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Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I've been to 50 countries solo as a female. Here's what I've learnt
Spontaneous decisions have shaped some of my most memorable travel adventures, but I never leave home without a bit of careful planning. In a new city, I scour the internet for information about different neighbourhoods and work out which places to avoid. The comment sections on platforms like are also helpful. When were the most recent comments posted? Does the hotelier respond quickly? Have many people left positive feedback? These are all good indications of a safe and reliable space. Share your itinerary Sharing my whereabouts not only allows my mum to live vicariously through my travels – it also keeps me safe. Apps like TripIt can amalgamate confirmation emails into a detailed plan to be shared with friends and family, while TrackMyTour creates an interactive map of waypoints. If mobile roaming isn't an issue, switch on location services and share details with a select circle through the Life360 app or Find My on the iPhone. Where possible (and affordable), I always take an Uber rather than a taxi or local bus – largely because journeys are tracked and the trip status can easily be shared. But don't overshare Tempting as it might be to shout about adventures, avoid posting any geo-located material on social media in real time. Unless shared within a private group, never make public any information about travel plans and places where you intend to sleep. Either be vague about specific locations or post material a few days later. Making new friends is one of the great joys of travel, but I'm always hesitant to reveal too much personal information with strangers. If ever in doubt, it's fine to tell a few white lies and pretend you are travelling with somebody else or have plans to catch up with friends. When arranging to meet up with new acquaintances, always choose a busy place and share your plans with others at home. Carefully timetable Arriving anywhere after dark can be daunting – especially if you've never been there before. I always try to travel during daylight hours and avoid arriving at a hotel too late. If there's no other option – especially in the case of international flights – I pre-book transport through a reputable company or arrange to stay somewhere close to the airport. Connect with other women Sharing experiences with other female solo travellers can be both reassuring and helpful. Similar to a dating app, platforms like Tourlina, Bumble BFF and NomadHer can be used to find like-minded matches in different destinations. Users can create profiles, share ideas and even arrange meet-ups. On several occasions, I've also requested a female guide – partly to support greater gender equality but also to get a female perspective and inside knowledge. Another option is to join a specialist escorted tour. Companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar and The Adventure People arrange women-only tours – often providing access to activities that wouldn't be possible in a mixed gender group. Come prepared A lot of my travels are in developing countries so I'm always cognisant of the yawning inequality between (relatively) wealthy foreigners and local workers on a low wage. Unfortunately, I've occasionally had cash go missing – even in five-star hotels. To avoid any issues, I carry a padlock to put on my suitcase and keep any valuables inside – although I tend to leave any jewellery at home and prefer to travel light. I use a door latch, if there's one available, and stuff any visible peepholes with a piece of tissue. When entering a room, I check windows are lockable along with any interconnecting doors. Pack appropriate clothing I'm a big believer in clothes as a form of self-expression, but sometimes it's better not to shout about your presence too loudly. Preferring to blend into the background, I avoid wearing anything showy and opt for conservative clothing where culturally appropriate. In Muslim countries like Oman, for example, I would never bathe in a wadi wearing a skimpy bikini and would always opt for long skirts, trousers and T-shirts rather than hot pants and crop tops. Use your intuition Loading If a situation feels uncomfortable, there's no shame in walking away. Whether it's a guide, fellow traveller, bus driver or waiter – nobody has the right to invade your personal space. Either politely deflect any unwanted attention, or – in more serious cases – alert others to what is going on. Even if you are travelling solo, having a network of friends nearby or connected online means you will never be alone.
The Age
11 hours ago
- The Age
I've been to 50 countries solo as a female. Here's what I've learnt
Spontaneous decisions have shaped some of my most memorable travel adventures, but I never leave home without a bit of careful planning. In a new city, I scour the internet for information about different neighbourhoods and work out which places to avoid. The comment sections on platforms like are also helpful. When were the most recent comments posted? Does the hotelier respond quickly? Have many people left positive feedback? These are all good indications of a safe and reliable space. Share your itinerary Sharing my whereabouts not only allows my mum to live vicariously through my travels – it also keeps me safe. Apps like TripIt can amalgamate confirmation emails into a detailed plan to be shared with friends and family, while TrackMyTour creates an interactive map of waypoints. If mobile roaming isn't an issue, switch on location services and share details with a select circle through the Life360 app or Find My on the iPhone. Where possible (and affordable), I always take an Uber rather than a taxi or local bus – largely because journeys are tracked and the trip status can easily be shared. But don't overshare Tempting as it might be to shout about adventures, avoid posting any geo-located material on social media in real time. Unless shared within a private group, never make public any information about travel plans and places where you intend to sleep. Either be vague about specific locations or post material a few days later. Making new friends is one of the great joys of travel, but I'm always hesitant to reveal too much personal information with strangers. If ever in doubt, it's fine to tell a few white lies and pretend you are travelling with somebody else or have plans to catch up with friends. When arranging to meet up with new acquaintances, always choose a busy place and share your plans with others at home. Carefully timetable Arriving anywhere after dark can be daunting – especially if you've never been there before. I always try to travel during daylight hours and avoid arriving at a hotel too late. If there's no other option – especially in the case of international flights – I pre-book transport through a reputable company or arrange to stay somewhere close to the airport. Connect with other women Sharing experiences with other female solo travellers can be both reassuring and helpful. Similar to a dating app, platforms like Tourlina, Bumble BFF and NomadHer can be used to find like-minded matches in different destinations. Users can create profiles, share ideas and even arrange meet-ups. On several occasions, I've also requested a female guide – partly to support greater gender equality but also to get a female perspective and inside knowledge. Another option is to join a specialist escorted tour. Companies like Intrepid, Trafalgar and The Adventure People arrange women-only tours – often providing access to activities that wouldn't be possible in a mixed gender group. Come prepared A lot of my travels are in developing countries so I'm always cognisant of the yawning inequality between (relatively) wealthy foreigners and local workers on a low wage. Unfortunately, I've occasionally had cash go missing – even in five-star hotels. To avoid any issues, I carry a padlock to put on my suitcase and keep any valuables inside – although I tend to leave any jewellery at home and prefer to travel light. I use a door latch, if there's one available, and stuff any visible peepholes with a piece of tissue. When entering a room, I check windows are lockable along with any interconnecting doors. Pack appropriate clothing I'm a big believer in clothes as a form of self-expression, but sometimes it's better not to shout about your presence too loudly. Preferring to blend into the background, I avoid wearing anything showy and opt for conservative clothing where culturally appropriate. In Muslim countries like Oman, for example, I would never bathe in a wadi wearing a skimpy bikini and would always opt for long skirts, trousers and T-shirts rather than hot pants and crop tops. Use your intuition Loading If a situation feels uncomfortable, there's no shame in walking away. Whether it's a guide, fellow traveller, bus driver or waiter – nobody has the right to invade your personal space. Either politely deflect any unwanted attention, or – in more serious cases – alert others to what is going on. Even if you are travelling solo, having a network of friends nearby or connected online means you will never be alone.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Solo women travelling in good company
Women-only tours to destinations around the world are attracting solo guests of all ages and relationship status. Intrepid Travel offers six women's expeditions to India, Nepal, Morocco, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with help available to book flights and pre or post accommodation. Senior product manager Jenny Gray launched Intrepid's initial expeditions to Jordan, Iran and Morocco on International Women's Day in 2018. They started as her passion project after she listened to feedback from women who wanted more opportunities to connect with local women and learn about their lives. For cultural and religious reasons, this wasn't always possible in mixed-gender groups. 'We thought it was a fantastic opportunity to create something that was really special and would incorporate experiences,' Jenny says. Intrepid expeditions are limited to 12 guests and the average group size is usually eight to 10, while women's ages can range from 20 to 80. 'An incredibly high percentage of the travellers on the women's expedition are travelling solo,' Jenny says. 'Globally that was around 80 per cent last year but for the Australian and New Zealand customers it's 66 per cent of them travelling solo, not necessarily single but choosing to travel alone.' For context, Jenny says 24 per cent of all Intrepid travellers (on any tour) from Australia and New Zealand are solo female travellers. She has also noticed huge growth in the 50-plus demographic. 'I've seen it described in a lot of reports as women living their second-best life,' she says. 'For whatever reasons they never put themselves first due to career, home and family and now it's their time.' India is the most popular Intrepid women's expedition with more than 20 departures a year, but Saudi Arabia has taken off since its launch a year ago. 'We've seen more bookings on that particular destination in the first six months of it being on sale than any other trip in the range,' Jenny says. Jenny says having Intrepid's own teams on the ground helps secure experiences unique to the women's-only expeditions. 'There are a lot of products on the market that are women-only trips, but they are standard itineraries that are just designated for women only. There's not really anything different in the design. 'That's what has set us apart; we wanted to make sure that the experiences we build into the itinerary are unique and special that will give women an opportunity to connect with women on the ground and give women on the ground an opportunity to share their own stories of what life is really like, their triumphs and the challenges. 'Intrepid always tries to support female, minority Indigenous-owned businesses in our supply chain but on these trips, it is intrinsic to the design.' Jenny cites an example of a city tour in India by tuk-tuk, made possible by supporting micro loans to women to become trained drivers. 'They can then support their families by having their own businesses,' Jenny says. Sonia Orrego, head of product at Wendy Wu Tours Australia, says solo travellers make up around 30 to 35 per cent of its guests, and many of those are women of all ages, backgrounds and life stages. 'Some are first-time solo travellers, others are seasoned explorers,' Sonia says. 'Many travel solo by choice, while others are seeking new adventures after life changes. 'For those who love the idea of sharing their journey with fellow solo travellers, we've created special tour departures reserved exclusively for solo guests. 'These tours offer a welcoming, community-style experience from the very beginning, because everyone on the trip is there and enjoying the trip as a solo traveller.' While they aren't women-only, Wendy Wu offers dedicated solo departures to destinations including China, India and Japan. Sonia says culturally-rich destinations 'continue to resonate with women looking for unique and meaningful travel experiences'. Sisterhood Womens Travel founder Hayley Morris was running a travel agency in a small Victorian country town when she discovered many rural women wanted to travel but their husbands couldn't leave their farms. She did a test trip to Hong Kong with a dozen women and noticed the camaraderie, support and encouragement among the group. 'That's when the magic started,' Hayley says. 'I decided that there really was something in it, so I decided to pursue that and eventually it overtook my retail travel agency.' Sisterhood Womens Travel has been operating for 20 years and ran its first official tour to Morocco, a destination Hayley continues to visit. Future tours range from a mini-break in Tasmania, to a 20-day Greek Islands adventure. Most guests are aged 60 and over. 'It's more about physicality because you can have a really healthy 80-year-old and have a really unhealthy 50-year-old,' Hayley says. 'Sometimes people get a little bit caught up on the age, whereas we really tend to concentrate more on their fitness.' The maximum number of guests on a tour is 16, with the average group size around 12. Sisterhood's hosted tours start and end in Melbourne but guests from all over Australia and New Zealand can connect a group at their destination, where they also pick up specialist guides. 'Basically, the role of our hostess is just to provide the support for our women,' Hayley says. Sisterhood's guests include widowed women used to travelling with their husbands, and women whose husbands have no interest in travelling. 'We've had feedback from ladies who have tried travelling outside of the women-only environment; they might travel with their sister and brother-in-law,' Hayley says. 'But the feedback is they feel like the third wheel. And unfortunately, single women no matter what age can be targeted by unwanted attention.' Hayley says her tour prices are higher because they include airfares and many meals and activities. Sisterhood also offers theatre nights, morning teas and winery visits in Melbourne for travellers to keep in touch. 'We are a business and obviously we make money but a lot of it for us is more about the community,' Hayley says. 'We want to bring women together in any capacity to reconnect through the joys of travel and new friendships.' fact file
Skift
5 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Hawaii Adds 'Green Fee' to Hotel Stays to Combat Climate Change
The new climate tax model shifts part of the climate change burden onto the travel sector, particularly hotels, vacation rentals, and cruise operators. Hawaii has enacted a new 'green fee' aimed at addressing the growing impacts of climate change. Signed into law on Tuesday, the measure adds a 0.75% surcharge to the state's existing accommodations tax, raising it from 10.25% to 11% on hotel room rates. Starting in January, the fee will also apply to cruise ship cabins when vessels dock in Hawaii for the first time. State officials say the added revenue will support disaster preparedness and environmental protection efforts across the islands. The state estimates it could raise around $100 million annually. The funds will go toward projects such as shoreline protection, wildfire prevention, and maintaining the natural ecosystems that draw millions of tourists each year. 'Once again, Hawaii is at the forefront of protecting our natural resources,' said Governor Josh Green at the signing ceremony. 'As an island chain, we cannot wait for the next disaster to hit. We must build resiliency now.' Lawmakers from both tourism-heavy and climate-vulnerable areas backed the bill. Senator Lynn DeCoite called it a matter of 'kuleana,' a Hawaiian concept referring to responsibility. 'Climate change is here,' she said. 'The bill shares the responsibility of caring for our home with those who come to visit.' Representative Adrian Tam, whose district includes Waikīkī, said the fee is a 'win-win' that balances tourism and environmental protection. Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
Cosmopolitan
6 days ago
- Cosmopolitan
In need of a mental reset? Why Bali could be just the tonic
When you think of Bali, what comes to mind? Yoga, purple açai bowls and pristine beaches? Until recently, that would've been my answer too. But, it turns out, there's so much more to the Indonesian wellness capital than many of us in the UK might realise – and there's also a very special way to explore it all. A way that really lets you live like a local. Part of the Indonesian archipelago, which comprises more than 17,000 islands, Bali is a deeply spiritual place, with temples in every home, on every street and handmade 'offerings' to the Gods found at every turn. It's estimated that 87% of the Balinese population are Hindu, while most of the other Indonesian islands are predominantly Muslim, and the place boasts the mantra of 'menyama braya' (which translates as 'treat all as family' or 'live harmoniously'). Something that, given how divided Britain currently feels, we could maybe all use a dose of right now. When I headed out to Bali last November, to say I was frazzled is an understatement. Without getting deep, I was stressed about, well... everything. But learning about another culture is a surefire way of stepping out of your own head and of discovering something new about yourself along the way – as well as the kind of life you want to lead and your priorities. Bali is certain to leave you thinking a little differently. Or at least, it did for me. Of course, it's important to acknowledge that for many, travel is a luxury right now, but if you are able to afford a trip and want the chance to cultivate some inner peace, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better world to immerse yourself in than that of the 4.4 million Balinese people. Things move slower on the island, in the nicest of ways. Alongside that pace, there's fresh and delicious food, homestays in rural villages with arms-open locals, the chance to cycle though rice fields with a warm breeze in your hair, streets laced with incense, and crucially, an evident mindset that wellbeing cannot exist in a vacuum. Community and thinking of others before yourself is king – something many in the West seem to be drifting further and further away from. Ready to explore? Here's how to plan the perfect Bali trip… Keen to keep the mental admin to a minimum while in Bali, I was lucky enough to visit with Intrepid, a responsible travel company who took all of the scheduling out of my hands. Intrepid is known for collaborating with local partners, providing (often remote) communities with income and opportunities, and offering guests truly authentic experiences. Each Intrepid Bali tour has a guide who knows the area inside-out, which again eliminates the need for any mass-Googling or anxiety when it comes to coordinating where to go, what to eat and what to do. The guides also provide answers to any questions you may have about Balinese culture, or during any of the activities you embark on. My group was led by the wonderful Ni Wayan Seriani, better known as Srix, who couldn't have been friendlier. She was a real font of knowledge when it comes to all things Balinese, and having Srix around meant it was possible to learn on the go, find out more about local life and simply surrender to the carefully crafted itinerary. With her, nothing was ever too much trouble and without her, I wouldn't have learnt half as much (for example, every 200 or so days, Balinese people do ceremonies to thank the animals, trees and metal in their lives for helping them; she said they even thank cars for getting them home safely!). Here's an overview of some Bali highlights, all of which feature in one of Intrepid's two Bali-focussed packages, which start at £652pp (international flights not included, but accommodation, ground transport, selected meals, and activities are). Bali as a whole isn't huge; you could drive from one end of the island to another in three to five hours (depending on whether you're going east to west, or north to south). It's worth dotting around and learning about a few different regions, with Ubud being a vibey cosmopolitan area and the Sibetan village being a contrasting but just as special, remote alternative. Sanur is also a chilled beach town that's well worth your time, so think about hitting them up in a triangle. It's almost hard to recommend Sibetan as it feels so unspoiled right now, but it was a real highlight of our tour and the villagers couldn't have been more welcoming. Less than a 20-minute drive from Denpasar airport, this chic hotel is a short stroll away from Karang Beach; perfect for peachy sunrises and sunsets, and if you're lucky in low tide, starfishes. The rooms are clean and well-sized in this four star option, the breakfast buffet options - and air con! - are plentiful and as well as being a stone's throw from golden sands, you're right around the corner from a heavenly spa and yoga spot, Koa Shala (classes from just £5). Rooms start from around £50 a night The area of Ubud is a must: the word 'Ubud' derives from the word 'ubad' meaning medicine, and this tonic of a town certainly lives up to its name. Close to Monkey Forest (which yep, lives up to its name too!), this plush hotel has four restaurants, a pool, gym and on-site spa. Yoga, cookery classes and lessons in making a traditional offering for the gods are also available via the concierge. Rooms start from £80 a night If you really want to embed yourself into local life, doing a Homestay with members of the Banjar Dukuh Community in the Sibetan Mountain Village is an incredibly special way to go about it. The Sibetan village only started offering up their spare rooms in 2023, after partnering with Intrepid, and it has helped the locals to develop a new source of income outside of farming. Everyone was so warm and hospitable, with hosts really making you feel a part of the family, while showing you how they go about their daily lives. It's a new way of travelling and admittedly there was the odd awkward moment due to a language barrier with some people, but it's a one-of-a-kind experience and I'm so glad I had it. Check out the options on Airbnb Given the high temperatures in Bali, trekking companies offer guided walks up Mount Batur starting in the cooler early hours of the morning, leaving you in prime position to watch the sun nudge its way through the sky to start a new day. Close to the peak, there are vendors selling food and drink too, so you can sip and snack as you take in the special moment. Was it tough? Honestly, yes; the summit is 1717m. As someone who likes to think they've a pretty good level of fitness, I struggled in parts. But pushing through to (almost!) reach the top was more than worth it and there's always a guide, or walking stick, on hand for support. The unique architecture in Bali offers enough entertainment on its own, but throw in some traditional music and dance performances? Tens across the board. I'd recommend heading to Cafe Lotus in Ubud for dinner and grabbing a show beforehand. While I'm not religious and struggle to meditate, something about the purification ritual of cleansing myself in the waters of the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple was immensely grounding. After being talked through each step by my Intrepid guide, Srix, and donning the traditional garment, plus having rice pressed against my forehead as is custom, it was time to focus on betterment and feeling grateful to be in Bali. Easily done. Visit the rice fields and back streets of the tucked away villages, Bayung Gede and Tampak Siring, with the wonderful team behind Dewa Bike tours. You'll be safely guided along a scenic route with the wind in your hair, waving at friendly locals as you go. A highlight not to be missed. Book a Dewa Bike tour As well as opening their doors for home stays, the residents of Sibetan village are happy to show curious tourists around their salak plantation, the island's native fruit that looks like it's wrapped in snakeskin. Our guides, Wayan Nanik and Adit, two locals guys in their twenties, dished up a delicious lunch in the plantation too, pointed out a whole host of plant species (and explained their importance) and were happy to show us the many uses of their native crop: namely, kickstarting their own exciting liquor company. They also spoke beautifully about lessons in simplicity and how we need less than we think to achieve happiness. A firm favourite since 1986, this quaint eatery serves guests in wooden Balinese huts surrounded by lush greenery. As with most food joints in Bali, it's incredibly affordable by British standards. Go for the noodle soup, either with tofu or chicken. Learn more about Cafe Wayan Great for authentic Balinese cuisine served at low tables, plus this restaurant offers the chance to catch a traditional dance show set to the backdrop of the stunning Pura Saraswati temple, by the Sekehe Gong performers. Warning: audience participation is encouraged, although not enforced if you're shy about your moves. Learn more about Cafe Lotus If you put hiking up Mount Batur to your to-do list, this brunch spot has to be your pitstop afterwards; it's around a 30-minute drive away, but offers up the chance to dip your feet in the pool, sip an iced coffee and gaze across at the mountain you've just (hopefully) conquered. Paperhills also serves an all-day breakfast, along with producing some extremely delicious pastries and baked goods. Yum. Learn more about Paperhills A restaurant with a pool you can enjoy before or after eating? Sign us up. The food was freshly prepared and I'd highly recommend ordering the nasi goreng, which is a signature Balinese dish comprising fried rice, veggies, meat or a vegetarian alternative, and topped with an egg. Learn more about the Kawi Resto Intrepid Travel offers 11 trips to Bali ranging from family-orientated ones to itineraries perfect for solo adventurers. Beautiful Bali lasts for 9 days and starts from £652pp, while Premium Bali and Java lasts for 11 days and starts from £2,292pp. Prices include accommodation, ground transport, selected meals, and activities. International flights are extra. Learn more and book at 0808 274 5111. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
