When you pack the right gear, youll enjoy yourself out on trail while being safe. In any case, Id be remiss to skip the obvious when it comes to safety and dress codes. This is a well-known scam where you are then taken to a backstreet cafe where the local gangsters force you to pay hundreds for a simple cup of tea.Look it up if you dont believe me.The most trustworthy information comes from official tourism bodies, government websites and recognised guidebooks and travel agents.Id look this up before you get to your destination to avoid getting duped by fake tourism boards.Protect Yourself From DiseasesBe sure to use repellent in tropical climates and take anti-malarial medication where necessary. . My tips for solo female travellers is to only stay with and accept other female backpackers to play it safe. So drop by and visit the Facebook Group Backpackers Travel Hub. I'm passionate about hiking, backpacking and spending time in the Great Outdoors. Tips & Tricks on How to Plan Your Next Outdoor Adventure. As the old saying goes: You may be paranoid, but that doesn'tmean theyre not out to get you.All jokes aside, were often made to feel that our feelings are irrational. If anyone around you is acting suspiciously or makes you uncomfortable for no reason - dont ignore your instinct. Interested in learning more about the program Ive put together and how I can help you achieve your hiking and backpacking goals this year? I bring my Garmin inReach with me on every one of my backpacking trips. The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, How to Prepare for Your First Solo Backpacking Trip, charge the electronics you bring with you when out on trail, What are the 10 Essentials? | Backpacking Ancient Lakes, My Favorite Winter Hike in Washington | Snowshoeing in Mount Rainier National Park, Backpacking the Ozette Triangle Loop Trail | Olympic National Park, Episode 117:Thru-hiking, building womens confidence in the outdoors and adventure tips with Kathleen Neves of The Hungry Hiker. The goal of this first trip is to gain experience and increase your confidence so that youll want to go on your next trip. Hi, Im Kathleen! Required fields are marked *. Pay particular attention to their policies on room security, customer privacy and luggage storage. I'm not sure if there are other countries which have a similar system. Is there a Park fee required to get into the area? The best repellents are the ones containing DEET. Travel insurance is something you cant afford to overlook when setting off on your journey. If you notice people acting a little weird in the restaurant or bar you are in - yes, that includes the staff - then Id reconsider your decision to eat there. Over the last several years and a few thousand miles, Ive spent a fair amount of time out on trail by myself everything from day hiking to thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail solo. Frugal Tips for the Novice Solo Female Backpacker If someone is being aggressive, overly pushy or they simply wont take no for an answer, then dont be afraid to assert yourself if necessary. The one circumstance where I believe dressing conservatively actually is good advice is in places of worship, where everyone is expected to dress moderately. How true that is, I dont know. Be Aware of Scams, Its almost impossible not to get scammed when youre a seasoned backpacker.In the vast majority of cases, these scams are a simple case of being overcharged as a tourist.However, you can reduce the likelihood of being seriously ripped off by making yourself aware of the common tourist scams out there.For example, if a random person on the street invites you to a tearoom in China, just refuse. Hopefully the advice given above will help you to significantly reduce the risk of running into trouble abroad. My goal is to help you get inspired to go outside and plan your next adventure whether its going on a day hike, overnight backpacking trip or thru-hiking a long distance trail for several months. Your Ultimate Guide to Backpacking the Enchanted Valley in Olympic However, it is always best to err on the side of caution, especially if someone isnt respecting your personal space, behaving inappropriately or their behaviour doesnt appear to be a cultural norm. Give off an air of confidence whenever you're travelling alone. In other words, you never know whether youre going to have the greatest journey in the world, or whether the trip will be a complete bust. Its better to be safe than sorry. Of course, you can do all the research in the world, but the best advice comes from people who actually live in the area. These can often be found on Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and whatever website you are booking from. Backpacking basics including Leave No Trace principles, trail hygiene like how to poop, pee and deal with your period when out in the woods, trail etiquette and how to deal with blisters. But actually you hear about bad things happening and serial killers in most countries, including the one where Im from. As with anywhere, it was necessary to take sensible precautions and be vigilant. The real money was stashed away in the hotel room safe or placed in a hidden compartment in my day bag. Luckily, my desire to travel was much stronger than my fear of the unknown, so I set off travelling. The last thing I want is a blog on health and safety to turn into yet another scare story. Are there designated tentsites or is dispersed camping allowed? It was like I had known these women all my life.This is why I created an online backpacking program for women: The Confident Solo Female Backpacker SystemLearn More: https://www.the-hungry-hiker.com/the-confident-solo-female-backpacker-system/ Blog Post: Why I Created An Online Backpacking Program For Women https://www.the-hungry-hiker.com/2022/11/14/why-i-created-an-online-backpacking-program-for-women/~~~ Ladies, have you been wanting to go on a solo backpacking trip, BUT: Feel overwhelmed and dont know where to start with planning a trip like this? Are scared of camping alone? Not sure how to handle wildlife encounters? Need help getting gear and food sorted out? Are letting your fears and other peoples fears talk you out of going alone? Keep making up excuses of why you cant get to the trailhead? Tired of waiting for someone else to go backpacking with?Want to learn how to be more comfortable and confident with getting out on trail by yourself? But it does make you more attractive to other backpackers wholl be intrigued and curious about your confident and sassy demeanour. So in this section, I go beyond the basic safety precautions to give specific advice to solo female travellers. keep a knife (like the Leatherman tool) and bear spray on your person at all times. Is it safe to travel as a solo female backpacker?. Whether youre a beginner or a well-seasoned female backpacker, this comprehensive, self-paced online backpacking program specifically for women will walk you through, step by step, everything you need to know in order to plan, prepare and build up your confidence to comfortably go on either your FIRST or NEXT solo backpacking trip. One thing I always did was carry a dummy wallet, full of nominal change, whenever I was out and about. Weve all heard the horror stories about tourists getting drugged and mugged or worse. Greetings, thanks for visiting my blog. These can often be found on Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and whatever website you are booking from.If there doesn't appear to be any reviews, then be sure to research or Google the accommodation in question. Hiking Advice Hiking The PCT FAQs How I Pack My Pack For An Overnight Backpacking Trip Are you getting ready to start planning and preparing for an upcoming backpacking trip? The Hungry Hiker | Your resource for hiking, backpacking and getting inspired to plan your next outdoor adventure. As the old saying goes: You may be paranoid, but that doesn'tmean theyre not out to get you. I'm not sure if there are other countries which have a similar system. Don't be paranoid, simply use good judgement and common sense. Most of my winter hikes have been with students in my online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System. I recently took a group of students from The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System out for an overnight backpacking trip in Oregon to Cottonwood Canyon State Park. The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System - Pinterest I'm a former PCT thru-hiker, avid Pacific Northwest day hiker, solo long-distance backpacker and "The Hungry Hiker" on YouTube. These taxis are more likely to be licensed and traceable with less chance of things going wrong. These amazing, wonderful women that I call my friends and mountain sisters. Why I Love Winter Hiking - The Hungry Hiker Once enrolled, students get lifetime access to The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, including any updates that are made to the program! Is it safe to travel as a solo female backpacker?: My Tips For Solo Do you know of any? Book Transport From Reputable OrganisationsWhere possible, its best to book taxis in advance or via a reputable hotel or airport. There are many natural alternatives on the market, but I found that these were usually not as effective - particularly during the evening when the numbers of mosquitoes tend to increase.Wearing long clothes in the evening will also help to protect you from mosquito bites.Take any necessary vaccinations you need, and dont forget to take any prescription medications you may need. Water to start with. Her experience inspired her to help other women get outdoors by creating The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System and offering tips on The Hungry Hiker. In the vast majority of cases, these scams are a simple case of being overcharged as a tourist. If you forget the pin or if someone has several unsuccessful attempts of breaking into that padlock, then youre locked out of your own bag. Book Transport From Reputable Organisations. If you do get dropped off in the middle of nowhere (as can happen when you travel abroad), then be sure that you know where you will be before that point, or at the very least have a Plan B in case you do get stuck. You may find that you are not the only person to have those concerns.Dont Be Afraid to Say NoPoliteness is a creeps best friend. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason, it can be easy to overlook this. If so, I have something special for you! Hiker - PLAYBOARD - She showed me how. This is similar to the advice above, but theres another aspect to this tip as well.Lets say youre with a group of people that you met just a couple of hours earlier. For example, if a random person on the street invites you to a tearoom in China, just refuse. There are tons of groups out there. But I know that whenever I ignore what my gut says, I usually end up regretting it. Similarly, while you are in transit, be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times. While it is tempting to experience the great outdoors and opt for the most remote and untouched location you can think of, just know that this is playing Russian Roulette on your safety if you go alone and independently.You may be perfectly fine of course, but if its a country youre not familiar with, its best to err on the side of caution. Sign up for a free, one-on-one Zoom call to chat with me and see if youd be a perfect fit for this program. If things go sideways or you dont feel safe, hike back to your car. What I didnt anticipate was creating an incredible community of likeminded women as a result of putting together a program like this. I have lived and worked in more than 10 different countries abroad and have forged a successful career in journalism and content marketing. As a solo female backpacker, I also took my own safety advice outlined above. Do your homework. You can also connect with apps that help you to learn more about the area you are in and how to navigate it. Grieving the loss of my mom, the loss of my stepdad, the loss of the son I thought I was going to have. How true that is, I dont know. Not only did these women have a chance to apply everything theyve learned in the program out on trail, but we got to meet each other in-person and enjoy some serious female bonding together doing what we all love: hiking and backpacking. Youre not going to find monsters lurking around every corner, or predators waiting to pounce on you. I mean, its not like I grew up backpacking. Essential Guide: How to Pack Your Backpack for an Overnight Backpacking Or do you plan on assembling a hiking group yourself? When I got into the hostel, the other travellers told me that although the area was safe by Western standards, it was still considered the most dangerous part of Japan. This way, if things go sideways or you dont feel safe, you have the option to pack up camp and hike back to the trailhead. Exploring the world changed my life for the better. If youre on Facebook, do a search for hiking and backpacking groups. Dispose of waste properly, which ultimately means Pack it on, pack it out, Respect wildlife, like keeping your distance and being bear aware, Download maps and/or your route before getting on trail and out of cell service, Mark possible water sources along the trail, Your planned route and the name of the trailhead youll be starting from, Note the potential tentsites you may stay at during your trip, Your start date and time. Theres no topic thats off limits in this program! My ultimate goal with creating The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System is to help inspire more women to want to be out on trail, and feel safe and comfortable doing so, whether its for a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. If youre interested in becoming a part of the program, add your name to the list for when I open up enrollment for the program again in January 2024 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWcgKn2HZeQYN5VDC9Q8GC4u7ESgPwygvdMbNRx6FeFc2pXQ/viewform, Your email address will not be published. This is similar to the advice above, but theres another aspect to this tip as well. The Hungry Hiker (TheHungryHiker) - Profile | Pinterest CLICK HERE to add yourself to the waitlist to be notified when the next enrollment period for The Confident Solo Female Backpacking System opens up in January 2024. When I say mean streets Im only half-joking. If that is the case, then as much as possible, avoid any situations where you are alone with that person and if their behaviour escalates or becomes really inappropriate, dont be afraid to report them or tell someone you trust about your concerns. But people do let their inhibitions down when they are on holiday. You can either pay the one-time enrollment fee all at once or you have the option of breaking it up into 4 monthly payments. Even if it doesn't earn you any brownie points among your peers. Ive ultimately created the online backpacking program I wish I had when I first started hiking and backpacking. But I know that whenever I ignore what my gut says, I usually end up regretting it.Call it the womans instinct.Dress ConservativelyI hate giving this advice. Appearing calm, confident and in control is the key to self defence for any solo female backpacker. Why is packing the 10 Essentials important for any trip out in the backcountry? This is for the simple reason that women are naturally more vulnerable than men. Once the enrollment period opens up in January 2024, there will be a price increase for the program. No really, I do. The opportunity to join me for various group day hiking and overnight backpacking trips throughout the year. Whenever you venture abroad, you never quite know whats around the corner. If you notice people acting a little weird in the restaurant or bar you are in - yes, that includes the staff - then Id reconsider your decision to eat there. Paris is always a good ideabut especially . But the price of literally ignoring your gut feeling could be anything from a nasty bout of travellers' diarrhea or in the worst case scenario, a nightmare youll never recover from.Id read the reviews of the bar or restaurant before going as well and where possible stick to the popular places. Why I Created an Online BACKPACKING Program for WOMEN | The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System // When I created my online backpacking program for women. Where possible, its best to book taxis in advance or via a reputable hotel or airport. The more confident and assertive you appear, the less attractive youll be to a potential predator.But it does make you more attractive to other backpackers wholl be intrigued and curious about your confident and sassy demeanour. Let's go hiking! This section really just focuses on general safety tips when travelling anywhere especially abroad. Especially if you read the reviews before you stay at their house. You Can't Learn How to Backpack Just by Watching YouTube Videos Months later, she would ask her female followers on Instagram if we wanted to be more confident while solo in the backcountry. The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System is a comprehensive, self-paced online backpacking program for women, designed to help women go from feeling scared and intimidated about backpacking alone to feeling comfortable with planning their own adventures so that they can feel confident getting out on trail for either their first or next solo b. This crazy idea that was in my head was to create an online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with doing your research. Paris, France. 25 Hiking Advice ideas in 2023 | hiking, hiker, backpacking But my point is that the risk is as ever-present in developed Western countries as it is anywhere else. Are letting your fears and other peoples fears talk you out of going alone? To be honest, the advice is useful to anyone that travels anywhere, but it is particularly aimed at solo female backpackers who venture overseas. The more confident and assertive you appear, the less . This helps support my YouTube Channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this one. Be sure to ask questions about their security and safety procedures. As an alternative, consider making use of organised tours and accommodations that offer you the opportunity to camp in remote, relatively untouched places, but with the support of an organisation or with other campers nearby. Id love to work with you to help you achieve your solo hiking and backpacking goals! She is the creator of The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, a comprehensive, self-paced, online backpacking program for women designed to help solo women identifying hikers get more comfortable heading out on trails by themselves. Be honest with yourself about your skills and capabilities. You may be perfectly fine of course, but if its a country youre not familiar with, its best to err on the side of caution. Be very cautious if you cannot access any reviews or feedback at all about the hotel. I can do hard things. All it takes is a cancelled plane, a nasty bout of dengue fever, a bad fall on the mountain or food poisoning to send you off to the hospital.Do you really need a 3,000 bill to top it all off?Most backpackers have the it wont happen to me attitude - until it does.The small investment in travel insurance will be worth its weight in gold should you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation.Make Copies of Important DocumentsBe sure to make copies of your passport pages, visas, travel insurance documents and other key details. August 30, 2022 - 232 likes, 4 comments - KATHLEEN NEVES | BACKPACKING COACH (@_thehungryhiker) on Instagram: "You might have noticed me talking a lot about The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System here on . Id think about it and then Id talk myself out of it. Another tip is that if you do get a padlock, do not get one with a code. Hiking Essentials for Hikers & Backpackers, What are the 10 Essentials? But people do let their inhibitions down when they are on holiday. In any case, knowing who to call in times of trouble is never a bad idea.Some countries, such as Thailand have foreign police that you can call upon when disaster strikes.These police officers are English-speaking volunteers who are specially recruited in Thailand who can help you if and when you run into trouble. Ladies, Id love to work with you to help you achieve your solo hiking and backpacking goals! If you want to learn how to be more comfortable and confident with getting out on trail by yourself or want to take a more leadership role with planning future backpacking group trips with your friends, family or kids, click the link below to schedule a time with me to see if we're a fit to work together inside The Confident Solo Female . Its always safe until it isnt.In some countries, militia groups hang out in the woods, dangerous animals such as alligators may be a little too close to comfort and if you do run into problems, nobody will be nearby to help.The biggest danger is that you may get lost and run out of resources such as food, water of batteries in the middle of a dense forest.Im not trying to scaremonger here - in fact, as a seasoned backpacker, I despise people who do this. So how do you strike a balance between being careful and staying safe? Ladies, have you been thinking about wanting to go on a solo day hike or overnight backpacking trip this year? Both options give you instant access and lifetime access to the program. There are also location-specific hiking and backpacking groups, trail specific groups (especially for the long-distance trails) and even women-specific hiking and backpacking groups. I get asked this quite a lot and honestly you just have to book the flight and try it, you. Thats probably the best safety advice I can give. But if you're heading into unfamiliar territory, particularly if its a hiking trail that will take you deep into the belly of nature, then a map (and a compass) is your best friend. Watch these videos to learn more about the online backpacking program I've put together for women hikers and backpackers, The Confident Solo Female Backpacke. Trail name is "Token." But the price of literally ignoring your gut feeling could be anything from a nasty bout of travellers' diarrhea or in the worst case scenario, a nightmare youll never recover from.Id read the reviews of the bar or restaurant before going as well and where possible stick to the popular places. Youre less likely to notice sketchy people loitering about than you are in smaller accommodations. Spent the weekend backpacking in Enchanted Valley with students in my online backpacking program for women, The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System. KATHLEEN NEVES | BACKPACKING COACH on Instagram: "You might have But the price of literally ignoring your gut feeling could be anything from a nasty bout of travellers' diarrhea or in the worst case scenario, a nightmare youll never recover from. However, the risks are very real and in my view, are just not worth taking. If so, I have something special for you! Learn how your comment data is processed. If you plan to go camping alone - or even with others - Id try as much as possible to stick to designated campsites. One Foot In Front Of The Other - Thru hiking, building women
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