Women outdoor enthusiasts are constantly dreaming up new adventures and experiences to add to our bucket lists. We find inspiration in photos and stories, and hear about new challenges that will develop our skills and opportunities to do something that we'll feel proud of. But finding someone equally passionate about our outdoor hobbies can be tough.
Dreaming of an adventurous escape, Patty Hernandez, 37, pictured a backpacking trip in a foreign country. Living in Los Angeles at the time, she knew that she wanted to travel as soon as possible and find a trail that would challenge her hiking skills.
When a customer recalled having a great experience on a group trip organized by a company, Hernandez knew that it was time to stop putting it off and book a hiking trip. She would go whether or not she had someone to travel with.
She considered the risks of traveling alone as a woman and did her research on guided group backpacking trips and the country and culture before making the final decision. Soon after, Hernandez made the commitment and courageously found herself alone on a plane to Peru where she would meet up with a group of strangers and hike the iconic Inca Trail together for four days.
What's it like to 'travel solo but not alone'? Here's what Patty Hernandez had to say about her first-hand experience on a guided group hiking trip on the Inca Trail in Peru.
What inspired you to book the trip and travel solo?
PH: "I was bartending one night, and a customer was telling me about a mountain biking trip they had just come back from, and I immediately knew this was the type of trip I wanted to go on someday. I was struggling with something in my personal life at the time and all I could think about was wanting to take a trip somewhere out of the country."
Where did you go on your backpacking trip?
PH: "I went to Peru and hiked the Inca Trail. The trip was about six days including arriving and departing. This type of trip was exactly what I was looking for especially because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone in doing something I had not previously done."
What company did you book the trip with? Would you recommend the company?
PH: "I booked my trip through G Adventures. I was looking for a fun adventurous trip that had a certain level of physical activity. The great thing about G Adventures is that they tell you what type and level of physical activity you can expect on their trips.
I would highly recommend them. They provided all meals and set up all campsites along the trail."
How did you like the ‘travel solo, but not alone’ style of the trip?
PH: "Aligning schedules with friends for travel can be difficult and I wanted to travel no matter what, but I was worried about doing it alone. What I loved about G Adventures is that all I had to do was get myself to the location where I would be meeting up with a group of people.
I wasn't quite ready to take a completely solo trip where I would be responsible for researching everything and doing everything on my own. So, this style of trip was a great introduction to traveling on my own."
"This type of trip was exactly what I was looking for especially because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone."
Did you get along with others in the group? What were they like? Do you keep in touch with anyone you met on the trip?
PH: "Most of the people in the group were Americans. To my surprise, it was mostly couples with only a few single people. All were working professionals who had an interest in hiking and camping, or were looking to challenge themselves.
We all got along well and had fun together. There was one person that I kept in touch with for a while via text and phone calls. She was from Toronto, and we ended up sharing a tent together."
Did you have any concerns about traveling alone as a woman?
PH: "Honestly, yes, I did. I think when you're doing something you've never experienced before alone it can feel overwhelming. One of my concerns was that I'd get lost or would have trouble finding my way around.
Luckily, I met a woman at the airport in one of my layovers who reassured me that it was safe. She traveled solo often and said that the first time can feel scary, but if you're aware of your surroundings it should be fine."
Do you often hike alone, or are there other solo activities that you enjoy that give you confidence to travel alone?
PH: "I have hiked local trails alone. I go on daily walks in my neighborhood to motivate myself to continue exploring what's around me.
If it hadn't been for the pandemic, I probably would have done more solo trips, but I'm looking forward to my next adventure."
What were some essential items that you brought? What gear did you bring?
PH: "Since I was doing a backpacking trip, I brought my backpacking pack, sleeping bag, hiking boots, socks, hiking poles, weather-appropriate clothes for four days, wipes (there were no showers on the trail), toothbrush, comb, and water reservoir.
G Adventures provided the tents, all meals, and water. I didn't really need to bring too many things. I did bring a suitcase to get to Peru, but we were able to leave it at the hotel and pick it up when we returned."
Did you feel like Peru was a safe country to travel alone as a woman?
PH: "I would say yes. I didn't feel in any danger in any of the towns that we were staying in. There were always lots of people around and the local police were always around as well.
When I arrived in Peru, there was a shuttle from G Adventures that picked me up and took me to the hotel where I would be meeting my group."
Do you have any travel tips for women who want to travel alone?
PH: "If you aren't ready to go alone, consider doing a group trip where you get to meet up with other people. Even if you are doing this type of trip, do your research about the culture and the country you plan on visiting.
Don't worry if you don't make friends with the people in your group, but it is always a plus when you find someone that you have things in common with."
"If you aren't ready to go alone, consider doing a group trip where you get to meet up with other people."
What is something that surprised you about traveling solo?
PH: "That it wasn't as scary as I made it out to be in my head."
What were the highlights of your trip?
PH: "Getting to the end of the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu. Also, taking a shower when we got back to the hotel."
Anything else you'd like to share?
PH: "I would say, be open-minded. If you don't feel comfortable with doing a solo trip out of the country, then consider doing a local trip in your area by yourself first to get comfortable with the experience."
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