Following the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand, solo female travellers have spoken out to defend the practice of travelling alone. Millane, 22, was found buried in bushland outside Auckland after disappearing earlier this month.
Bloggers and experienced solo travellers argue that the tragedy should not be used to criticise women who travel alone. Claire Sturzaker, who blogs at Tales of a Backpacker, said: 'It's absolutely awful what happened to Grace - but travelling alone had nothing to do with it. These things happen anywhere. Women are much more likely to be killed by someone they know than a stranger.'
Alice Nettleingham, who writes the Teacake Travels blog, was sexually assaulted while travelling in India last year but says the experience has not put her off. She advises solo travellers to learn self-defence and research local cultures. 'Travelling is such an amazing experience - it's given me so much confidence,' she said.
Yari Coello, author of the Beauty Backpacker blog, described solo travel as 'empowering'. She said she felt 'fearless' after her 10-month trip to South America and south-east Asia, though she takes precautions such as avoiding night travel and uncomfortable situations.
The women all emphasised that safety principles should be the same as at home, and that victims should not be blamed. Ms Sturzaker noted that Millane had 'done everything right' by keeping in touch with her family.
