Single White Traveller
mathew sabri
Every year, backpacking is becoming safer and easier and as increasing numbers of females choose to travel alone, hostels, travel companies and activity services have had to do adapt and thankfully they are doing so quite nicely.
Travelling alone however, particularly if you are a woman, is still more risky and potentially hazardous than going as a group. But the freedom and rewards it offers are unparalleled and definitely worth a little uncertainty.
First and foremost, get insurance because as a backpackers you are the most ‘at-risk’ group of travellers out there. Many insurers also have 24-hour international emergency help lines that could prove invaluable in your time of need.
Use email and your mobile phone to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Make sure your phone is able to ‘roam’ overseas and investigate whether your network provider can offer any special discounts on international calling.
Don’t bother packing good-quality clothes and forget high-heeled shoes. Firstly, you will be laughed out of the hostel if you turn up in stilettos and a LBD, but secondly save the space for something more useful such as a first aid kit, a decent pair of trainers that you can walk long distances in and a waterproof rain mac. Travelling clothes are a fashion statement in themselves, so enjoy the fact that you don’t need to wear foundation, heels and a dress everyday.
Toiletry wise, buy shampoo, conditioner etc when you arrive at your destination because it’s cheaper than at home, you’ll also save weight at the airport. Bare in mind however, sanitary items and medicines are worth buying at home, as in some parts of Africa for example, you’ll have problems finding these.
Hair straighteners are becoming more commonplace in a girl’s backpack; however, it’s worth noting that they’re only really useful if your travels take you to Europe, or Aus and New Zealand. Elsewhere the voltage will be too low and power unreliable so they’ll be a waste of space.
Hair-ties on the other hand are useful. Humidity and hair are not good bed fellows so keep your hair tied back and give centre partings a miss as you’ll risk burning your scalp ouch!
Basically you should travel as light as possible. Skimp on clothes not medicine and save room for shopping.
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