travel – 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: 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: Mandi

Meet Mandi, a free-spirited traveler who broke away from the norms of society and started creating her own path.

I was born and raised in LA, the extent of my traveling growing up was a day trip to the beach. I grew up living pay check to pay check and never could I ever dream that one day travel would be my future.

What inspired/inspires you to travel?

Right before the summer of 2005 I was living a hum drum life. Working with people I didn’t like, in a job I hated. I was stuck and didn’t even know it at the time. Long story (that you can read about on my blog), but I happened upon an extra plane ticket, used it to go to Portland Oregon, met amazing people and had the time of my life. I came back home a completely different person and that’s when I realized there is a whole world out there that I want to see and amazing people who I want to meet.

Where is your favorite destination to date?

I am starting small, so I haven’t traveled abroad yet, as of now I would have to say Portland will always hold a very special place in my heart. I fell in love with the people and the wackiness of the whole city.

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

SOLO!!! I get to do what I want, when I want! Plus, I love wandering around new locations on my own. There is something about getting wonderfully lost in a foreign place all alone. Now that is heaven!

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

#YUP– Society wants us to think that women are helpless and shouldn’t travel on their own. Instead they should be having babies behind a white picket fence while their husband goes to work and makes the 9-5 money. This is 2016 people! Do you think the news is gonna do a story on a 32-year-old man who traveled abroad by himself and wandered into some trouble? Nope! But if that 32 year old was a woman…well then STOP THE PRESSES! Why is she alone? She shouldn’t be traveling alone, what is wrong with her? Does she think she’s invincible? She must be stupid! Do yourself a favor and don’t watch the news folks or read those stupid headlines that say “American woman killed in Moscow while couch surfing.” *insert rolling eye emoji here*

How do you plan your trips?

I usually have one main location that I know I want to hit and then I couchsurf around. I only stay in a hotel if I need a day or two just to myself, to take a breather. Other then that I am couchsurfing my little ass off!

When is your next one?

I am currently wandering around the East Coast until November and then I am gonna go see REAL WINTER WEATHER. Being from LA, winter to me is 3 random rainy days somewhere between November and January. I wanna see a white Christmas gosh darn it!

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

GO! Travel! Do it! I promise you it’s worth it!

Want to learn more about Mandi?

Website/Blog: Hardly Grown Up

Instagram: @MandiWanders

How to survive being the traveling friend

You see the inside of airport terminals more than you’ve seen your friend’s (not-so) new apartment. You feel like an outsider at brunch because “you should’ve been there last Sunday to see blah do blah blah & blah”. You’ve had layovers that lasted longer than girls’ night.And while you love your friends, you love exploring new soils more. I’ve noticed that the more trips I go on, the more distance there is between my friends and I. This recent trip has brought more light to my eyes than any other. When I first came back from my move to Milan, they were excited to have me back but of course I was greeted with the famous question “So when do you leave again?”. That’s also my family’s number one topic! “What?! You’re in town? Must not be for long, when do you leave? When is your next trip?” While I would love to say that there is a loving tone when asked but more often than not its more a tone of resentment. Towards me, or the fact that I’m always on the go. At first, I was sad about it. I should be able to travel and have friends, right? I mean it makes no sense that I can make and keep in touch with friends from all over the world but I’m not even be able to connect with my friends from back home. I think its more of a travelers woe. After talking with a friend (she gets me, she’s a traveler too) she let me know that it happens to the best of us, and I’m not alone.

Of course you can’t help but wonder though, is there a remedy? Even if there is, is the relationship worth fixing? I think with many test and trials, the strong will survive. I may lose friends to traveling, but its shown me friends that I should value a lot more. Muneek said it best “Not everyone signs up to be a long distance friend”.

While any departure is typically sad, these lost friendships haven’t been. People come and people go, myself included. But what makes this sorrow a little sweet, is that I am a traveler, I’m an expert at moving on. That’s how you’ll survive.

Walk With Me: Paris, France

So, I’m scrolling through my phone while on my flight to San Diego, and I stumble upon a plethora of images from my trip to Paris. Some are gems that I’ve never shared with anyone until today. Take a walk with me…

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 !!!

1 Reason why you should visit Las Cruces, NM

So I’m on tour and more times than not, I end up in some small boring cities. Las Cruces was definitely on the way to becoming apart of that list! Luckily for me, my crew and I decided to visit the White Sands National Park in New Mexico. I am so glad we did. Upon arrival we were greeted with maps and a gift shop to rent sleds (already off to a good start).

At first, the scenery was bleak. Very little white sand and lots of random shrubs, but as we drove further in, the abundance of white sand was overwhelming. We parked our car, took off our shoes and ran straight into the dunes.

The white sand went on for miles and miles, you could easily get lost if you strayed away from your group. But getting lost didn’t seem like such a bad idea here. It was a great place to clear your mind, and take it all in. The untouched white sand reminded me of a fresh start, and entering 4 weeks of being on the road, it was just what I needed.

Thank you Las Cruces 😘

Red Rock Canyon

After a weekend of Vegas Strip life, it was nice to wind down and drive to Red Rock Canyon. I went with a few friends and enjoyed endless laughs as we hiked our way to the top. I would recommend hiking, as you get a better view of the canyon and a great excercise to work off all of those Vegas buffets. The scenery was breathtaking, so peaceful and calm. It was a great way to do Sunday Funday!