For the most part I travel everywhere on my own (holidays and such) and have to say I haven't experience indifference or hostility. Generally people especially abroad fall over themselves to be nice and helpful. Hell even in New York people tend to be politer than here. I don't know - I'm all of 5ft 2 so maybe they're all looking to be helpful to the "little girl" but most people are warm and friendly - its actually pretty rare for me to come across someone who isn't.