In my opinion, she must not go there alone. Many things can happen along the way and in cases of emergency, where can she go for help? Besides, it is much more exciting and enjoyable to go with a group rather than go on a trip like that all alone by yourself. Hope this helps.
Backpacking Alone
tay |
Posts: 470 |
Joined: 2006-05-18 |
helen |
Posts: 246 |
Joined: 2006-05-20 |
Backpacking
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andre |
Posts: 1217 |
Joined: 2005-09-26 |
I tend to agree with Helen.
I tend to agree with Helen. If she absolutely wants to go alone, she should avoid Eastern Europe. Even though Europe is much safer than most places, it is never a good idea for a women/girl to travel alone.
Andre
riskey58 |
Posts: 74 |
Joined: 2007-04-29 |
cindy |
Posts: 392 |
Joined: 2007-02-16 |
There are hundreds, no
Apologies in advance for the rant.
There are hundreds, no thousands, of young women backpacking alone through Europe. If your daughter has no common sense, habitually takes unnecessary risks, and is a poor judge of people, then she shouldn't go anywhere. If she, however, does have common sense, has a reasonable regard for her own personal safety, and isn't likely to befriend drug dealers, she should be fine.
If she stays in hostels (you probably want to push this) she will meet other young people and probably travel around with them anyway. I think hostesl are important because that will give her the maximum chance of meeting more experienced travelers and learning from them, and finding friends she can travel with. Young people tend to get together to go to a particular place, then the group splits, and others form. Backpacking on your own really isn't all that solitary.
The problem with starting out with a friend is that backpacking is different, and can be death to friendships. People who start out together find it much harder to go their separate ways if things aren't going well, or if one wants to stay in France and the other wants to go to Italy.
I'm bothered a lot by how much Americans shelter their kids. I meet young women here in SEAsia that are traveling on their own, doing a gap year before starting their university careers. There is a 19-year-old Danish woman staying at my guest house who has been traveling for a year. Yet Americans still think of their 21- and 22-year olds as children. I had a friend who was so worried about her daughter's safety when she moved to Japan (one of the safest countries in the world) at 25. She thought she was so young to be going out of the country alone, when actually she was older than the majority of the English teachers there.
Sure, something can go wrong? But something can go wrong anywhere? Do you let her ride in SUVs? Very dangerous cars, you know. I'm not trying to make light of your concerns, but she is old enough.
tater03 |
Posts: 47 |
Joined: 2007-04-30 |
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andre |
Posts: 1217 |
Joined: 2005-09-26 |
tater03 wrote:I agree with
I agree with the above poster that it just depends on the type of person your daughter is.
Well, I don't. While most countries in Europe might be save, you will be noticable as a tourist and I generally don't think women should travel alone anywhere.
Now I am not trying to be sexist, I just don't think men are attacked or raped as often. So why shouldn't she try to find a few travel buddies or join another group?
Well, I don't deny that Cindy has a strong point and everyone should weigh their risks. While it is statistically more dangerous for me to drive to L.A. I would still prefer it over flying.
Andre
http://www.aguntherphotography.com
cindy |
Posts: 392 |
Joined: 2007-02-16 |
Women shouldn't travel
Women shouldn't travel alone? As in they shouldn't take the bus to work? Go to the beach for the day? Go shopping in a new mall where they won't know their way around and therefore will look like a stranger? Take jobs in another city and move there on their own? Do you think the Saudis have a point? There, women aren't allowed outside without a man?
Every single person I met in Thailand who was mugged or had other 'tourist problems' was a man? Why? Because they feel invulnterable and do stupid things like wandering around at three in the morning, alone and drunk. One got beaten with a stick and robbed.
cindy |
Posts: 392 |
Joined: 2007-02-16 |
juna |
Posts: 19 |
Joined: 2007-07-22 |
I'm very late replying to
I'm very late replying to this post. But surely, your daughter is of an age where it's up to her to decide whether she wants to go backpacking in Europe on her own.
It's one thing to point out the dangers and discuss how best to avoid them. But, as the mother of a 20-year old daughter, I think you have to let them make their own decisions. At the end of the day, that's what they'll do anyway!
wndylu |
Posts: 1 |
Joined: 2008-05-14 |
My 19 year old daughter is
My 19 year old daughter is planning a trip across Europe this summer and I am a nervous wreck about it...but I'm trying really hard to not let it show. She can't live her life in fear...needs to get out and live it!
Some of the comments on here have made me feel a little better about her traveling alone...now I'm trying to get excited about it!
Glad I found this site!
juna |
Posts: 19 |
Joined: 2007-07-22 |
I'm sure she'll have a
I'm sure she'll have a wonderful time. I wish I were 19 again and traveling Europe!
With parents who are worried about their children traveling alone, how about them taking cell phones or mobile phones that are suitable for using throughout Europe? Then, if they have an emergency, they can contact home. And, your minds will be more at rest, knowing you can keep in touch with them.
bnauglen54 |
Posts: 21 |
Joined: 2008-03-19 |
cindy wrote:
Apologies in
matthew26 |
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jaygmz |
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54RichardS |
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Joined: 2008-05-28 |
thegettheregirls |
Posts: 1 |
Joined: 2008-06-17 |
The best experience of my life
Of course there are risks, just like there are risks when you drive a car or eat sushi...but hey, you have to live your life. I traveled around Europe for 3 months on my own, and it was absolutely the best experience of my life. I was 23 at the time and straight out of college. You should check out my Travel Blog to see some of the things you can experience on a solo journey, or one with a close friend. It's the best way to become self reliant and learn who you really are and what you are capable of.
My daughter is planning to backpack around Europe when she completes her teaching degree next year. I would rather she went with someone not on her own. Is it safe to backpack around on your own or is it better to do it in pairs or a group say? Would love your opinion.