Backpacking Solo – Where to Go and How to Prepare

If you're seeking adventure and travel to distant destinations without the need to stick to an itinerary, nothing beats the freedom and independence of solo backpacking.

This was the kind of holiday that, until relatively recently, was very male-dominated - but now there are more women than ever packing their rucksack, strapping it to their back, and disappearing on a trip of wonder and discovery.

There are no hard and fast rules for women when it comes to solo backpacking, apart from being sensible when it comes to safety. It would be true to say that, every year, thousands of women are backpacking solo around Europe and indeed the rest of the world, without coming to any harm.

This is primarily thanks to homework, planning, and sticking to basic guidelines about where to go and what to bring. It is also worth bearing in mind that bad news makes the news, whereas the hordes of people traveling safely go unreported.

Lighter is Better

Backpacking has one straightforward rule: as small and as light as possible. You want a bag big enough to carry the essentials, but not so big that it gets in the way when you're on trains or buses, and you may not realize how often you'll have that bag on your back.

So be sensible and don't rush out to find the biggest pack you can, as it simply won't be practical. An ultrasonic portable washing machine can be invaluable in such circumstances. It is a space-efficient and affordable option, ideal for living in an apartment or traveling frequently around the globe.

Dress for Every Occasion

Depending on where you intend to go, taking clothes and shoes to suit every eventuality is a must. Keep in mind that some countries experience significant temperature fluctuations between daylight hours and nighttime.

During your pre-planning, you will also need to research any dress codes you must adhere to, such as those in Muslim countries.

Shoes should be suitable for the terrain you plan to visit. If your destinations are mainly towns and cities, then you don't need a pair of heavy hiking boots.

Go for multi-purpose footwear that is strong and comfortable, rather than weighing yourself down with a variety of shoes and boots.

Stay in Touch

If you intend to venture out into the unknown as a solo traveler, you might want to consider a Smartphone with a GPS navigation app, and an international SIM card may well get you out of trouble.

Let people know where you are regularly. Oh, and don't forget the charger and international power adapter!

The Financials

You would be wise to keep a record of your credit card details, as well as the contact information of your bank and card issuer, in a secure location.

Try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash, but use ATMs whenever possible. There will usually be fees involved for cash withdrawals, but it's better than losing a large amount of money.

A wise investment would be that of travel insurance at an appropriate level for the trip you are planning.

Rather than risking inadequate coverage with a one-size-fits-all policy, consider approaching a company like Columbus Direct, whose motto is "If you are happy to go there, we are happy to insure you."

Accommodation Concerns

Regardless of your gender, if you're backpacking solo, consider ruling out camping as an option. It's for safety reasons, especially in countries you don't know.

Also, avoid the extremely cheap hostels, as you may find yourself sharing a dorm with homeless individuals who have found a bed for the night or long-term residents who are unable to fend for themselves.

When searching for hostels, look for amenities such as a communal kitchen and laundry facilities, including a washing machine.

Read the hostel reviews on independent sites, as some will be a haven for party-loving backpackers, and if that is not your scene, you will have a miserable time as well as a complete lack of sleep.

A good tip to remember is that even if the dorm is empty when you go out for the day, it will likely be occupied when you return, so make sure your bag is in a locker and that you have left nothing valuable lying around.

Where To Go

The only regions considered no-go areas for single female travelers are the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt. The current political unrest makes these places somewhat off-limits to backpackers seeking to escape the main tourist areas.

It is pure common sense not to wander around strange places on your own at night, and steer clear of dark alleyways, deserted areas, and anywhere else that could represent a possible danger. Once again, there is a wealth of information available online from other solo backpackers and their experiences in various countries.

Western Europe is considered one of the safest regions for female backpackers. Travelers have also reported traveling solo to Thailand and Mexico without any trouble and are keen to return. The vast distances between inhabited areas mean the US requires advanced planning.

Solo backpackers heading across the Atlantic are advised to stick to urban areas and avoid trying to save money by hitchhiking, a practice that should not be undertaken by a single traveling woman anywhere.

Getting from A to B

While you may want to go with the flow when moving between countries, it is advisable to have a prepared understanding of the available transport links and a rough guide to times and pricing.

Print-offs weigh nothing, so when planning your route, albeit roughly, check timetables for trains, buses, and ferries you might need to use and print them off.

Also, bear in mind that the further east you travel in Europe, the less chance you have of clerks at railway or bus stations speaking English. Make a note of the train or bus you want to take, and count the stops between where you get on and where you want to get off.

Most place names are now signed in Latin and Cyrillic, but you may come across the occasional one that isn't.

If you are traveling on trains at night, avoid an empty carriage, as tempting as it may seem. Aim for one that has fellow travelers in it, or sit as near the front of the train as possible, so if something does occur, you have the best chance of attracting the driver's attention.

Final Thoughts

Casting yourself adrift on the sea of fate with a backpack on your back can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. With the right amount of forethought and a bit of planning, you can also vastly increase the chances of it being a safe experience.

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This post was brought to you by Columbus Direct.