Solo female travel - what are the ups and downs?

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Permalink Reply by Powered by Tofu on August 12, 2009 at 11:14am

Hi Kim, I just got back from an RTW! Do you have a few destinations figured out yet? I also did a combo of solo and small group tours, it was a nice change of pace to do both. I did an Intrepid trip in Morocco, which was great. I felt much more comfortable solo while in Japan (& most of Asia) than I did while in Morocco/Turkey & Eastern Europe (but that might have more to do with my blonde hair!). You'll definitely meet people along the way, especially if you're staying in hostels. Oh and if you decide to do organized trips you should totally stake out their "late departures" 20% off sections and just look for trips while already on the road... way cheaper that way (although it looks like they've raised prices since 2008!) Cheers!

Permalink Reply by Kim Reuter on August 12, 2009 at 11:28am

Thanks for the tips! That's a great idea about the "late departure" discounts! I've managed to get a job for ten weeks in South Africa, so that will start my trip. I plan on overlanding it as far as I can (probably Nairobi) before hopping on a plane to Egypt. I'm going to play this by ear because of course I've never been to these places and wont be able to judge how safe I feel until I'm there. After that I'm debating about joining a tour through some of the holy sites in the middle east, before setting off to explore India, China, and Thailand. I've also been toying with the idea of doing an overland tour that follows one of the old silk routes.

Anyway, thanks for the tips!

Permalink Reply by Jessie Voigts on August 12, 2009 at 11:44am

do you know the solo traveler website?

http://solotravelerblog.com/ - good luck!

Permalink Reply by Leyla Giray on September 9, 2009 at 10:29pm

Hi Kim,

I've traveled across Africa and Asia solo and am the better for it, so enjoy! You're right to take a few precautions though... especially when it comes to unwanted male attention and safe travel for women. Have a read for some handy tips.

As for meeting people along the way, here are some tips on managing travel loneliness. I do have to say though - my problem during three years of solo travel was how to find some solo time, rather than the other way around... I was lonely a few times, but snapped out of it quickly - it's difficult to stay alone when you're a woman on the road.

Have a great trip!

Permalink Reply by Kim Reuter on October 21, 2009 at 7:30pm

Hi Leyla!

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you! I've neglected by profile on here, but now I'm back :-)
It's so good to hear that you did that solo - very encouraging! Thanks for the tips - I really, really appreciate them. I would like to learn from other people's experiences so that I know how to best handle bad situations.

Thanks for all of your advice and for the links :-)

Permalink Reply by Leyla Arsan on October 21, 2009 at 1:03pm

How are you able to go on a 17 month trip???

Permalink Reply by Kim Reuter on October 21, 2009 at 7:28pm

Hey! I'm graduating from university and I'll be taking the time to work my way around the world and get biology experience. I also have a small inheritance, and I'd like to take this trip in my mom's memory :-)

It's going to be fantastic - I know it!!!

Permalink Reply by Heather Hapeta on January 8, 2010 at 12:21pm

Check out my blog on traveling alone ( which i perfer and do mostly) http://kiwitravelwriter.wordpress.com/2009/10/18/travel-tips . you will have a great time. 99.99% people are great so dont let fear spoil a fabulous time, cheers

Permalink Reply by Melanie Haiken on January 8, 2010 at 4:03pm

Hi Kim,
Love this topic. I travel alone a lot now, mostly for work, and after not being sure about the idea I've discovered I love it! With one exception: eating alone in restaurants. That's where it gets hard for me -- I have to review/visit a lot of top restaurants, and sitting in a gorgeous candlelit atmosphere with all these couples having heart to hearts while I'm on my own never gets easy. However, I've developed some strategies that work that I'm happy to share. 1) Eat early (which I prefer to do anyway, better for health...) if you go around six, there are far fewer folks, and the wait staff wants to get you in and out fast to clear the table for the dinner rush. Plus you can fit in a walk afterward. 2) Sit at the counter if there is one; there's always someone there happy to chat with you and you don't feel so conspicuous. 3) Bring a book. This is controversial as to some it feels rude, but I'm much less self-conscious with a book and also not bored! Hope this is helpful!

Permalink Reply by Mary on April 17, 2011 at 8:13am

I believe Sherry Ott at Ottsworld did traveled extensively in these destinations...at least Africa.  You may want to check out her site.  She's been traveling solo for several years.