hi lizzie - there's some great articles on BNT on this topic that you may want to check out:
5 Reasons the Lost Girls Can Afford To Travel The World
http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/03/23/5-reasons-the-lost-girls-can-afford-to-travel-the-world/
3 Secrets To Planning Your Next Big Adventure
http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2007/03/05/3-secrets-to-planning-your-next-big-adventure/
Hope they help!
Ian
I had to laugh about how you joined and then promptly forgot! I did the EXACT same thing, and just found my way back today.
The only advice I can give is: GO FOR IT!! Life is too short to NOT live your dreams. I will be taking off shortly (38 days - GADS!!) to ride my bike from Alaska to Argentina with my husband and 10-year-old twin boys. I can't wait to get on the road!!
Follow our family as we pedal from the Arctic to Patagonia!
www.familyonbikes.org
Hey Lizzie, glad you found your way back! (Nancy too.) Mei-Ling wrote a great piece for the notebook on considerations for women traveling solo. Check: http://thetravelersnotebook.com/top-10-lists/10-tips-for-safe-travel-as-a-single-woman/
Can you teach English? It's best to have some paper qualifications now that much of Eastern Europe has joined the EU. You'll get better opportunities. There is certainly a demand for qualified language teachers, and I feel there is no better way to experience a place than to have to earn your living like a local, shop on a local salary, etc. Many Eastern European capitals like Prague and Budapest are stunningly beautiful without having become generically modernized yet. They are also still more affordable than the West.
Congratulations on your decision to go for it! My three biggest recommendations:
1. Don't buy all of your plane tickets in advance. I know it's tempting to get a round-the-world ticket, but everyone I know who has done this has ended up changing their reservations at least once, usually more. I think it makes for a much rewarding trip to be able to change your plans on a moment's notice; head north instead of south; follow that cute boy to Laos and then ditch him for China.
2. If you're going anywhere that scares you, hook up with a local organization/group/friendly face before you go. I traveled solo in South Africa after having spent 6 months traveling with my boyfriend in East Africa and the Middle East. South Africa scared me (and this from a girl who volunteered in war zones in northern Uganda and South Sudan). Luckily I had a college friend living in Joburg; she made the experience downright comfortable (even though her house was broken into while I was visiting...but that's another story). My point here is that just because a destination doesn't seem "suitable" for solo female travelers doesn't mean you can't go--just get connected to an NGO or some locals through Matador, Couchsurfing, etc, before you head out.
3. Take your time. My boyfriend and I bought a one-way ticket to Africa with the idea that we'd come home "when the money ran out." By traveling slow and keeping our needs to a minimum, we lasted two years (could've been longer if we didn't have a soft spot for wine...). I don't regret a minute of it.
Good luck, and keep us all posted!
Joined: 04-27-07
Hello Matadorians,
I joined this site about a year ago and then promptly forgot. In that time I realized I was on the completely wrong path and needed to shake up my life. Then I got the big idea: the around the world trip. I've always wanted to do it. But how? Then I checked my email and there was the resource I needed: you guys. (awwww.)
At this point I'm in the early, early planning stages. I got my second job to fund my trip (at an outdoor store where I can pick up some cheap gear). I'm working on updating my passport, etc.
I'd love some tips, thoughts, some dear Lord, don't do this, anything people would like to share. I'm a woman (almost 30!) with some solo travel experience and would love any advice people can give. Thanks!!