female travel
The girl's guide to all things travel; optimal itineraries, recommendations and more for solo female travel and group trips alike.
Swish
A long time ago, when I was quite a different person, well before I was anything like any of you know now. Before I became a professional anything, when I still had short hair that was in the slightly ragged stage where it was trying to be long while still being short, when I was still under (likely well under) 5 feet tall, and the only thing I was remotely aggressive about or proud of was my voice. A long time ago, I was good at something else.
By Emily Hunt5 years ago in Wander
Drawing Back the Curtain
Tours to the Valley of the Kings always start early, it’s a long drive from Safaga out to Luxor. A lot of us make the trek, despite being exhausted and gritty eyed from the crew party and BBQ the night before. I am the first one on the bus, prepared this time, with an oversized bottle of water next to me and an extra container of SPF 30 sunscreen in my purse (I’m already wearing SPF 60, but in places like this you can never be too careful), next to a pocket umbrella. I am trying to avoid a repetition of last year’s sun-stroke. For a half hour I’m the only one on the bus, soaking up the silence that is all too soon broken by the excited babble of voices in Indonesian and Phillipino as well as English. Without looking up from my book I reach into my purse and pull out my I-pod; even here, perhaps especially here, I remain solitary, preferring the company of my own daydreams to conversation. These are not guests, and, as such, I’m not required to speak.
By Emily Hunt5 years ago in Wander
The Blue Atlas Project Brings Aid to Devastated Abaco Island
Kali Kirkendall walks to the stove in her underwear, spins the knob on and brings a blue flame to life beneath the kettle. The sailboat sways with the rhythm of the ocean as she hangs onto the counter and props the Aero Coffee Press between various heavy items stacked together in the sink so it doesn’t tip over. She pours the boiling water through the press then steps back to her bunk and layers on clothing to stave off the 4 a.m. chill.
By Michelle McAfee5 years ago in Wander
Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans
Dear Carolyn, As this last year has thoroughly and unquestionably taught us, predicting where we’ll land in the future year is a folly and a fool’s errand. While I had grand intentions on taking a sabbatical year to travel after saving up 5 years of savings from work (what didn't go towards rent, food, and my 6 digit student loan figure), these were interrupted. I will say I was extremely lucky in my timing as I did have a few months travel under my belt before the world shut down.
By Carolyn Sumner5 years ago in Wander
Once Upon a Night at Downtown Toronto
I can’t explain what happened to me that night. I had left my place of volunteer a bit later than usual. II made my way back to the bus stop. Weeks before this, I took the tube, and one time, I walked to and fro. I got to the bus stop and saw that the next bus would not be due for one hour so I left. I intended to take the tube but for some reason, could not locate the tube station. I had been walking for about 15 minutes. I remembered seeing streetcars so I decided I would board one of them. Why didn’t I want to walk home? It was for 30 minutes! The week before, those 30 minutes seemed significant as I walked back home. I had picked up a bug and ended up sick in bed for 2 days. On this night, I had exceeded my shift by thirty minutes. The days got darker quickly so I was not going to beat myself up about leaving later than usual.
By Nkeonye Judith IZUKA5 years ago in Wander
Time for this Cherokee Woman to Visit the Sun
After the year I've survived, a solo road trip is just what I need to reinvent myself, for myself. 2021, it is ok to show me why it all had to happen. But first, we're heading to Nantahala National Forest in Bryson City, North Carolina to do some hiking, and spend some time listening to the sun.
By Charity Faye Alexander5 years ago in Wander
Freckles Abroad
Lately, I've been taking time each day to count my blessings. Not only do I have an amazing support network of family and friends, but I have been blessed with this opportunity to live and study so far from home – especially during a global pandemic. Each day in London is beautiful in a new way – even when I don't leave my room for more than a half hour walk. Being here and spending so much time reading and writing truly makes me feel happy.
By Gabrielle R. Lamontagne5 years ago in Wander
Best travel tips for South East Asia
1. Cheapest way to travel from Thailand to Cambodia Train from central Bangkok train station Hua Lamphong to Aranyaprathet, this train journey is roughly 5/6 hours and costs around $1 or 40 Baht. This is bar far the cheapest way I've found to get to Cambodia from Thailand. The train will take you directly to the boarder where you can go and get a visa on arrival. This boarder crossing has a lot of scams to be aware of, however. There will be lovely ladies selling prepared rich dishes and pre-cut mangos for a very low cost walking throughout the journey, so don't worry if you forget to pack snacks or water.
By Madelaine Baker Simpson5 years ago in Wander
what i wish i'd known as a solo female traveler in Europe.
I traveled alone for the first time as a 17-year old. I didn't have a boyfriend waiting at home for me, and I didn't have a contingency plan in case everything went wrong. I guess I would have flown back home, but thankfully, it never came to that.
By Rebecca Braun5 years ago in Wander
