When Tall Women Travel They Don't Go Unnoticed

by Jene'

When I was asked to write this article on tall women travel and tall backpacking, I thought, phewww... me? I'm just learning how rewarding gardening can be!

Not a problem though, it may not be perfect, but neither am I. So I asked the perfect candidate, Gigi, an inspiring tall woman traveler. She is currently on an excursion around the world. From fall 2007 to fall 2010 she will be traveling the globe, backpacking and volunteering. As a medical practitioner, helping those in need is what I do for a living, so I am very touched by Gigi's gracious spirit...

Jene': What is the Number One issue you have while on the road?
Gigi: "Being bothered by men a lot. I do not blend in whatsoever. Many men on the road seem to have some kind of fantasy about tall women."

Jene': And of course Number Two would be?
Gigi: "Clothes. Unlike other people who can buy replacement items on the road as they travel.. I've found thats impossible for me. All my clothes were lost while I was in Panama recently, and I was stuck with just what I had on for over two months. (Which was fine, as the indigenous tribe I was living with wore the same thing every day anyway). After I briefly went home for a week, I decided this time around to bring more clothes - a lot more clothes - and shoes - than most people. Simply because finding replacements along the way has proved difficult. Two of my favorite, tried and true online companies are Macabi skirts and Athleta."

Jene': What is it like dealing with transportation for tall women who travel?
Gigi: "Cramming my insanely long legs into the tiny spaces on buses, trains, and so on has given me such a headache. Sometimes I have to wait for a less full bus to get a better seat, as I literally cannot fit onto the bus and get back out again (especially crowded mimibuses in Guatemala!). Also plane seats have been an issue. When the airline personnel see me coming, they usually try to upgrade me to an exit seat - and several times I got upgraded to first class. But when this doesn't happen, it's not a comfortable ride."

Jene': What about when you're on the beaten path, walking, or about town?
Gigi: "Well, on the Camino, on my pilgrimage to Santiago, sometimes other people want to take my picture. One woman told me I should be in a sideshow! Men often want to take my picture with them, especially tiny men."

Jene': How about sleeping arrangements?
Gigi: "...when tall women travel the beds are often too short! Most times I can't stretch my legs out."

Jene': So all in all what is the experience of tall women travel like?
Gigi: "Most of the time, being tall is a benefit, not a negative thing. For example, I was robbed my first day in Guatemala - but about 40 people watched it happen (as they were all staring at the tallest woman they had ever seen). So the angry mob basically chased the guy down and hit him with their handbags and bundles until he gave back my stuff. Then a nice family invited me to lunch!"

When tall women travel, a few extra precausions are needed. Some practical medical advice for tall women on the road would be to take extra precaution with your lower extremities, hips, legs, ankles, feet. It's a lot easier to twist an ankle, wear down your feet, or hurt your leg or hip when your tall. Bring plenty of supports and bandages. Your legs are your motor for moving forward on your trek.

If you're looking for a tall backpack for your adventure you can try one of the following: Osprey Atmos 50 - 22.5 inch torso, Gregory's G-Pack - 21.5 inch torso, Arc'teryx's Bora 50 - 23 inch torso. Some others to check out might be: JanSport Endeavor 8000 Tall, Arc'Teryx Miura 30, Swiss Salt and Pepper Rucksack.

Most importantly remember to watch for low-hanging branches or passages made for those shorter than you. Take long strides when you can and need to, but slow down to take in the beautiful things along the way. Use your common sense, and don't trip over the many small stones in the path, it is the only way through the wilderness.

Jene' is the publisher of www.Tall-Women-Revolt.com. Raised in the twilight of Hollywood, she is the proud Mom of 4 beautiful girls. As a studying RN, with multiple medical certifications, she is dedicated to a life of helping those in need. Tall Women Revolt is her passion and vision of a website dedicated to empowering tall women on the world wide web.

Gigi writes the blog true life planet. She is a backpacker and volunteer extraordinaire, a tall woman with a spirit to match on a one-woman journey volunteering around the world.