camping Alone... Horrible Idea?

I'd be scared just camping in my own backyard by myself! But then I'm a big sissy!

I know nothing about camping or camping in Europe or hostels, but I say don't do it!

You may look to others for actual advice (ha ha)

Because of luggage weight restrictions, I can't imagine how you could carry camping supplies with you in addition to your clothes, etc. A hostel would be a better, safer option alone, in my opinion.

Although I think you would be safe, you will probably be better off in hostels.

Hostels could cost just a little more,, and be a better way to socailize.

Without a car I would not camp anyways.

There are some really cheap, but clean and decent hostels around. We have a few young girls from work hostelling around right now.. one of the girls emailed me about a hostel she is staying at in Paris, she likes it very much,, but is comfortable using the public transport to get to touristy center of town( hostel is not in center).
If you are going to Paris , look it up, St Christophers.

Camping is quite different in Europe. It's not a wilderness experience (you can't camp just anywhere and they don't have the extent of public lands we do). You camp in a campground which is very developed and geared toward social activity. There will be a store, public transit, often a restaurant...it's more like a KOA but with less room and more expectation of sociability.

It could be a fun experience but would probably ultimately be more of a hassle, if you don't have a car, than staying in a hostel. And maybe not even cheaper.

Where and when are you going? My brother spent 4 months in Europe last year, camping about half of the time. He had a backpack and took a sleeping bag and small light-weight tent. He did not have cooking supplies and he ate at restaurants or bought picnic food at stores. He didn't have a car, but took the train everywhere. He loved the camping in Switzerland. He also camped in Amsterdam,Copenhagen and possibly some other places that I don't recall. Try doing an internet search on camping in Europe to get a better idea of what it may be like.

Personally, I would hostel it. I am a big chicken, though. I had to get my husband to pull the recycling bin from the side of the house this morning, because I heard our neighborhood racoon rustling around.

Yes, it is generally safer in Europe, but you are still a solo female. Like it or not (I don't), we are at greater risk.

I've done some basic research and I like the idea of camping but I have an additional question!

Where can I find a light weight tent for a reasonable price? How much should I expect to spend?

You might think about just buying a tent there. You still haven't said where you are going, but I imagine if there is camping, there will be stores to buy supplies. I just returned from Ireland a few days ago and saw several camping stores in Dublin while I was walking around. On the other hand, if you buy here you can look around. Is there an REI or other sporting good store in Santa Barbara where you could see what they have? If you find something you like you could do an internet search to see if you can find a better deal and have it shipped to you.

The one thing that sticks out in my mind regarding camping (mainly because I camp on Vanoouver Island often) is rain. Having to pack up in the rain can be a big pain in the you know what. I think you'll be better off in hostals, at times camping can get lonely if you're doing it by yourself.

A friend in his mid 30's camped across Europe for a month and did great. He said a lot of their campgrounds have tents that stay put up--more like a small canvas hut you can stay in. He ate in restaurants and ate lots of sandwiches. He took all public transportation.

To verify what Connie said, many campgrounds do have permanent tents already set up. On my first whirlwind European trip, I stayed at many of them and I didn't pack a tent, just a sleeping bag. They are usually steel tube framed with a nylon outer, two cots, plywood floors and plenty of room to stand up and walk around. With that said, you would have to research each one beforehand to make sure they are offered.

This is from Rick:

Every European town has a campground with good showers, washing facilities, and a handy bus connection into town, all for just a few dollars per person per night. Camping gives you a priceless opportunity to meet Europeans doing just what you're doing — traveling, relaxing, and seeing Europe the affordable way.

Yes, there are nice already set up campsites for you to stay in,, but they are likely not cheaper then staying at a hostel, especially for one person.

You would have more privacy camping. When/if you desire socialization, total strangers tend to be very friendly in campgrounds.