Women & Warmshowers/ couchsurfing

[shootingstar]

Confidence and a lowkey 'boring' manner helps.

Great advice. I haven't yet cycled solo and overnight camped myself but in general have travelled solo and stayed in hotels, etc.

We have hosted around the world cycling tourer from the Netherlands. (This was over 20 yrs. ago!) I had corresponded with her on an open cycling forum for several months before she asked..

[Jolt]

Interesting to hear about people's experiences. I was talking with a potential bike touring buddy yesterday and we were discussing ideas for doing some trips next year, and Warmshowers came up in the conversation. I think the concept is cool, but it's hard to make the leap of trusting total strangers...especially when thinking about hosting as a single woman. I think that would have to be limited to having someone camp in the yard rather than letting them into my house. The good thing as a guest is that you always have the option of saying "thanks but no thanks" if you feel uncomfortable for any reason. Personally, I think that if I were traveling with a buddy I would be more open to using Warmshowers than if I were solo.

[OakLeaf]

Probably much more than safety from potential "bad guys," I'd worry about water and bodily functions when camping in random places. How much water will you be able to carry with you? How far between places you can refill? How much do you think you'll need for dishwashing, and how long can you go between sponge baths? (Two days is about my limit before my skin starts walking away without me, but I'm soft. ) Is the soil and privacy situation always going to be conducive to digging latrine holes? Cornfields are great for #1, but you don't want to disturb the roots of someone's crops, and I have no idea how often you'll be going through woods that are deep enough for privacy but sparse enough that roots won't prevent your digging.

[rebeccaC]

I’d recommend SPOT— it beams your location via text, email or emergency notification to people you choose. Long rides alone on desert and mountain roads and solo hiking made me get it. It will also let friends know your okay and where you are on your adventure especially when you don't have cell service.

National and State Parks are usually patrolled but I’d have the phone number of whoever is on call at night and program it into my phone for a quick call.

I also usually have an Anne Mustoe, Josie Dew etc. book to keep me company.

You also might find women on wheels interesting

[Melalvai]

I'd worry about water and bodily functions when camping in random places. How much water will you be able to carry with you? How far between places you can refill? How much do you think you'll need for dishwashing, and how long can you go between sponge baths? (Two days is about my limit before my skin starts walking away without me, but I'm soft. ) Is the soil and privacy situation always going to be conducive to digging latrine holes? Cornfields are great for #1, but you don't want to disturb the roots of someone's crops, and I have no idea how often you'll be going through woods that are deep enough for privacy but sparse enough that roots won't prevent your digging.

That's much more hard core than I'm willing to do! I've heard places to try are churches, schools, fire stations, gas stations, and people's yards. I don't plan on stealth camping. In Missouri, you can camp in Conservation Areas although there are no facilities. But those tend to be well off the beaten path and I'd be bringing all my own water. I'm not bringing a water filter and hoping to find a pond. (ew.)

[Irulan]

If you are going to camp in someone's field, be sure you have permission. I've had the pleasure of waking up to a really pissed off farmer before. He was just cranky and asked us to leave. Thank goodness hubby and I were camping, not just me.

[Jaclyn]

I am a WarmShowers host, as both a single woman and now as part of a couple. I try to be especially welcoming to solo women travelers! I don't get a lot, but those that have stayed have had many positive experiences. WarmShowers provides the ability to leave feedback (both for guests and hosts) so pay attention to the feedback. Contact hosts several days in advance by enpmail, and try to have at least one phone conversation. Trust your instincts. And have a great time!

[Jolt]

I am a WarmShowers host, as both a single woman and now as part of a couple. I try to be especially welcoming to solo women travelers! I don't get a lot, but those that have stayed have had many positive experiences. WarmShowers provides the ability to leave feedback (both for guests and hosts) so pay attention to the feedback. Contact hosts several days in advance by enpmail, and try to have at least one phone conversation. Trust your instincts. And have a great time!

I am curious to find out how you managed things security-wise when you hosted by yourself. Did you have guests stay in the house, or did they just camp in the backyard? Is there any provision on Warmshowers to specify what kinds of groups you would be comfortable hosting (women solo or in small groups, couples, etc. as opposed to a strange guy by himself)?

[emy99]

cool topic