I know several women who've travelled alone at various places in South America.

My sister had her credit card blocked by her bank while travelling in Belize just before coming home. She got a ton of help from locals who understood her predicament.

Sure, lots of women travel alone, and most of them have excellent experiences.

But you generally don't have to talk to a lot of them before you encounter one that's been sexually assaulted on her travels.

Does that mean women shouldn't travel alone outside of "safe" countries? I am not in any sort of position to make that call. But I'll be supportive of my daughters if they decide to do so.