Delta Air Lines is adding 30 percent more capacity to Latin America and the Caribbean next winter with more flights to popular destinations from Costa Rica to San Juan.
21.07.2023 - 08:05 / roughguides.com
Kristin’s journey has taken her from a day job in investment banking to exploring the world, publishing two books and running a successful travel blog with more than 300,000 monthly readers. As a solo female traveller in her 30s, Kristin espouses the benefits of independent travel to build confidence and empower women. Her practical advice and extensive resources help make travel more “accessible, adventurous and immersive” for her hallowed readership. We’re feeling inspired already.
Q: Why is solo female travel so important to you?
A: Women are so often told that things we want to try are too dangerous or not for us. I know people mean well but it’s so controlling to try to limit us like that. Solo travelling has helped me conquer so many fears and have the most amazing adventures that I value that so much. I think all women should know what that’s like.
Q: What key life skills does travelling solo build?
A: Self-efficacy is probably the biggest. I am confident in my own abilities in a way that I couldn’t have been without having to handle so much on my own. I trust myself to make the right call and I owe that to all the times I did that and proved to myself that I could do it.
Kristin in Mexico © Private archive
Q: Do you ever get lonely on a long solo trip?
A: Of course it can happen. But sometimes travelling with the wrong person can feel isolating too. We often don’t know it’s a bad fit until we’re on the road with them, so there are always pros and cons. I do meet people easily when travelling solo, though. I pick activities that will help me meet others, book accommodation that is likely to be social, and sometimes I embrace the loneliness too. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Q: Do you think travelling independently opens you up to more meaningful cultural exchanges with local communities?
A: I do. There’s so often space for just one, or a local will take me under their wing. People are often fascinated when you show up alone, and they want to help you have an amazing experience. This has happened for me the world over. That’s not to say you can’t have amazing cultural experiences with others, but most of my meaningful ones have been when I was alone.
Q: Could you tell us about three of your most memorable trips?
A: I just wrapped one up yesterday! I spent three solid weeks swimming with humpback whales every single day in French Polynesia. I stayed with a local family there and I just love them so much. It’s a super authentic experience and I do it every year. This year I brought 14 Be My Travel Muse readers with me and it was so cool to be able to share it with them! I also really adored my trip to Mozambiquein 2016. People really make a place, and I just met the coolest people there.
Delta Air Lines is adding 30 percent more capacity to Latin America and the Caribbean next winter with more flights to popular destinations from Costa Rica to San Juan.
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