Who says you need to be in a group to enjoy an adventure especially when solo travel is on the rise. According to supplier Tourhub, nearly half of bookings last year were for solo trips.
There’s something truly special about setting off on a solo adventure. Especially if you are hiking and backpacking, as they offer that perfect mix of challenge and freedom and test your skills and courage along the way. For us, solo female travellers, it’s not just about the destination, it’s an empowering journey that helps us to discover more about ourselves while opening the door to meeting some brilliant people.
That said, a bit of thoughtful planning goes a long way. It’s important to make sure your adventure is memorable for all the right reasons, so being well-prepared is key. Here are some tips for solo hiking to think about before your next adventure.
Preparing your body
Start getting in shape for your journey
If you’re planning on hiking through mountains or backpacking across borders, your body’s going to be put through its paces. Even though all that movement and fresh air can do wonders for your well-being, you don’t want to risk pushing yourself too far, especially when you’re on your own. No one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere needing help. The trick is to ease yourself in and not throw yourself into the deep end.
One of the simplest ways to prep your body is to take things step by step (literally!) Start with short walks, then slowly build up to longer distances. Stick to familiar paths at first, and gradually introduce more elevation into your walks over time.
Once you’ve settled into a routine and your stamina’s improved, you’ll feel more confident and physically ready to tackle that big adventure you’ve got planned.
Get your body checked
It’s always a good idea to have a general health check-up before heading out, especially if you’re planning a solo hike. Things like stress tests and bloodwork can give you a clearer picture of your overall health, and your doctor can flag any potential issues you might need to keep an eye on.
After all, the last thing you want is to face a medical emergency when you’re out in the wilderness, far from help. Being on your own means you need to be sure you’re in the best shape possible.
One of the biggest risks on a solo hike is not having sharp enough vision for changing light and weather conditions. Did you know that about 41% of hiking accidents happen because of trips and slips? It’s often down to not wearing the right footwear or failing to spot the safest path. Stumbling into rocks and crevices can leave you with some nasty injuries!
On top of that, wildlife encounters and venomous bites are another concern, so you’ll want to be able to quickly spot any signs of animals or insects. Plus, common issues like blisters, cuts, or scrapes can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention, often showing up when it’s already too late to prevent them.
That’s why it’s important not to overlook something as simple as your eyesight. It only takes a few minutes to get a free eye test, and it’s easy to find a place to go—Boots Opticians, Vision Express, and Specsavers are everywhere in the UK. These places are NHS-funded too, so you’ll be in good hands.
Once you’re done, you can even grab some free eye drops from Vision Direct if you end up needing glasses or contacts. These are perfect for adjusting to different climates and environments on your hike.
Eat well and map out your meals for your adventure
Food prep isn’t just about fuelling up to get through the day, it’s about giving your body the right balance to recover and keep you going strong. Hiking and backpacking can burn a ton of energy, so it’s important to eat well to maintain your stamina.
To make it easier, plan your meals ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling when you’re out there. If you’ve already got solid eating habits before your trip, it’ll be much smoother to adjust once you’re on the trail.
Preparing for safety and emergencies
Dedicate plenty of time to research
Heading into an adventure without a plan might sound romantic, just letting the wind guide you but in reality, it can lead to some sticky situations. At worst, it can be dangerous, and at best, it’ll probably leave you more stressed than you’d like. It’s worth carving out some time to research the area you’re heading to.
Think about things like the weather, local attitudes, crime rates, and any risks such as natural disasters. You’ll want to know where the nearest medical help is in case you twist an ankle or worse, and be aware of how to reach emergency services if you need them.
A bit of pre-backpacking research can also make your trip so much more rewarding. If there are cultural experiences or landmarks you’ve got on your bucket list, planning ahead means you’ll spend less time wandering aimlessly and more time actually enjoying them.
Even if you’re tackling a well-trodden route like the Way of St. James on the Camino de Santiago, taking this on solo can be an incredible experience but it pays to know the details. How long is the route? Where can you stay along the way? What are the must-see spots and what does the landscape look like? You might even find yourself picking up a bit of the local language to help with directions and navigating the terrain more easily!
Study basic first aid
When you’re off exploring new places, most travel sites will also encourage you to purchase some insurance just in case things don’t go to plan when you’re away. There’s something really valuable about having a bit of first-hand knowledge for those medical emergencies. Knowing how to tackle immediate problems can save you a lot of hassle down the line. For instance, if you don’t treat a wound right away, it could lead to an infection.
The British Red Cross has a free first aid app you can download. It’s a great tool for brushing up on your skills or learning something new. It’s packed with information, diagrams, and visual aids to help you get the hang of things. Plus, it’s a good idea to set up an emergency contact for those unexpected moments while you’re off on your solo adventures.
Preparing everything you need
When you’re a solo traveller, booking your transport and accommodation in advance is recommended. But don’t forget about the essentials you’ll need when you’re off exploring. If you’re into hiking, a good reusable water bottle is absolutely essential. Staying hydrated is key, so you’ll want a way to access clean water no matter where you are.
It’s smart to have a mix of cash and cashless options too. In more remote areas where they may not take digital payments, having some of the local currency is a must. At the same time, keep your digital payment apps or cards handy for when you come across an ATM. Not only does this give you more options but it also helps keep your money safe from fraud and theft.
It’s essential to pack some weather-ready essentials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Consider including an umbrella, a pair of sunglasses, extra clothing, and sunscreen for both your face and body. Bringing eye drops can help keep your eyes feeling fresh and less dry throughout your travels.
Make sure you have navigation and translation tools. It may seem easier to rely on your mobile phone’s pre-installed GPS and language abilities, but trekking often takes you to places without enough signal to access these features.
You need to have reliable tools beyond your phone. A small dictionary and a basic GPS can be just what you need when going through unfamiliar terrain on your own and interacting with locals.
With the right equipment and preparation, there’s no reason you can’t join the thousands of other adventurous women hiking the world on their own.
