Scared to Leave the States? Here’s What You Should Do to Travel Safely (And Smart) as a Woman…
You’ve been dreaming of booking that flight, leaving the U.S., and living your soft life. But every time your finger hovers over “confirm,” you hear a voice in your head whisper: What if I get kidnapped by the Peaky Blinder boys and sold into a trafficking ring? But honestly, Cillian Murphy can kidnap me any time…any day…any hour.
I was scared, too—of human trafficking, racism, not fitting in, not speaking the language, and yes, being alone in a foreign country with no one to call. But I still went. And now? I’ve been to ten countries and lost 37 pounds while eating pasta and writing in medieval pubs. More importantly: I found myself.
Here’s exactly what I did (and what I now teach through my Travel Consultation & Companion services) to move through that fear and live.
What I Was Scared Of Before I Left the U.S.
-Getting kidnapped (thank you, Liam Neeson and Dateline)
-Human trafficking (thank you Instagram and TikTok)
-Not speaking the language
-Racism and standing out
-Not being able to afford it
These were real fears. Valid. Deep. But they weren’t stronger than my desire to get out.
What Helped Me Leave Anyway
Research like a CIA analyst
I looked up crime statistics on every city.
Followed American expats on YouTube and Instagram who tell the truth, not just the glamorized version.
Learn the local scams
Bird poop scam: someone “accidentally” splashes fake poo on you, helps you clean it, while their friend robs you.
Map scam: someone lays a map over your phone on a cafe table, then their partner snatches your phone.
Street smarts translate
Don’t go out late alone.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
Don’t leave your bag open or unattended.
Keep phone in your purse, not on the table.
Use zippered and locked bags/backpacks.
Stay alert—but not afraid
I stay aware of my surroundings.
I make sure I know where I’m staying and how to reach help.
I’ve never felt unsafe in Europe. In fact? I feel safer abroad than I ever did in the U.S.
That Paris Police Officer With the Rifle? Yeah...
While I was in Paris, I needed help and had to ask a police officer holding an actual assault rifle for directions. Not only was he kind, helpful, and calm—he was fine as hell. That French accent alone could’ve written me poetry.
I felt respected. Safe. Human.
The More You Travel, The Braver You Get
France was my game changer.
It wasn’t easy. I’d taken four years of French in high school and still struggled. The language barrier was real. The attitude was real. And yes, they do care if you don’t speak French.
But each country, each solo trip, each bus ride, and broken conversation gave me confidence. And that confidence is now something I carry with me everywhere.
Start Small. Start Smart.
If you’re scared to jump into Albania or Morocco headfirst, don’t. Start with a soft landing:
A major U.S. city (Chicago, Seattle, New York)
Then go to Canada
Then London, Dublin, or Paris
Build your bravery in stages. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to go anyway.
Don’t Want to Go Alone? Bring Me.
I created two offers for women who are scared to travel but know they need a change:
1. ✈️ Travel Consultation – $25 (on Sale!)
We’ll figure out:
Where you should go
Your budget
What to pack
What to expect
2. 👭🏾 Travel Companion & Scouting – Starting at $499
You get:
Me coming with you (yes, really) but you have to go through a background check! Sis, I’m keeping us both safe
Or me going ahead to scout your destination
Real info about where to stay, how it feels, and if it’s right for you
Because no woman should miss out on the world because she was scared to go alone.
Leaving the States Gave Me My Life Back
I’m not just lighter physically. I’m lighter spiritually. I’m me in ways I haven’t been in years. When I sat in Italy, sun on my face, real Italian pizza in front of me, and peace in my chest, I said to myself:
"Thank God I left."
And you can, too.
Want Help Planning It? Book with Me I help women design their escape with strategy, safety, and support:
Follow my real journey:
TikTok: @stephanieshephard_author
Want to see the Amalfi Coast with me? Sign up now: Ink & Honey: A Women’s Writing Retreat in Italy! October 13-20th.
Final Word:
You don’t have to be fearless. You don’t have to go alone. You just have to go.
Let me show you how.
More at www.stephanieshephard.com