Top Tips For Women Overlanding Solo

Would you prefer this scenario: It’s your first solo overland adventure as a woman. You’re stuck at an international border. Authorities are going through your things. You’re tired and you’re out of water.

Or this scenario: It’s your first solo overland adventure as a woman. A local woman invites you to dinner. Something smells delicious, and you ask if there’s anything you can do to help.

More likely, you’re hoping for something that looks more like the second scenario than the first. Follow a few of our tips and tricks and your solo overland adventures will likely go a lot smoother than they might have otherwise.

Solo Female Overlanding: Safety & Protection

The first rule of safety when overlanding is to pay attention. Know your surroundings and local customs. When you’re traveling solo you’ll only have yourself to watch your back, so keep your head on a swivel. Also, a general rule of thumb is to not do anything that you wouldn’t normally do by yourself back home.

Now, let’s dive into a few tips and tricks that might help you stay safe, and for you and your loved ones back home to feel that you’re safe. 

A GPS Locator and/or Communicator

It’s smart to invest in a GPS locator when traveling, especially as a solo woman. It can help you feel safe, and your loved ones feel that you’re safe knowing where you are.

A satellite communication device such as a satellite phone or GPS communicator, like a Spot or Garmin inReach device, are great ways to stay in touch with loved ones and to reach out to help when needed just about anywhere in the world you find yourself. This is especially important/useful when traveling in remote regions where a cellular connection isn’t available. 

A Reliable Vehicle

Whether your solo overland adventure involves the sedan in your driveway, a motorcycle, a built 4x4, or a massive expedition truck you’ll want to make sure it is fully serviced and mechanically sound before you set off.

Short local shake-down trips before your big overland adventures are a great idea to work out the bugs, and learn how to fix mechanical problems along the way.

Having the tools appropriate for your specific vehicle with you will go a long way. This is true for both you being able to fix issues yourself and for finding knowledgeable help along the way.

A Weapon

For some women, carrying a firearm is a great way to stay safe. Others carry a pocket knife. While both can be legal when traveling within your home country, both can be illegal to carry across international borders and travel with as a tourist. Be sure to check local laws before you set off for specifics along your entire route.

As Truii Hanoulle, a solo female overland adventure rider, says, 

“A friendly attitude and a big smile are much more powerful weapons.”

If you do bring more than a smile with you, be sure you train with it properly before setting off on your adventure. Weapons can be turned against you if you don’t know how to use them properly.

Overland Tip: Machetes are generally considered farm tools around the globe, so can usually be traveled with just about anywhere without issue. Besides being an intimidating weapon, they also make a great tool around camp.

A Wedding Band

Whether married or not many women traveling solo choose to wear a wedding band. Fake or not, this visual cue helps keep the cat calls and pick-up lines to a minimum, opens up opportunities to bond with local women, and can generally dissuade some men’s ill intentions.

Solo Female Overlanding: Staying Healthy

Staying healthy is vital to success on any adventure, but especially so when on a solo overland adventure. You’ll just have yourself to rely on, and a healthy body and mind will go a long way in making the trip enjoyable and safe.

First Aid Kit

Always carry a well-stocked first aid kit to tend to any wounds sustained. Be sure it’s stocked with some basic medications in it as well. Tylenol and Benadryl are great starting points. Also, don’t forget any prescription medication you may need.

Feminine Hygiene

If you don’t know whether or not you’ll be able to get items like pads and tampons where you’re headed, bring them with you. These basics aren’t always readily available in all parts of the globe.

Vaccinations

Proper vaccinations can be the difference between continuing on your overland adventure with a smile or spending your travel time in a hospital. Check with a reliable source such as the CDC for information on the vaccinations you’ll need for the specific area and time frame you’ll be traveling.

Have a Designated Emergency Contact

When traveling solo, at least one person back home should know your travel plans. This person should have a copy of your passport, medical information basics, your trip details, your contact details (phone, GPS communicator, email, etc…), and contacts for emergency services along your route. Be sure to check in and update this person regularly as plans change — as they will — along your journey.

You should also have this trusted person’s basic contact info on you when traveling. This will allows you and/or others to reach them if you find yourself injured or in trouble.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Put some serious time into considering, finding, and outfitting the right overland vehicle for the travels you plan to embark on. No overland vehicle is perfect, and all require compromise. The key is to find one that meets your budget, comfort, and travel style needs.

Also, figure out the creature comforts you really want, and the essential gear you really need. Then find a happy balance of gear, and don’t overload your vehicle.

A great option to consider is a camper trailer. They are becoming increasingly popular amongst North American overlanders, and are used around the globe.

Here are a few overland vehicle criteria that other solo female overlanders have talked about being vital on their travels:

• Lots of available storage
• Air conditioning (when traveling to extremely hot climates)
• A fully outfitted kitchen
• Space to sit up fully in bed without hitting the ceiling
• Shower
• Cozy blankets & pillows 
• Plenty of extra clothes (including locally appropriate women’s clothing)
• 4WD capability
• Diesel heater (for cold climate travels)
• Dual-basin sink
• A toilet
• Space to sleep inside
• Permanent bed space
• Hard walls (required in some areas with certain wildlife, like bears)
• Fits into a shipping container*

*useful for international travel

Remember that it is your vehicle, so your creature comforts are the ones that matter.

Avoid Unwanted Attention

The best way to avoid unwanted attention is to blend in with the locals through appropriate clothing. The aforementioned wedding ring can also help.

Another great way to counter unwanted attention is to befriend local women. They will generally back you up and help you stay safe. You’ll also learn a lot more about the cultures you’re traveling through.

Know Your Limits

While it’s important to push your comfort boundaries sometimes, its not always a good idea when on a solo adventure in a foreign and/or remote location. Know your physical and mental limits and keep them in mind as you make decisions on your overland adventures.

Read Up On Your Travels

Plenty of literature and online resources exist for women traveling solo. There is also general information about any given area. Read up on these places to maximize your experience.

Trust your intuition

Of everything we’re discussed here, the most important consideration is this: trust your intuition. If something doesn’t look or feel right, stop. Assess the situation, and plan accordingly. Change plans if necessary. Also, be sure to update your check-in person regularly.

With adequate planning, high spirits, and a can-do attitude, solo female travelers can easily enjoy amazing overland travels. Get out there and find the adventures that feed your soul.'

Are you thinking of embarking on an overlanding trip as a solo female traveler? Can you think of anything we didn’t cover? Check out our overlanding camper dealership for more innovative ideas and assistance as you plan your trip, and contact us for more information.

Wishing you all the best in your upcoming adventures!