Why I’m Not Afraid to Camp Alone in Madeira
Reflections on safety, nature, and travelling solo as a woman
A friend asked me the other day if I was ever scared going camping alone.
This is what I replied:
‘You know, it’s interesting, it really depends on the location & the weather conditions.
I do feel fear, but I’ve never felt unsafe.
There are gorgeous campsites on the island where I have camped alone. When it was foggy & rainy I really had to focus on not freaking out because of the grey, mystical vibes. But if you think about it: you’re usually somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful nature. First of all, it takes effort to get there, either by car or after long hours of hiking.
Everyone who invests this amount of time & energy is 99.99% only there for the experience, to enjoy life & not to harm anyone.
And of course, it is easy & more fun to go with a friend as you have each other’s company. And when the weather is wonderful, and you are watching a breathtaking sunset - again, if another human being were there, they’d also just want to enjoy the view.’
‘Besides that, what I find highly comforting is knowing that I’m never alone. I believe we are always guided & protected by the spirit world. Your spirit team is always communicating via intuition with you. That’s what all the mindfulness practices are actually for: to learn how to understand their language and how to listen.
In a forest you are never alone. The forest - nature itself - is a living ecosystem. Trees are all connected by the mycelium network, there is constant communication happening. There are birds, ants, geckos and countless other forest inhabitants.
I like saying hi to trees, hugging them, thanking for their presence, or telling flowers that I find them beautiful. Not in weird ‘TALK BACK TO ME’ way. But in the same way as you would pet a straying dog or cat to initiate a connection, you can do the same with our non-speaking, non-audible friends.
You can ask them for protection or simply acknowledge their presence.’
‘Well, I’ve never talked to plants,’ she replied, ‘but I do feel very connected in the forest.’
‘That’s it! Most people feel calmer & more relaxed surrounded by greenery. And the more we understand how alive, powerful & interconnected the world around us actually is, the more we can trust the unseen forces that always surround us.’
Madeira is one of the safest places I’ve experienced as a female traveller so far.
I leave my belongings unguarded at the beach when going for a swim, I walk barefoot, drive & hike in the wild alone. From the locals & fellow travellers, I’ve mainly experienced generosity & warmth. And whenever I needed help, there was always someone happy to help.