I think it's because the author is a woman, and there are widespread misconceptions and worries about what will happen to solo women travelers. For example, an

I think it's because the author is a woman, and there are widespread misconceptions and worries about what will happen to solo women travelers. For example, and quoting from http://youngadventuress.com/2013/09/solo-female-travel.html http://youngadventuress.com/2013/09/solo-female-travel.html : > "This past year has been an enlightening one about women who travel, especially alone. Between the death of Sarai Sierra in Istanbul this winter to the all the media attention of rape in India, many (ignorant fools) around the world have used these tragedies as a platform to question the safety of women who chose to travel alone." She also relates this exchange: "When I was in Greece this summer, I had a conversation with a guy renting me a car on the island of Paxos that went something like this: “So who are you traveling with in Greece?” – Greek guy. / “Nobody, just me.” Yours truly. / “So wait, you’re traveling alone?” / Me, “Yes, I usually travel alone.” / Greek guy staring at me like I grew a second head, “Yeah me too, but I am a man!” / Me – slams face on desk in frustration. "How many times have I had this conversation over the years? Too goddamn many, that’s what. Why is it so astonishing that women can travel alone?"