How to experience travel empowerment as a woman
What is travel empowerment? Well, to start let’s break down what each word means.
To start, empowerment is the experience of becoming stronger, wiser, and more confident, especially in having autonomy in one’s own life.
And travel is moving from one place to another, typically from country to country.
So then what is travel empowerment? I would personally define travel empowerment as the feeling and process of finding yourself, searching for what we want in our lives, and the qualities you build along the way. These include liberation, confidence, and personal growth. Travel empowerment also encompasses the idea that travel can be transformative, allowing people to broaden their perspectives, gain cultural understanding, build self-confidence, and develop a deeper sense of self and independence.
Let’s break it down
Liberation: To me, this is the feeling of freedom in your travels as a woman, from limitations such as gender inequality and treatment, and the contrast of being able to make autonomic decisions for ourselves.
Confidence: I feel as though this one comes with experience. The more you travel the more adaptable you become to unpredictability. You will sometimes fail, but you will also learn and adapt. Confidence is developed with self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
Personal Growth: This is the overall continuous development and self-improvement of ourselves and how travelling allows us to continue to make that happen.
Cultural understanding: Comprehending, respecting, and appreciating different customs and beliefs whilst you travel, allows for it to not only be reciprocated, but it normalizes empathy and increases your universal knowledge as a woman.
Independence: Independence is so important to us women. So many women are opting for a more independent lifestyle and with travel at our fingertips, it makes it more accessible to pursue. However, Independence shouldn’t prevent women (or anyone for that matter) from reaching out for help, seeking guidance from other solo travellers, and even calling home when you’re feeling down can help.
Broaden Perspective: Diversifying your views and being open-minded is what made you take that risk as a woman to go and travel solo. It is known that travelling to different places completely changes you in so many ways. The biggest thing it does is change your perspective on things, including travel itself.
My personal favourite is broadening your perspective
Why? I feel as though many individuals who are scared and uneducated are stuck in a bubble and stay in the same place their whole lives, out of “comfort.” Unfortunately, you rarely see any growth holistically. I also personally feel that it makes you more open-minded whether that be in your career, everyday choices, friends you make, or cultures you experience. It gives you more experienced options so that you can make the best choices for yourself throughout your life.
As my blog “the Way to Wandering” states I made this website to help guide people, especially women on how to travel the world solo. Focusing on seeking confidence and independence. And the idea of travel empowerment encompasses this and so many things that I stand for as a solo female traveller.
How do we feel empowered to travel as women?
What’s the difference between travel empowerment and travel empowerment as a woman?
Women’s travel empowerment refers to the idea of empowering women to travel, explore, and engage with the world independently, safely, and confidently. This enriching movement acknowledges some of the historical and cultural barriers that have limited women’s ability to travel freely and seeks to overcome them by promoting more options and inclusive experiences for women, especially from different demographics (race, religion, sexuality).
For me the biggest difference is safety. In general, women have to make sure they are creating ways to handle their unpredictable environment (ahem especially with men). This is so they feel safer and have better opportunities when travelling solo.
For instance, I’ve heard many stories about women solo travelling through places like Egypt, and European countries like France and Italy (to name a few). Many of those women felt uncomfortable because they were being harassed by the men there. Whereas, I’ve heard many men who travel around the world in general are treated a lot better than women. Most of us women would love to visit many places alone and explore different cultures, however, we just know that, in order to feel safe and comfortable, we have to spend a little more money or even avoid certain places overall.
This should not make you feel inferior as a woman. Never feel like you need to be so independent that you are putting your safety on the line. Always research the country you’re visiting and make sure to choose places that make you feel empowered or find environments, such as tours, hostels, or retreats that will help you to feel more safe.
Intersectionality
This also takes intersectionality into account. From my understanding, intersectionality is how different demographics intersect and how that intersection increases or decreases the equality of certain groups.
In this circumstance, it would be the intersection of being a woman and being from a certain race, religion, sexual orientation etc. For example, white women (like myself), may experience inequality as a woman. However, white people in general would have very different (in most cases, better) experiences than a woman of colour. Especially if they are travelling through a country where people may have a lot of bigoted and racist views.
If you want to learn more about how to travel solo, not just as a woman, but as someone who is of another race or other demographic. Candace abroad writes blogs on how she travels the world as a black woman solo and the many obstacles she faces.
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Things you can do to make you feel more empowered
Research and Planning:
Knowledge is empowering in itself. Researching your destination thoroughly allows us women to plan ahead in certain regions and for certain values. For example, in Dubai, the women there dress more modestly, so out of respect for them, it is best to be more modest in what we wear.
You can also learn about local customs, cultural norms, safety tips, and places that are women-friendly. Planning ahead can give you confidence, peace of mind, and better respect for the local communities.
Safety Precautions:
Prioritize your safety. Carry a fully charged phone, share your whereabouts with someone trustworthy, know emergency contacts, and be aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.
Self-Defense Skills:
Okay, so I’m not saying to become a master at Taekwondo. However, women should consider learning basic self-defense techniques or better yet carrying self-defense tools, like tasers, alarms, pepper spray, etc. (If legally allowed…of course). Hopefully, this will enhance your confidence in unfamiliar situations.
Connect with Other Travelers:
Join online communities or forums for female travellers. Engaging with other women who have travelled to similar destinations can provide valuable insights, advice, and support. Also, reading and signing up to blogs like this, allows for more consistent tips. You can even request blog posts that you are interested in.
Pack Wisely:
Pack light and smart. Choose appropriate clothing for the local culture and climate. Consider versatile and functional items that can be mixed and matched for various occasions.
Assertiveness and Boundaries:
Be assertive and set boundaries. It’s okay to say no firmly if you’re uncomfortable or if someone is making you feel uneasy. Trust yourself and your decisions.
Local Guidance:
Engage with local women or seek advice from them. They can provide valuable insights into navigating the local environment and culture.
Celebrate Your Independence:
Don’t just work on being independent, but allow yourself to be proud of your growth and bravery. Embrace the freedom and independence that comes with travelling solo or even with other women.
Document and Share:
Keep a travel journal, blog, or post on social media to document your journey. Sharing your experiences can empower others to do the same and build an incredible community of supportive female travellers.
Remember, travel empowerment is a holistic experience, it’s not just about feeling confident, safe, and control over your travels. But it is also the process of changing and broadening your mind, whilst also pursuing the qualities you already have.
Furthermore, empowering women in travel not only allows us to explore the world but also contributes to personal growth, cultural understanding, and the advancement of gender equality globally. Initiatives and movements focused on women’s travel empowerment aim to create a more inclusive and diverse travel landscape.
