On this occasion of International Women’s Day, we are forced to question how far glorified images of female emancipation and liberation are real. Have women attained freedom? Freedom can be defined in many ways and we have to acknowledge the positive journey of women in the 21st century – a century that has marked the inclusion of women in multiple fields of work, studies, or spaces and practices that were initially restricted to men. Today I want to focus this post on one such positive change that women have experienced in the 21st century – female solo traveling. Is it a liberating act?
A journey from shackles to liberation
Ten years back, the BBC (2013) published an article with the heading, Should women avoid travelling alone? With the rising crime rate at that time, the security of women was put forward as a concern. However, back then many people thought that women should not travel alone, but today, 10 years later, things have changed…In a recent BBC article (2023) Rosie Breen shared, “Even in that act of booking that flight and going away is almost like handing myself a little trophy to say well done, you’ve done that for you.”
Years back, women traveling alone would have been considered a taboo – actually, it would have been considered a rebellious thought! For years, in different cultures, girls were expected to be accompanied. But the 21st century has provided women with opportunities to fly, to spread their wings, and to make their dreams come true.
Breaking stereotypes
Solo female travel is currently a response to a desire to break free from traditional boundaries. And to allow women to break free from routines. This perspective aligns with an interesting quote from Benvanshi (2023),
“In a world where wanderlust knows no bounds, more women are embracing the liberating journey of solo travel. It’s a path filled with empowerment, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of independence. As a solo female traveler, you are not only breaking free from societal norms but also breaking barriers and stereotypes.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we feel sad that some women are still trapped or still marginalized with no voice or choice. But we cannot turn a blind eye to positive changes that are currently being embraced and lived.
Developments in the world of travel
Now, I always like to say that female emancipation is still in progress, not a full reality yet. Similarly, I believe that female solo traveling is just at its beginning. But there are positive developments as we cannot deny that now women can holiday alone in a land far far away!
So, what are the positive developments concerning female solo traveling?
- In one of their posts, NomadHer asked the question, Is Solo Travel Lonely for Female Travelers? (2023) This is a question asked by many solo travelers, not only women. Loneliness is a major preoccupation. Let’s face it, when accompanied, we often feel safe. We can rely on the other person whenever we are ensure about something or whenever we need something. But solo female traveling can create travel anxiety in some women – especially if you have not traveled alone before, which is a normal feeling!
- But the good news is that nowadays you have many solo female travel groups that transform solo traveling into a rich experience. Besides, is ‘sisterhood’ not an important component of feminism? So, embrace your solo trip with wonderful groups of women who will understand you. And accompany you in your planning and even in your trips if need be!
- Not only has the world become more technologized, but the availability of travel apps has revolutionized the world of travel. Especially when it comes to solo female travelers, traveling is now hassle-free thanks to mobile apps. For instance, there is no need to ask for directions from strangers when you have your Google Maps. No need to stress when you have a translation app. Or, you can simply download apps that would assist you in multiple ways during your solo travel trip. You can check out the list of available apps in one of our posts: 20 Best Travel Apps for Solo Travelers.
- We should acknowledge that unfortunately, not all places are safe for solo female travelers (in fact, some places are not safe for visitors and travelers should always check the social and political situation of a country before preparing a trip). Research is regularly conducted, such as the Women Peace and Security Index, to ensure that safe places where women can travel are identified and communicated to interested solo female travelers. In this way, women can visit places where they will feel safe, stress-free, welcomed and confident.
Conclusion
“Frailty, thy name is woman” (Hamlet, Act 1, scene 2).
This quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet is no longer one that mirrors who women ‘were’ or ‘are’. Instead, as Helen Cixous (1975) theorized, women should ‘fly’. They should embrace their freedom and acknowledge their interior force to make a difference in the world. The picture chosen to accompany this post is a bird. A symbol of a woman breaking free from traditional images and expectations and daring to explore the world!
Happy International Women’s Day!
About The Guest Post
This was written by the travel savvy wanderer, a blog I have been very much enjoying. In fact, she even wrote this post for Lifesfinewhine a while back. And since, the 8th of March is International Women’s Day she wanted to share a post related to that. Do take a minute to check out The Travel Savvy Wanderer blog. I really hope you enjoyed the post and do let me know your thoughts about it in the comments below. And of course, Happy International Women’s Day!
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