Comments on: A Woman’s Perspective on Solo Travel

By: rm

rm — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:28:58 +0000

Saw your comment on the NYT article, intrigued by your blog name, had to check it out!!
I just got back from traveling in Guatemala and Belize with my teen daughter, and was pleased to see / meet lots of solo female travelers, all having great trips from anything from a week to a year in length, and only one appeared to have had any sort of hassle (ripped off after using a ‘rigged’ ATM machine!). As a world-traveling dad traveling with daughter, it was great to have her meet lots of solo female traveler role models, and to watch her ‘traveling confidence’ grow!

By: Adorably Bitter

Adorably Bitter — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:54:57 +0000

Very sensible recommendations. I have a practical one to add – when asking for directions, turn to people working in shops/gas stations etc. instead of starting talking to random people on the street. That will decrease the probability of you getting a local admirer/stalker.

Btw, I totally admire you for the guts to do the round-the-world trip!

By: ritu

ritu — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:13:07 +0000

Very excellent tips. I live in India and traveling alone for a woman in India is a nightmare. These tips really serve the purpose.

By: Kristen Gehrman

Kristen Gehrman — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:36:36 +0000

I followed your link from NYT and I will follow you now on my own. Great blog, great tips. I’m headed off on a year-long Europe trip and looking for support and advice.

As a 20 year-old Charleston, SC girl living in a poor (sometimes rowdy) urban neighborhood, I hear you about being smart. But the biggest step is embracing that you are surrounded by good people (with only a few bad ones). There are always people who’ll look out for you, no matter where you are in the world— you just have to let them.

Thanks, and check out my blog.

By: poweredbytofu

poweredbytofu — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:36:04 +0000

Francesca- Wow, that’s a big trip! Good luck! I actually looked forward to coming back both times (I came back to enjoy the Oregon summer after 4 months on the road, and then went to Eastern Europe). Most people are really supportive of my travels, like “Wow, I wish I could do that” etc. I don’t think I’m in a better position, just different. And hey, I’m on the job search, so maybe I’m farther behind. ;) It comes down to priorities, so in this part of my life travel was a top priority, for others it’s owning a home etc.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:10:05 +0000

So cool! I am trying to do that.

By: Minna

Minna — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:59:08 +0000

I also followed your link from the NYT article. Much more insightful than what was there!

esp. the don’t dress like a hooker part. DUH, but surprising how many American female travelers think that this is okay. Thanks for the tips!

By: Francesca

Francesca — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:21:44 +0000

Hiya! Followed the link from your NYT comment.
I’m in the same boat as you were (I guess a year ago.) I’m ditching my job next week to ride a bike through the US and Central America for a year.
What was the hardest part about coming back? Do people understand why you left and the importance of what you did? Do you think you’re in a better position than people who stuck with their jobs for another year?
Thanks for helping out a noob!