Is it safe for a youngish female tourist to backpack through

fifibox
fifibox Posts: 69
edited October 2 in Chit-Chat
So I had my big trip to America finally planned for June/July next year, though the planning is not going real well, because my friends can't get the same dates off work I'm coming on my own so I was going to do a Contiki tour (have you heard of them? they're popular here in Australia and UK) for 26 days that does most of the coastline of US starting in either NY or CA finishing at the opposite one but it's $4000! Plus flights there is $2000 each way so it woul be $8000 just for the tour and flights let alone food and a motel the nights before and after the tour etc so I'm starting to wonder if it would be safe enough to just catch public transport and kind of hike/camp/backpack somehow around the US...

We only know what we see in the movies about AMerica so your thoughts, comments, opinions would be appreciated...

I've heard of 'couch surfing' websites or something where you stay with strangers and in return they can stay with you if they come to your Country, has anyone heard of this or done this to?

Thanks MFP crew :-)))
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Replies

  • joehempel
    joehempel Posts: 1,543 Member
    I've never heard of anything like that....but after watching Hostel I wouldn't do it LOL....too many movies haha.
  • mjta
    mjta Posts: 1 Member
    Couchsurfing is an excellent concept. Give it a try. I've used it for over a year all over Asia and the experiences are invaluable.
  • FAtGiRLFItGiRL
    FAtGiRLFItGiRL Posts: 156
    im from ca and i see things on the news all the time. theres no way in hell i would stay with strangers or hitch hike like that. sorry but thats just me.
  • Tisha247
    Tisha247 Posts: 849 Member
    Hello, I'm an Australian and went on a three week trip to the US last year. My husband and I dragged our two small children around, we drove ourselves across states and found it completely safe. We'd love to go back and camp tour around the rest of the US. I'd just avoid the rougher area's and try to hook up with a pack of other back packers when you get there.
  • mommared53
    mommared53 Posts: 9,543 Member
    Oh heck no! It's not something I would want my daughter to do! I certainly wouldn't recommend it. Certainly not by yourself. :noway:
  • sleepytexan
    sleepytexan Posts: 3,138 Member
    Sadly, I would not recommend that a woman travel anywhere in the world alone.

    That being said, I certainly go places every day by myself and i have lived all over the US as well as in London, UK; I just think it comes down to familiarity and unfortunately predators look for those who are uncertain of their surroundings.

    You just never know, really. I have had two bad things happen to me -- once when I lived in London, and once when I lived in NJ (USA).

    Best if you can do an organized tour, or if it might interest you (for a longer stay), look into becoming a nanny.

    blessings.
  • gem975
    gem975 Posts: 29
    You would be fine love! Americans are psycho about safety and police.
    Just stay in populated areas and dont do anything you wouldnt do at home..
    e.g. following strangers down dark alleys lol
  • snookumss
    snookumss Posts: 1,451 Member
    If you are going to be able to afford to stay in a room every night, you are safe. If you can't, I would say its definitely not safe. I have a food cart in downtown Portland Oregon, and I see lots of "travelers" and/or homeless people. Your stuff WILL be stolen, you NEED a dog to try to help protect yourself, and there are too many people who mess with people just for fun. As a 21yo female, I also stress that you NEED a partner for something like that. There are many sick people out there dear... think about the worst areas of your home and imagine trying to backpack through that and NOT know anybody or whats around you.
  • zoodalia
    zoodalia Posts: 294
    No way.
  • Elleinnz
    Elleinnz Posts: 1,661 Member
    Yep - there is a website www.couchsurfing.com - I am a member.

    I have never actually "surfed" myself, but have hosted many couchsurfers here in New Zealand, and have actually made some great life long friends that way....

    The site has a rating and feedback system, so you get quite a good idea of who the people are - and the experiences of other couchsurfers.

    A friend of mine's 55 year old mother just came back from 6 weeks of couchsurfing in the US and she had a wonderful time. One of my friends on here (that I met through CS) was also a long time host in Vegas (she now lives in Hawai and here in New Zealand)

    I suggest you register on the site - and then have a look around - I think it is a fantastic way to travel - and meet new people
  • fifibox
    fifibox Posts: 69
    hmm well i defs have no one else to go with unfortunately
  • jmatthews75
    jmatthews75 Posts: 525 Member
    WOW, thats a lot of money. why don't you just pay the money for the flight, and find someone that would let you sleep on your couch for the other 4 grand I am sure there are a lot of people out there that would let you stay the month on their couch for 4 grand. lol
  • ivyjbres
    ivyjbres Posts: 612 Member
    Just because backpacking/camping as a mode of transport isn't mainstream in the US, I'd recommend you not, unless you're super punk rock. Cause the only young people I've ever met or seen who willingly camp/backpack, are gutter punks. Nothin wrong with it, and I say it with much love, they're awesome; but if you can't hang with gutter punks- no, you will be totally alone and isolated. Depending on the state/locality, you may even find yourself in trouble legally.

    *Edit* Couch surfing will most definitely be safer than camping/backpacking.
  • snookumss
    snookumss Posts: 1,451 Member
    Don't try to console yourself by staying in populated cities, with more people, live more crazy people. American's HAVE to be crazy about safety and such for a reason. In my opinion, anybody who feels you would be just fine and dandy, haven't seen the real world yet.
  • kleavitt1992
    kleavitt1992 Posts: 592 Member
    lol if your going to backpack def. stick to west coast we're less scary in my opinion lol
  • turlykerd1
    turlykerd1 Posts: 54 Member
    when i traveled north africa this year i met a few girls doing the same by themselves, i think you have as much a chance of something happening to you at home as you do abroad.... having said that , motels and hostels are my choice of stayover and not strangers homes.

    also , im off to the states next year , on a road trip, east to west , and ive found flights way cheaper so keep looking and use edreams etc to drive the price down :)

    whatever happens , im sure your gonna have fun :):):)
  • Elleinnz
    Elleinnz Posts: 1,661 Member
    Sadly, I would not recommend that a woman travel anywhere in the world alone.


    I have travelled all over the world on my own - Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Swaziland, Morocco, Mexico, Cuba, USA, France, Chech Republic, Switzerland, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and have never had any issues.....

    Like any travellers you have to take care and be "street wise", but don't let not having friends to travel with put you off exploring the world. In the process I have met amazing people and had amazing experiences which I will never forget....

    There are many resources on sites like Lonely Traveller for woman travelling on their own - make sure you are well informed, and most importantly understand the challenges and cultures of the countries you are travelling to.
  • snookumss
    snookumss Posts: 1,451 Member
    Just because backpacking/camping as a mode of transport isn't mainstream in the US, I'd recommend you not, unless you're super punk rock. Cause the only young people I've ever met or seen who willingly camp/backpack, are gutter punks. Nothin wrong with it, and I say it with much love, they're awesome; but if you can't hang with gutter punks- no, you will be totally alone and isolated. Depending on the state/locality, you may even find yourself in trouble legally.

    *Edit* Couch surfing will most definitely be safer than camping/backpacking.

    Well said :)
  • snookumss
    snookumss Posts: 1,451 Member
    I think that there may be a bit of confusion as to backpacking and traveling alone in these responses as well dear.
  • Tisha247
    Tisha247 Posts: 849 Member
    I think something needs to be cleared up, when you say backpack around you don't mean camping, you mean staying in youth hostels. Dorms with other young back packers present. I think some people have confused your meaning.
  • KindleBlossom
    KindleBlossom Posts: 33
    I did a lot of this style of travel out of high school and into my early 20s, so please feel free to friend me and we can chat! I would recommend this style of travel to anyone- ESPECIALLY young women. We shouldn't have to feel afraid to travel, to be independent, to explore our world. It can be a truly wonderful experience but, of course, you must be up to the task of keeping yourself out of potentially dangerous situations. Common sense (not going out alone at night, making sure there is a place to lock up your pack in the hostel, monitoring your alcohol intake, etc.) can take you far, along with a little pepper spray, just in case (I never had to use mine). There are places on the internet for independent or solo travelers that you'll find full of excellent tips and planning tools- my favorite is bootsnall.com. They have great listings for hostels (hostelling international is a chain I highly recommend), but you may also want to check out homestay organizations like US Servas that can arrange warm and helpful families for you to stay with for short periods along your route (all of whom are pre- screened). It's a wonder, when you're out on the road, what a home- cooked meal and a nice shower can do! And having a build in friend to show you around the town you're visiting doesn't hurt, either! If you'd like to work while you travel, you can stay in community bunks on WWOOF farms (organic, family farms) for short periods, meet interesting people, and move on to the next city with a little money in your pocket. I wish you lots of luck in your planning! Good luck!

    Edit: Also, I'm realizing I didn't mention, I'm American and have lived in 13 of the 50 states, almost exclusively in urban areas, and have never had trouble with violence. Of course, experiences will vary, but I do hope you won't let fear deter you- people live here, after all, and many will go their whole lives without being affected by violence of the type mentioned here, thankfully.
  • fifibox
    fifibox Posts: 69
    I guess I mainly mean youth hostels etc cos I sure am not carrying a tent around in my packpack for a month lol

    Yeah I've been putting off my trip to the US for 5 years trying to match my plans with other peoples and it just hasn't worked so finally I've decided I need to just do it. Contiki is my last preference cos it's so much money when u only get 1/2 or 1 day at most places, so much time spent travelling, but it may be the only resort.

    Doing the couch surf option sounds great if it worked out, I'm really clean and hygenic and I think I'd freak out if I got there and there house wasn't :-/
  • Johnnyswife
    Johnnyswife Posts: 1,447 Member
    Make sure you have some pepper spray and a safety whistle..maybe a taser or stun gun just for personal safety. :flowerforyou:
  • DannyMussels
    DannyMussels Posts: 1,842 Member
    Make sure you have some pepper spray and a safety whistle..maybe a taser or stun gun just for personal safety. :flowerforyou:

    Same disclaimer I tell girls before we go on a first date.
  • turlykerd1
    turlykerd1 Posts: 54 Member
    Make sure you have some pepper spray and a safety whistle..maybe a taser or stun gun just for personal safety. :flowerforyou:

    Same disclaimer I tell girls before we go on a first date.

    OMG hahahahahaha
  • luvmycandies
    luvmycandies Posts: 489 Member
    I've never heard of anything like that....but after watching Hostel I wouldn't do it LOL....too many movies haha.

    I had exact same thought. That movie spooked me for life. Although America is safe..i wouldnt travel alone cross country. Groups r always safer. And..i def wouldnt stay at others houses!
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    www.lonelyplanet.com

    Try the Thorntree US forum.
  • MrsSpratt
    MrsSpratt Posts: 200 Member
    Sadly, I would not recommend that a woman travel anywhere in the world alone.


    I have travelled all over the world on my own - Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Swaziland, Morocco, Mexico, Cuba, USA, France, Chech Republic, Switzerland, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and have never had any issues.....

    Like any travellers you have to take care and be "street wise", but don't let not having friends to travel with put you off exploring the world. In the process I have met amazing people and had amazing experiences which I will never forget....

    There are many resources on sites like Lonely Traveller for woman travelling on their own - make sure you are well informed, and most importantly understand the challenges and cultures of the countries you are travelling to.
    I agree. It can be done, but it's going to take research. I've traveled by myself domestically and internationally and never had any problems. Be cautious and plan well and you'll be okay.
  • TheRoadDog
    TheRoadDog Posts: 11,788 Member
    I have three daughters and I would definitely advise them against such a trip. Too bad. Sounds like a great idea and a great way to see the country, but I wouldn't recommend it for a single female travelling alone.

    Having said that, you are welcome to stay with my family, if you should make it as far as the Pacific Northwest.

    Good Luck.
  • fifibox
    fifibox Posts: 69
    Make sure you have some pepper spray and a safety whistle..maybe a taser or stun gun just for personal safety. :flowerforyou:

    Same disclaimer I tell girls before we go on a first date.

    HAAA!
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