet new people.

8. It is safe travelling by bus or by taxis; just don’t follow my example and try driving at night if you don’t know your way around.

9. If you want someone to look after your things on the beach whilst you go for a swim, just make eye contact with a person next to you, point to your things and make the thumbs up sign as you move towards the water. They’ll know what you mean!

10. There are a lot more Brazilian tourists in Brazil than foreigners but It is really easy to find other international travellers if you stay in hostels, or cheap to mid-range pousadas. Just check them out here.