See more: solo traveller – Amsterdam – Paris – Stockholm – Prague – Hong Kong
If there’s one thing we love, it’s travellers who make world adventures happen for themselves. In this first post of an ongoing series, we talk to four female solo travellers who tackle their travel dreams head first, while offering up a little advice for others on the same path.
Pola
What is your day job?
I have a communications company called JA Media (JA comes from the name of my travel blog, Jetting Around). It’s an umbrella for various projects, including content writing, social media management, event production and photography.
What is your favourite trip taken as a solo traveller?
Birthday in Paris earlier this year [photos from that trip in this story]. It’s my favorite city and a possible future home, so I wanted to test-drive being a Parisienne. I rented an apartment in the Marais and got to know the neighborhood really well. As a soccer fan, I also went to several Paris Saint-Germain matches. Great times!
Where are you travelling next?
I’m going back to Paris for a few days, on my way to a writing assignment in Valencia. After that, I’ll be with my family in Krakow for the holidays.
What is your best tip for solo women travellers?
Research your destination beforehand (cultural norms, dress code), use common sense when sightseeing, and let your family or friends know your whereabouts. Safety first, so that you only make good memories on the trip!
Any other thoughts or comments you would like to share with us?
Happy travels in 2016! Let’s all cross at least one place off our wish list.
Flytographer: Gonçalo in Paris
JANA
Flytographer: Matilda in Stockholm
What is your day job?
I am a brand consultant and strategist. I help my clients develop or refine their vision for their brand, identify opportunities to differentiate their brands in the marketplace and help them craft and tell the brand story. I love this work because it is the perfect combination of strategic and creative thinking and allows me to work with designers and influence the visual expression of my clients’ brands. I have worked with many large brands, from the likes of GE to Citibank, Nestlé, Samsung, Estée Lauder, Avon Cosmetics, Samsung, Kodak, and Macy’s.
What is your favourite trip taken as a solo traveller?
This is a tough question to answer! I love to travel and try to make every trip special by building in some things that are near & dear to my heart, whether it is visiting a great modern art gallery, finding a great local gelato or getting pampered at a local spa! I like trips that allow me to combine a little bit of culture and exploration of something new with time dedicated solely to relaxing, unwinding, and getting away from my normally busy, hectic schedule.
I loved a trip I took to Florence a few years back where I rented a great private apartment for a few days. The apartment was a perfect combination of the modern simple style I love with some beautifully restored historic details. It was in the center of Florence so I was close to all the action. Not being in a hotel allowed me to get more immersed in the local culture, go to the local store to get groceries, get breakfast at the corner café in the morning… And there was the beauty of Florence, a city filled with history & art, yet with plenty of quiet spaces like the Boboli Gardens where you can just grab a book, sit on a park bench and read in the sun. Of course, this being Florence, there was also plenty of great, high-end Italian fashion to take in (and what woman doesn’t like to shop – at least a little!), and some amazing Italian food! (Too bad I did not know about Flytographer then.)
Where are you travelling next?
My next trip is one I am really looking forward to! I am going to Australia – a country I have been meaning to visit for a few years now, but work or other family obligations always intervened. I will be there for two weeks with a packed schedule, visiting Sydney, Uluru and Melbourne. And of course, I am going to have Flytographer help me snap some pictures in those cities as well…
What is your best tip for solo women travellers?
I think a lot of women are hesitant to go solo and at times, this stops them from going on a trip. My first tip would be to weigh which is better – will you let reservations or reluctance stop you from experiencing new things, or do you get over your fears, embrace your wanderlust, and give yourself a chance to experience some amazing places? I’d say to pick the latter! Once you get over the initial reservations, it becomes surprisingly easy. The trips and experiences are always worth it.
My second tip would be to try to find some local connection if possible, especially when going to new places. I have connected with locals through communities such as A Small World, or met friends of friends…it all helps break up the solo nature of travel and you get to learn about places that are not in the average guide book.
Third, be smart and careful about your travel. Do a bit of research before you go so that you know the local customs and know what to watch out for so that you don’t put yourself in a tough spot. If there is something adventurous you want to do, you could go with a small group tour so you have others to share the experience with you.
Any other thoughts or comments you would like to share with us?
I love how Flytographer helps me remember my trips through the amazing pictures taken by the various local photographers!
Flytographer: Eliska in Prague
See more of Jana’s photos to Stockholm & Prague here.
Esther
What is your day job?
I run my own lifestyle business helping women develop their confidence through their personal style and helping them put thought & planning into the lives they really want to be living.
What is your favourite trip taken as a solo traveller?
It’s so hard to choose! I’d have to say Berlin. I met so many wonderful people on that trip and I really love the creative scene there.
Where are you travelling next?
My next trip is to Dublin to work with a client – I love being able to combine work and travel!
Flytographer: Gonçalo in Paris
What is your best tip for solo women travellers?
I’m sure you’re going to get lots of tips about research and safety – which are the most important things – but mine would be to take a journal with you wherever you go. Not only is it worth writing down each day so you capture every detail, but I’ve met some amazing people simply by sitting in cafés with a glass of wine and my notebook. People are very curious when they see you scribbling away!
Any other thoughts or comments you would like to share with us?
I believe every woman should take at least one solo trip in her lifetime. If you choose a trip that feels right for you, research and plan properly; it can be incredible for self-confidence. I’m married and still try to take a non-work trip on my own every year. And don’t forget to have your photo taken with Flytographer to make the experience even more special!
Flytographer: Louise in Amsterdam
See more of Esther’s travels to Paris & Amsterdam here.
RAINE
What is your day job?
I’m a Brand Manager with a wine and spirits company.
What is your favourite trip taken as a solo traveller?
That will be Paris. I love the streets, cuisine and how walkable the city is.
Where are you travelling next?
My regular visits to Hong Kong and Taiwan coming soon; also planning a trip to NYC next year.
What is your best tip for solo women travellers?
Sense and sensibility, but also having the courage to explore and know how to be with yourself.
Any other thoughts or comments you would like to share with us?
Still loving Flytographer 😉
Flytographer: Keith in Hong Kong
See more of Raine’s Hong Kong shoot here.
If you could travel by yourself anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
