Hey guys, first time female traveler here. | Squat the Planet

Hey guys, first time female traveler here.

elliemichele

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Hey everyone, it's always been a dream of mine to travel without a car etc. Decided it's (finally) time to leave. Always been interested in trains and hitchhiking since I was a kid.
I'm leaving from North East Pennsylvania, I'm hoping to end up somewhere in the west.
Any advice/tips is appreciated.
I've been trying to get one of my friends to tag along, but being they're so used to comfort, none are willing.
I'm a young female and I want to be as well prepared as I can be for any dangerous situations, what can I do?
I've been researching for quite some time but I stumbled upon this website and figured I'd ask for outside opinions and thoughts.
Also, I've heard having a dog with you can be great protection. This only worries me because of resources possibly running out and inconvenience with hitch hiking/train hopping in the future.
 

SophiaII

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I'd say that the best way to be safe if to:

pay attention to your surroundings, exits, objects, people

pay attention to people, how they talk, act, look

If you can keep up with someone from home, tell them where you are, use them as an excuse to get out of situations

use your brain. if something seems sketch, stupid dangerous, etc, then it probably is

dont forget that the desert can freeze at night, and flood at any time

dressing in layers is better than a cheap coat

if you cant take care of anything else, take care of your feet
 

Mankini

I'm a d-bag and got banned.
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Hey ::stinkyfeet::
You want tips? I got tips. ::artist::

1 Get some money first. Otherwise you can get necessities from various places.

2. Comfort first; Comfort always.

3 I glamp. I am by no means an ascetic. So, I recommend making things as easy as possible.
 
N

Notmyname

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Get some pepper gel or foam. The kind that sticks. (Regular pepper spray will fill up a car and fuck you up too) be safe for real. don't fuck around with your own safety more than you already are by getting in a strangers car.
 
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elliemichele

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Get some pepper gel or foam. The kind that sticks. (Regular pepper spray will fill up a car and fuck you up too) be safe for real. don't fuck around with your own safety more than you already are by getting in a strangers car.
I never thought about how regular pepper spray doesn't stick. Thank you!!
 
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Lulu1980

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Also, I've heard having a dog with you can be great protection. This only worries me because of resources possibly running out and inconvenience with hitch hiking/train hopping in the future.[/QUOTE]
Dogs are great protection but until you are a master of your own domain don't bring a dog into the mix. Get some time and experience under your belt first
 
D

Deleted member 15262

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So you've already heard/read the basics...take that and create your own method on the road through trial and error. I've been doing this hitchhiking thing solo off n on for 3 years, first two I made stupid mistakes, but learned. Right now The roads been having serious ups and downs for me, but when you run into that don't give up, good things will come in time.

You'll be fine as a girl alone, common sense and undying confidence will get you through. Oh, and you get better/faster rides, more kickdowns, and invited to stay with families more than if you're a dude/with a dude. Being a chick rules. Check out my YouTube for the little bit of info I got @HippieGangster
PM me If you ever need anything, take care chica and I'll c ya around
 

elliemichele

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So you've already heard/read the basics...take that and create your own method on the road through trial and error. I've been doing this hitchhiking thing solo off n on for 3 years, first two I made stupid mistakes, but learned. Right now The roads been having serious ups and downs for me, but when you run into that don't give up, good things will come in time.

You'll be fine as a girl alone, common sense and undying confidence will get you through. Oh, and you get better/faster rides, more kickdowns, and invited to stay with families more than if you're a dude/with a dude. Being a chick rules. Check out my YouTube for the little bit of info I got @HippieGangster
PM me If you ever need anything, take care chica and I'll c ya around
Thank you so much :)
 
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CrustyFuckinP

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I'm currently working on a zine that is specifically for the safety of women and lgbt on the road.

Here is a page from it - you will realize that adapting a certain mentality can help save your life. Intuition and awareness will save you from dangerous situations- very rarely will you have to actually resort to brawn, weapons, or cops.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hT4Y1X7RrOxeoWG2aphxFF8kKaPVxx6gJzixPa9dxS4/edit

Would love to look out for you on the road , sister. Please feel free to message me for any other questions that you may or may not be comfortable asking in public forum (although we ARE in a great community).
 

CrustyFuckinP

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WeekendWarrior88

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Practice Kung Fu. It's good for the spirit, makes work fun, and turns any physical activity into a "get to know myself better" experience. My dog is the best protector I've even had, she's the most vicious Chihuahua I've ever known, good thing I teach her kung fu. Let us know how your travels are going!
 

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