Updated
August 23, 2007
Safe to travel alone
The "Gap Year" debate goes on with parents wondering if a gap year abroad is safe for their teenagers, while lone travellers wonder if lone travel is safe anywhere.
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Having a GTS Host to look after you may not be your idea of a holiday ALONE in The Gambia
BUT, it will definitely be safer, it will certainly let you see the country and learn more about the culture than you possible could with a tour operator or by yourself.
All but the very first members see feedback have provided excellent feedback about the way GTS hosts behave and look after them.
Over the last 10 years GTS has established itself as a unique support to visitors wanting to see more of the Gambia than the inside of their hotels.
if you are a lone traveller to Gambia consider joining GTS NOW
Radio 4's Woman's Hour ran an interesting article on "gap years" for teenagers following the publicity from Prince Williams gap year in exotic places.
A listener wrote in to say many parts of the world are safer than England, her daughter was safe until she returned to the UK where she was mugged - it could have been abroad but it wasn't
I have to say I feel safer just about anywhere in The Gambia, than I do in London and I probably am, especially when I am with a GTS host.
Two older ladies - not wanting to join GTS but wanting to 'pick my brain' wanted to know if Gambia was safe for lone ladies. "If you are sensible, then it is perfectly safe". There are precautions and these apply to anyone travelling anywhere.
- Behave
Yourself
Gambia is a Muslim country - having sex outside marriage is not permitted - but many of the men will be more than willing if encouraged, especially as they see it as a way to riches. TV and films portray western women as promiscuous, so be careful not to give the wrong messages - Don't
Flirt
An innocent flash of the eyes can be misread in a country where 'nice' girls avert their gaze in male company - make sure your intentions are clear - Don't
dress up to kill
The Gambia is very tolerant of topless sunbathing on the beach and even shorts and teashirts around the towns - but be modest, this is a mainly Muslim country and you will not see the local women scantilly dressed. What is OK on the beach needs to be toned down elsewhere, you are on holiday but this is a totally different culture.
We have not heard of any tourists being 'taken advantage of' in a sexual way, that said we have heard of ones behaving outragiously and intent on having a sexual relationship (both sexes) It goes on at most holiday venues, but I suspect it will not be a problem in The Gambia if you don't want it to be.
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