Any Solo Ladies been to Eastern Europe?

[Nadsicles]

Hi! I just wanted to get some idea if anyone has gone solo to eastern europe, particularly Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Getting a bit nervous now that my leaving date is coming up.... I'm thinking mostly security wise. Is it safe? I have to admit the scare mongers are getting to me...

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[mark manley]

Tiffany is probably the best woman to answer any of your queries, there is a contact button or PM her.

Mongolian Mayhem | Tiffany Coates Travels the World

[palace15]

Originally Posted by Nadsicles

Hi! I just wanted to get some idea if anyone has gone solo to eastern europe, particularly Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Getting a bit nervous now that my leaving date is coming up.... I'm thinking mostly security wise. Is it safe? I have to admit the scare mongers are getting to me...

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

If you've been living in London, what is there to scare you in Eastern Europe?

Just enjoy your adventure!

[Nadsicles]

yeah, i thought that too, but it's the politics and corruption that worry me more. I think i'll pm tiffany too... Thanks!

[maximondo]

Hey, I haven't been to 'eastern Europe but i have traveled through Russia alone. People scared the S***T out of me too, in fact they did it again for India (im currently in India) But when I got to Russia, I found the people to be amazing, so friendly, so inviting etc.

Ok yeah there were a few times where I had to fend off a guy in a truck stop (yes thats right i slept at truck stops because i was too cold to camp) But I also notice the woman, realising what was happening a second before I did, and they all stood up to come to my aid if needed, which wasnt.

As for the police, I was also warned about them around Moscow so the Europe side of Russia. I got stopped about three or four times in one day, once for speeding through road construction, (no one was around), passing a truck on an open corner with a dashed line, and speeding. I was guilty even if i didnt know it was a wrong, and I managed to talk my way out. You just have to smile, never get angry, just tell them what you are doing, hoping to achieve and ask them - do you like motorcycles??

For the last incident, the speeding, the police officers tried to lower the actual speed limit on the camera. But I saw this and started to make a fuss. This was the only time I got angry at the police - but he knew he was being wrong and was trying to rip me off, so i was let off.

Another handy tip is - always park your motorcycle where everyone can see you. If you are visible, along with the police, then they are not going to catch other people to bribe....

[Nadsicles]

Great! Those are some fantastic tips. If i just act as though i have all day, to talk my way out of it, I hope they'll get bored, but i'm glad you had good experiences. But visibilty is a good point. Thank you!

[jcravens]

You might also try posting this to the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree - although they won't be women on motorcycles, there will be solo women travelers who can give you advice.

[Tiffany]

HI Nadsicles
It's a great region to visit and travel in. I went through Romania, Moldova and the Ukraine without any problems. Camping rough sometimes- though I know that's not for everyone.
Just ensure you do the usual stuff of common sense about the situation around you like you would at home. The traffic police in Ukraine are particularly corrupt - even their President wants to get rid of them, they were bloody persistent, after doing the "don't understand" stance for a while, what I also found worked was saying
"my husband has all our cash and he is in the next town if you want to come with me and ask him"

good luck, I'm sure you'll have a great time.