Camping on your own can be a special experience and includes women going on solo female camping trips. It is an opportunity for a woman to prove that she is self-sufficient, that she can motivate herself without a companion to guide her.

Some women may feel uncomfortable about camping on their own but there are a number of ways that they can ease themselves into this activity:

• Start Small – organize a small trip that moves you out of your comfort zone without going on a survivalist trek for your first effort.

• Plan Well – research hikes and trips in a particular area that you are interested in and then check conditions and seek advice (from park rangers, for example) when you arrive. Knowledge of the area you are camping in is invaluable.

• Notify Family and Authorities – tell your family where you are going and when you expect to return. If in a national park or other reserve, tell rangers or local police your plans so that if you do not return they can look for you.