superghetti

Hi - Im probably going to Guatemala at the end of May, first week of June.

Im female and single - i mean, traveling single - Should i be afraid of going alone? Should i try to connect with a group somehow? I have some people to meet up with (friends of friends) just in terms of home bases but...for 5 days...does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you kindly!

Suzie2

I would certainly be cautious. Ask locally about places you should be careful about. Getting around shouldn't be too hard. I know a lot of people use the chicken buses but traveling alone, imo, would be safer if you used one of the inexpensive shuttles that are run by reputable tour companies like Elizabeth Bell, Turansa, EnjoyGuatemala, and others. There are tourist police that you can ask to accompany you if you want to go hiking on the volcanos. We saw some people with a couple on Pacaya but honestly, they probably would have been fine as there were lots of tourists around. We just had a taxi driver take us. Do be careful when going to the bank. We used a small shop to change travelers checks in Panajachel because we asked around and were told it was a safer way to do it. In Antigua it looked very safe to use a bank right around the square.

I have been twice with my husband and we never really felt uncomfortable. We went to Antigua, Atitlan, Tikal, Flores.

hopefulist

Take the usual precautions and you'll be fine:

Know where you are and where you're going

Keep your wits about you

Keep important documents, ATM cards, cash hidden under your clothes (just cash for the day easily available)

Don't wear jewelry or flash money around

Don't take pictures of individuals unless you've asked first (especially children)

Avoid big cities

As above, ask locals before venturing off on your own for a hike.

Can't wait to go back to Guatemala this summer, this time with another middle-aged friend who's never left the states. Previously I've traveled by myself, with my husband, and as a family - no problems.

Happy trails!

Suzie2

Hopefulist....traveling with a friend who has never left the states!

You may be creating a monster (or a fellow travel companion) who will fall in love with traveling and try to make up for lost time.

What fun it will be to share the experience of travel with someone. Hope they enjoy it.

hopefulist

It should be a BLAST! It will be the 1st time in more than 30 years of marriage she's been away from her husband for more than a week-end, too, and we'll be away more than 3 weeks. We work together in a program for kids with autism and multiple disabilities and are both working on our Spanish; we've found a few programs for kids with disabilities in Guatemala (Nebaj and San Pedro) and will be volunteering plus taking Spanish classes. I've always either traveled alone or with family members and am looking forward to the "girl friends" sort of trip.

I'll let everyone know how it goes!

Suzie2

I am looking forward to your report. It will certainly not be run of the mill. I remember you talking about working with autistic children in an email. Not an easy thing but it must be rewarding. My nephew is autistic and a very special person.

Wow, first time away from her husband (for that length of time)in all those years. They must have a really special relationship. I feel bad for all the times I have told my husband to go away on vacation so I can get some things done. He always comes home to a newly painted or wallpapered house. I don't feel bad about the times I get to go though . We almost had to travel seperately because of all the animals we have had. The number is slowly getting lower so it is easier for the two of us to travel now.

Going away with friends is fun. I have only had a chance to do it a few times and each one was a really special time. I went to Reno just last year with friends and we had fun going to Tahoe and a couple of other places. Two of the people had never flown before and I had to hold their hands every time there was a little bounce.