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Post by katieook on Jan 5, 2004 13:55:45 GMT -5
Is it safe to for an 18 year old female to travel Europe??? I want to go alone, for this will be a period of finding who I am and who I want to be as well as the most awesome opportunity in the world. Please let me know what you all think... thanks!
Kate
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Post by Eagle on Jan 5, 2004 14:16:16 GMT -5
I also plan to travel alone in Europe (hopefully this fall) and don't see any reason that you shouldn't do the same (I can also appreciate your reasons for wanting to travel alone). However, I'm male so the situation is a bit different in my case. Some of the ladies on this board would be better qualified to comment on your travel plans, and anything you should be cautious about. You may want to have a look at www.ricksteves.com (Graffiti Wall, Solo Travel section) to see some interesting comments on the advantages & disadvantages of travelling alone. It would seem that a lot of people prefer this method of travel. Have a great time on your trip! Cheers!!! |
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snorkelman
Senior Travel Member
Travel Guru
Posts: 220
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Post by snorkelman on Feb 18, 2004 8:45:05 GMT -5
I think that a lot depends on your street smarts. Do you live in a big city where you don't trust anyone, or do you live in a small town where you leave the doors to your car unlocked and windows open when it is in your driveway?
If the latter situation describes you, then you probably should not backpack solo unless you join a group (such as contiki).
However, if you know enough to not venture out at night alone and stuff like that, then you should go. But i would advise staying ON the beaten path and probably avoiding Eastern Europe.
You can always meet fellow backpackers online and meet up in europe somewhere and backpack together. Finally you can just hope that you meet someone that you like bakcpacking and become a leech.
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Post by vtgal on Mar 12, 2004 17:47:48 GMT -5
hey kate-
I'm also an 18 year old female and I LOVE travelling alone. I'd say GO FOR IT!
I fall into the second category snorkelman describes- I'm from a tiny town in Vermont where no one locks their cars and everyone knows each other. DON'T LET IT STOP YOU!!!
I just got back from 2 months of traveling alone in Mexico, and I was totally fine. Just keep your street smarts about you- walk with attitude, be wary of strangers, especially men, and don't go out alone late at night. Especially in Europe, I'm sure you'll find other backpackers and young people to travel with. Once again, don't be too trusting of your peers, but you'll be in good company and find people like yourself.
The most important thing, I think, is to SEEM self-confident at all times, even if you're not. Walk with an "I know who I am and where I'm going and nobody's going to mess with me" attitude, and you'll be all set.
Again, traveling alone isn't for everyone. I am a fairly independent person, I'm not scared of much, and I'm pretty confident in who I am and feel able to handle whatever comes my way. If you're completely scared and don't think you can handle it, you probably won't be able to. It just takes some confidence and maybe an attitude change!
Good luck- I'm also going to Europe alone in the spring- feel free to email me if you have any questions at all: ducksauce85@yahoo.com. all the best, Leah
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Post by vtgal on Mar 12, 2004 17:57:17 GMT -5
oh and a couple more things:
When you're traveling alone, going from place to place, it's important also to leave trails. Make sure someone knows who you are wherever you go- leave your name with the hostel front desk, etc, or call home so someone is worrying about you if you don't make it to your next destination. That way if anything happens, people will have somewhere to start from.
Also: in response to snorkelman:
I think that being from a small town gave me an advantage in traveling alone. People from large cities often approach new situations with fear and skepticism. As someone from a small town, I can approach new places with a healthy dose of fear, skepticism and personal safety/security measures- but I also intuitively understand the basic goodness in all people- no matter where I am. I can open myself to new adventures and generous people in a safe way, with a basic trust in humankind.
comments?
best, leah
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Post by jennifer on Mar 13, 2004 11:25:34 GMT -5
Don't worry at all! I travelled I had just turned 19, had no problems whatsoever. No matter what age you are, I think it depends on your attitude and will to travel! Age is practically not a factor! Don't worry!
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Cil
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 131
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Post by Cil on Mar 14, 2004 14:58:10 GMT -5
Lots of good advice here. I was 20 when I first traveled alone, and probably a lot less sophisticated than young women are today, and I still did okay.
True about people's basic goodness. I met a lot of really decent, kind Europeans. I was traveling in the UK during the height of the IRA bombings, rather tense in airports and train stations.
The thing about traveling alone is that you can occasionally hook up with others if you like, for periods of time, but still are able to choose where/when you go.
As Katieook says, it really is an awesome opportunity.
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Post by jennifer on Mar 14, 2004 15:51:11 GMT -5
Yup, you brought up a good point, when you travel with people, you're stuck with them for the whole trip. When you're alone, you hook up with nice people for the lenght you like and if you end up not finding them that nice, you can just leave no strings attached, this is a great advantage of being young and going solo!
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Post by NFLqueen on Mar 22, 2004 13:46:33 GMT -5
GO for it! Although do take some of the advice left for you here. Make sure people know where you are. Do your research, plan a bit ahead. Don't show up without lodging in a city late at night. Be very aware of your surroundings at all times.
I travelled alone for several months last year throughout Europe. Mind you I'm also 26 but I still would have done it when I was 18, alone!
You'll be fine ;D Good luck!
Kelly
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Post by AJ on May 25, 2004 5:58:56 GMT -5
I am 20 year old aussie girl traveling Europe on my own at the moment. I arrived in March and will be flying home in August. At first was a bit nervous but now that i am here i dont even think that 5 months is enough for me. I'm having the time of my life. I think you will be fine. Just have to keep your wits about you. But i have not come across any bad situations in my travels.
Good luck and if you wanna know anything, maybe i can help you out?
have fun though ;D
A.J
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Post by WillTravel on May 25, 2004 14:17:53 GMT -5
AJ, I'd be really interested to hear more about your trip. I'm glad you are having such a great time!
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Post by UneeklyCommon on Jun 1, 2004 15:56:27 GMT -5
Hey Everyone,
I've heard some pretty intriguing stuff from you all! I'm going solo in August and staying till October, so let me know if you wanna hangout sometime over there, that'd be great. I know many soloist are going for the same reason as I am, just figuring out yourself and learning, so let me know! ;D
Erich
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Kelly
Junior Travel Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Kelly on Jun 30, 2004 20:13:36 GMT -5
Hi I am Kelly, and I am 17 right now, and turn 18 in a week, i leave near the end of august, and will be in europe right till the end of noevember. Most people think i am CRAZY, or have guts, but to tell you the truth, i am scarred to death!!!! I have eneev thoguth about not going, but i know i need to travel, and find my self, and meet and learn new things which is what growing up is all about. I would ove to meet up with any of you who psoted this. Especially the girl who wrtoe 18 year old female travling alone! I'm scarred to . but lets do it!
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