#Solofemalebackpacker

[thxnews]

The Truth About Solo Traveling: What You Need To Know

Traveling Solo

Are you contemplating the idea of embarking on a solo adventure? You're not alone. Solo travel is gaining popularity each year, and for good reason. It offers numerous benefits, from fostering independence and self-confidence to providing opportunities for cultural immersion and self-discovery. However, solo travel also comes with its own set of challenges and risks. That's why it's essential to be well-informed and prepared before setting off on your solo journey. In this article, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel, along with practical tips for staying safe while exploring the world solo. Whether you're on the verge of taking the leap into solo travel or simply curious about the experience, join us as we delve into the exciting world of solo adventures!  

Getting lost. Photo by The Global Panorama. Flickr.

The Rising Trend of Solo Travel

Solo travel is on the rise, with more people opting to explore the world independently. It's no wonder – solo adventurers enjoy the freedom to set their own pace, choose their activities, and embrace complete independence. But let's face it, solo travel can be intimidating, especially if you're new to it. Here are some friendly tips to help you make the most of your solo journey: - Strike up conversations: Don't hesitate to talk to people – solo travelers are often seen as approachable. You never know what interesting stories or connections you might discover. - Trust your gut: Always be aware of your surroundings and listen to your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to move on. - Take time for yourself: Solo travel can be exhilarating, but it's also important to schedule some downtime. Relax, recharge, and enjoy the freedom of solo exploration!   The Many Joys of Traveling Alone Traveling solo offers a host of perks. Firstly, you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Say goodbye to coordinating schedules – solo travel is all about following your own rhythm. Additionally, solo adventurers often find it easier to meet new people and make friends along the way. Embrace the chance to connect with fellow travelers and locals, and you'll be amazed at the experiences you'll share. Finally, solo travel opens you up to a world of new experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Embrace the adventure, step out of your comfort zone, and discover the joys of exploring the world solo!  

Stone Henge in the UK. Image source: Unsplash.

Some Risks Associated with Traveling Solo

Traveling solo can be an immensely rewarding experience, providing the opportunity to explore new cultures and meet new people. However, it is important to be aware that there are some additional risks associated with traveling alone. One of the more significant dangers is the threat of personal robbery or attacks. When you are traveling alone, you are more likely to be a target for criminals who see you as an easy mark. Additionally, solo travelers may also be more likely to become victims of scams or fraud. To avoid these risks, it is important to take precautions such as staying in well-lit areas, keeping your belongings close to you, and being aware of your surroundings at all times. While no one should let fear of violence or crime stop them from exploring the world, it is important to be mindful of the risks involved in solo travel.  

What you need to Know

Are you yearning for an adventure? If so, there are a few things you should keep in mind before setting out on your own. First and foremost, it is important to be prepared both mentally and physically for whatever challenges you may face. Make sure you have sufficient supplies, know your route, and have a plan for what to do if you encounter any difficulties. It is also important that you are realistic about your abilities and know your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to dangerous situations. Finally, be sure to tell someone else where you are going and when you expect to return. That way, if something does go wrong, someone will know where to look for you. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your adventure is safe and enjoyable.  

Car travelling through a overgrown road. Photo by Dumble Dad. Flickr.  

Tips for Staying Safe

Luckily, it's rather simple to lower your risk of becoming a victim of a mugging. In my own travels I have only encountered a handful of targeted lone travelers. Here are a 5 tips to keep in mind for staying safe while traveling solo: Let someone know where you’re going Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to tell a friend or family member your itinerary – including when you’re expected to return. This way, if something happens and you go missing, they’ll have a better chance of finding you. Invest in a good GPS system If you find yourself in a new location, a GPS can come in handy, especially if you don't know the language. To use a system even when you don't have mobile coverage, look for one that includes offline mapping. Don’t flash your cash Try to conceal your cash as much as you can if you're carrying a lot of it. If at all possible, keep your wallet in your front pocket and avoid taking it out in public. Trust your gut If something feels off, it probably is. If you get a bad feeling about a person or a place, don’t hesitate to walk away or move to a different location. Download some safety apps There are plenty of great safety apps on the market these days that can help you stay safe while traveling solo. Some of our favorites include bSafe, Circle of 6, and Watch Over Me. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip – no matter where in the world you go!  

Train station arrival. Image source: Unsplash,

How to Make the Most of your Trip

When it comes to planning a vacation, the sky is the limit. But if you’re on a budget, it’s important to be strategic about how you spend your money. Below are some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck when planning a trip: Start by bargain hunting for flights and accommodation. Several websites specialize in finding deals on travel. -Plan your itinerary and research activities that fit your budget. Free walking tours are a great way to see a new city, and many museums offer reduced rates or free days. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of food and transportation. Eating out can add up quickly, so consider cooking some meals at your accommodation or packing snacks for the road. If you’ll be relying on public transportation, purchase a travel pass in advance to save money. With a little careful planning, you can make your dream vacation a reality without breaking the bank.  

Photo by Unknown. Subject: Central Park, New York City. Source: Unsplash.

The Best Places to go for Solo Travelers

Solo travel can be a liberating and eye-opening experience. It allows you to explore new places at your own pace and meet new people from all over the world. However, when choosing a destination for a solo trip, it is important to consider your safety and comfort levels. Here are three great places for solo travelers: New York City is an excellent destination for solo travelers. There is no shortage of things to do, from taking in the sights of Times Square to indulging in some of the best food in the world. The city is also very safe, making it easy to explore on your own. Tokyo is another great option for solo travelers. The city is lively and vibrant, with plenty of opportunities to try new things. And, as in New York, you will never find yourself short on things to do. From touring ancient temples to sampling delicious street food, there is always something new to discover in Tokyo.   Exotic Locations If you are looking for a more relaxed solo travel experience, Bali is a great choice. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, with rice terraces, jungles, and beaches all within easy reach. There are also plenty of guided tours available, making it easy to explore the island's many Hindu temples and other landmarks. Another great destination for solo travelers is Prague. This beautiful city is full of history and culture, and it's small enough that it's easy to get around without feeling lost. There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy, and you'll quickly make friends with the locals. Whether you're looking for an urban adventure or a more relaxed trip, these are just a few of the best places to go for solo travelers. So get out there and explore the world on your own terms!  

Resources for Planning Your Trip

When you're planning a trip, there are a plethora of resources available to help you choose your destination, book your accommodations, and figure out what to do when you get there. One of the easiest ways to get started is to simply search for "travel apps" or "guide books" online. This will provide you with a wealth of options to choose from, and you can narrow down your search by factors such as your budget, the type of trip you're taking, or your interests.   Visual Planning Another great way to research your trip is to read blogs or watch travel videos from people who have already been to your chosen destination. This can give you a good idea of what to expect and help you plan accordingly. However, perhaps the best way to get information is simply to talk to people who have been there; friends, family, and even strangers can be a wealth of knowledge and can help you avoid making any rookie mistakes. With so many resources at your fingertips, planning your dream trip has never been easier.  

Image source: Unsplash,

To Sum Up!

Planning a solo trip can seem daunting, but with careful planning, it can be an affordable and rewarding experience. We've provided some resources to help you get started, including tips for choosing your destination, booking accommodations, and researching your trip. So don't wait for any longer-start planning your dream vacation today!   Sources: THX News, Holiday Extras, Where the Road Forks & Travel and Leisure.   Read the full article

[supersister]

My time in france was 5 star last year. A little spoof of a song to help me remember it by

[just-me-youll-see]

#justbeingatourist because I can! . . 📸 @michelleelamoureux #torontosign #tourist #solofemalebackpacker #solofemaletraveller #toronto #canada #torontocanada #ontariocanada #workingholiday #travel (at The Toronto Sign) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3a1YWIgadq/?igshid=1x85020zdwvak

[humnajabbar]

With daily rain showers, green hills, unique tea plantation and cooler temperatures than rest of the southeast. Camron Highlands became my second destination in Malaysia. The town has quite impressive tea culture, there favorable climate with plenty of rain allows the tea harvesting all year round. And BOH tea plantation is claimed as the biggest in Southeast Asia. I got there with my 3 other backpacker fellows and hostel mates. BOH was quite far from the main town so our journey started with bus ride on winding road from town of Tana Rata. After 15 mins of ride, it dropped us on the road going uphill, and from right there a pleasant hike started. Side by side soothing tea fields were accompanied us, green hills were everywhere till up to the skies, sun was playing hide & seek with clouds and pleasant breeze was enough to make this all a visual treat. This calmness of the air breaks when some motorbike honked on us on twisty narrow road. The picturesque trail didn’t let us realize that we walked around 1 hour some uphill and then downhill too. On the way I listened many of stories from my travel fellows those were coming from their exploration of other parts of Asia, Nepal to Laos, they had a lot to share. Their experiences and stories were quite a treat to listener like me and i pull some inspiration from their, and pinned couple of new destinations on the map of my imaginations. Almost an hour later we ended up to BOH Tea House. Where entire harvest from the plantation to process happen, all fields to a nearby factory can be seen in a glance. And tea is served right there in BOH tea house. Just pick a flavor of your choice and sip on meanwhile catching the sight of endless tea plantations around you. There while holding my cup of tea and facing the ceaseless tea harvests i wondered if tea was in my cup or I were in the tea, pretty much confusing isn’t it..? Amusingly confusing I believe! 😉 . #teaplantation #cameronhighland #igers #ig_color #igersmalaysia #igdaily #ig_features #southeastasia #solotravel #solotraveler #solotravelgirl #solofemalebackpacker #solofemaletravelernetwork #travelgirlshub #nytimestravel #my_wanderlust_story (at Boh Tea Plantation,Cameron) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJgZCYFWpB/?igshid=1ovtdora4iudp

[gapgirlgia-blog]

Thailand (3 weeks)

I knew I wanted to start in Thailand because it's capital is one of the cheaper cities to fly into, I heard it's a good starting point culturally speaking, and I've been researching the country for a few years. Now that I've moved on, I DEFINITELY miss the Thai food and Thai tea, I had to limit myself to two glasses per day lol. Something I really admired about Thai temples is the mirrored glass they used on a lot of their statues and architecture (shown below). Here are Thai spots I checked out in this order with my accomodations, photos, and personal feedback/suggestions.

1. Bangkok

(3/23-26) Playground Hostel

Outside of Bangkok proper but a nice break from the bussling city, 30-min walk to the Grand Palace/main center; tried to be a party hostel and saw a roach crawling around the dorm the size of my palm

(3/27) Overnight train to Chiang Mai

Surprisingly a very comfortable 12-hour ride and sleep on the top bunk (bottom bunks are more expensive, I don't know why). You can buy a nicely prepared dinner and breakfast for 200-300 baht ($7-9), pricey but dinner is worth it if you didn't prepare with drinks and snacks.

This city is an ideal starting point to a backpacking trip, especially not having been to Asia before, because it'll still give you some sort of culture shock, but still relatively familiar in terms of communication (many locals speak some English). Bangkok has loads of temples, street food, nice Western-styled establishments, China Town (a must!), India Town, etc. so it incorporates more diverse cultures than other large cities in SE Asia. Tourism is a substantial part of their culture, so take it as you will, but Thailand has continued to build out their foundation around appealing to their tourists. Staying 2-3 nights is enough; I stayed 1-2 nights too long because I had already booked my overnight train to the North before I arrived.

2. Chiang Mai

(3/28-30) Hug Hostel

Five stars!!! I absolutely loved this hostel because it was right outside of Old City, there was a beautiful view of the sunset on the rooftop bar, there were seperate bathrooms for men and women (with showers seperate from the toilet area!), there was a super relaxing common room with air con, the cutest cafe with delicious food and beveratges, cheap laundry service, and super accomodating staff.

After dreaming about going to Chiang Mai for this long, it was definitely different than I had pictured and I don't think I would've been happy if I did end up temporarily moving there post-graduation. Nonethless, it's a very charming, historical city with very rich culture. Temples and monuments are on every corner within and outside of Old City. The cheapest massages I've seen were in Chiang Mai at 100 baht or ~$3. Since I went during the dry season, the air pollution was extremely high in North Thailand so getting a mask was helpful. You can rinse them once they start turning brown from the dirt.

3. Pai

(3/31-4/3) Paitopia

Different than other hostel rooms, this dorm didn't have any bunk beds or dividers, just 8 beds in one giant room. It felt a lot like college, and it was the first hostel where I had to shower in the same room as the toilet. It still grosses me out, but eh that's traveling. The common space was outside with free tea and coffe, a pool and hammocks :)

Wow wow wow... I didn't get stuck in the Pai hole but I was pretty close! Pai is a magical land that has crossed my mind a lot since I left, I think because of the town's energy and of the company I was with. This was my favorite place in Thailand, hands down. Everytime Thailand comes up in conversation, so does Pai, because everyone knows how incredible it is, regardless of how polluted the air may be. It's very quiet, relaxed, easy going and carefree. It's two hours north of Chiang Mai, and I was 99% positive I was going to vomit in the bus ride there because the roads are SOOO windy, but luckily did not. There are'nt many tourists, and now that I think about it, very little families traveling throughout Northern Thailand, which was very nice. It's more locals, backpackers and expats. You can explore rice fields, bamboo bridge, waterfalls, caves and drink mushroom milkshakes. The small town has a lot of boutiques, bars, and cafes with glow in the dark paint all over the walls. It's a hippie spot!

4. Chiang Rai

(4/4-5) Norn Nun Leng

Saw a rat the size of my cat. Next.

Only stopped in Chiang Rai for two nights to see the White Temple, which was MESMORIZING... definitely worth the 3 hour jam-packed, sticky tuk tuk ride to get here. 

5. Phuket

(4/6) 12 Month Hostel

Hidden, but very cute, cheap hostel with large, comfortable, private dorm beds made of wood rather than metal bunk beds which was nice. The showers had shampoo and body wash = super clutch. AND with a waterfall shower! I felt like I was at a spa compared to the other places I had recently stayed at.

Took a boat from Phuket Town, through Phi Phi, to arrive in Krabi. Not much time spent in Phuket Town or Phi Phi, but nothing too special from what I saw, just a bunch of bars and restaurants. You have to travel outside a bit to experience the nice beaches.

6. Krabi (Klong Muang)

(4/7-9) Bliss Beach Resort

I met my girlfriend at this Resort (the friend who I backedpacked with in 2011). Typically I wouldn't stay at a resort since I'm obviously on a budget, but she had already planned her itinerary. Bliss is an adorable, cozier, authentic beach resort than most. It's nestled between other resorts on a quiet side of Krabi, facing many islands with private boats. The buffet breakfast was delicious, the staff was super sweet and the shampoo/body wash smelled amazing.

Klong Muang was extremely relaxing and cleaner than I was used to.  I celebrated my birthday here with my best friend, the best pinacoladas I've ever had and fried pineapple rice. THE BEST. I'm drooling. During the day, we hired a private boat to Hong Island where we swam with gigantic jellyfish, snorkled and tanned on the beach. Just amazing. Take me back!!

7. Khao Lak

(4/10-11) Mana Thai Resort

The nicest hotel I've stayed at in years lol. I guess they noticed my birthday from my passport and secretly delivered a birthday cake to our room!! In the rooms they have bowls of tropical fruit and chili garlic scented toilettries. Oh so Thai. Ther's a huge, refreshing pool overlooking the ocean with pool/beachside service. Not a bad way to say "Kob Khun Kha" to Thailand after THREE INSANELY PACKED, SUPREME WEEKS.

[brightgirlsfilm]

I just got back from some kind of paradise. #pointreyes #wildcat #backpacking #solofemalebackpacker #sharetheadventure #sheexplores #outdoorwomen #radgirlslife #sheisnotlost #liveyouradventure #liveauthentic #earthgirllifestyle #livebravely #womenwhoexplore #athomeintheworld #writer #writing #camping #campingthecoast #hikingthecoast (at Wildcat Campground) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpnKKsp6HH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kaypx7k5pxcu

[shepherdtraveller]

Check out all about the beautiful village of Engelberg in the heart of Switzerland. The real Switzerland lies here.

[howtolivealifelessordinary]

One of my favorite aspects of traveling solo is the amount of people you meet along the way. At no point are you obligated to do something that doesn't interest you or to obligate someone else to do the your activities. You're completely free to travel at your leisure and expense and every once in awhile you'll meet someone who's interests coincide with yours and join forces. That's how Sophie and I met. We started as roommates at Elephant Nature Park and became quick friends. When she told me she was going to Pai afterwards, I expressed interest and before I knew it was on a bus to meet her. It worked out well since she has a fear of the scooters and I've had a lot of practice. We cruised around and explored and had someone to take pictures of the other along the way. When the time came, we parted ways with heartfelt hugs and see you laters but never goodbyes. Now I have a reason to visit Canada and a new travel buddy when I'm out in the world. #womenwhotravel #solofemalebackpacker #backpackerlife #photojournal #wanderingwomen #travelbuddies https://www.instagram.com/p/BnEVuD7AzCl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7819zduusvuy

[solitarytravels-blog]

Smile, you’re beautiful 😊😍 #solitarytravels #travelgram #solofemalebackpacker #lifeofadventure #welivetoexplore #ourroadtotravel #romtheplanet #worldwanderer #doyoutravel #girlswithourboundaries #tripstagram #letsexploretheworld #gosomewhere #travelersnotebook #travelgirl #travelgoals #wonderlustworld (at Wat Si Saket)

[supersister]

[just-me-youll-see]

Hiked up to see the crosses and the view this morning #trescruces #caliescali #colombia #santiagodecali #southamerica #viewpoint #explore #backpacking #solofemaletraveller #solofemalebackpacker #morningexercise (at Tres Cruces)

[hockeygirl19]

Why being Wanderlust isnt an illness

Why being Wanderlust isnt an illness

People say I have ‘caught the travel bug’, but I don’t really like that term. When we think of a ‘bug’ we think of something negative and gross. As if my love for traveling the world and exploring new places is some sort of illness, some sort of sickness which I can’t recover from.

People ares so quick to judge, as always in life. They discourage what is not ‘normal’ (whatever normal is) and…

[ajauntwithjoy]

"Do more of what makes you happy." — Alaskan Bridge 😄 Leave emojis in the comments of what makes YOU happy! ↠↠↠↠↠↠↠↠↠ • ↞↞↞↞↞↞↞↞↞ The hike I did in Skagway to Upper Dewey Lake was intense. 5 hours roundtrip, 1 hurt toenail, 2 burning calves, and countless hacked loogies later I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I had not only conquered the trail solo, but I had somehow managed to keep myself motivated to push through and reach the top. Feeling empowered in the outdoors on a strenuous hike? That makes ME happy. But not in the moment. In the moment, I want to cry. 🤣💪 ↠↠↠↠↠↠↠↠↠ • ↞↞↞↞↞↞↞↞↞ @visitskagway #skagway #solofemalebackpacker #solofemalehiker #empowered (at Upper Dewey Lake)

[gapgirlgia-blog]

Here’s the Deal -

It’s been five weeks since I started my solo backpacking travels, six weeks since I’ve been free of work. I’ve arrived at the point where I’m no longer completely present minded and beginning to crave some personal projects; one being a visual journal I’ve started, another being this public journal. During my first days in Bangkok I attempted a vlog and subsequently dropped my first journal in the world's grossest creek, so I took that as a sign that vlogging just isn’t for me. I don’t write often but when I’m in the mood, I can write. Sometimes too much information. But that’s alright because judging people isn’t even cool anymore!

So far, I’ve been to the following places in this order:

Thailand (3 weeks)

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Pai

Chiang Rai

Phuket

Krabi

Khao Tao

Cambodia (3 weeks)

Siem Reap

Koh Rong Samlom

Kampot

Phnom Penh

Eight years ago I backpacked for five weeks with my good friend primarily along the Mediterranean Sea of Europe. Unfortunately I don’t remember as much as I’d like because I have the worst memory, but I do remember swearing myself against hostels if I were to backpack again. As much fun as I had, I struggled a lot with managing travel arrangements and having a general understanding of how to get to and from places of interest. Granted it’s been eight years, but I realized traveling across countries (alone) isn’t difficult at all, only after throwing myself into the situation of course.

Chianti, Italia (2011)

It’s been four years since I first had an interest in traveling to Asia long term. As I was wrapping up college, I decided to move to Chiang Mai to teach English, so I interviewed for a temporary position to save money for flights. Rather than pursuing my teaching career abroad, I was offered a full time position in recruiting. Of course I took the route that was most clear and stable. I can’t blame myself for that, especially for how fruitful my career and life became since accepting that offer.

Two years ago, with fate AND hard work, I met an incredible opportunity. A 2-year contract, which essentially paid me to learn everything about technology. All I wanted at this point was to KNOW and be IN that world. The gender discrimination around this industry really frustrated me, which is what made it even more appealing to me. After joining the company, I was given the resources to take in everything that interested me and run with it however I pleased, which included a project around gender inclusivity within tech and staffing. Two years later, I now know the ins and outs of the “tech” industry. More importantly, I now recognize my own professional worth, potential and trajectory.

Google, Austin, TX (2018)

So, I’m finally in Southeast Asia, four years later, with things I needed to learn in order to get here, to feel as confident and self assured as I do. But I want to share my experiences, thoughts and emotions along the way because 1) people have asked, 2) I love a good project, 3) I’m interested to see how vulnerable I can be considering how private of a person I am, 4) vlogging didn’t work out so this better, 5) for as much as I read, it’s only fair to extend my writing capabilities.

Goals:

Meet incredible people

See the world, on my own time

Think present mindedly

Relieve myself of anxiety

[brightgirlsfilm]

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Have a #sunset @pointreyesnps #findyourpark #california #pacificocean #nationalpark #backpacking #backpacker #solofemalebackpacker . . . . . #sharetheadventure #sheexplores #outdoorwomen #radgirlslife #sheisnotlost #liveyouradventure #liveauthentic #earthgirllifestyle #livebravely #womenwhoexplore #athomeintheworld #writer #writing #camping #campingthecoast #hikingthecoast (at Wildcat Campground) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwqTiWnj9AS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=j98admzosa5n

[dahabweb]

Geobotanic | 4K Ultra HD - The best place to buy plants in Tbilisi, Georgia 2020 Заводы в Тбилиси 👇 https://youtu.be/-JA1KtwOHnU Find the video link on my profile account _________ #tbilisi #travelgram #tbilisigeorgia #siviaggiare #viaggiaredasoli #tbilisigram #backpacking #traveldiaries #Грузиямоя #avventurenelmondo #solofemalebackpacker #georgiatravel #Táunucn #mytravelgram #вокругсвета #batumi #traveltheworld #beautifuldestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #путешествиепомиру #тбилисифото #еxploregeorgia #0тдыхаемхорошо #georgiatravelnmoments #тбилисистарыйгород #travelphotography #путешествуйсомной #путешествуем #solotravel (at Tbilisi, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHsuM66B54u/?igshid=1ti2zx92o89it