Women Who Travel

Women who travel understand that it is about more than the destination, it is also about what we bring to the experience and what we make of it after we have landed back home. Alain de Botton explains this very eloquently in his book ‘The Art of Travel’. He says, “If our lives are dominated by a search for happiness, then perhaps few activities reveal as much about the dynamics of this quest–in all its ardour and paradoxes–than our travels.”

From solo backpackers to travel bloggers, entrepreneurs, and friends, women in travel are breaking boundaries and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys.

At Icon Villas we place incredible value on and care around the groups of women and solo women who book our high-end vacation rentals. It is women’s month in South Africa, and we would like to take the time to honour a few women who have pioneered and influenced travel with their courageous hearts and their spirit of adventure.

Women Leading Travel Businesses

Many successful travel businesses and blogs are run by women who are passionate about sharing their experiences and encouraging others to explore the world. Our own founder Therese Botha being one such person who brings luxury villas in Cape Town within reach of the world. She understands the essence of travel and has a deep love for the travelling heart.

This article would not be complete without the mention Sussi Galley. As founder and Managing Director of Livingstone Safaris she invests heavily in her team’s knowledge, ensuring unforgettable, experiential itineraries that are based on first-hand experiences and a passion for sustainable travel.

Another example is Kate McCulley, known as Adventurous Kate, who has built a successful blog that offers travel advice and inspiration for solo female travellers. She makes it her life’s purpose to inspire and teach women how to travel safely. Then there is the heartwarming story of Cheryl Strayed, who built her public speaking business around her bestselling memoir ‘Wild’ (now a major motion picture).

Influencers and Digital Nomads

Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of female travellers. Influencers like Kiersten Rich, The Blonde Abroad, have millions of followers who tune in to see her latest adventures and travel tips. These influencers are not only showcasing beautiful destinations but also addressing important issues such as sustainable travel.

Overcoming Challenges & Inspirational Stories

Safety concerns, cultural barriers, and gender biases are some of the hurdles that female travellers may face. However, the community of women travellers is incredibly supportive, for your convenience we list a few resources at the end of this post.

There are plentiful examples of women who have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges when it comes to exploration and travel. Think of South African Saray Khumalo, who became the first African woman to summit Mount Everest (2019) on her fourth try! Isabella Bird became the first woman to become part of the London's explorers club in 1892. And one of our favourite brave heart female stories must be that of French explorer Jeanne Baret. She refused to let her gender stop her from taking part in a worldwide journey on Louis Antoine de Bougainville's expedition around the world. She pretended to be a man to get onboard the ship and so became the first woman to circumnavigate the world between 1766 and 1769.

A lady who also opened the world of mountain exploring to women was Fanny Bullock Workman. Between 1903 and 1906 she proved that women are most definitely able to climb to the same altitudes as men. No lack of determination and courage here, we wonder what she would have made of our own Table Mountain.

Beverly Joubert is a South African wildlife photographer who, alongside her husband Dereck, has covered predator and animal behaviour resulting in 25 movies, 11 books, six scientific papers, several articles for the National Geographic magazine, as well as eight Emmy Awards nominations, a Peabody- and a World Ecology Award.

There is most definitely an art to travel. From the moment the anticipation starts building, to navigating the unforeseen, to being fully present in the moment. We travel so that we can come back, more whole, more fulfilled.

For women who travel, the future is bright, and adventure awaits. We salute you who choose to explore the world and share your experience; we salute you who contribute to a more inclusive and diverse travel landscape. We recognise the importance of catering to female travellers, and we take pride in helping you redefine the landscape and inspiring others to step out of their comfort zones to explore the world with an open heart and mind.

Resources:

Girls Love Travel

The Blonde Abroad

Icon Villas Blog (for inspiration on Cape Town and surrounds, exclusive holiday villas, beach holidays and family friendly stays).