What top 3 pieces of advice would you give women 18 and under who want to travel on their own?

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and always look at the positive outcome, rather than thinking the worse.

So who do you trust? For me, I believe no one, only because you really have no idea what can happen. Although, there are times where you need to take that extra step and risk it. Yet, when is a good time to take that risk? How I see it, is if you are traveling solo often, you quickly realize who is a good character and who isn’t. It’s that gut feeling that tells you everything. But, there is also knowing when is a good time to trust an individual, as per the situation you maybe in.

1. If you are traveling with someone for a few days, the trust will build up and therefore use it to your benefit.
2. Families traveling together are usually safe to approach. (Don’t ever turn your back towards anyone)
3. You can also approach a large traveling group/tour to help you take a few pictures of yourself.
4. Get a safe/locker from your hostel/hotel to put all your personal belongings in. Don’t have them lying/ visible out in your room or dorm.
5. Put a lock on your bag or a travel net around you bag to insure your belongings are kept safe.

I would avoid approaching a solo individual to take a photo or hold your stuff for a moment. It is more likely they could run off with your camera or belongings.
Just remember to trust your feelings and realize when is a good time to trust an individual.

Photo credit goes to Joe Mabel

Only a few years back, traveling alone was something that only briefcase carrying salesmen were known to do. Times have changed and traveling solo is now an exciting adventure for many seeking to explore exotic countries and intriguing locations. Though some still prefer to travel with others, there are amazing benefits to traveling alone. There are some good points as well as downsides to take into consideration when traveling alone, especially for women.

 The greatest advantage to solo traveling is the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want. When traveling with others there has to be an agreement on what to do each day. If you want to hike a mountain trail, but the others want to explore the shops in town, most likely you will end up shopping and never experience the hike. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to choose how to spend the day without concerns over what the rest of the group prefers to do which ultimately, gives you a more rewarding vacation.

When traveling solo in an amazing country you will be able to meet many new friends to tell friends back home about. Often times when visiting other countries in a group, the locals will be more timid to talk to visitors. However, touring the countryside alone will have the locals feeling more at ease to engage in conversation. When you take time to sit and chat with the locals you can get a glimpse into the local culture, learn about the customs first hand instead of reading about them in the guidebook, and you can learn about where the locals go which are sometimes the best places to check out.

Unfortunately, traveling solo has its negative aspects too. One of the worst parts of solo traveling is the cost. When traveling with others there are a great many things that are split among you such as the hotel and meals. A single room can be quite expensive when traveling alone and if you stay in a hostel, the price is good, but there can be days where you tire of the others sharing the dorm. When sampling the local cuisine, it can become expensive for a solo traveler as you do not have anyone to split a meal or groceries with.

Many solo travelers are concerned about the loneliness they occasionally encounter. It is difficult to visit an amazing location and not be able to immediately share the beautiful sunset you just witnessed. If traveling a long distance, it can also become lonely with your friends not there to take your mind off of the long journey. Safety is always a concern whether you are traveling in a group or alone. If traveling alone it is important to be cautious of things around you. Many women travelers become targets for crime, but using precautions will help you feel safe. Just keep a hold of your purse and follow your instincts.

Traveling alone can be extremely exciting and rewarding regardless of the downfalls. There are a number of experience that you would actually miss out on if you travel with a group and plus, there is a certain self-satisfaction that you feel when you experience a place on your own. If you are new to the idea of traveling alone, try starting out with a small adventure to get the feel of how exciting solo journeys can be, then move your way up to longer trips.

Maria Freeman writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers a unique luxury briefcase selection direct from the manufacturer. She is a freelance writer and self-appointed world traveler who left San Francisco to travel the world, starting in Asia and made her way through Western Europe in 3 months. Maria is based in Manila, Philippines and spends more than half of every year seeking out new adventures, great food and the best bargain shopping in the world.

Breaking the routine

No matter how many road trips I may take per year, a routine is a routine. You get up, go to work, workout, socialize and go to bed. Although I don’t mind having a routine (surprising eh?!), I do like disconnecting from it at least once per year. Traveling is stress free once you’re in a location. You get up and do what you feel like doing. There is no need to return phone calls, cook or worry about anything! Now that’s what I call la bella vita.

Michoacan, Mexico

Learning About a new culture

I can read all I want about different cultures but the best way to learn is to actually experience it! Going to a country, talking with locals, eating their food and walking in their streets is the best way to both experience and learn about a culture.

Friends in Rio

Meeting People and Exchanging Experiences

Traveling allows me to meet people. I do indeed meet people at home but it’s not the same. In a hostel, you randomly meet new friends in your dorm room, in the kitchen, in the hallway or at breakfast. They normally don’t react when I tell them that I enjoy traveling alone and they don’t question why I’m in a hostel instead of a hotel. I don’t need to justify things that I normally justify when meeting new people at home. While some of the backpackers have traveled extensively and others are new to the backpacking world, traveling allows myself and others to talk and share our experiences. I may hang out with a person for as little as an afternoon, but that afternoon will forever remain engraved in me. I’ve spent countless nights just talking and listening to the interesting stories of others in random cities of the World. It’s great!

Hang-Gliding in Rio

Being a Kid is Fun

Hang-gliding in Rio, elephant riding in Thailand or skiing in the Alps make me feel like a kid again! These are adventurous opportunities that arise when traveling and I crave these types of adventures regularly. It’s fun!

Sharing your experience

The best part of it all is to come back home (I actually do enjoy going back home believe it or not!) and share my experiences with friends, family and who ever else I may run into!

In 2005 I took my first backpacking adventure and I went solo for the first part of my trip, but for the middle of my trip I backpacked with a good friend of mine. We traveled within Europe for an about two months. Now, mind you my friend and I get a long very well and we have never argued about anything, so I knew this trip was going to be a breeze. Oh and it was, everything went very smoothly and we had a blast together. Yet, while we traveled there were certain things I did notice. But this was not only my first trip I have traveled with someone. I also experienced traveling with a boyfriend. In 2007, I traveled around China for a few weeks with a guy who I was dating at the time. We had a wonderful time, but at the same time many similar things I noticed took it’s course when traveling with someone.

The disadvantages of traveling with a travel partner:

- I found you don’t meet as many fellow backpackers compared to when you travel solo
- Everything takes a little longer within your traveling schedule due to being a duel or more.
- Everything gets a little more expensive (can depend on who you travel with). Food and nightlife budget increases.
- Places/sight seeing can be often missed due to one of you rather wanting to see something else.
- Get tired or annoyed with your travel partner’s behaviours or comparing travel advice.

The advantages of having a travel partner:

- You always feel safer, anywhere you are traveling too
- You always have company: someone to ask for an opinion, advice, chat with, party, eat, and get lost with.
- Easier to take pictures!!!
- Share experiences, moments, and can be very exciting.
- Share travel equipment

I have traveled more often as a solo backpacker only because I do prefer it and it can also be very difficult planning a random trip (that I often do) with someone who is willing to do the same. As for me traveling solo just equals more freedom in every way possible. I find when I do travel alone I see more things in a shorter time period, I meet more backpackers, I spend less money, and I do what I love – experience the world the way I want to. Yet, I have to say, there are times where I would love to have a companion to sometimes share an experience with. Also in certain countries I would feel a lot more at ease if I did have a travel partner with me. Overall it can go both ways. As for me I would recommend traveling solo if you have never backpacked before. You will taste the true traveling experience if you do travel solo. But if you do know someone who is just like you and very easy-going, that may also be a great option for you too. Just make sure you see that places you want to see when you do travel!!