Backpacking in Honduras?

by Christine
(New York)

I will be heading out on my first international solo trip next month: destination Honduras. Other than the obvious questions of "What do I pack?" And "How do I stay safe and be smart?" I am really curious as to how to find a great experience with not that much planning in terms of destinations. I want it to be a bit of an adventure and have the experience be dictated by recommendations and other backpackers I may meet along the way.

Any advice is appreciated!

Answer: As you said, there is the obvious advice about safety and packing. This website has plenty of information about these issues, whether it's about a travel packing list or safety. The most pertinent would be those pages about safe travel for women and more specifically on unwanted male attention, hotel room safety and how to avoid crime abroad.

Now more specifically about Honduras, I'd be cautious but not concerned. Just be aware of your surroundings. Thousands of women, including myself, have traveled perfectly safely throughout Central America. That said, you may attract a bit of attention, especially if you're traveling off the beaten track, and especially if you don't look latin.

I'd be particularly aware of crimes of opportunity in the more touristy parts of the country, so perhaps avoid jewelry and similar temptations. Remember that Honduras is a poor country so there are robberies, and that's inevitable. Don't fight anyone who wants to take something you own: better they take your possessions than anything else. That said, violent crime against foreigners is rare (though not unheard of).

I'd also stick to the smaller towns and villages and stay away from cities, and wouldn't walk around cities at night if visiting them is a must. Remember the 'macho' nature of the men here - and act and dress accordingly. Society as a whole is largely conservative so you'll repel trouble if you dress conservatively.

There's also a nice site called Sidewalk Mystic which provides plenty of independent travel information to Honduras, so have a look. One final word: if you speak Spanish, that's great. If you don't, try to learn a few words before you go, and take a phrasebook. You'll please the hospitable Hondurans to no end, and it might be hugely useful too.

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