Instagrammer Travels the World Alone: ​​This Is Her Advice to Other Women

Sierra Belle, a 26-year-old American from North Carolina, has been traveling the world solo, from Croatia to Mexico, and has built a loyal following on Instagram. Her travel stories on @belletropics are followed by over 22,000 people. The Instagrammer recently shared her advice with other solo travelers.

1. It’s okay to be rude

Sierra says it’s OK to be rude when traveling alone, but it’s not about a lack of manners, it’s more about attitude. “The more confident you are when you’re exploring a new place, the less likely you are to become a target,” she explains.

“You don’t owe anyone anything, and you can’t afford to ignore your boundaries in the name of being nice,” she advises, adding that women in particular should keep that in mind.

2. Choose your accommodation wisely

The second piece of advice is when booking a place to stay. Sierra emphasizes that you should never choose a room on the first floor or one with a door directly onto the street.

“I learned this lesson the hard way in Mexico City when I booked a lovely Airbnb with frosted glass doors that opened onto a relatively quiet street,” she said. “I was unpacking an hour after I arrived, and a man stopped outside my door and tried to open it repeatedly in broad daylight. It was especially terrifying because even though the door had iron bars, I could literally see his silhouette the whole time,” she said. She also advised moving to a different place if you were feeling uncomfortable. “It may seem like a stretch at the time, but I’ve done it twice now and I don’t regret it,” she said.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

The traveler admitted that she was often ashamed to ask others for help, but that you can’t “figure out” everything on your own when you’re there. For some time now, she hasn’t been afraid to ask others for advice.

The 26-year-old adds that travelling alone is an incredible feeling that builds self-confidence. She advises not to avoid new people when you are there – for example, by taking guided tours or offering to take a photo, which is always a good conversation starter.