Long-distance walking as a solo female traveler?
The island of Puerto Rico is roughly the size of Connecticut and takes between 6-10 hours (depending on traffic, of course) to drive around the entire island in a car. A bit longer if you stop for empanadillas and pinchos (which I highly recommend).
I am not always a solo traveler, but this time I am walking by myself and planning for one.
Not that I wouldn’t enjoy the company!!
I’d love to see more people walk the perimeter of the island similar to the #caminodesantiago the pilgrimage route to walk across the country of Spain.
In some ways, this is how this adventure came to fruition.
My manfriend @beerlyholdingittogether has walked across Spain not once, but twice. I wouldn’t make him walk it a third time because there are many Caminos around the world from Tasmania to France—one we were seriously considering this year until the pandemic debacle international travel.
So, I figured I would make my #caminodesantiago and look toward my backyard for inspiration. Luckily for me, that is Puerto Rico.
Here’s to hoping this is the groundwork for more adventurers to explore the island of enchantment on foot, ironing out those trekking wrinkles, and inspiring people to put Puerto Rico at the top of their travel list whether for epic adventures, local cuisine inspired by unique Caribbean flavors, or authentic experiences characterized by island time.
So, is it safe? (To walk around a 308-mile island by yourself)
Yep. I think so.
Did I asset risk? Absolutely.
I always keep a couple of things in mind when traveling/walking solo, whether here or abroad or anywhere, really:
Walking early in the morning avoids traffic, heat, and unwanted attention. There aren’t that many cars on the road, it’s relatively cooler (the sun is not as intense), and anyone who’d want to rob me seems to like sleeping in.
#earlybirdgetstheworm
That being said, it’s ok to NOT tell people who you’ve just met what you’re doing if you get a weird vibe and/or if you strike up a conversation, I’d recommend not sharing all the detailed plans. #gowithyourgut
Making excuses is ok too. Many people have offered to give me a ride (because Puerto Rico) and I have just explained “I’m exercising,” and they smile and wave.#beprepared
Stay vigilant and let friends and/or SOs know your plans for the day, where you’re going, and check-in throughout the day. #check-in
Do as the locals do. Many guys twice my size carry a stick when they are exercising/walking in my town for dogs. Also, it might give perps a second thought on attacking you if you’re wielding a big stick...
#localvibeA heavy pack will always weigh you down and make you prone to injuries even if it’s just tired shoulders. Because of this, I have fully embraced the less is more mentality, especially now. I’m stoked to have one choice of outfit. Pack what is essential and find the rest on your adventure (that’s an adventure in and of itself). #lessismore
Set realistic expectations for yourself. My goal is to see authentic Puerto Rico and that means “hay más tiempo que vida.” Slow travel is good travel.
#slowtravel
