Traveling Solo: Stories of Solo Female Backpacking
Every time I return home from my most recent backpacking trip, people always ask me to tell them stories, tales from my trip to convince them that budget backpacking is safe, and the best way to see a destination.
I tell them what it is like living in a hostel, and how you go see the city by foot with friends you just made, you hitchhike outside of the city to see the historical sites, and sometimes stay out way too late drinking with the locals.
My friends always cringe when I tell these stories and say “ That sounds great, but it’s different for a female traveler”. I stop, and automatically think of all the solo female backpackers I have met, and how they have been just as adventurous and spontaneous as the anyone.
In fact a 2020 report gathered by the leading solo travel statistics and data site Solo Travel World reports that 47% of travelers with Overseas Adventure Travel are registered as ‘solo'. An astounding 85% of these solo travelers are women.
My first time hitchhiking experience was in Oaxaca, Mexico with a solo female backpacker from France. We met in a hostel, when a group of us were discussing plans to book a van to transport to a local historical site outside the city. She politely distributed the conversation to let us know she will be hitchhiking there tomorrow, and if anyone wanted to save money and join her, we would be welcomed.
What is the a strategy to traveling safer as a solo female backpacker? In my story, my friends showed incredible confidence in her travel style, as she pressed her way through the crowds at main city square, asking locals where we could find a ride out of town. From spending time with solo female backpackers In hostels, and even going on some pretty dangerous adventures, I have learned that the strategy is different for everyone, but some important details remain the same. Be smart, keep your wits about you, protect your belongings, and act like you have done this before.
I am fortunate to have met many amazing women, who have traveled all over the world as solo backpackers. Some have shared their story, and the uique travel experiences of traveling solo with you.
Becky (UK)
Analucia (Israel)
Andrea (Spain)
These stories of solo travel talk about how being alone shaped their travel styles and open doors to new adventures and long lasting friendships. How confidence in the face of challenges is really what backpacking is all about.
I invite you to look to these stories from solo female backpackers, and find inspiration to grab your backpack and start planning your next trip today.
