Do You Have Any Solo Travel Questions?

How well can an 18-year-old girl travel alone in Europe?  My parents are sending me to Europe for the month of June as a graduation/accepted to college present. Will I be ok traveling alone? I'm pretty intelligent ...

Solo Travel in Ethiopia  With 2012 just kicked off I'm planning my next trip and the destination I have been thinking of is Ethiopia... I went through your older posts and can ...

What to pack for 10 days in your own country?  There are a lot of places that I would love to see overseas but because my budget is so small I decided to go backpacking in South Africa. You see I live ...

Concerned about safety: first-time solo travel  Hi Leyla! Thanks for putting together this website and information! I am about to graduate undergrad and will be going to medical school in the summer....

What do you mean, bring a health insurance card?  I have health insurance in my home state, but what do I need, and how much should I spend, for a 6-week excursion abroad?

Answer: The first thing ...

How young is too young to travel?  I am sixteen years old and I'd love to backpack in Australia with my friend of seventeen years old next summer. I was wondering how old you were when you ...

How can a 16-year-old travel?  I am only 16 years old but I am so interested in travel! I have a list of over 100 places that I want to go and I add to it everyday! My parents are so ...

How can I volunteer long-term in Ireland?  I just discovered your site and I am so excited that I did!! I am recently single (six months ago I broke off my engagement and called off my wedding - so,...

Do you know any Christian volunteering opportunities?  Do you know if there are any Christian organizations with opportunities to volunteer overseas and maybe work for free accommodation, food or a small amount ...

Senior woman wanting to live in travel trailer   I want to do some traveling around the US but I'm totally new at towing and living in a travel trailer. I would also like the option of staying for a ...

First time South America  I am a seasoned solo traveler but have never been to South America. I would like to visit Ecuador, Peru and Argentina - one month per country roughly.

I ...

Female expats in Qatar or elsewhere in the Middle East?  This is more of a relocation question than a travel question, but I was wondering if you or any of your travel-savvy readers out there have had any travel ...

How can an unemployed person travel?  I have a deep-rooted passion for travel but I'm facing many obstacles at the moment - like unemployment. Do you have any alternative cheap travel ideas ...

It is safe for a 74-yr-old woman to travel halfway around the world?  I have travelled many times before but this time I seem to have lost my confidence and have fearful nerves. I'm planning to travel Sydney/Singapore/Sicily/...

Being blonde and female in Costa Rica  I am going to Costa Rica to travel and go to school for three months....I have been hearing horror stories about being blonde in this country. How do I ...

It's a thanks, not a question  I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful site! I am getting ready to go to Latin American sola -- and I have been a bit skeptical about how I would ...

Is there a career out there for a vagabond?  Hello There! I've been reading this website now for quite some time, and find that I want to be you very much! I am a student in college and all I want ...

Finding a job overseas - working with children and photography  Hello!! My name is Magda and I want to work abroad! It has been my dream forever and I moved across Canada to Calgary as a first step. Now I want more!...

What clothes should I take to Europe in summer?  I'm not backpacking but travelling with 6 family members (heaven help me...my 80yr old mother is one).

Answer: You don't give me much to go on - like ...

Which travel writing course should I take first?  I am an "empty nester" and am interested in traveling/writing. I see that you have recommended the Ultimate Travel Writing program, as well as the Matador....

Easy itinerary across South America?  Hello,

I am a female in my 40s and do not have a very good sense of direction. Please can you advise of an easy foolproof itinerary for 6 months in ...

How long should I buy travel insurance for?  Hi Leyla!

Firstly I want to thank you for your website- I subscribed to your newsletters a couple of months ago and have found it so helpful and inspiring....

Where can I find a travel companion for an African Adventure?  I am looking for a female travel companion over the age of 60 to
accompany me on a road trip from Cape Town to the Caprivi Strip (Namibia), Botswana, Zimbabwe,...

Travel companions, and volunteer opportunities?  Are other women getting together as travel companions (for safety, cheap travel etc.)? My husband doesn't always have the time nor inclination to travel ...

What is the best kind of transportation to get around Brazil?  Hi! I just read the post on Goa ... that's awesome! I can totally relate to your feelings of fear! This is why i decided to take some time for myself ...

Is there a way around single supplements for solo travellers?  I am just starting to foray into the world of solo travelling, and I am dismayed at the single supplement that is added to any kind of organized tour itinerary....

African American woman solo travel to India?  I am an Afro-Carribbean woman who would like to travel India solo.
I grew up in an Indian village. I was also married to an Indian Caribbean man for seventeen ...

Backpacking in Honduras?  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 ...

SOS... My first big overseas trip...I am 59!!!  Finally a life long dream has come to fruition. My eldest daughter has gifted me an airfare to the destination of my choice in 2011. I live in Australia ...

How is Dubai for women travelers?  A friend just asked me if I would like to accompany her on a trip to Dubai. Altho I've traveled quite a bit, this was never on my bucket list and I'm wondering ...

What is the safest Asian country for a 21-year-old?  I'm a 21 year old girl from Holland and my dream is to go for a certain amount of time on my own to a very beautiful country.

Now my question is that ...

Cheap travel in Australia and New Zealand?  My best friend Carla and i are planning our 4 month trip to New Zealand and Australia! We will be couch surfing and taking advantage of the kindness of ...

Volunteering in Asia - approach a Not-For-Profit directly or use a volunteer agency?  Hi, Firstly I wanted to say that this site is fantastic and much needed! I wish this site existed when I travelled Europe and Asia alone previously!

I ...

Am I too old to travel solo? I'm just a few months shy of fifty....  I have been alone for more than four years after leaving an abusive marriage of 13 years. I was an at home mother and only worked part-time most of my ...

What is the best way to go about becoming a travel writer/photographer?  Hello! I am a young woman in search of thrills in life, and combining my two passions, travel and culture, to create my future. I am wondering, since travel ...

What should I pack for Jonkoping, Sweden during winter?  I am going to Sweden from January till July next year to study nursing but I have no idea what to pack! I am finding it difficult working out what I need ...

I am all "Churched" and "Museumed" out! Help!!  When I was 20, I did the Europe thing. I went to an over abundance of churches and art museums. So much so, that I'm kind of sick of them. I am thinking ...

How to travel solo and safely in the Western USA if you're a 20-year-old  I've always wanted to travel out West on the road. Whenever I mention it to my parents they always say that It would be a stupid thing to do for a single ...

Time Away: How long should I travel?  All of the information I've read has been extremely helpful and motivational. I love to travel, and I want to really travel more before I get older, married,...

How much money to I need to travel for seven months?   I'm planning a seven-month trip. How much money do I need? I'm planning on doing some woofing also. And should I sit down and plan every detail of where ...

What is a good site to for a "travel and work" package?  Hi, I'm Talia and am an 18-yr-old Canadian traveling to Australia. I want to work there to but don't know if I should sign up with a website to help me?...

How feasible is hitch-hiking across Australia?  I want to set myself a challenge and wanted to know (honestly) if you think it's feasible... I want to hitchhike by myself around Australia! I think it'...

What Backpack Should I buy?  I am 5' 2" and 125 lbs. I was wondering what specific backpack you would recommend for me to buy. I want to backpack and not use rollers.

Answer:...

Do you know any English-speaking Buddhist monasteries?  I am interested in temporarily staying with monks in France, Switzerland, or Thailand. Do you know of any place that does this with the teachings mainly ...

Where would be the best, cheapest place to stay in Istanbul?  Hi I am planning to go overland from Paris to Istanbul. And I was wondering if you had any advice as to transport/accommodation etc. Thank you.

Answer:...

What sources do you have for finding a travel companion?   I have always preferred independent (self-planned, unpackaged) travel but since I became a widow I have missed having company at least part of the time....

Egypt/ Israel for a solo young first-time traveling female?  I am a 21-year-old female, and a travel newby. The farthest I've been is Puerto Rico, but I went with a friend and we stayed very comfortably with his ...

Women over 70?  How about women over 70 - is there a place for us as independent travellers?

Answer:

Sylvia, there's no such thing as too old for independent travel!...

Travelling to Thailand?  I am wanting to plan a trip to Thailand, but the current political situation is making me a little hesitant. I would be travelling solo and was just wondering ...

I am a mid-age (50s) woman planning travel to South Asia  I'm interested in other women's experiences as to how age impacts travel in various other countries/continents. I have not traveled outside of America ...

How should I carry my money when I travel?  Those money belts are too bulky and make me look like a camel with a hump - there must be something more comfortable out there for us girls!!

My answer:...

Lost/Confused Traveler  I am 25yrs old, single and for mostly all my life I've been wanting to travel. However, the circumstances in my life has delayed that adventure. Right ...

Can you help me decide?  I am a single black AMERICAN woman who normally does Contiki tours. Unfortunately I have aged out and no longer can travel with Contiki. I saw a company ...

Travelling overland in Africa as a 60 year old woman?  I have spent the last week studying all the websites of companies that provide transport for overland travel through Africa, trying to decide which company ...

Would a solo Asian woman traveling to Australia feel uncomfortable?  I am a solo Chinese woman. I wish to go backpacking to Australia. I never go there before and I am worried that I would feel uncomfortable there. I am ...

RN in USA looking to work in the Dominican Republic...  Does anyone have any resources on how I can job search to work in the Dominican Republic as a RN there? I've been searching and everytime I try to find ...

19 year old aspriring backpacker  Hey! I just wanted to say first of all that your site is amazing and has helped me a lot. Not just with information but with reassurance that I'm doing ...

Does anyone make a decent/attractive ladies money belt NOT made of elephant hide (bad karma)?  Do you have a secure bra type pouch, but a leather (not elephant hide) would be most useful. Many thanks for any suggestions you might be able to provide!...

Women's travel blogs  Where do I find the best travel blogs for women or by women?

Combatting Jet Lag with Melatonin and Light + a note on DVT  The following is from my own experience plus an article by Jane Brody of the New York Times Service and the work of circadian rhythm specialist, Dr Alfred ...

How easy is it to get English teaching jobs overseas?  I'm planning on traveling but I'll need to make some money and would like to work while I travel. How easy is it to get English teaching jobs? Do you need ...

Where would I be able to find large size women's clothing in Asia?  I'm travelling and working for a year in Asia, so I will need to get new clothes and shoes at some point. Are larger sizes easy to find? If not, where ...

How easy is it to find tampons outside North America and Europe?  Do I need to bring all the tampons I need with me? I've heard you can't buy them outside Europe and North America but I can't believe I'd have to cart ...

Where are the best places for a woman to explore outside Europe and North America?  I'm a 26-year-old travel junkie. Ever since I spent a semester in London, I have loved to travel abroad. In the past five years I've lived in four states ...

What are the best language translation gadgets on the market?  I would like to be able to speak in English, and have this translated into most other languages, where ever I am. I would also like the response to be ...

A safe walk around the world 
I'm planning on walking around the world someday (couldn't afford it now) and I'm a little worried about the scarcity of hostels and water supplies (especially ...

South America solo   I am planning a six weeks trip around Ecuador and the Galapagos with possibility of a shorter visit to Nicaragua and Guatemala. I traveled and lived in ...

Traveling solo to Egypt: any thoughts?  I am going to Egypt alone in January for six weeks in the midst of its electoral craziness, largely because you helped convince me I could. Are you interested ...

21 year old blonde traveling alone in Ecuador  I am looking to possibly volunteer at an orphanage in Quito, Ecuador during January of 2013. I will be 21 by then. I have always wanted to do service work ...

How can I find a US sponsor for my trip? 
I am going to Lagos, where I have good friends I have known for a very long time. I will be leaving in January or February of 2012. I am looking for ...

Budget travel around Europe: Prague to Paris?  I am a 25 year old, solo female traveler. I am going abroad in a few months! This will be the first time I've traveled abroad by myself, and I'm working ...

Any advice for solo travel in Romania?   I am 25 years old and in a few months time I will be venturing off on the trip of a life time! I'll be WWOOfing and back/flashpacking all over Europe. My ...

Buying a car as a tourist in the USA  I am 19 years old and from Scandinavia. I would like to travel across the USA and I’m planning to do so next year if everything will work out. My problem ...

Long-term travel in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam  I plan to fly into Thailand, but not necessarily to stay there.
I've heard it's overdone, a bit, and would like to stay long term, hence the need for ...

Thank You for the Women's Travel Inspiration!  It isn't so much a question but a deep thank you. I am 23, soon to be 24 and have followed your blog for at least 3 yrs. You gave me courage and now not ...

Should solo travel to Istanbul be such a challenge for Me?  My name is Hadeel and I am 23 years old. I work as an air hostess in an Arabic airline and I am not used to travel alone because living with my parents ...

How can I find out about solo travel for senior citizens?  Are there articles for senior citizens traveling solo?

Answer: Virtually all the articles you'll find on Women on the Road are as suitable for seniors ...

Teaching English in Spain  Hi, I tried to leave my comment on the page where it allows for comments with the FB plugin. However, it didn't do anything even though I was logged into ...

Living in France  I am a dual citizen having a French-American father and always wanted to go to France to understand more about my culture. Considering how high the unemployment ...

How safe is it to travel solo to Istanbul, Turkey?  I have read a mixed bag of opinions about traveling through Istanbul, Turkey alone as a woman. As is the case with any place, some are very pleasant stories ...

Do you know of paid employment while helping out in Haiti?  I have plans to go to the Dominican Republic the middle of July, with a goal of crossing the border and doing whatever I can to help those in Haiti. I ...

Convincing the Parents?  I just graduated from college, and am looking to start traveling solo. I've done plenty of traveling in the past. I've traveled all around the US and ...

Packing list suggestion - and a trip to Africa  Your site is amazing; I can't believe I didn't find it sooner! I am 24 and have spend a great deal of time since I was sixteen solo traveling and hitching ...

Where can I find young senior women travel companions in the US?  I would just like female companions to spend time and share hotel expenses to travel in Las Vegas, beach destinations, or United States fun destinations ...

What is the minimum age for volunteer work overseas?  Answer: Hi Claire, I take it from your question that you're quite young but would still like to volunteer...

The minimum age is usually 18. I say ...

How safe is Thailand, with recent demonstrations in 2010?  We are arriving at the port of Laem Chabang, Thailand two hours from Bangkok. We have contacted private tours with local operators, 6 of us will be traveling ...

Traveling to Cuba  Hi, so I'm a college student, Indian national, currently studying in the US. I'm thinking of taking a leave of absence and traveling to Cuba in order to ...

Confused over travel costs....  Hi, I'm 31, and have decided to take redundancy from my job and go travelling later this year. I'm struggling to work out how much money I would need for ...

Six months off and plenty of interesting options... what next?  I have always dreamed of traveling but then got married, had kids and that whole distraction. I am 46 and am about to graduate from Texas State University ...

Should I take a short backpacking trip or a long one?  I'm in the process of sorting out my 1st backpacking trip and I'm planning on a year and just wondered if you'd recommend doing a little trip for a month ...

Learning Hindi  I will be travelling to Kolkata, India in a few months and was wondering if there was a website somewhere that looked at ways of learning languages while ...

Too shy to travel?  I'm not really going to travel solo, but it feels that way for me. I'm joining a group travel to Egypt with an Egyptologist as our guide.
I'm really looking ...

Speaking English in Costa Rica during volunteer travel?  Hello, I really like your site. A lot of good information! I am going to be doing some volunteering work in Brasilito, Costa Rica and I would like to find ...

Do I need a driver's licence abroad?  I've just turned 18 and have finished secondary school. Instead of going to a university, I'd love to go and see something of the world. I was so glad ...

How do I stay in touch and stay safe alone in Ecuador?  I will be traveling to Ecuador alone in February for a month. After one four night stay in Quito, I will be traveling without an itinerary. How do I ...

Hopi culture: traveling to visit a traditional way of life  Hi, I am reading the most fascinating book about the Hopi Indians in southwestern U.S. called "HOPI" by Frank Waters. It seems one can visit their reservation ...

Is there a buddy system to find travel partners?  Do you know of any indiviuals/groups that "buddy up" to travel together? I am interested in visiting Washington State but don't have any one to travel ...

Can a girl fresh out of high school travel Africa overland for a year? Alone?   Soon I'll be graduating from high school. For a long time I've dreamed about traveling in Africa. When I was twelve I visited Ghana, but only for a short ...

Travelling alone in Cuba...  I got to know about your website through the BBC and it is really better than what they described! I was thinking of travelling through Cuba with a rental ...

What is communications technology like in Thailand?  I am going to be backpacking through Thailand for a month and a half on my own (to my mothers dismay). I would like to carry some means of communication/...

Should I leave it all behind? Where do I start?  I just turned 29, have left my husband, have a great job that I hate and have started a charity in Uganda that I love but don't make money working at. I ...

Do you have tips on traveling in countries where you do not speak the language?   I'm sure you get this question all the time, but do you have tips on traveling to countries where you do not speak the language? I'm a young first time ...

When is the best time for trekking holidays in Nepal?  The weather can change often in the mountains. What time of the year has the best weather to travel to Nepal and trek the Himalayas?

Answer: Trekking ...

Are all RTW tickets valid for only one year?  Back in the day I think it was 364 days?

Answer:

I'm afraid the day is still here - and yes, it's a year minus a day. The only way you could extend ...

I'm qualified but poor and (considered) old. Can I live in France?  Okay, so I'm 33, single, and I have a lower class background (i.e. no expendable income). I've long wanted to live in rural France, and last summer I was ...

Young Aussie woman to travel solo in Australia, Asia and beyond  Hi, I'm 22 and would love to go and travel around my home country Australia and Asia then work in Europe or the UK, and South America - just go wherever ...

Offically overwhelmed with all the different backpacks! any recommendations?  Oh geeze....... typing in 'backpacking backpacks for women'
10,000 results...... links upon links...so many different reviews... so many different ones!...

Can you recommend any monastery stays in France?   Also I am 66 and traveling France with my 18 year-old granddaughter, low budget - any safety advice, or other advice? Suggestions?

Answer:

Alice,...

Any advice about solo travel for women in the United States?  I am thinking of selling everything and buying a trailer. Then traveling across the USA. I have been thinking of traveling like this, or overseas, for ...

Female travel partner sought from Dallas  I live in Dallas. How can I find female travel partner from Dallas?

Answer: From my perch in Central Europe, I'm not sure I can be more efficient ...

Can you take herbal remedies across borders?  I will be traveling for 7 months around SEA, AU, NZ and US. I intend to take with me my beloved medical remedies, herbal tablets, like Milk thistle, Q10,...

Teaching English in France  I just read your article on teaching English in France. I've been thinking of preparing myself to get qualified to do that. I am 36 and I'm not getting ...

Going backpacking with no real plans  I'm going to Germany for a year to au pair, and my boyfriend/fiance is meeting me over there around the end, then we are both wanting to pack a backpack ...

SEA alone and during the raining season  I'm so excited I found this website and just at the right time since I'm planning an around the world trip leaving this September. I will travel solo and ...

How can I stay in a Greek monastery?  I just wanted to know the name of the Monastery in Thessaloniki, (or any Monastery in the Halkidiki area that will accept female guests) where you stayed ...

What if I don't want to stay in hostels?  I traveled alone every summer during college Thailand, Mexico, and Europe. When I was 20, I stayed in hostels and cheap hotels. I'm 46 now and want to ...

Is it easy to find jobs in Central and South America?  I'm from North America, is it easy to find jobs in Central and South America when you get there?

Answer:

It's difficult to give any advice when ...

Cuba travel?  I thought Cuba was illegal for leisure travel. You mention it as a good destination, yet everything I read tells me I can only travel there if I'm not ...

Where do I get a list of monasteries and convents in Greece?  I am interested in this kind of accommodation but the information I can find isn't really comprehensive. Is there any way you can help?

Answer:

I ...

Couchsurfing for women?  Is there an organization like SERVAS or Couch surfing (in which you let a traveler stay at your home for free for a couple night) that is strictly for ...

Is it possible for me to arrange a job before I actually reach my destination?  I am planning to travel to the UK, work for seven months then backpack around Europe for two months. I am currently 17, but will be eighteen when I leave ...