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I would agree that it is generally a good policy not to pick up hitch-hikers, but there are always exceptions. Incidently, Megan, (Co-Editor/partner/etc), agrees 110% with you and so I reserve my hitch-hiking encounters to times when I am the solo occupant of the roadtripping vehicle.
I have been lucky, considering the mental state of some of those I have picked up in remote places, perhaps it says something about my own mental state. Risks are inherent (& maybe even vital) to living well.
i'm also a solo female, on a limited budget. My plan is to bring my cell phone with but buy a cigarette-lighter-charger for it. I'll also have a laptop. Whenever i can i will be sending emails and updating a weblog that i have family and friends reading. At least, if they don't here from me they know where i last was and what i was doing. I'm also buying a mace thing for my keychain. I'm also investing in AAA. I'm also planning my days in the youth hostel, inside the tent, or wherever...i don't think it's a good idea to hang out at the gas station pouring over a map.
good luck!
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'm also planning to drive to the west coast mid-may. Limited budget, yes, campgrounds, yes. My friends think I'm insane and my parents are behind me 100% - I obviously need more adventrous friends. :)
It's very encouraging to hear that I'm not the only one considering this. The Traveling Solo page is much apperciated, thank you Mark.
bunnymonkey, you may want to look into a cigarette lighter-charger for your laptop as well. I've got one, and it's great when you just cant find a normal outlet.
Lisa- I just joined the group and saw your inquiry. I'd strongly suggest the Jackson Hole-teton-Yellowstone area, especially the time of year that you'll be going. We were there 2 years ago over Memorial Day weekend. In Jackson on the Saturday, they have a large cowboy parade through town, followed by the first rodeo of the season. This is also the first Chuckwagon Supper and cowboy music show at the Bar-J Ranch. All of these are "don't miss" experiences. heading north out of Jackson into the Tetons, watch for moose, pronghorn, elk,coyote, and other wildlife. After that, going to Yellowstone is almost an obligation. Right around this weekend, elk cows are giving birth all over the park. And then there are the geysers, paintpots, fumaroles, and all the other geothermal wonders. You'll thank yourself for going.
hey that's a great idea. I didn' t even know you could get laptop chargers for the car.
I have a MSN website that are frequented by many female riders. Also have a listing of events in the MidSouth area and also a Biker Rest and Rescue board with phone numbers, truck trailers place to crash and grab some grub.
http://groups.msn.com/midsouthmotorcycleriders
I also know of a dear sister that went from Florida to California to Oregon and back to Florida all by herself and she has a wealth of knowledge about cross-country riding.
She also will answers question on my MSn board. Good luck with your trip and if you are through memphis..give a hollar.
Well its time again. The gypsy blood in me took over. I should be leaving va. around the end of may to the 2nd week of june. if anybody knows of anything at all(from touristy to things only you know about)from june to sept/oct that i shouldnt miss please email me. eastcoast to westcoast. if anyone wants to hitch, say hey.have fun this summer all.
I have been planning my trip west for months. (Going from Florida to Washington through the southern states). My brother was going to go with me and he bailed out. Here I am now with a yearning to travel and a fear to do so alone. I was planning on camping the whole trip and working along the way. I don't see how this is feasible without someone to travel with.
To any of you adventurous women looking to camp alone that are (for obvious reasons) a bit worried about safety, I have this advice: Camp at National Park Service or Forest Service campgrounds> Many of them hire a person or couple (in my experience, usually a retired couple in an RV) to manage the campground. If I am nervous about my safety I pick a spot near them or next to a family. I notice that they ask if you are alone and keep an eye (and an ear) out for you. When I travel alone I also make sure I have someone back home or at my destination spot that I MUST check in with once a day at the same time. That way they know I'm safe and i know if I don't check in, someone else knows something is amiss. It is scary at times to be solo, but also very rewarding. Be safe, have fun, buy some mace ;)
As a man, you may not understand how vulnerable women (generally speaking) feel. Do you ever hear about a man concerned about his safety when traveling solo?!