No money, no problem: Adventurer travels through 16 countries for only 17 euros

Alone through Africa, with her thumb out – and hardly any money in her pocket: British influencer Courtney, who documents her travels on Instagram under @hitchhikercourtney , has crossed 16 African countries within a few months.

Her transportation costs? A mere $20 – the equivalent of around €17. More than half of that was for a single ferry ride across the Congo River, she told Mirror .

According to the Mirror, she didn't have to pay for transportation at all during her trip to Asia. From her starting point in China, she hitchhiked through Mongolia to the Russian border – completely free of charge. "My budget would have increased by thousands if I had paid for transportation," Courtney says.

The influencer wants to inspire others with her story – especially women who often shy away: "Many women are afraid to go out into the world alone because of the risks." But she emphasizes: "There are risks everywhere – every day, no matter what you do. You can't let them stop you."

For Courtney, the positive experiences clearly outweigh the negative ones: “The opportunity to explore the world is definitely worth the risk.” Her followers celebrate her courage – and for showing how little budget is needed to discover the world.

As influencer Courtney proves, solo travel as a woman is possible—even across Africa and Asia. But anyone embarking on a solo journey should be prepared. These measures will increase your personal safety on the road:

• Trust your intuition: If something doesn't feel right, leave the situation – safety first.
• Use only official or rated transport services and inform trusted people about your route.
• Learn simple self-defense techniques – this will not only give you security but also self-confidence.
• Pack a first-aid kit and find out about medical centers in your destination country in advance.
• Create an emergency plan with important contacts, medical information and consular details – and share it with family or friends.