This spirit of adventure has been a driving force behind many of the women who have made significant contributions to history. For instance, consider the pioneering spirit of Amelia Earhart, who, in the 1930s, became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her daring feat challenged the limitations of gender roles and paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams.
a) Women’s Travel: Breaking the Mold
b) The New Era of Travel:
This is a call to action, a celebration of women who have dared to break the mold, to challenge the status quo, and to redefine what it means to travel. These women are not just tourists; they are explorers, adventurers, and storytellers. They are the pioneers of a new era of travel, one that is more authentic, more meaningful, and more empowering.
Her writing is characterized by its directness, honesty, and unflinching courage. In her book, “Travels With Myself and Another,” Gellhorn recounts five journeys from hell, each a unique and harrowing experience. The book is a collection of personal essays, each exploring a different conflict zone.
Dervla Murphy (Image credit: Getty Images) As one of the greatest adventure travel writers of our time, Dervla Murphy wrote over 20 books, including Full Tilt, a fascinating account of the author’s solo self-funded travels from Ireland to India, by bicycle. While Murphy was met with dangerous encounters and situations along the way she inspired countless curious women to get out of their comfort zone and see the world solo. In her later life, she spent time volunteering and advocating for anti-globalisation, as well as speaking out about climate change. After she died in 2022, The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, said, “Her contribution to travel writing had a unique commitment to the value of human experience in all its diversity.”
* **Idris Galcia Hall:** A Canadian explorer who became known as Aloha. * **Circumnavigation:** The journey of traveling around the world. * **Five Years:** The duration of Hall’s journey.
Cheryl Strayed (Image credit: Getty Images) Struggling with grief, a marriage breakdown and addiction, Cheryl Strayed set out on a 1,100 mile solo hike at the age of 26, forming the base of her memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. The journey of self-discovery describes the challenges and spiritual realisations the American author went through when hiking the Pacific Crest Trail beginning in the Mojave Desert, continuing through California and Oregan before arriving in Washington some three months later. While the book did receive some criticism due to Strayed’s lack of hiking experience, it was later made into an Oscar-nominated movie by Reese Witherspoon’s film company with Witherspoon playing the lead.
Bell’s travels were not just about sightseeing; they were a crucial part of her intellectual development and shaped her worldview. Her experiences in the Middle East, particularly in Persia (modern-day Iran), were particularly formative. **The Middle East and Persia: A Crucible of Experience**
Bell’s time in Persia was a pivotal period in her life, shaping her understanding of the region and its people.
She has a deep understanding of the unique ecosystems and the threats they face. Tompkins, a renowned conservationist, has dedicated her life to protecting these fragile environments. Tompkins’s journey began with a personal connection to the natural world. Growing up in a family that valued nature and instilled a love for the outdoors, she developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Davidson’s journey was not just a physical feat; it was a profound exploration of self-discovery and the human spirit. She embarked on this journey in 1977, driven by a deep desire to escape the constraints of societal expectations and to forge her own path. Davidson’s motivations were multifaceted.
Franck’s work was not just about capturing images; it was about understanding and representing the lives of these communities. She believed that photography could be a powerful tool for social change, and she used her work to raise awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. Franck’s approach to photography was deeply rooted in empathy and respect.
Lhakpa Sherpa (Image credit: Getty Images) Inspiring and humbling in equal measure is Lhakpa Sherpa’s story – which has recently hit the streaming platform Netflix and is well worth a watch – showcases the mountaineering enigma in all her utter glory. Having summited Mount Everest a staggering 10 times throughout her life so far (with the last summit taking place when she was 49 years old) Lhakpa Sherpa will go down in history as one of the greatest adventurers of our time. Her latest venture saw the Neaplese-born mountaineer summit K2, the second highest and one of the deadliest mountains on earth.
Maggie Steber is a well-known photographer known for her powerful and evocative imagery. Her work often captures the human experience in its raw and unfiltered form. Steber’s focus on marginalized communities, particularly those who face hardship and injustice, has earned her recognition and respect in the photography world.
Deborah Levy’s work is characterized by its exploration of themes such as identity, sexuality, and the complexities of relationships. Her novels, often set in exotic locations, delve into the intricacies of human experience, offering a nuanced and insightful perspective on the challenges and triumphs of life. Levy’s writing is known for its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and evocative language.
Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Time Magazine, and The New York Times. Vitale’s photography is characterized by its raw, emotional power. She captures the human cost of conflict, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. Her images are not just photographs; they are stories, each one a testament to the lives lost and the lives changed by war.
This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant turning point in the history of women in aviation. Earhart’s journey was not without its challenges, as she faced numerous obstacles and setbacks throughout her career. Despite these challenges, she persevered and achieved remarkable success, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams.
Junko Tabei (Image credit: Getty Images) Junko Tabei was the first woman to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest in 1975 and later climbed every highest peak on each continent. The Japanese mountaineer became a sensation in the climbing world, inspiring countless women to follow their dreams. Tabei smashed constructs with her incredible feats, even creating her own Ladies Climbing Club. Aphra Behn (Image credit: Getty Images) Breaking cultural barriers, Aphra Behn was one of the first English women to earn a living by her writing. A role model for later generations of female authors, Behn travelled to the Netherlands as a spy for King Charles II and often used her travels to inspire her work. Celebrated for her concern for equal rights, Behn became a true literary icon during her relatively short life.
Her work was groundbreaking in its time, challenging the prevailing stereotypes and prejudices against Africans. Kingsley’s exploration of West Africa was driven by a deep-seated passion for understanding the continent’s diverse cultures and peoples. She believed that knowledge was the key to breaking down barriers and fostering understanding between different societies. This belief was evident in her meticulous research and detailed accounts of the people she encountered.
She was a pioneer in the field of mountaineering, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the field. Workman’s journey began in the early 1900s, a time when women’s roles were largely confined to domestic spheres. She defied societal expectations and pursued her passion for mountaineering, becoming a skilled climber and a respected figure in the mountaineering community.
Lesley Blanch (Image credit: Getty Images) Ahead of her time, travel writer Lesley Blanch lived life on her own terms at a time when women were expected to stay at home, pandering to the needs of a husband and children. Her adventures took her to Russia, The Balkans, The Middle East, Turkey, and Afghanistan. When asked by interviewer, Jim Blackburn, what inspired her to write her bestselling book, The Wilder Shores of Love – a group biography about four strong women who turned East, away from nineteenth-century Europe and conventional living – Blanch replied, “Seeing young Englishwomen spoiling their lives tapping away at typewriters, and then watching them trudge home over Waterloo Bridge. I wondered how different their lives would have been if they’d managed to get away.”
Valentina Tereshkova, a skilled pilot and engineer, became a global icon of courage and inspiration. Valentina Tereshkova’s journey to space began with her passion for aviation. From a young age, she dreamt of soaring through the skies, and her dream became a reality when she joined the Soviet Air Force in 1957. Her dedication and talent led her to become a skilled pilot, and she was selected for a pioneering space program.
Her writings, which were published in the 19th century, offered a unique perspective on the cultures and societies of these regions, challenging the prevailing stereotypes and prejudices of the time. Pfeiffer’s travels were not solely for the purpose of personal exploration. She was driven by a strong sense of social justice and a desire to advocate for the rights of women.
Her work has been featured in publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. Her writing style is characterized by its vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and a deep understanding of food culture. Luard’s passion for food extends beyond writing. She is a renowned chef and culinary expert, having trained at Le Cordon Bleu and worked in Michelin-starred restaurants.
Annie Londonderry (Image credit: Getty Images) As the first woman to cycle around the world, Annie Londonderry undertook the challenge having never ridden a bicycle until a few days before the trip and as a mother of three young children aged five, three, and two – no mean feat in 1894. The trip took a total of 15 months and when she returned she published an account of her exploits in the New York World becoming a beacon for female independence and adventure.
