Finding fellow travellers

[sammd]

My cousin wants to go travelling but none of her friends do. Is there a website where she can find other people who are in the same situation, i.e. who want to find travel buddies? Like those websites where you can find housemates, etc. Thanks for any answers.

[morg_monster]

[These comments assume that she is going for a 'backpacker' style travel, ie taking a fairly standard route and staying in hostels etcetera. If she is older and staying in hotels etc they won't really apply.]

When I went travelling around the world (HK-singapore-thailand-Oz-NZ-pacific-California) there were lots and lots of lone travellers (male and female). They usually would meet someone (another solo or a group) at a hostel who they got on with, and then travel with them until their plans diverged. Or just go with them to see the sights of a new place. Most people are so so friendly when travelling, even more so than at home, it is easy to find buddies as you go along.

I don't really see the point of trying to find some random person to travel with from the outset - even when you go with close friends travel can frazzle relationships a bit. Unless she is particularly shy then she'll be fine just meeting people as she goes along.

[sammd]

Thanks - i assume it is fairly safe travelling as a lone female?

[morg_monster]

Doh I did a big long answer and then our internet went down. In a nutshell...

Yes it is safe and lots of girls/women do travel alone. In most countries you just need to take the same precautions you would at home. Be aware of your surroundings, don't be alone in dark, badly lit areas, (in some countries) don't get into a taxi alone, make sure that if you are drinking alcohol that there are people you trust with you. On a 'normal' round the world itinerary the only country you might just need to be a bit more careful is in Malaysia - being a muslim country, albeit a quite westernised one - if she is not sensible with her dress she might attract unwanted comments and behaviours if she is alone. Wearing trousers or long skirts, and t-shirts rather than strappy tops, and generally being respectful should stop this.

Travel guides always tailor some advice to specific groups - eg lone women, gay people or those with small children, so she should be able to get good advice from these. Web sites and travel forums would be helpful sources of information as well.

Ultimately she is sure to not be alone much! She will keep finding people to hang around with as she goes on. A lot of places abroad are safer than some British cities as long as you are sensible!