I find that if you think of yourself as vulnerable and fearful, you give off that impression and attract the type of people who want to make that a reality for you. If you think of yourself as smart, capable, strong, confident, and fierce, you tend to be fine. Doesn't mean you have to be cocky, just know in your soul that you will f***ing kill anyone who tries to hurt you. When you value yourself, you don't tend to give off victim vibes.

Also, be aware of your surroundings, make smart choices, have a backup plan, and trust you instincts.

Cheers,
SW

I would say don't on the hitchhiking & train hopping.

My experience - I currently do weekend travel trips and these are my basic rules

#1 Don't be a victim.
#2 Don't act like a victim
#3 Use your smarts. Have a back up plan for worst-case scenario
#4 Make a quick note of the city emergency numbers and community help numbers in case something really bad goes wrong. Such as your wallet is stolen, your car is stolen or you have an accident. I don't always do this but I should.
#5 Let someone know the general area of where you will be (my bad habit)
#6 Always be aware of your surroundings
#7 Be willing to work odd jobs or volunteer in exchange for food / room
#8 You don't need an $85 hotel room - I've slept in the back of my car at campgrounds and in beach parking lots. I've also stayed in hostels (I'm over 30) and motels and crashed on friends of friend’s couches.
#9 Don't park n sleep in really bad areas - stay in the lighted areas
#10 Use community boards like this one for information

attitude and awareness can go a long way.....

Not saying ya need a black belt in karate, but knowing a little basic self defense is a good thing. If nothing else it helps you generate that confident "get the fuck away from me" bubble when you come in contact with people who raise your hackles. Learn to be aware of your surroundings especially when you're in unfamiliar territory - be observant.

I've never had a bad experience hitch-hiking. Then again, I haven't hitch-hiked over-seas either! Right now I'm voluteering in Yellowstone National Park, and when this is through, I'm planning to buya one-way ticket to Europe and just wing it. Also planning on hitch-hiking a lot... I haven't researched much but there are A LOT of tips on www.couchsurfing.com which is my favorite travel website.

I've travelled lots of ways, and trainhopping seems like the safest as a lone woman, to me. I rarely meet people there, and even if they're not safe feeling, they keep their distance if you tell them to(most of them that suck are too drunk to do anything anyway). There are also a lot of really awesome people out there, and most riders I've met treat me as an equal- not in the corny way, but it's just assumed that I can take care of myself and make my own decisions.
The problem is cities, and when you're in a yard in a crappy area and need food, attitude is your best friend. Don't be afrain to be rude-- let me repeat - DONT BE AFRAID TO BE RUDE!! If someone touches you, or makes comments, just cuss at them and walk away like it didn't even bother you. Don't act scared, and no one will treat you like you should be.
Hitching is scarier for me, but again, attitude goes a long way. Don't be afraid to ask to be let out, or turn down offers of whatever.

Whatever way I'm going, I always try to trust my instincts, because they usually turn out to be right.

Probably the safest way to see the country is with a female trucker.

Although you may find yourself getting dropped off somewhat far from your destination. Most of your truckstops are now tied to Greyhound Bus stops.

When I was over the road I spent more time in Ontario California than anywhere else but was always venturing past Las Vegas and actually had my favorite used bookstore in Flagstaff AZ, my favorite place to eat in Portland Or, My favorite Indian Reservations to stop at etc.. I definitely saw the country everything but ME, NH, CN, MA

Most the companies do frown on riders. There are a ton of OTR Owner Ops.
I only drive part-time locally now. But had a blast when I was doing OTR and someday will probably go back to it. (not soon however)

Two sites that may help you network are:
Layover.com has a womens forum
justforladytruckers.com has a forum

I have two close girlfriends that have hitchhiked extensively, although I have not done it yet myself. One friend crossed the US several times, alone or with her dog, and had no real problems-- she said the most important part of dealing with difficult situations was keeping her head and keeping love in her heart. Always be willing to turn down a ride if something feels off, and never put yourself in a situation where you -have- to take a ride. That being said, my other friend was stuck where she -needed- a ride-- in a snowstorm, outside, by herself on a rural country road, took the ride offered, and was raped.
I don't think it's hard to stay safe when hitchhikin, but like everyone else on here has said, DON'T ACT LIKE A VICTIM, and don't let yourself get into a situation where you allow yourself to BE one. People that aren't victims are aware of their surroundings, react to others with compassion and intelligence (not fear), are confident enough to stand up for their own intuitions, and know that they can defend themselves if absolutely necessary. I would advise keeping a knife on you, or better yet some mace, or at least being aware that everything around you -can be used as a weapon- and know how you would. This is just a training of the mind, attention, and confidence.

Get a pub trade if you can-- some trick that takes few props and looks pretty flashy. Poi, juggling, hooping (with a collapsible hoop), musical talents or what have you. This can get you some food, money, attract people to whatever your needs are, and put you in touch with fellow travelers. Keep a valid drivers license, and be willing to drive-share for a lift.
Don't be afraid to ask people for what you need, but do it cordially and with as much personality and personableness as you can. I'm always surprised at how much people are willing to give, once we give them the opportunity to be kind. Try and get to know the people first, then at the end of the conversation... "Say, you wouldn't happen to have...because..."
Hippie burrito=sleepingbag wrapped in a tarp. Great way to sleep for free in almost any climate.
Sprout or find your own food-- sprouts are a great source of protein, and easy to make in a backpack with yogurt containers. Dumpsters are a great source of other kinds of food, especially Trader Joes, Whole Foods, etc, for foods one-day-past the sell-by date.

anyway, these are just a few tips and tricks I learned from my lady friends, and most of them I've used myself with spectacular results.
Good luck!

Jessica,
If you are planning to travel abroad I would say to visit Asia first, because it is cheap and it is fairly safe to travel. I've lived in china and have been going there on and off since 2001. That country is very first timer friendly and it is quite safe to travel. It would not a bad idea to do a backpacking trip there, since you could train hop, stay in hostels and might even find occasional travel buddies.
Violence at times is very relative, but if you take the precautions that are listed above then you should be fine. I would also suggest going to Japan or Korea. Korea is a little over looked at times but it is extremely traveler friendly. If koreans see that you are a foreigner in need of help they will stop and ask if you need help.
Hope this helps.

good day,

Armando

I've traveled alone in the U.S., England and Ireland. without a problem, but using conventional methods like public transport and hostels or tents (not hitchhiking and sleeping outdoors). It's hard to find a good traveling partner so I've actually enjoyed traveling by myself. I don't have to deal with someone else's personal drama shifts or habits. I can eat when I want, sleep when I want, see what I want when I want... without having to continually consider someone else's needs. I also found that locals and other travelers were more likely to approach a lone person for conversation, whereas they are hesitant to do so with a group because they don't want to intrude. I met many nice people as a result, particularly in Ireland. Traveling alone also gives you the flexibility to change plans or join up with another traveler for a bit. On the flip side it can get pretty lonely and it can be frustrating to be some places without companionship.

check out the lonely planet boards, lots of good info there. Also, there's a good book specificaly about women traveling alone, the name of which is escaping me now.

I think it's really a matter of time and place regarding safety. Some places are more suitable for lone female travelers than others. You may want to adjust your appearance for different cultures (U.S. and abroad) to better blend or to neutralize any perceived sexual element. Doing some research beforehand can help a lot.

Personally, I'm not a fan of hitchiking. Maybe it's because I've met so many creeps even as a pedestrian that I can't imagine wanting to risk getting in a car with a stranger. I like being more in control of my destination and I'm not a fan of being locked in a small metal box with someone, going 60mph, in an unfamiliar area should shit go down. A person can be as confident and smart as possible, but they still can't predict someone else's actions or intent. I feel like hitching would greatly eliminate many of my safety and defense options in a bad situation. Yes, the majority of people are probably ok, but it only takes 1 creepville to cause you harm.

I've known 2 women that have successfully hitchhiked around without incident, but they also did that a decade ago. I think things are quite different now. In the vast majority of places I know it's illegal to pick up hitchers, which to me is an indication of the kind of person who might pick up a hitcher. But really it's a matter of personal comfort I suppose. I'd rather organize ride shares with people I've at least had some prior contact with or take public transport where there are others around to diffuse a situation or offer assistance.

Hitch hiking is never safe to do alone no matter what country you are in. I play is safe by doing that with another back packer. It's still not entirely safe but it sure feels allot better for me that way. Traveling on your own in foreign lands always has risks involved but so does stepping outside of your house in the suburbs of California. The truth of the matter is you only live once. So let go of the norm and just do what your heart is aching to do. Many woman all over the world travel alone. I have done many, many trips for many months alone in 3rd world nations. And I found the hospitality to be amazing. I met so many people to keep me company on the road. And a freedom that you will never find any where else.. Go for it girl :)

when you train hop, and you are sleeping, there are the nomads that will not think twice about cutting your throat for your hoodie, or your watch or your shoes and rolling your body over the train in the middle of nowhere. they will pretend to be your friend, travel with you for days earn your trust, get you drunk and then it will happen.

when you get into a car with a single male or a group of males, or a group of males and maybe one female, you are taking a very serious risk. the guy could be 70 years old, but if he holds a gun to your head you are his.

im 5'7" 140 and have trained extensively in martial arts, muia thai kick boxing, shaolin kung fun, also trained to fight against multiple people at once, against people with weapons such as knifes and sticks and I would NEVER put myself in a situtation of the above. granted its been about 8 years since i have studied

if there's one thing that i can add to this is if you plan on traveling like that, learn four moves, how to get out of a choke hold, how to get out of a head lock, how to do a simple front kick and how to throw a cross. learn those four moves well and you can do that by getting a white belt in shaolin kung fu which takes about a month.

and if you find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself, stay as calm as possible and say to yourself,

"im gonna be the last one standing"

I've hitchhiked a bit around the US and 2000 miles up South America from the bottom of Chile to Bolivia.

If you’ve traveled alone before, even if you were taking buses from one hostel to another, from one Lonely Planet approved city to the next, you probably still have friends and family back home who were horrified and impressed by your bravery. A woman traveling alone is already living outside of what is generally considered *safe.*

It wasn’t a big jump for me to start finding rides and then start thumbing them down. I take pride in not living in fear, trust the world to send me good things, carry pepper spray and keep my passport strapped to my body so that I can always get out quick. I never get in a car or truck containing more than one man and no women. I listen to my gut.

I have never had a bad experience that wasn't solved by a curt demand to be let out. Dealing with sketchy men is a lot like dealing with the sketchy dogs that you will inevitably encounter as well. You let them know that they don't intimidate you. You are not indecisive, passive or worried about being rude.

It's important to be hyper aware when you are in a place where you don't speak the language well - including the non-verbal language - and don't full understand the culture. You (especially, especially, especially as a woman traveling alone!) may be giving off signals and sending messages that you don't intend. Stay alert.

I know that I have been lucky and some day my luck may run out and may change my mind about all this. Right now, hitchhiking is a great way for me to stay super up-to-date on my karma count. And I know that even those who stay at home and travel via their books or television sets can tumble down the stairs and break their necks. Or have heart attacks. Or die of boredom - a lonely and painful death that can drag on for decade after miserable decade. THAT is, for me, an unacceptable, unnecessary risk.

i don't think hitch hiking is a good idea. why take chances like that when buses are cheap and easy ways to get around and meet people?
i would recommend taking a self defense class if you really want to put yourself it that sort of position:
www.impactbayarea.org/

i love travelling alone. i think people tend to look out for a woman travelling alone.

my best trip so far was a round the world trip by bicycle. cheap, easy, fun, and you get to see all the places in between.

dress conservatively, pay attention to your surroundings, don't go out to bars alone and get drunk, etc.