I think the first thing to do is to research the area you are in or heading to and figure out what you're potentially dealing with. Learn about what to do if you encounter or are bit by a rattlesnake. Know the signs of a mountain lion and what do if you see one.
Take time to understand bears, their behavior and what to do if you come across one. Food-storage and proper safety are huge. Do not cook near your tent and do not keep your food in your tent.
This isn't just to keep bears away though, this goes for all wildlife If you want to take bear spray with you, by all means. Whatever makes you feel safe and more at ease is priceless and worth the extra weight. I however, do not take any with me. Although Washington has plenty of bears, in all my years of hiking, I have only seen one while on the trail. It was a Grizzly, but it was quite a distance away and there was a river between us.
Here are some links that might help in regards to learning more about the wild animals you could potential encounter.
Mountain Lion Safety. Moose Safety. Snake Safety. As far as other animals go; I've seen deer, elk, mountain goats, marmots and a ton of critters. However harmless they might seem, it's always best to keep your distance, to not make sudden moves and it's very important to not feed the animals. I get a lot of questions about mountain goats, and for the most part, they are beautiful and harmless creatures.
Many are so desensitized to humans that they will tromp right through your camp and get fairly close to you. It's a neat experience, but just because they seem tame, doesn't mean you should try to pet one or walk up to it. Make remember to do your business away from camp, as mountain goats are drawn to our urine. Other forms of protection because let's be honest If you want to bring mace, a knife or if you know how to use and own a handgun, bring it.
When I'm in the backcountry I'm there to push and challenge myself, as well as to recharge and reconnect with nature. I live in Seattle and I am more uncomfortable and afraid walking downtown at night than I am in the mountains. The people I encounter in the backcountry are energetic, cheerful and happy, and most are there for the very same reasons that I am.
Generally speaking, I feel as though I'm amongst friends, even if I don't know them. Know where you're going, what time you're leaving, the route you'll take if there are various options and when you plan on returning. I usually give all that information to my sister and at least one outdoor capable friend, and when I get back into service, I shoot them a text to let them know I am safe.
Before you leave home, test everything. Make sure you can set up your tent, that your sleeping pad doesn't leak and that you know how to use your stove and water filtration systems. You don't want to be trying to set up camp and reading instructions at the same time.
Know before you go and tackle any confusion and frustration at home. Assuming you've been backpacking before and have the logistical aspects handled, now it's just about overcoming mental obstacles.
I remember my first solo backpacking trip being filled with internal struggle, and you can read that story here. When you're out backpacking you'll have a lot of time to yourself, but hopefully you are someone who sees that as a good thing. You'll have time to explore, photograph, read, write or draw, or to just take it all in and be one with your thoughts.
As for sleeping, as long as you've done everything you can to ensure proper food storage and safety, then you should be able to rest easy. He is working full time to fund the trip which he hopes to start in January. I am really proud of his determination to travel and the way hes been researching on the net and in books. However, as a worried mum I am anxious that my son, who has never even spent a weekend alone, could end up in difficties as a solo traveller.
I would prefer him to go on an organised tour for his first trip but he is adament that he wants to go solo to fully experience what each country has to offer. He is planning on taking months travelling India, then south East Asia. There has been a lot of negative press about Thailand since the tragic event on Ko Tao and this has just made me worry more. I actually interviewed my mum about my travels which might be a good read for you.
I plan to try travelling solo real soon. Never done it before. But I am very eager to try it asap. But I am not sure whether I should do it first local or go abroad. I am planning on leaving my 10 year long career and traveling solo through Thailand, Vietnam, Oz and New Zealand.
I would like to be spontaneous and not stay in one area too long but I worry about finding the day after accommodation and transport on the day. Am I being ridiculous? Hi chris great article, I am planning on going solo travelling to oz first week in april but dont know where to start my journey was thinking maybe start in cairns and work my way down the east coast do u think that sounds like a good idea?
Also what us cairns like as a place thanks. Let me know how you get on! I just booked my ticket today and I plan to just go with flow, zero itenirary. Awesome times Jopabz — have an awesome time! Check out my Thailand section for some ideas of where to visit and what to do! I love your blog! Im about to embark on a solo trip to SE Asia. Its my first time travelling alone and my first time so far from home Canada ive been quite a few places and im for sure nervous, but im so grateful for this page and everyones replies.
I love reading what other women have had to say. I really look forward to being on my own and challening myself. The hard part now is… where to get started, what to do and how long to stay in each place.
My goal is to do Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in 90 days. Some people love it though so days in each will leave you with plenty of time to explore! Starting January! Let me know your trip went. Been backpacking to some places in SE Asia before, but always with a partner.
Thanks so much! No worries Fadila, glad I helped put your mind at rest! Hope you enjoy Austria — let me know how you get on! I would really appreciate your reply. Went to Thailand alone, had a nice solid breakup and holy smokes. Solo travels forever. Question though — Im heading to OZ next year and I wanted to buy a vehicle to get around for the year, and possibly switch between camping and hostels.
Did you camp much? Wow what an epic comment Casey — sounds like you had a rather hectic travel experience there! Major cities are a bit of a pain though so it depends how flexible you want to be as bus passes are still a solid option, especially cost wise as a solo traveller. This sounds good going solo how do u plan flites and stuff do u by a open ticket and do u fly back from same airport u left i was thinking aisia.
Hey Sean, it really depends on the trip, time length and what my plans are. Some destinations I work on a return ticket, where as some are a mixture of single flights that I piece together as I go.
Hi chris backpacked across the USA in 5 weeks by greyhound west to east,on my own loved the pease and quiet. The mrs has given me the thumbs up again to go on the road again I want to do Australia Perth to Brisbane.
Bus wise what route are you looking at? If you need any help let me know, just drop me an email through the contact form :. Any tips for the first night or two? Thanks so much :D. This post really resonated with me. But I see it as a great advantage that you are comfortable being alone and are able to engage with people at the same time. Indeed — alone is never really alone hey Nigel!
I actually hit up Koh Lanta on my second time to Thailand, really chilled out place hey?! Just want to say thanks for this post, I am very nervous about backpacking solo but this has put my mind at rest for the time being!
After recently being made redundant after working for the same company for 13 years I have decided to put the redundancy money to good use and go exploring the world! One of the main things I want to experience is scuba diving and from what I have seen it is a lot cheaper in Thailand than Oz.
You can actually book heaps of dive experience on my other site — Epic Gap Year — check out the following page for more info;. Thanks again for your post, it really enlightened me. Sorry I cant help any more! Your posts and opinions are really awesome and some relatable. Would be staying in some great hostels 3 ducks Paris. Little nervous about it, but seems manageable : I wanna sky dive — any ideas which location would be the most suitable.
Anything you recommend? Hey Chris! Do you have any suggestions? Hey Kara, Nice to e-meet you and greta to hear about your trip! Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Loved your post. With no friends willing to join me, it looks like it will have to be alone. I need some wise words to make me book the tickets! Then you can build up your confidence and head to Asia and what not after. In saying that though SEAsia is heaps of fun and cheap too — as well as being surprisingly easy to explore, just depends how far out your comfort zone you initially want to be!
Just gotta start earning that experience! Hey Kate, it really comes down to what you fancy doing…. So glad i came across your blog. Im 29, Filipino. Its something I have always wanted to do and I need to do some soul searching and just really want to spend time getting to know myself. SO I am freaking out a little bit but reading your blog and other peoples comments here kinda settled my heart. Hey Abby, Stoked the post helped settle your nerves! Let me know if you need any help!
Did you meet people in Bangkok and travel with them or did you travel to each part of Thailand by yourself? My first trip was 3 weeks and all my overnight trains and buses and ferries were alongside some new travel buddies — I even met people en route who became close friends!
Absolutely true! Just discovered your blog! After quite a crazy year, the past 7 years in London, university, I feel it is about time I set out to explore and adventure what the world has to offer! Hey Elizabeth, nice to e-meet you and welcome to the blog!
Sounds like you deserve a break and NZ is an epic place to start! Having the opportunity to make last minute changes to your travels will open you up to amazing opportunities.
I know, I just recommended to keep your plans open, but planning ahead a little bit! Traveling solo is an incredible experience, but it does come with a certain level of risk. Women especially have to be aware of their surroundings and take caution. Researching destinations ahead of time can help keep you out of any sketchy areas or at least avoid walking through sketchy areas at night.
While I was traveling solo through Central America, I stayed overnight in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, which happened to be the murder capital of the world at the time. I took a taxi from my hostel at 4 am and was dropped off at a deserted field that doubled as one of the bus stops to the ferry port.
I sat by myself in that field until a couple of men showed up and just stared at me. Eventually more people arrived to catch the bus and the sun broke t hrough the darkness, but for a while I was pretty nervous. Most places around the world are perfectly safe. Push the boundaries, visit countries that will shock your friends back home and go get some epic stories. If you found our trips helpful, check out these travel resources for solo travelers that we highly recommend:.
Skyscanner — We love Skyscanner because they always give you the best comparisons of different airlines. This will show you the cheapest flights around the world for your dates.
Perfect inspiration for daydreaming about your next getaway! You can sign up for a free membership or pay for premium and the service sends you amazing flight deals straight to your inbox. Some of the deals are error fares and you can fly around the world for incredibly cheap. HostelWorld — Our go to platform for finding hostels.
They have a wide range listed with pricing for dorms and privates, as well as reviews for each hostel. When we each traveled solo we loved staying in hostels!
They have a really comprehensive range of options from low end to high end. We always find something that fits our travel perfectly! Airbnb — Airbnb can be a good option for solo travelers if you want a few quiet nights to yourself. You can also book a private room in a house where you can have your own space but have the opportunity to meet others.
Want to try it out? Get Your Guide — This website has listings for tours and guides all over the world. From tours around the Louvre in Paris to safaris in South Africa, they really have it all. They also have reviews of each tour so you can get an idea of the quality, as they are all run by different tour operators.
Blacklane — We love taking public transportation when we travel, but sometimes we need to splurge on some private transport. Nothing feels more chic than stepping off the plane and finding a chauffeur holding a sign with your name on it, then slipping in to your private car. So true! Know how to filter water , set up your tent, be bear aware , read a map and trail signs, tend to your stove, treat a blister , assess the weather , and pace yourself.
She likes to prepare by researching every detail, from getting to the trailhead to available water sources. Addis also always brings a solar charger to keep her devices juiced. For an added sense of security and peace of mind in areas without cell connection, you can buy or rent a personal locator beacon such as a SPOT or Garmin inReach.
These devices allow you to communicate with family or friends and even emergency services in the event that you need help. What if I see a bear or a moose or a mountain lion? What if the weather drastically shifts?
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