Solo Woman (19) Backpacker safe?

[morgan23]

For the past 2 years I have made 3 separate plans to go backpacking throughout Europe. It has been my dream for a long time. Each time I have had to cancel my plans because my travel partner couldn't do it. It's been really discouraging.
I am 19 years old and I have never been out of the country before. I am considering backpacking throughout Switzerland, France, Italy and also to Barcelona by myself this August for about a month.
What are the safety issues?
Any tips?

[Eagle]

morgan23, first of all, welcome to the Board! I think you'll find quite a helpful, knowledgeable and friendly group here. With regards to your question, I can't provide too much specific advice as I'm a larger, 50+ male traveller. I'm sure some of the regulars here will pop in shortly with some great tips for you.

From what I've seen in previous posts on this topic, you shouldn't have any difficulty travelling on your own. It's important though to do some research and be aware of potential problems that can occur. I couldn't tell from your profile where you're from, but there are certainly some things that you should be aware of when travelling in Europe.

I'm assuming you've given some thought to the "solo travel" aspect of your trip. Some people don't feel comfortable travelling on their own, and others much prefer this. There are pros & cons to both methods. I prefer to travel solo for a variety of reasons, and have found so far that I tend to become much more outgoing than I normally am at home.

You might find it interesting to check out some Guidebooks prior to your trip, especially Rick Steves "Europe Through The Back Door 2006" (look to page 318). You should be able to find these at your local Library or Book Store.

One comment though, if you're travelling in August this is the "busy" season so you will have to plan well; you might have to pre-book some lodgings.

Good luck planning your trip.

[WillTravel]

Morgan, I think if you use the same good sense you have at home, you'll be just as safe while traveling as you are at home. You aren't going to crime-filled areas in the slightest; they're all statistically very safe. Just keep in mind obvious things like don't lose sight of your drinks (to avoid date-rape drugs), be careful about going to new friends' homes, consider wearing a moneybelt to protect yourself from pickpockets, pick lodging that's in a well-lit and populated area, etc.

[morgan23]

I'm from the United States BTW : )
Well. I know alot of girls my age that backpacked through various parts of Europe solo. It's really not me that has problems with it. It's my parents of course. "Very dangerous" "terrorist attacks" "rape" are the words they have used to describe the idea. They are worried that something will happen to me and I'll be half-way across the world and no one will know. Any suggestions to calm their fears?

[Jules80]

despite being with a friend and 25, my parents were also worried. but in the end they have to trust you to be smart about where you go and when you go. my only suggestions is to swear you will either email or call everyday. make sure you plan your trip fairly well and give your parents an itenerary and let them know if you plan to deviate from them. the fact that they know they can reach you in an emergency will make them feel better, too. that's all i can think off...

Jules

[MuvverRussia]

I think people tend to be scared of things they don't understand. I'd explain the situation, show them a copy of lonely planet etc. Planning and communication is a good way to alleviate their fears as well.

In terms of general behaviour, my mantra is don't do anything you wouldn't do at home. If a dark alley looks dodgy - don't go down it etc.

[me]

Morgan,

you might try suggesting to them that you get a cell phone to carry with you. might that alleviate some of the worry if they know that you can be reached?

- d

[morgan23]

Those all sound like great suggestions! Thanks guys : ) And yes, I am planning on showing them my guide book Rick Steve's Europe Through the Back Door...because there is an entire chapter devoted to Solo Women Travelers. Hopefully that will help.

[sarahray85]

I just HAVE to put my 2 cents in on this one. I'm 20 (not much older than you) and I just got back home safe and relatively healthy (I got a little food poisoning at the end of my trip but that is because I'm usually vegan and I was eating dairy in Europe... so you probably won't have that problem).

I loved going by myself! I love my friends but I am so happy none of them came with me because if they had, I would not have made as many friend as I did when I was traveling. I now have friends all over the world!

I felt safe traveling alone. I am from Los Angeles so I know how to take care of myself. I avoided doing things that made it obvious I was a tourist such as walking around with a big open map (but some things are unavoidable... like taking pictures of things that you'll never see at home ;D). I wouldn't worry if I were you. Not only did I get home safe, I had such a good time that I'm going back.

One more thing I did was I didn't drink. That's just me though. I know a lot of people our age do drink and that's cool too but I would avoid drinking to excess because when you are in an unfamiliar place and you are not secure in your person, it is easy to be taken advantage of.

[stanncie]

I would like to agree with sarita here. If you are not used to drinking copious amounts of alcohol please don't do this in a strange environment. We all know our limits and when we start to lose it a little bit, be it 2 drinks or 8 y'know? Be aware of who you are with and where you are in realation to your hostel when you are out partying. The last thing you want is to be disoriented in the middle of the night and have no idea where your hostel is. I don't say this from personal experience, really I don't............

[commie]

morgan23 said:

I am considering backpacking throughout Switzerland, France, Italy and also to Barcelona by myself this August for about a month.
What are the safety issues?
Any tips?

most people i know say that traffic in french or italian citys is the biggest "safety issue", just because they dont care much about traffic signs. sometimes we have problems with bse in meat, or other kinds of bacterial food poisoning (mostly in meat) in europe, but the food companies say its totally harmless to humans.

[Jules80]

hehe i'd tend to agree those darn scooters in rome! the fact that streets are 1 way or closed to cars doeosn't seem to bother them...

jules

[WillTravel]

I agree - I think the most risky thing is traffic, and you can avoid the risks by being a cautious pedestrian. Florence and Rome and no doubt Naples require care and attention.

Here at home, I was shocked to read a couple days ago that already there have been nine pedestrians in Vancouver killed in 2006. The odds of being killed as a pedestrian are much higher than being murdered, particularly if you aren't into drugs or shady deals.

[Jules80]

wow i don't want to know what the stats are for montreal or quebec city... we are definately worse drivers than out in vancouver!

[sarahray85]

commie said:

sometimes we have problems with bse in meat, or other kinds of bacterial food poisoning (mostly in meat) in europe, but the food companies say its totally harmless to humans.

I got food poisoning when I was in Spain... but it was worth it.