Travel June 15, 2018
"Not all those who wander are lost." —J.R.R. Tolkein
Backpacking and traveling can often seem intimidating, especially for the solo female traveler. Is it safe? What if something bad happens?
Every traveling woman has heard or asked these questions at least once. While the concern is coming from a good place, these comments tend to discourage travelers before their journeys even begin.
Misconceptions that women should not travel alone need to end. The world is an oyster for both men and women. Fellow female travelers, you can do it. And you’ll have the time of your life!
If you’re new to traveling or just want to brush up on details to remember, here are things to prepare and keep in mind while backpacking the world.
Try to bring as little as possible when backpacking or traveling. You’ll find that you don’t need much on your trip. I promise you the less you bring, the more comfortable and happy you’ll be. Plus you’ll have room for more souvenirs. When packing, question what you put in your suitcase. Do I really need 3 pairs of shoes?
If you’re flying a budget airline, try to bring your backpack as your carry-on as there are many instances where budget airlines lose bags, especially if you have a layover. You can be assured you have everything on you and avoid long lines and waits at the baggage claim.
Portable Power Bank —This will save you and your phone’s battery. I recommend one with five or six charges so that you don’t need to recharge it every day. Outlets are a luxury when backpacking and traveling.
Pen—You would be surprised how handy a good pen is, whether you’re in the plane filling out immigration cards or journaling on a long train ride.
Ziplock Bags—These are always great to have on hand, especially if you’re doing water activities (gotta keep that phone safe) or want to save some food to snack on later.
Dry Shampoo—If you know that you’ll be on an overnight bus or be camping with little access to clean water, dry shampoo will save you from smelly, oily day 2 hair.
Dry Fast Towel—No one likes a damp towel, but sometimes you just don’t have the time to wait for your towel to dry. To avoid the swampy smell of damp towel sitting in your backpack, get yourself a fast-drying towel!
Camera—If you like photography or recording memories, make sure to bring a camera. If you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor activities, I recommend a small, action camera like a GoPro. If you don’t want to lug around a chunky DSLR camera or are afraid your camera might get damaged, try bringing a disposable camera. Because you can’t see the pictures until they get developed, it makes it more exciting to see your pictures after you return from your trip.
Backpack with Support—Carrying everything while you travel is no easy feat especially if you’re walking over ten miles a day. Make sure you bring a backpack that distributes weight on your hips and lower back so your back, neck and shoulders don’t ache the day after.
Water Bottle (with water purification system or tablets)—When you’re abroad, it’s safest to buy bottled water, but if you are camping and cannot access filtered water, bring a water bottle that has a purification system or bring a water bottle and purifying tablets.
Pain Killers—When you’re traveling, you never know when a headache will hit you or the period pains get unbearable so don’t forget to pack a couple of painkilling pills.
Menstrual supplies—Pads, tampons, menstrual cups or whatever you use, don’t forget them. Female backpackers often go for menstrual cups because its reusable and saves space.
A Knife—Unless you’re bringing your backpack as a carry-on, bring a knife. You can use it to protect yourself, cut a piece of fruit, open packaging or any other practical use.
Hand Sanitizer/Personal Wipes—Not every restroom is going to have toilet paper or a sink so if you like to keep clean, don’t forget these!
Copy of Your Passport Photo—It’s a hassle to take out your passport every time you need an ID or need your passport number. To make sure you don’t lose your passport, scan your passport and keep it close with you and on-hand when you travel.
Journal—Traveling is an exciting experience. With a journal, you can record your thoughts, experiences, funny events and look at them after your trips. It will definitely help when you share your experiences with your family and friends.
Unless you’re traveling or backpacking domestically, it’s good to do your research. I’m all about spontaneity during my trip, but I like to know what the political and cultural landscape is of the place I’m going.
Historical Context—I like to read about the history of places I’m going to. This background information helps when understanding the country.
Social Context and Customs—It’s important to be aware of the social context and customs of a place you’re traveling to. For example, if you’re going to a historically or culturally sensitive place like a church or temple, try not wear a tank top and flip-flops. Freedom of fashion is good, but it’s important to be respectful. Being respectful will limit attention on you and keep you safe.
Currency Exchange—Often times, it’s more expensive to exchange money in the U.S. so I exchange most of my money in the country I’m staying in. However, it is easy to be confused in front of a currency counter. I use a currency exchange calculator app to know what to aim for when I go to haggle with a currency exchange employee.
Holidays—Holidays are different everywhere. Because on some holidays, stores close and selling alcohol is prohibited (in Thailand), find out if your trip lands on some holidays and how locals observe them.
Laws And Law Enforcement—Every country has different laws and some are more strict than others. Be aware so you’re not stuck in an unpleasant situation while you’re traveling. Also, research how to contact and deal with law enforcement in case you need to deal with them due to a lost passport or reporting an incident.
Embassy—Know where your embassy is located and how to contact your country. If you lose your passport or have trouble with law enforcement, your country’s embassy should help you.
Activities—Know what kind of activities are available to you when you travel. Because water activities were so accessible and cheap in Thailand, I went snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.
It’s great and helpful to learn from other people’s experiences, but it’s important to recognize that your experience will be different. Absorb and take in advice, but don’t let other people’s bad experiences discourage you.
Join a Travel Support Group—I’m in a women’s travel group on facebook called Girls LOVE Travel®, where women share experiences, tips and even make plans to meet during trips.
Ask Around—If you know someone who has been to your destination country, grab lunch with him or her. It’s good to learn from another person’s experience and allows you to ask them specific questions.
Go With Friends—Because my core friend group is spread out and are constantly working, it’s great to plan a trip with them. We are able to have quality time together and catch up while sharing precious experiences together.
Network While Traveling—If you’re going alone, but visiting a country where you know someone, hit them up! You can explore with them and see how they’re doing.
Tours—If you’re staying at a hostel and they offer free tours, if you have time, go on one! Especially if you’re a solo traveler, it’s a great way to meet other travelers.
Unplug—Enjoy where you’re at and what you’re doing in the moment. You can check your Instagram, facebook, twitter or e-mail after your trip. Make a conversation with a fellow traveler or local. I promise it’ll be a lot more interesting than staring at your screen.
When you are going out of the country, you are the foreigner. People and cultures are different everywhere. Learn about them, learn from them and broaden your mind.
Differences—Chances are if you’re traveling outside of the country, you’ll be surrounded by people who did not grow up like you. You will meet all sorts of people: kind, compassionate, different, rude, and even racist. It happens and it sucks. Try not to let bad people affect your experiences as a whole.
Try New Things.—The reason why you’re going someplace is to experience new things, right? Be open to trying new foods, activities and experiences.
Be Considerate—Don’t trash or leave your waste. It’s rude to the locals who live there and have to deal with your trash. As a traveler I get annoyed at other drunk travelers who make a ruckus in public spaces, I can’t imagine how locals must feel.
Don’t Expect Everyone to Know English—Don’t expect others to know English if English is not their native language. If you’re traveling abroad, you should try using the local language. It’s not easy and at times it’s embarrassing when you’re wrong, but it will help you connect with locals and you’ll be learning something new.
Things Won’t Always Go as Planned—Maybe you missed your bus or your flight has been delayed. Breathe. You’re going to be okay.
Don’t Stress—Don’t let stress ruin your trip. Remember you’re there to have fun and make experiences.
Take a Day Off—If your traveling schedule has been tight from intense traveling, take a day off. Sometimes we need to recharge in order to fully enjoy the next step on our trips.
Your Time—This is your experience. Take ownership and make it into an experience you will treasure and enjoy. If you’re traveling with other people and you disagree on a schedule or plan, feel free to set off solo for a while and regroup later. Everyone has something they want to get out of their trip. It’s okay if those things are all different. You do you boo.
Let Things Go—I ended up losing money during my trip to Berlin. I beat myself up for it all day and ended up missing out on enjoying what I did that day. After that trip, I learned to let things go when I can’t control them.
Ask for Help—If you’re lost, turn to a fellow traveler or local. More often than not people are willing to help you.
Be Conscious of Your Presence—Don’t disturb the wildlife or animals that live there.
Above all, safety is priority. There’s nothing like a bad backpacking experience to discourage you from future travels. Most people won’t experience dangerous situations, but here are some tips to help you have the safest backpacking trip possible.
Common Sense—Everywhere you go, it’s good to have common sense.
Travel Smart—Do your research about certain crimes so that you know what to watch out for. For example, in certain countries, pickpocketing is prevalent.
Dangerous Places—Every country has dangerous areas. Know where they are so you can avoid them.
Trust Your Gut—You know best. If something feels off or fishy, trust your gut and try to get out of the situation.
Privacy—Don’t feel pressured to share information. If someone asks you where you’re going or staying, you don’t have to tell them. You can lie or just let them know you’re not sure if you don’t want to directly refuse.
Pepper Spray—Can come in handy.
Emergency Contact—In case something happens to you, make sure you have emergency contact information that someone can contact.
Check-In—Let family and friends know where you will be and when you’ll be home.
Utilize Public Spaces—If you need to rest or change plans, utilize public spaces like libraries, museums or parks. These are places where you can relax and concentrate on revising your plan without worrying too much about safety.
Lastly, enjoy your backpacking trip! You are lucky to be able to explore the world. Savor it.
