Malaysian solo traveller hopes to quash stereotypes of women being the weaker sex

When it comes to solo travelling, many still think that it is something that women should not do as it is a dangerous pursuit. However, senior account executive Michelle Chang, 27, thinks otherwise.

Chang says the reason that the idea is so frowned upon is largely due to the stereotype that women are not capable of protecting themselves.

“I know that these people (the ones who do not think women should travel solo) mean well, but this negative perception of solo travelling should be re-addressed. Just because we are women, that doesn’t make us less competent.

“People assume that being a woman puts us at a higher risk (of being in danger) and that we should always move around in a group or at least, with a male companion,” she says.

The negative labelling of women being the “weaker sex” has conditioned many of us to be extra careful and vigilant at all times. Chang says if a person intends to harm you, they will, whether or not you are alone or in a group.

“We’ve heard countless stories of people disappearing even when they are travelling in groups,” she adds.

That said, though, women (and men) would still need to take the necessary measures to prevent us from falling prey to scams, attacks, threats and other dangers.

In the past, budget hotels and hostels were usually deemed ‘dirty’, but today there are so many good and safe options to choose from in many…