Have You Ever Dreamed of
Backpacking Around the World?

Independent travel isn't just for men: women travel on their own everywhere.

Yet most solo travel and backpacking information is geared to men. We women are lucky if we get a tiny mention here or there.

But we are different!

We need to be more careful at night, we have to fight off more unwanted attention, or travel may just be more challenging for us.

Why am I telling you this? Because I've been around the world on my own several times and I still haven't had enough. My first solo outing was at 15 for two weeks (my parents were not amused). My longest backpacking trip at the age of 43 was supposed to last a few months - but I was gone three years.

Would I do it again? Absolutely!

Would I do it differently? Absolutely!

Let me show you how any woman, of any age, can hit the road, going solo - and love every minute.

Each month Women on the Road News uncovers travel strategies and tips to help you plan the trip of your dreams - free of charge, of course.

• Subscribers have learned to calculate their carbon footprint, use Google Maps to stay in touch, start new languages, enjoy solo travel, find jobs in ski resorts, deal with travel burnout, and find free accommodation anywhere in the world.
• Are you concerned about safety? Do you want to become a volunteer? Need to make money while you travel? Women on the Road News shares precise and practical information with you about how women travel so you'll be prepared, no matter what your trip throws at you.
• I've saved the best for last: you'll also get my printable Travel Packing Checklist - it's the list I use myself, and I'd like to share it with my newsletter subscribers. At times women travel less than lightly, but I bet you'll find at least three things on it you never thought of packing - and will be glad you did! You can always spot the newbies on the road - they're bent over, lugging huge backpacks or too many bags. Get my checklist and pack like a pro! (no spam, of course, because I hate it as much as you do.)

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If you believe women travel differently and if you're a woman who loves to travel, this website is made for you.

Women travel for so many reasons!

Are you a woman...

• Who wants a career break?
• Who is suddenly single?
• Looking for a gap year adventure?
• Who needs to get away on her own for a while?
• Trying to gain strength or independence?
• Who wants to prove she can do it?
• Who needs a fresh start?
• Who wants to see beyond the tour groups and souvenir shops?
• In search of a spiritual experience?
• Or a woman who simply likes adventure?

Whatever your reasons, if you yearn to travel far and wide, you belong here!

Find out how to:

• Make money from overseas jobs while you travel - from international travel nursing, not-for-profit jobs or employment on cruise ships
• You might prefer to teach English overseas - both teaching English in France and teaching English in Spain are hugely popular
• Volunteer for work overseas - you can use the wwoof network to volunteer on a farm, research senior volunteering if you're only a little young, or check out voluntourism or a volunteer vacation if you like your volunteering a bit more organized
• Choose the essential travel accessories for women - everything from women's backpacks that fit to the best travel laptop to finding a travel mosquito net for those tropical destinations
• Choose the best in women's travel clothing - a good fit in women's hiking boots, women's travel hats you won't mind being seen in, the most comfortable travel skirt, or cold weather clothes if you're headed to Patagonia or the Arctic! When tall women travel - or short or women of average height, for that matter, fit and fashion need to go hand in hand
• Take advantage of cheap ways to travel - use cheap train travel to enjoy some of the world's great railway journeys, or search for very cheap international flights or round the world tickets
• Unearth clean budget hostel accommodation and cheap hostel beds - or even stay for free by becoming a housesitter or couch surfing
• Plan a route and choose the best travel destinations - you can still enjoy cheap Paris travel despite what they tell you
• Handle your travel money wisely - use ATM machines rather than money, learn about money conversion to get the best rates, keep your money safe in a neck wallet or travel money belt, organize money transfer overseas if you run out of cash, and avoid hassles by using prepaid credit cards
• Get into travel planning mode, especially if you're planning solo travel (and if you're not in a solo mood, then get help in finding female travel companions)
• Pick the best time to visit
• Take care of your health on the road by avoiding malaria and write up your first aid kit checklist
• Use digital travel photography to record your trip - learn travel and scenic photography 101 or beginners' photography
• And so much more!

When I started to backpack I had little guidance that was specifically aimed at women travel issues. We were just a page or two in the general guidebooks.

Women on the Road is a site written by a woman and for women:

• Because all women travel: young, older, independent, adventurous, shy, timid, intrepid, insecure, afraid, professional, student, straight, gay, grandmothers and granddaughters
• Because women believe, know, suspect or just hope they can make it on their own, for a few weeks, months, or yes, even years.

I was terribly insecure when I first started backpacking (my preferred form of travel): I had no women travel advice, no lists, no real plan, and very little money. I just trusted things would go well. They did - but they might not have.

Today I know better. I understand the importance of finding out as much as I can before I leave and of coping well once I'm away. I'd like to share that knowledge with you - that, and my love of 'the road'.

And if you haven't done so yet, don't forget to ask for your monthly women travel tips contained in Women on the Road News, delivered right to your Inbox each month!

Your Email Your First Name Then Remember - no spam! Just Women on the Road News.

Why do Women Travel?
There are as many reasons women travel as there are women. Check your own motivations - why do YOU want to leave home?

Solo Travel for Women
How safe is solo travel for women? Will I be lonely? What is the safest destination? How do I meet people? Let me share a few tried and true answers from my own years of solo travel.

Travel Destinations
With so many places to visit, how do you choose a travel destination? Let me show you some easy ways to go about developing your travel itinerary.

Safe Travel for Women
Don't be intimidated by dangers on the road - safe travel for women does exist. All it takes is a bit of preparation and a dash of common sense.

Backpacking Gear
What to take may be one of the most important travel decisions you make. How do you decide what you really need? How do you choose when there's so much on the market? See the pros and cons of what to buy, and what to take along.

Cheap Ways to Travel
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to cheap ways to travel: low-cost airlines, train passes, local buses, ride sharing, cycling, or even old-fashioned hitchhiking. How can you save money as you travel?

Budget Hostel Accommodation
Women on the road look for safety, cleanliness and friendliness for overnight stays. There are plenty of places that fit that bill - some of them so cheap they are actually free.

Travel Money
You can carry your travel money in may ways - cash, travelers checks, cards... or a combination. Find out what works best and how to safeguard your money on the road.

Women's Travel Clothing
Choosing the right clothes can make or break your trip - imagine spending weeks in tight, uncomfortable and sweaty clothing! Find out what to look for when buying your travel wardrobe.

Travel Accessories for Women
It's not just about clothing or packing - women need backpacks, first aid kits, door locks to stay safe - find out about the best, particularly suited to the solo woman traveler.

Health Information for Travel
The perfect health planning guide for women: everything you need to know before leaving on your dream voyage.

Travel Planning
The perfect travel planning guide for women: everything you need to know about staying healthy before leaving on your dream voyage.

Overseas Jobs
There are plenty of overseas jobs for women on the road. They may not pay as much as jobs back home but they will keep you traveling. Don't let lack of funds be the reason you turn back early!

Teaching English Abroad
Use your native English skills or teaching experience to find a job teaching English abroad - while you're on the road.

Volunteer Abroad
Here's you're chance to put something back into society as you travel. Become a volunteer abroad - from a week to a year or more.

Unusual Travel Destinations
If you think you've been everywhere, seen everything, think again. Some places will still be new to you - and you'll see others through different eyes.

Ethical Travel
Most of us want to practice ethical travel but we often don't know the rules. It's simple: put the shoe on the other foot. How would you want people to behave when they visit your country?

Pilgrimage Routes
Women haven't always crowded the world's pilgrimage routes - in fact, they were downright rare. But all that has changed and today, women relish their pilgrimages, whatever their faith or interest.

Keep in Touch
Keep in touch with your family and friends while you're on the road - use new technologies or do it the old-fashioned way!

Going Solo: Life on the Road
Most of us who travel going solo for extended periods do it because we love it - but that doesn't mean we don't miss things or find certain moments painful. It's all part of life on the road.

You Too Can Become a Travel Writer
Many of us started with a love of travel and a desire to write. Everything else came later - and it can for you too. Learn to turn your travels into money and help pay your way as you go.

Travel Interviews
The world of women travel bloggers and writers is growing. Explore interviews with talented women who travel for a living, or who simply love to travel.

Best Travel Books
The best travel books aren't always written by men - despite what many booklists would have us believe.

Share Your Travel Stories!
Do you have a solo travel story to share? Women on the Road would love to hear from you!

And when I don't travel or build websites - my latest one is on dental tourism - I live in France, work on renovating my farmhouse and play with my Siamese cats!