I hiked alone Egypt to Israel back in the day, as a female. It was like 2 days, but dayum that is a BIG trip he made. I am currently making my across the silk road, just waiting for the Azer/Amernian stuff to settle. I would never go into an unstable country during mass protests. I have been stuck in countries where protests have started for sure, but I stay in my hotel and keep informed. Silly backpacker.