In this episode (from the archives with a bit of an update!) I cover the questions I’m asked about how do I travel alone and feel safe and happy. It’s something I’ve done since a teenager in England when I’d hitch to the Welsh coast and then around Europe as an 18 year old…with my parents on my side. Yes, they were special like that, lovers of other countries and cultures, books and music, food and conversations.
With this episode in mind, I did more research and came up with this how-to, taken from a few articles and presentations of mine on how I have wandered off the beaten track alone and kept my safe (so far)…
Inspiration. Laurie Lee https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_I_Walked_Out_One_Midsummer_Morning
Research/Preparation. Languages, routes, culture, health, etc
Sarah Marquis: https://www.explorationconnections.com/blog/wild-by-nature-interview-with-sarah-marquis
Budget/Financials/Timing: Tiffany Coates (re hair) https://www.globalwomenwhoride.com
Packing. Vehicle dependent, planes, tourist destinations (you can buy what you didn’t bring!)
Tools and Skills. Apps, maps, GPS. A mix of all. iOverlander.com and The Dyrt, as well as printed maps such as Benchmark (USA).
Responses from society/family: Joan Wamayu-Ndarathi and her mother: https://www.globalwomenwhoride.com/joan-wamayu-ndarathi/
Food/social engagement. How to meet people? Know yourself!
Focus. What are you focused on while in new places?
Motivation. Skills, challenges, mindset.
Safety: Consider that in the US, 70% of rapes are done by men who know the female victims. And yes, there’s that other 30%. (eg me on train in France at 18.) Tell your friends, hosts, rangers. Spot/GPS trackers. Walkie-talkies (eg Motorola T600). Camping solo tricks. Self-defense training opportunities.
The Art of Solo Travels: https://fempotential.com/web/20170302035117/http/www.fempotential.com/scared-solo-female-traveler/index.htm
And for more on my own travel books: https://sarahleamy.com
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