Single woman backpacking central america

I have 4 months (Nov-Mar) this year to travel. I am a 21 year old female and have never gone on a long backpacking trip before. I would really like to travel central america, but am unsure about the safety of it for backpacking alone. I have heard Costa Rica is a good backpacking destination but would really like to see other countries. Any tips on which countries would be best to backpack through? And any tips for a young backpacker? Reply to this

Hello Ally, this discussion on solo vs group travel in South America is related to your question. South America - travel on my own or with a travel agency? Reply to this

Hi Ally. Dave and Merry Jo give you great advice about travelling alone. It's really just common sense. You'll find you meet people pretty easily, especially if you stay in hostels.

Here's a couple of bloggers I like to read, who both travel alone often. One spent some time in Central America, and the other quite often writes about Mexico.

Weir travels
Cabochick

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In response to: Msg #168497
I would say Costa Rica.
I'm a woman myself, living in this beautiful country and I can tell it is easy to travel here. In fact, I now moved to Costa Rica since 2010.

I've been to Mexico, Cuba and Panama, USA and Canada...but I prefer Costa Rica and it is the safer country i've been in.

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I hope you'll have a great trip!
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Costa Rica and Mexico are both very americanized and probably a great way to start off backpacking and gain confidence, the farther you get away from the beaches the more authentic experiences for that country you will find.

It's been 25 years since I backpacked through Mexico & Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador into Nicaragua to Costa Rica and finally Panama. I was 20 years old at the time, and perhaps a bit crazy, but overall it was a great experience with only small incidents of theft & touts & misunderstandings.

80% of the people you meet along the way are kind, generous, hospitable and friendly. Then there are the other 20% - and that comes along with almost any country in this world. These dangerous people are looking for you. You have to plan your trip with the intent of not running into them. Muy difficult!! but do-able. Tourists areas a teeming with them. Try to do what the locals do...and don't stand out with fancy clothing, jewelry. Don't be wandering alone at night. Be very aware of your surroundings.

Before you go, plan your route as best as you can, including reputable hostels and bus routes. Don't hitchhike. I'd even recommend homestays (any university or college will have a list of families you can stay with cheap) Keep in contact with your family and give them an itinerary and updates.

It is always tempting to go to the bars/clubs/festivals to party but this is where those 20% hunt for you. Stay in groups, leave in groups. Always be wary of strangers you have just met offering you things. Nothing is for free! Ever. Many people get dupped by ex-pats too. My parent's bestfriends were murdered by cleancut and friendly american ex-pats hiding out in mexico. And lastly, learn some Spanish. I may not speak it well but I can read and understand it very good, and this has gotten me out of many a pickle! Adios and buen viaje! Reply to this

I think you should try Curacao. The island is situated in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast, and lies outside the hurricane belt so you won't have any problems with the weather. The island has many beautiful beaches renowned for it's dive sites. The island can have great vibe and can be very affordable. As for activities you can take go swimming with dolphins, you can go bowling, do scuba diving and snorkeling, go bike riding, go fishing, play golf, go on boat trips, rent Quads/ATV. Also you can visit the famous Seaquarium, go at a ostrich farm, visit a lot of historical monuments and much more. <snip>
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