Redefining Solo Travel: A Crucial Step for Women in Today's World
Cruising down a serene beach, the warm sand softly caressing your feet, while the sun's radiant beams glisten on the ocean's surface—but you can't completely savor the moment, always fearful of what might occur if you close your eyes even for a moment.
When I announced my solo travel plans to friends some years back, the first wave that hit me wasn't a warm blur of encouragement but a torrent of conflicting comments—either whispers of admiration or shock, followed by immediate warnings: "Stay alert," "Avoid the lesser-traveled paths," and "I found this portable lock that you might find useful."
As someone who relishes independence, I've always enjoyed solitary endeavors such as cinema visits, gallery hopping, and dining solo. My wanderlust propelled my desire for solo travel inevitably. Yet, my fears lingered, especially those concerning safety.
Solo travel has surged in popularity, heralded as a means of empowerment, liberation, and self-discovery. Content creators often conclude their travel vlogs with emphatic declarations like, "Everyone should embark on a solo journey at least once!" But overlooking the 'travel' part, the focus tends to skew heavily on the 'female' perspective, perhaps missing the essence of relaxation and tranquility that true travel infuses you with.
Before embarking on my first solo trip, I dove so deep into research that truth be told, I might have scoured every nook and cranny of the internet and social media for tips and tricks on maintaining safety. The thought of 'What if?' gnawed at me constantly, making me doubly cautious and vigilant. While I was pumped up to explore a new destination, my center of attention was unquestionably on safety.
Growing up as a woman in today's world, we're conditioned to be on constant alert—always looking out for potential dangers and threats, always striving for safety even when it feels like a redundant mission. As the years pass, this internalized conditioning insidiously chips away at our sense of personal freedom, autonomy, and adventurous spirit.
The discourse on female solo travel often leans too heavily on feminist and empowerment themes, giving short shrift to the essential pilot motivation—the desire to travel leisurely and unhurried.
In response to this overwhelming need for a change in perspective, a new wave of women-led retreats has emerged. Each retreat provides a sanctuary, both physically and emotionally, allowing women to unwind, let go, and muster the courage to embrace their individuality without boundaries.
Indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage amidst majestic mountain views, immerse in a transformative meditation workshop by the calming ocean waves, or simply bask in the quiet solitude and allow yourself to simply 'be.' The Red Tent by Nuanu, for instance, is an intriguing community-driven hospitality project based in Bali, crafted to foster creativity and empowerment.
As its director of PR and Special Projects, Kelsang Dolma shares, "The Red Tent is more about effortless ease; it's a space where you don't have to explain yourself." The unique element of its exclusivity to women adds significant value, according to Dolma, as it fosters free-flowing conversations and a more relaxed environment that encourages women to shed their masks, social norms, and embrace who they truly are.
With spaces like these emerging, there's an air of comfort and optimism I can't help but feel. Beyond the rest and respite these retreats offer, they provide opportunities for women to connect with each other, creating a supportive sisterhood built on understanding, bonding, and shared experiences.
Solo travel should be liberating, not restricting. It gives you the chance to set your own pace, to immerse yourself in new cultures, and to learn more about yourself and the world around you. While you must bear the entire responsibility of your journey, it is also a chance to prove to yourself that you can go it alone and still thrive.
Reflecting on my solo travel experiences, the vivid memories of people-watching in ancient Athens or nestling in a cozy corner by the Mediterranean Sea still feel as fresh and exhilarating as they were the first time I lived them. While I'm not quite there yet, perhaps someday I'll be able to let go of the lingering voice of caution and embrace the idea of travel for what it truly is—a chance to lose myself in new experiences without worrying about safety every step of the way.
There's a new dawn breaking on the horizon for solo feminine travel—one that reinforces our desire to travel and reclaim the joy that travel has always been meant to provide. Solo female travel is expanding in scope, and I'm excited to continue dipping my toes in this refreshing pool of experiences.
The latest edition of Vogue Singapore—the May 'Sonder' issue—is now available online and on newsstands.
- The Red Tent by Nuanu, a women-led retreat in Bali, promotes effortless ease and allows women to embrace their individuality unrestricted.
- The discourse on solo female travel often focuses too much on feminist and empowerment themes, neglecting the essential aspect of relaxation and tranquility that true travel intends to deliver.
- Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in new cultures, learn about oneself, and set one's own pace, all while challenging personal limits and proving one's ability to thrive independently.
- To delve deeper into the realm of art, creativity, design, and science, or to explore health-and-wellness and women's health topics, one can visit boundary-pushing retreats that foster a supportive sisterhood built on understanding, bonding, and shared experiences.
