Cheapest Places for Women to Travel Alone

The cheapest places for women to travel alone are, generally speaking, the same as for men. In today's tough economic times it takes a little ingenuity to create a cheap travel experience. Women who do plan to travel alone should always take extra caution to ensure their safety in new environments.

Volunteer Vacations

• Looking for a place to escape, but also to give of yourself and your time? Consider a volunteer vacation. There are many different types available that offer new experiences, the chance to meet new people and cost you little or nothing:

  Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation: Free, volunteers bring their own gear, meals are included.
  P.O. Box 190688
  Hungry Horse, MT 59919
  (406) 387-3808
  bmwf.org

  Colorado Trail Foundation: Weekend $25, week $50.
  710 10th Street, Room 210
  Golden, CO 80401
  (303) 384-3729
  coloradotrail.org

  World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: $20 for an individual, $30 for two.
  WWOOF - USA
  430 Forest Avenue
  Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  (949) 715-9500
  wwoof.org

  Pacific Crest Trail Association: Free.
  1331 Garden Highway
  Sacramento, CA 95833
  (916) 285-1846
  trailprojects.com

  American Hiking Society: $275/year, includes 1 volunteer vacation, subscription to backpacker and hiker magazine and discounts on gear.
  1422 Fenwick Lane
  Silver Spring, MD 20910
  phone: 1-800-972-8608
  americanhiking.org

Day Trips

• Sometimes the best escapes are within a days drive away or right around the corner. Plan a one day road trip, returning home for the evening or escape to a day spa. Put everything on hold and stay offline, make it a real vacation day.

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How to Travel Alone As a Woman

Traveling alone as a woman may be intimidating, but it can also offer adventure and experiences not available on tours or to couples. Here are some tips and suggestions to make your trips safe and memorable.

Tips
The first step - Where do you want to go?

1. Decide if you are going on a tour of Europe for culture and adventure or with girlfriends to a beach for tans and drinks. This will help you progress to step two.
2.  Check out tours and cruises for possible biases or affiliations
3. Going it alone: There are cruises and tours for women traveling alone, but they may be lesbian based, which is somethingthat may influence your decision and should be checked out before sending in a deposit.
4. Know the culture: So that you do not feel as though you are standing out, know the customs of the country such as speaking softly, wearing skirts, no chewing gum, and definitely no warm-up suits.
5. Check out websites: There are several great websites such as www.journeywoman.com which can give you information about tours, hotels, or help you find other women who are interested in travel.
6. Consider exchanging your home, or offering hospitality, to other sojourners, which will give your travels a personalfeel and add new connections for possible future trips.

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How to Stay Safe When Traveling Alone

Independent travel is liberating. You can go where you please and eat what you like, conforming to no one’s schedule but your own. However, being out there by yourself can present some risks, especially for women. Take these steps to stay safe on your next solo trek.

Things You'll Need

• Map
• Water
• Emergency blanket
• Flashlight
• Pocket knife
• Pepper spray
• Cell phone

Tips

1. Make sure your car is in good working order before you leave. Check your oil, transmission fluid, and tire pressure. Fill up the gas tank, and pack a gallon of water, an emergency blanket, and a flashlight.
2. Study your map before you head out. This important bit of planning can help you avoid getting lost and ending up in an unsafe situation. If you do need to check your map again on the way, pull over in a populated, well-lit area or duck into a store—reading your map on the street makes you look like a distracted tourist, and therefore, a target.
3. Create an itinerary and give it to friends and family. Let them know your driving route as well. If you make changes to these plans, let them know. In case you go missing, someone should know where to begin looking.
4. Keep your cell phone charged up, and call home regularly. It’s nice to hear familiar voices, and this helps your loved ones keep up with your travels.
5. Carry a pocket knife and pepper spray. A pocket knife has innumerable uses, and pepper spray gives you a non-lethal way to defend yourself.
6. Let someone at your hotel, hostel, or campground know where you are going, especially if you are going to be out late at night. If you are going out with someone that you don’t know well, leave information about that person in your room.
7. Don’t walk alone at night. If leaving an event, quietly tag along with a bigger group for the walk back to the hotel. Always have cash on hand for a cab.

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How to Travel Alone in San Francisco

San Francisco is a great city for a solo vacation or business trip. It is a very friendly city with lots of outdoor attractions that make it easy to meet people. When traveling solo, a great way to make friends for the trip is to stay at a youth hostel. San Francisco has numerous youth hostels and they are full of travelers from all over the world.

Things You'll Need

• Camera

Tips

1. Stay in a youth hostel. The AYH hostels in San Francisco are wonderful. They are clean, well organized and full of international travelers. You will meet people from all over the world, if you stay in a hostel.
2. Travel safely. Do not give out personal information to new people you meet on your trip. Lock up your valuables and do not wear anything expensive that may attract the wrong kind of attention when you are exploring the city.
3. Visit outdoor attractions like the Fisherman's Wharf and outdoor parks to mingle with tourists and residents of San Francisco. Check out the Farmer's Markets too.
4. Walk through the different neighborhoods of the city. San Francisco's neighborhoods each have a distinct culture. The Haight is a great spot to visit if you like music and book stores. Chinatown is a great place for lunch and shopping. North Beach offers the City Lights bookstore and great Italian food. Explore as many neighborhoods as possible to get a feel for the real San Francisco.
5. Stop rushing around at least for a bit and enjoy the scenery. San Francisco is a beautiful city. Find a bench along the bay or in a park and enjoy the view. You will meet people as they sit near you and start up a conversation.

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How to Travel Alone in South East Asia

Southeast Asia (SEA) is an excellent destination to consider traveling alone. The warm weather, friendly locals, easy transportation and inexpensive prices are just a few reasons. However, many Southeast Asians are unaccustomed to seeing single travelers, particularly single women travelers. Most attention, from the occasional stares or quizzical questions, will generally be out of harmless curiosity. However, it is always best to avoid unwanted attention by taking certain precautions in order to enjoy the journey safely.

Things You'll Need

• Important document copies
• Guide book
• Backpack
• Modest clothing

Instructions

1. Preparing For the Trip

   • 1
     Make copies of important documents: flight itinerary; accommodation contact information; passport; birth certificate; vaccinations; banking information and credit cards. Bring one copy with you and leave the other with a family or friend.
   • 2
     Pack essential items: mosquito net, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and cotton clothing. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that all of SEA is within the malaria zone. SEA has tropical temperatures; wearing sunscreen and loose, moisture-absorbing clothes prevent heatstroke and sunburn.
   • 3
     Buy a guide book that discusses the issues of traveling alone. The Lonely Planet guide books about South East Asia are excellent references that list recommendations for solo travelers.

   Traveling

   • 4
     Stay in accommodations that are near the main road. The dark, winding alley of Pha Ngu Lao in Saigon is popular, but consider one of the numerous budget accommodations along the main street of Bui Vien.
   • 5
     Stay in dorms to meet other solo travelers. Be sure to always lock your backpack and never leave any valuable items out since dorms are always unlocked and there is a large number of people going in and out.
   • 6
     Let your hostel know where you will be going for the day, especially if you are exploring by yourself.
   • 7
     Stay connected with your family and friends back home. Frequently, let them know the next city or country you will be visiting and contact them when you arrive.

   Respect the Customs and Stay Safe

   • 8
     Respect the customs and dress modestly. Southeast Asians equate modest dressing as a sign of respect. In places like Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia, the Muslim Sharia laws exist, which restrict some activities, including drinking alcohol. Even on the beaches of Thailand, sunbathing topless is frowned upon. Modest clothing usually includes below-the-knee skirts or pants and loose and high-neckline, sleeved tops.
   • 9
     Learn the basic language to help communicate with locals. Although many people in places like Singapore and Bali speak English, they will appreciate your effort.
   • 10
     Watch your food and drink and keep them close to you. Occasional drugging by locals and other backpackers occur, particularly in large cities like Bangkok
   • 11
     Only carry essential items while exploring the city. Always wear your backpack in the front of your body when riding the bus or trains to prevent pick-pocketing.
   • 12
     Hide a small amount of emergency money, passport and credit cards in a discreet money belt.

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How to Travel Alone With an Infant

Traveling alone with a baby is not as difficult as you may fear. Yes, there may be additional steps and inconveniences, but you can handle them. Preparation is the key. The following steps will help eliminate problems that may occur. Who knows, you may even learn to relax and enjoy your alone time with your baby!

Things You'll Need

• Small toys and extra pacifiers in arm's reach
• Stroller
• Organized diaper bag
• Cell phone
• Water
• Mirror to see a rear-facing seated child
• Directions

Instructions

1. Preparations

   • 1
     If driving, get directions ahead of time so you do not need to stop and ask. Stopping for directions is not as easy with a baby along, as you must take the baby out of the carseat or take the carseat carrier with you. Never leave a baby in the car unattended to go in and get directions.
   • 2
     Make a list of what you will need to take ahead of time so you don't leave anything at home. Your list will be considerably longer when traveling with a baby than traveling alone.
   • 3
     Pack all of the necessities.
   • 4
     Know where items are located so you can get to them easily. Organization is a must. Remember, no one is available to dig through your diaper bag and get the bottle or baby spoon!
   • 5
     Place items such as pacifiers and small toys within arm's reach.
   • 6
     Install a mirror on the baby's seat if the baby is rear facing.
   • 7
     Plan eating arrangements. If you nurse, decide where you are most comfortable and plan accordingly.

   The Trip

   • 8
     Leave early. Traveling alone with a baby will take longer, so plan for unexpected stops along the way.
   • 9
     Take the baby into the restroom either in a stroller or keep the baby in his infant carrier.
   • 10
     Feed the baby at scheduled times.
   • 11
     Keep the baby on his usual schedule. This will help to make your trip more enjoyable.
   • 12
     Keep hydrated. Although you may need to take several restroom breaks, you will need to stay fresh and alert.
   • 13
     Stop and rest when necessary.
   • 14
     Travel during your baby's nap time if possible.
   • 15
     Take a cell phone.

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How to Travel Alone Internationally

Traveling alone cross borders is one of the most invigorating experiences one can have. But make sure you are the independent, free-spirited type or you'll be calling home the moment your plane lands at Heathrow.

Things You'll Need

• Passport

Tips
Have passport will travel

1. This is the very first step, of course. Your passport will be valid for 10 years. There is a fee and a waiting period. You must begin by taking a passport photo. If you are in a major city such as New York, these photo shops are ubiquitous. Do a Google search and you'll be set. Then there is a waiting period of several weeks, so you should NOT put this off till the last minute. If this is your first passport, or if it's been more than 15 years since you got your last passport, you must visit your passport office in person. There are over a dozen regional passport offices as well as several thousand passport acceptance facilities in post offices, libraries and government facilities.
2. Plan your finances. One of the trickiest parts of traveling alone is you won't have anyone to remind you that you've exhausted your budget -- the principal problem with international travel, especially now that the dollar-to-euro or even worse, dollar-to-pound exchange rate is so horrid. Right now, count on spending two dollars for every pound you spend in the UK; about a third less than that when visiting euro-participating countries such as France or Austria.Also, in addition to bearing in mind the exchange rate, remember that it's easy to lose your debit card or for the card to become blocked, for cash to be stolen or lost or goodness knows what. Have three forms of money with you -- your debit card, a credit card, and cash. Some people advise travelers'' checks.In the first instance, make sure you've called your bank so they can place a code in the computer that says when you'll be abroad and which countries you'll be visiting. The good news about travel to Europe and many other continents is that your ATM card can be used at any of their banks. The problem is that you'll get a stiff fine from your bank. You need to check on all these details in advance if you possibly can -- but don't go crazy. This is a vacation. Just save an extra $1000, throw it in your bank account, try to limit transactions (BofA charges about $5 per withdrawal) and have fun!
3. Chart Your Course. Now that you've figured out how much you have to spend, figure out where that will take you. Some people do it in reverse (plan, then budget -- this is up to you, unless you are very limited with cash flow in which case you should always plan your budget first.)In the UK, you can try Host and Guest for cheap accommodations. Lots of fun to stay at other people's homes and this way, you will find too that you will learn about local cultures.Other countries outside England and Scotland will offer suitable B&B accommodations as well. Book Irish travel through Gulliver's, an online booking agency.Google for B&Bs in any other country and you're likely to find pensions, private homes and so forth in which to stay. These are much cheaper options and often are a balm for the solo traveler who is apt to feel lonely at times.
4. Plan For Contingencies.This can mean whether or not to buy travelers' or health insurance, for example. In the first case, it's more of an issue now that airlines are folding like trousers at a Chinese laundry! That said, many people just wing it and it's not that crucial. Health insurance is an issue if you will be traveling for a long time, hitting myriad stops, and/or have a tendency to contract illnesses easily. Most US health insurance plans will not cover doctors abroad, but please check with your insurers before you go. Obviously, you can be seen by emergency rooms abroad, but you must pay them. Also, particularly if you are traveling to truly exotic locations you might not feel as comfortable going to a doctor -- though you may be pleasantly surprised!
5. Enjoy your trip!While traveling alone, don't forget that this is about having FUN, not stressing out. Meet new people, flex your language muscles, stay out late and eat an extra croissant or two. If you are a lady traveling alone, please remember you could be as much of a target for predators as you are in the US. Avoid sketchy neighborhoods after dark. If you have any concerns, ask the hotel desk clerk where not to go.Bring a book, a sketch pad, your diary, a camera; anything that allows you to connect with your soul. Are you an accountant by day but artist by night? Venice will be a magical place to let your hair down as well as your calculator!

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Harare, Zimbabwe, Travel Advice

Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe, and one of the more attractive and safer Southern African capitals. Situated in one of Zimbabwe's most lush areas, Harare is home to a great number of trees, gardens and green spaces. The city has had some economic setbacks, but still engages visitors with numerous restaurants, art galleries, wildlife sanctuaries, craft markets and more.

Best Time to Visit

• Visiting between April and August will likely enable you to avoid the annual rains and take advantage of the warm days and cool nights. Overall, there is very little rain between May and September, and you can expect fewer insects, thus lowering the risk of malaria. If you’re traveling between October and April, there may be some rainy days and thunderstorms, but the rest of the time you’ll find the weather sunny and warm. You also may want to avoid traveling near presidential elections, as these can provoke violence. Elections are intended to occur every six years, but can be somewhat sporadic, so check first with a political-specific website like zimbabwesituation.com.

Before You Go

• You’ll need a passport and visa if you are coming from the United States. Regular visas are $70, at the time of this writing, and are usually processed in about seven business days. The Centers for Disease Control recommends travelers get vaccinations for hepatitis A, malaria and typhoid. For those who will be camping, hiking, biking, caving, or doing any other travel that may result in animal bites, the CDC also suggests a rabies vaccine.
• Safety

• Lonely Planet cites carjacking and carside assault and robbery as the main dangers in Harare. Drive with the doors locked, keep purses and valuables locked in the trunk, and don't roll down windows for strangers. Avoid stopping at traffic lights after dark. The Great Zimbabwe Guide recommends prearranging your transport service if you must be out in the evening, and not to walk by yourself if it’s dark out.

What To Do

• The outskirts of Harare offer a great deal of wildlife viewing opportunities. Varden Safaris can help you set up horseback riding tours to see bat caves, hippos and other animals in the wild. Or visit the Wild is Life animal sanctuary for an opportunity to spend time with the pangolin, which looks a bit like a scaly anteater, as well as giraffes, monkeys, lions and other big cats. If you prefer bird watching, try the Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary. For shoppers, don’t miss Doon Estate, where you can find handmade pottery and local fabrics alongside Belgian chocolates. The Avondale Flea Market is an open-air market with stalls selling specialty items like mbiras, drums, carvings and other handmade art; just remember, you’re expected to haggle here. After shopping, catch a show at the market’s nearby cinema, or relax in one of the coffee shops or restaurants.

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How Many Suitcases Can You Take Across the Border?

The uncertainty of international travel may cause you to over pack. You want to be prepared for anything, so you might bring a few suitcases with you for your travels. While most countries, including the U.S., do not enforce a limit on the number of suitcases you can bring over the border, you may be limited by other considerations, such as duty taxes, third-party baggage allowances and physical limitations.

Foreign Immigration Laws

• The number of suitcases you can bring to another country depends on that country's immigration laws. Certain countries allow you to bring unlimited suitcases for personal use free of charge, so long as you leave with the same luggage after you're done traveling. Some countries charge a duty on the entire value of the items inside your suitcases beyond a certain allowance, even if you plan on coming back to the U.S. with all of your luggage. Other countries enforce a tariff on goods brought into the country permanently, either for personal use at your new home abroad or goods intended for sale. Check with the country's embassy inside the U.S. for rules, regulations and tariffs.

Airline Baggage Allowance

• While most countries do not limit the number of suitcases that you can bring over the border, most airlines limit the number of suitcases you can load onto the plane. While airlines relax baggage allowances for international travel, you will still be bound by these limits. Often, you may carry one small suitcase onto the plane, check one or two suitcases for free, and pay an extra fee for each suitcase checked beyond the allowance. Your airline may limit the overall number of suitcases that you can bring, but you may check even more suitcases under the name of a travel companion.
• Cruise Ships, Cars and Declaration

• Cruises often enforce an ambiguous baggage allowance of a "reasonable" amount. Call your cruise line if you feel like your reasonable amount of luggage is more than most people's reasonable amount. Ask just how many suitcases you can bring. Taking a car over the border only limits you physically. You may bring as many suitcases as you can fit into your vehicle. You must truthfully declare all goods inside your suitcases at the border, no matter how you get them across. The country may inspect your suitcases to validate your claims, impose tariff taxes and seize any restricted goods. Lying about your luggage may bar you from entering the country. Contact the country's embassy inside the United States to discover restricted goods, which may be unexpected items such as fruits, plants or pets.

Coming Back Into the U.S.

• As a U.S. citizen, you can bring as many suitcases back to the U.S. as you'd like. But foreign goods inside your suitcases will be subject to tariffs. Any goods bought in another country must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP grants you an exemption on tariffs depending on where you bought the goods. Usually, CBP does not enforce a tariff on the first $800 to $1,600 worth of goods declared. The next $1,000 worth of goods is taxed at a flat rate between 1.5 and 3 percent. Any outstanding value of goods above the exemption and flat tax bracket receive a punitive tax on a per item basis out of an international database called the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

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How Much of Your Budget Should You Allocate for Your Vacation?

One of the most difficult parts of trip planning is figuring out how much you want -- and can afford -- to spend on your vacation. Allocating part of your budget for vacation should be one of the first things you do when beginning to stitch together the perfect trip. Because everyone's financial situation is relative, no definitive guideline can be followed. However, there are a few helpful tips and planning exercises that can help you decide how to fill in some basic travel budget blanks -- after you've already accounted for the necessities.

What Are Your Necessary Expenses?

• The first step in allocating money to a travel fund is to figure out how much money you need in other areas. Expenses like your rent or mortgage, utility bills, debts -- credit cards, school or others -- and loans, insurance, food, clothing and anything else that you absolutely must pay every week, month, quarter or year need to be included into the equation. If you are unsure of some of the payments or costs, always err on the side of overestimation. Some people suggest following a 50/20/30 rule breakdown -- which allots 70 percent of expenses to housing, transportation, utilities, groceries and financial obligations combined.

Put Aside Some Money For Emergencies

• Even if you overestimate your necessary expenses, have good insurance or live on the side of good luck, you should always allocate a percentage of money to your savings. You never know when you will want or need to use this money and having it on hand can literally be a lifesaver. You can even use some of this money to borrow against yourself to go traveling if an unexpected travel expense arises or you just don't have enough right away for your dream trip. But, that being said: Save, use and plan for this money wisely.
• What Are You Willing to Sacrifice?

• Once you've got all your expenses and emergency money accounted for, you can start to work out a budget for your vacation. With the remaining money in your budget, make a loose budget of what "extra" expenses you want per month, including going out, dining out, concerts, shopping, manicures, haircuts, exercise and so on. This is usually where compromise comes in. Depending on the type of vacation you want -- the location, duration and level of luxury -- you may have to forgo some of your luxury expenses in the meantime as the money for both of these things is coming from the same place. Trade out money spent on superfluous activities for extra room in your vacation budget.

So What Kind of Vacation Do You Want?

• Now that you've got a ballpark number on how much you can save towards a vacation per week, month or year, you need to decide what type of vacation you want. Budget out the cost of the vacation as best you can -- including transportation, accommodation, meals, tours, souvenirs, drinks, entertainment, insurance, pre-trip costs and factor in a little for inflation. Don't forget to keep in mind any currency differences -- a trip to London is a lot more expensive than a trip to Peru. Figure out how long it will take you to save up based on your budget, and make adjustments where you are willing and able. In the meantime, it won't hurt to search through deals or find other ways to stretch your allocated vacation budget as far as possible.

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The Best Time of Day to Travel by Airplane

If you've ever missed a connecting flight or found yourself paying nearly twice as much for a plane ticket just because you didn't want to book the red-eye, you know that certain times of the day are more favorable to airplane travel than others. Your itinerary and your budget probably drive your choice in flights, but if you have a little flexibility, try to get the first flight out or the last flight in, particularly if you want to save money and stay on schedule.

Saving Money

• When you want to fly cheap, your comparison shopping will probably give you the best deals early in the morning and late at night. The cheapest flight of the day will probably be the first one out, according to U.S. News & World Report. If you don't mind getting up early, grabbing that first flight out will save you money and also avoid problems such as overbooking. If you're looking for a low airfare but you can't get to the airport that early, check flights around the lunch and dinner hours. Red-eye flights are often less expensive than other flights during the day, but you'll have to get a good night's sleep on the plane.

Staying On Schedule

• It's best to fly earlier in the day if an on-time arrival is important to you. The percentage of on-time arrivals drops after 3 or 4 p.m. at most airports and with most airlines, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Morning flights are best because there is not a lot of traffic at airports and in the sky, which means your flight can leave and arrive on schedule. Delays will occur as the airspace gets busier, and a ripple effect can occur. Once one flight is delayed, all the flights after it are likely to face delays as well. .
• International Flights

• When you fly to another country, you can maximize your time overseas by flying at night. For example, leaving the East Coast in the evening will usually put you in Europe early in the morning the next day. This gives you a full day to start your international trip and can help you combat jet lag if you are able to sleep on the plane.

Other Considerations

• Deciding on the best time to fly can also depend on your personal travel considerations, including which airport you are departing from and what kind of connection or layover might be involved. If you are traveling with small children, flying during their nap times might be a good way to keep them quiet on the plane. The time of year and local weather patterns also play a role. For example, late afternoon thunderstorms in the summer can create a higher chance of flight delays, and winter snow and ice can result in cancellations no matter what time your flight is scheduled.

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