Meet Kathy.
I’m Kathy from the North of England. In 2008 I went from package holidays to traveling solo around the world and now I have visited over 58 countries. I have made true friends, experienced the lure of travels and grown in confidence everyday.I have traveled to may places alone, made friends I will never forget and showed people you can travel safely as a female. My passion is exploring the road less traveled and being immersed in different cultures.
What inspired/inspires you to travel?
I have an overwhelming urge to get up and go. It’s like having an itch which I have to scratch, I just need to go and have a look. I want to learn about other cultures, see different countries and open my mind to how other people live their lives. In addition, it’s the people who I have met on the way. The little old lady on the bus, the first time backpacker in Thailand and the local tour guide in Nepal. They all enrich my life and have given me long-lasting memories.
Where is your favorite destination to date?
I have two. I love Taiwan and Myanmar. The locals are such wonderful people. So kind and gentle. There are amazing things to see in both countries but if I had to narrow it down to just one place then it would be Bagan in Myanmar.
How do you prefer to travel? Solo or With a group? Why?
This is a tough one. I think I am going to say Solo as I then have the best of both worlds. When travelling solo you get to meet people. It gives you the freedom to travel with lots of different groups of people but also gives you the time that everyone needs on their own. By doing this, I have met so many amazing friends who I have met up with time and time again on my travels.
Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman?
Yes. There is a definite safety aspect for females travelling. You might not feel vulnerable but you really are. I have received a lot of unwanted attention in some countries however I have also been offered some amazing experiences due to being a solo female traveller. It is just hard to know who to trust. For example; in Myanmar, a young lad took me around the area on his motorbike for 3 days, all because he wanted to practice his English. He introduced me to his family and we have become life long friends.
How do you plan your trips?
I find the flights, either the cheapest ones that fly out of my local airport or to the place that I am really inspired to go. I use Skyscanner and Momondo for this. I then research the places in the destination I am going to, using Travel blogs, Wikitravel etc. Next I work out how to get to these places eg. bus, train, hitch hike, hire car. A lot of the time, I just have a bit of an idea where I want to go but never have things set in stone. Plans change and I want to be flexible.
When is your next one?
I am currently in Norway after getting £39 return flights to Oslo. We have hired a car and currently on a road trip round the South West Norway.
Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?
Follow travel blogs which will give you inspiration and tips on where and how to travel. Act confident when you are lost in major cities to prevent from being a target in some countries. But don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. Nip into a cafe, buy a drink and take some time out. Ask a member of staff to help you with directions etc.
Want to know more about Kathy?
She Went Wear 