Calling all female lone travellers

“Girls, what's it like out there on your own in the big bad world ? I've recently decided to take the plunge and have a few (no lots) of concerns that you guys might be able to help me with. I'm sure it's just the fear of the unknown but not having travelled by myself before nor had anything other than a package holiday I'm a little bit anxious as well as excited by the prospect.

Mail me with your words of encouragement please !!! so that I can start packing...”

“Irish Need Not Apply”

“Are you talking hiking/backpacking alone, or traveling in general?”

“My question as well, smileygirl. But in case you are talking about backpacking (since this supposedly IS a backpacking site) here's my take on it:

I think it's essential that you know yourself well--your strengths, weaknesses and your limits. Know how far you can go, when to rest, when to stop for the day, when to turn back. Be self-reliant! If you don’t feel confident in your abilities then you should travel with a companion until you do.

Most of what I said is sort of common sense for anyone hiking alone, I think, male or female. I don't take any special precautions because I'm a woman. But I don’t ADVERTISE the fact that I'm travelling alone, and if possible I try to "stealth camp" just in case there may be a whack job out there. If you come across a situation that feels uncomfortable (like a group of weirdos), move on! Trust your instincts.

Personally, I love soloing. :)”

“"there may be a whack job out there"

On the trail?.. Surely you jest!

:)

We are all whacks.”

“whacked in the head perhaps TD”

“I used to do a lot of solo hiking. Started out as a complete newbie doing a solo 4 day trip. It had its problems (what first trip doesn't?) but I survived to do it again. Two years later I thruhiked the AT as a solo female hiker. I never had any serious problems as a solo hiker. One thing to consider, male or female, is that the afternoons/evenings can be very long when you have no one to talk to. It is fun to watch the clouds and the sparkles on the water, but it is also a good idea to bring something -- book, journal etc. to keep yourself occupied when you stop hiking. You'll have all day while hiking to think about 'cabbages and kings', the meaning of life, etc. One reason a lot of solo hikers hike 10-12 hours a day is that they aren't happy with their own company and get bored when they stop moving. Some use music to give the illusion of company. To me, it is a real joy to sit in the quiet and drink in all the sounds, smells and sights of a quiet site. But only for a few days. I learned on my JMT hike that I like sharing my hikes with another person, as long as they are willing and able to be quiet and just listen to the silence sometimes. (My husband is the perfect partner, but that's another issue.)”

“Ginny, that was well said. I am impressed with your insight.”

“Thanks Ginny! Hey, where you been? Lurking?”

“in the woods cuz ther is rats and woofs and bares and woofbares and gaters and dogfins (if you are swimmin in the watter) and lots of nother aminals that are perty skeery but dont be skeerd.

Do you ressel good? I ressel reeel good cuz I get practiss with my boy frend Gissmo and some nother dogs that come to my yard to play gimmedat and ressel.

Mebbe you can get a dog frend that ressels good to go walkin in the woods and sleepin in the woods with you that culd pretect you.
(o:3”

“Mapper, Ginny and Sarabelle offer good insight.

What type of adventuring are you going to be doing? Where? Maybe that will help us expand upon the already mentioned advice...

Definitely know your abilities, walk proud and carry a big stick.”

“Mark down one packer NOT brought here by TownDawg, although I think he's trying to move in and lay claim. Heel, TownDawg!! lol”

“Have a good itinerary and make the first trip short (1-2 nights). I don't know after that, I've only soloed it once... But this worked for me the first time Ü”

“I've been out alone half a dozen times now. A book is nice--you can always lay it down but when the exciting part comes I find myself up all night with a flashlight till my eyes cross.”

“What you need to do is carry a 45 auto that way when someone mess's with you bang no more problems:)”

“ok, more details required, I'll get the hang of this....my plan (if you can call it that) it to make my way from England to Australia stopping over in as many other places that I can on the way (Bali, Singapore, etc..)and pick up on one of the backpacking trails for a few months in Oz. I guess my concerns are not about being on my own or knowing my limits coz I'm happy with both of these..it's more to do with how best to deal with how to deal with unwanted attention, how to get rid of weirdos (the 2 might be connected) etc..then there's the other mundane stuff like, if I'm travelling through somewhere like Thailand will I be able to get hold of tampons !! (sorry guys, had to ask the question !)..what are the backpack hostels like to stay in ?”

“A woman on a solo hike sounds good in theory, but in reality you need a man to take care of you.”

“Unwanted attention...... grow a mustache and stop combing your hair.

Getting rid of the weirdos..... merely out-weird them by taking up the habit of actually speaking back to the voices in your head.

Tampons....... well, from my experience in traveling overseas, don't take ANYTHING for granted. Take your own with you, then it won't be an issue. This goes for toilet paper as well when travelling in the former Soviet Union.”

“I drive long-haul on the weekends, and one thing that is interesting to note: I see many many women driving big rigs while on the highways and by-ways. But one thing I seldom see is a solo woman driver at a truck-stop after dark. I guess the lesson to be learned here is, use your head. A little common sense goes a long way. Don't place yourself in a situation or place that you KNOW is going to be risky. Only travel well poplulated areas after dark. And unless you're a lot lizard, stay out of truck-stops altogether. ;>)”

“You get real, BP.
...like many women I know, I can take care of myself just fine. If he's lucky, I may allow an exceptional man to help. ;p

Hey Irish-

I would consider wearing a wedding band...pretend you are waiting for your husband, if bothered by pests.

In many countries, it is extremely unusual for a woman to be alone, so many men see that as an invitation. I know from experience that many latino men actually believe it is their duty to accompany an woman if they see one unescorted! You can't be afraid to assert yourself if necessary or, the easier option, lie about going to meet Mr. Irish, etc.

As for tampons, etc...always carry some spares! =:0
(condoms too)”

“That sounds good in theory AmieG, but the reality is Tarp Rat :p”

“This would be a good question for my mom to answer when she returns from her solo adventure to the Solomon Islands. Not backpackpacking, but she's travelling halfway around the world to a country that wasn't letting visitors in just a few months ago.

I vacation a lot by myself, spending countless hours driving strange roads, camping/hiking/exploring and backpacking alone, just doing my own thing. It's ok to be scared sometimes and it's ok to take chances sometimes. You gotta live.

Hobbit that's probably excellent advice, but I couldn't bypass Dysart's truck stop in Bangor if I wanted to - my tummy wouldn't allow it!”

“Please don't tell me that you're a Lot Lizard twigeater!!!! I couldn't BEAR IT!”

“SONG: In a redneck tone!

Lot Lizard, Lot Lizard will you suck on my c!!!.

I dont need no p[!!! cas I dont need the drop!
Ya!


Im definetly going wacky!”

“for once I agree with bacpac. If you're cute”

“I've never heard the term "Lot Lizard" before, but if it means what I think it does, no worries there Hobbit. I stop for food ONLY. I'll have to pay atention to what's going on in the parking lot next time I'm there.”

“"A woman on a solo hike sounds good in theory, but in reality you need a man to take care of you."

bacpac
06:04:43 AM
02/01/02

"for once I agree with bacpac. If you're cute"

Biz
08:25:25 PM
02/01/02

So Biz, are you saying that if you're cute you need a man to take care of you on the trail? Seriously ? ? ? Glad I'm not cute!”

“I thought she meant 'only if the guy was cute', not that it makes a whole lot more sense.”

“LOL - at first I was trying to figure out why she agreed with bacpac's comment about AmyG and Tarpy and what that had to do with being cute.

Too much cold medicine for me today!”

“Lots of tea for you, Twig! Hope you feel better soon.”