Wednesday – Page 3 – She Went Wear

Wednesday Women: Kathy

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?

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Wednesday Women: Courtney

Meet Courtney.

Hi, my name is Courtney, and I’m a travel-obsessed twenty something! I come from a city called Wollongong on the south coast of NSW, Australia, about an hour and a half south of Sydney. I love the outdoors and exploring beautiful landscapes, and in the summer I basically live at the beach. I work in marketing & communications at a travel company, and save every penny I earn to go on adventures!

What inspired/inspires you to travel?

The thing I love most about travel is that every destination you visit, every person you meet, every culture you discover, and every experience that you have is different. You’re continuously challenging your perspective every time you visit somewhere new. I’m inspired by these differences, and am determined to seek out as many as I can, and become as worldly as humanly possible.

Where is your favorite destination to date?

It’s hard to choose a favourite destination, but if I had to then I can’t go past Rarotonga, Cook Islands. I’m a beach lover, and Raro is a paradise like no other. The people, the beaches, the landscape, the culture…. Everything about it is incredible. Plus, there’s something for everyone; from those who seek a relaxed, beach holiday to those who seek an adventure holiday full of thrills. It’s also perfect for families, couples, groups of friends or solo travellers!

How do you prefer to travel? Solo or With a group? Why?

I’ve never done a fully solo trip, but even if I had I think I’d have to say a group, or at least with one other person. I like to share experiences, especially when travelling. Obviously, solo travellers meet plenty of new people on their journey, but I prefer to travel with at least one other person I know. I spent a week in San Francisco by myself at the end of my summer working as a camp counselor and I felt incredibly lonely without someone to share the experience with.

Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman?

I guess that depends on where you go! As much as I hate saying it, I do feel safer when I’m travelling with a male. My friend and I (both girls) had a few uncomfortable moments during our eight-week stint in the USA, and I think these could’ve been avoided had we been travelling with a guy. I do admire those independent women who travel to dangerous countries on their own – their spirit and desire to change the way others think is very inspiring.

How do you plan your trips?

Usually I figure out a destination I want to visit, and then go from there! I see if there’s anyone interested in going with me, work out the best time I can go, and pretty much wing the rest. I like to be spontaneous when I’m travelling, but there are some things you do need to plan in advance!

When is your next one?

Although I’ve got nothing booked, I’m planning to travel to Europe in the northern summer next year. I’ve only touched upon mainland Europe in my previous trips, and am dying to visit Italy! Specially, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast – get me into that hot Mediterranean sun!

Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?

My biggest piece of advice would be to save, save, save! There’s nothing worse than looking forward to a trip, then realizing halfway through that you can’t afford to have the experience you expected. I’ve found myself short of cash on too many occasions due to my terrible budgeting, and have vowed to never again go anywhere unless I have saved enough!

Want to learn more about Courtney?

Courty Stelt

IG: @courtystelt

Twitter: @courtystelt

Wednesday Women: Marina

Meet Marina. I am a french/german traveler who currently studies in Buenos Aires. I started traveling with my dad as a kid, exploring mostly Africa and Europe. Since then, the “travelbug” kind of got me.

During the last years I lived on three different continents and I am definitely not ready to settle yet.

What inspired/inspires you to travel?

Due to my two nationalities and my family living in three different countries I always was on the move. When I was thirteen my dad took me for a thrilling African safari. Afterwards I only had one wish, to see as much of the world as I can.

I started reading books like “Into the wild”, “wild” or “the beach” and felt travel sick, when I was at home. People who live out of a backpack are my true heroes.

Where is your favorite destination to date?

Koh Rong Samloem. It’s a tropical, wild Island in Cambodia – not to mix up with the party Island Koh Rong.

It has no infrastructure, no wifi, no supermarkets. Just endless white beaches, a dschungel (jungle in english) and great snorkeling spots. There is one hostel on the other end of the island, a true backpacking resort at the end of the world. I spend the most adventurous, wild days there.

How do you prefer to travel? Solo or With a group? Why?

Currently I prefer to travel solo, because I kind of like the idea to decide about everything I do, myself. I do not have to worry about other people, I don’t have to make compromises or sacrifices. Also, even if you are travelling alone, you never really are. With all the people out there exploring the world, you always have a second family wherever you are.

If I do not travel alone it is with my best friend from childhood. Because she understands what it means to be a traveler. We never make sacrifices, we just decide to split for a while and rejoin later, when we have different plans.

Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman?

The only difference might be the safety. Often women are easier to take advantage of. But besides that, I think there is no big difference to men traveling the world.

We live in a world where there are more female traveler than male ones. So I think, for us it’s the perfect time to go and explore it.

How do you plan your trips?

Most of the time I have a country in mind. But then I change my plans and book a flight to a totally different country.

Then I do a lot of research on blogs or pinterest, just to find out later, that the best way to learn about a country is to actually be there. So now, I literally just book a flight and leave.

Once I even traveled to Czech Republic just with a handbag with my money and my phone, because it was so spontaneous I did not even had the time to go home to pack stuff…

When is your next one?

Argentina is currently my home base. But I need to go to Chile or Uruguay for a little visa run. I might stay for a week and explore some parts of the Country.

Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?

As long as you are young and have the time, go see the world. If it’s just you, or with your best friend or boyfriend, go and explore. The only regrets you will have, are the things you wanted to do, but actually never have.

Want to know more about Marina?

Website/Blog

Instagram

Wednesday Women : Muneek

Meet Muneek, a Jamaican born budding photographer whose soul is on a journey.

What inspired/inspires you to travel?

Other than movies like Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat Pray Love (I know very cliché but what can I say they’re great!) I was inspired to travel from a burning curiosity within my heart and perfect timing. Coming from a small island and humble beginnings I always swore to myself I would travel the world even if my family didn’t agree. I had to see what life was like in other countries and satisfy my soul with it’s beauty.

“A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander.” The Wanderess (Great book!)

Although my roots are at home, I do have limbs and to not wander would do them injustice so to wander was my only option.

In the mystic parish in Portland, Jamaica. Where there is the sea, the mountains, the rivers, the lagoon and much more.

Where is your favorite destination to date?

Other than Jamaica my favourite place to date is Milan, Italy. It is a world of fantasy that brought out the best in me. Milan and I have a special bond.

Sunday’s market at Navigli (Milan, Italy) is more than pleasant. With the sunset in view and the savoring smell of pastries and coffee, it’s always a treat.

How do you prefer to travel? Solo or With a group? Why?

I like to travel solo as well as within a group. Depending on where my head is at, I decide what’s best for me in the moment. However, the essence of life is connection so even when on a solo journey I love to meet people on the way. The more the merrier!

Do you think there is a difference traveling as a woman?

Yes there is definitely a difference. Although us women travelers are strong and fierce, sometimes going to a place where you know no one can leave you feeling a little bit vulnerable and unsafe. We are often seen as a targets more than men are which is unfortunate, but that is why it’s imperative to do your research and take whatever precautions you need to to take to feel safe.

La Sagrada Familia in Spain. The picture speaks for itself, breathtaking!

How do you plan your trips?

I tend to buy the ticket first and worry about everything else after! It’s normally very spontaneous and sporadic actually. I know if I want anything bad enough I’ll move mountains to get it so I always look forward to that challenge, it’s fun!

The Louvre (Paris, France) is the largest museum in the world. It never ceases to amaze me what humanity has created over the past centuries.

When is your next one?

In October I embark on a solo trip to Denmark to ride bicycles! haha rings bell

Any advice you would like to give to your fellow travelers?

My advice to to fellow travelers is if it scares you do it! (unless there is actual and imminent danger then hold off a little until you feel comfortable) Don’t listen to the people who don’t have the courage to do it themselves. To be a woman is to be warrior you can and will handle it all!

IMG_2292-2 — Bamboo rafting the famous Blue Lagoon

Want to learn more about Muneek?

Instagram: @MysticalMuneek

Website: Mystical Muneek

Bernard The Traveler Interview

Hey guys,

So I had an amazing opportunity to be interviewed by Bernard from Bernard The Traveller for his Wednesday interview series. In the interview we talk about all things travel and how I became such an avid traveler.

Check it out here !!!

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