Every year, backpacking is getting safer and easier, so much so that more females are choosing to travel alone. Hostels, travel companies and activity services have had to do adapt and thankfully they are doing so quite nicely.
However, travelling alone, particularly if you are a woman, is more risky and potentially hazardous than in a group. But fundamentally it is more rewarding and the freedom it offers is unparalleled.
Backpackers are the most at-risk group of travellers, so make sure you take the necessary steps in protecting yourself against the unknown and first and foremost, get insurance. Many insurers also have 24-hour international emergency help lines that could prove invaluable.
Secondly, keep in touch. If you are travelling alone you will need to check in with home via email or text message regularly. Make sure your phones roaming capability is activated and find out if your network provider offers any special discounts on international calling.
Dont bother packing good-quality clothes and forget high-heeled shoes. Firstly, you will be laughed out of the hostel if you turn up in stilettos and a LBD, but secondly save the space for something more useful such as a first aid kit, a decent pair of trainers that you can walk long distances in and a waterproof rain mac. Travelling clothes are a fashion statement in themselves, so enjoy the fact that you dont need to wear foundation, heels and a dress everyday.
Toiletry wise, you can buy shampoo, conditioner etc when you arrive at your destination for much cheaper than you can at home, plus you will save weight at the airport. However, sanitary items and medicines are worth buying at home, as in certain countries in Africa for example, you can have problems getting these.
Hair straighteners are becoming more commonplace in a girls backpack; however, its worth noting that theyre only really useful if your travels take you to Europe, or Aus and New Zealand. Elsewhere the voltage will be too low and power unreliable so theyll be a waste of space.
Hair-ties on the other hand are useful. Humidity and hair are not good bed fellows so keep your hair tied back and give centre partings a miss as youll risk burning your scalp ouch!
You can cut back on clothes but not medicines so travel light. Youll also need to save space for all that shopping youll be doing.
However, travelling alone, particularly if you are a woman, is more risky and potentially hazardous than in a group. But fundamentally it is more rewarding and the freedom it offers is unparalleled.
Backpackers are the most at-risk group of travellers, so make sure you take the necessary steps in protecting yourself against the unknown and first and foremost, get insurance. Many insurers also have 24-hour international emergency help lines that could prove invaluable.
Secondly, keep in touch. If you are travelling alone you will need to check in with home via email or text message regularly. Make sure your phones roaming capability is activated and find out if your network provider offers any special discounts on international calling.
Dont bother packing good-quality clothes and forget high-heeled shoes. Firstly, you will be laughed out of the hostel if you turn up in stilettos and a LBD, but secondly save the space for something more useful such as a first aid kit, a decent pair of trainers that you can walk long distances in and a waterproof rain mac. Travelling clothes are a fashion statement in themselves, so enjoy the fact that you dont need to wear foundation, heels and a dress everyday.
Toiletry wise, you can buy shampoo, conditioner etc when you arrive at your destination for much cheaper than you can at home, plus you will save weight at the airport. However, sanitary items and medicines are worth buying at home, as in certain countries in Africa for example, you can have problems getting these.
Hair straighteners are becoming more commonplace in a girls backpack; however, its worth noting that theyre only really useful if your travels take you to Europe, or Aus and New Zealand. Elsewhere the voltage will be too low and power unreliable so theyll be a waste of space.
Hair-ties on the other hand are useful. Humidity and hair are not good bed fellows so keep your hair tied back and give centre partings a miss as youll risk burning your scalp ouch!
You can cut back on clothes but not medicines so travel light. Youll also need to save space for all that shopping youll be doing.
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