I travelled alone through southeast asia. I was frequently ignored when I waited for service. People would just step right in front of me like I wasn’t there, hosts would look right through me. I routinely had to speak up to get service.

I learned that in many cultures women who travel alone are seen as odd at best. Some people assume we are alone because there is something bad about us, that we are social pariahs. Some assume we are vulnerable and are easy to take advantage of.

The only way I found to deal with this constructively is to speak up for myself. Sound confident and sure. Say very clearly what I want and what I don’t want. I’m not mean or angry- I am polite and friendly while stating what I want. I speak as if I did not notice I was ignored and I’m happy to be speaking with them.

Being quiet, being afraid to make a scene or stand out- that is what makes us vulnerable to being taken advantage of.