As a solo female full-time traveler, I get asked a ton of questions.
A lot of the time.
Apparently I'm something of an enigma to everyone.
Well, I'm not.
So let's clear some things up.
Here's some of my repeat offenders and my answers to them.
1. when will you stop traveling?
Probably never.
Why would I?
2. when are you going to settle down?
Never ever!
Hey if that's your thing, great - you do you - but it's not mine.
The idea of being shackled to a crippling mortgage for 30 years just doesn't make my heart jump for joy.
And I'm childfree because overpopulation... global warming... terrorism... etc.
3. what if a dangerous thing happens?
Guess what, scary things happen all over the place, whether you’re a solo female traveler or not.
They still happen in your country, in your city, and on your street.
Sorry to break the news to you, but life is uncertain and safety is an illusion.
Sure I take steps to stay safe but I'm not going to let fear stop me from doing anything.
And neither should you.
4. aren't you lonely?
No.
In case you haven't noticed, there are an awful lot of people in the world.
5. why do you like to travel?
Why do you like to breathe?
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”
Mae Jemison
6. are you running from something?
7. how do you carry all of your belongings?
Well, I put the things I own into a bag, then carry it!
8. how can you afford to travel?
Let's just clear up the confusion here...
I'm not lucky, special, rich, a lottery winner, or a trust fund baby.
I just work really hard on this website to earn money and I also work really hard to house sit for accommodation.
It's not luck, it's my own personal blood, sweat and tears, and a couple of easy hacks.
So there.
9. aren't you wasting your life?
Aren't you?
I'm doing the exact opposite, actually.
I'm living my life the way I want by being happy and creating meaningful memories.
And I think that anyone that's not doing that is wasting theirs.
Also: please go away, Negative Nelly, you're a total buzzkill.
10. why don't you travel with a partner?
Because I don't have one.
Or need one.
They're actually not required to travel.
And it's cheaper and more fun to just go solo!
"To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure. You have no idea of what is in store for you, but you will, if you are wise and know the art of travel, let yourself go on the stream of the unknown and accept whatever comes in the spirit in which the gods may offer it."
