The women of Her Packing List are a different breed of traveler. They trek the Annapurna Circuit, teach English in South Korea, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef and explore India by train. They aren’t afraid to get dirt underneath their fingernails. They don’t worry if their top clashes with their pants. They are, above all, outgoing, adventurous and intelligent women setting an example for their peers. They don’t wait until their career calms down to travel because they understand that life is for the taking TODAY.
There is no “good time” to travel. Every time is the right time.
You already know you want to see the world, so do it. Take the plunge. And declare your commitment by pledging your allegiance to the female travel manifesto.
Live unconventionally by wandering outside of your comfort zone. Boldly go somewhere, close to home or on the other side of the world. Others may have been before you, but you will be leaving your footprint, hiking boot or stiletto, in the dirt. Be scared to travel, but don’t let it stop you.
Don’t let stereotypes shape your opinion of a destination. Keep an open mind. Understand that you are a representative of your homeland, whether you want to be or not. Use common sense in regards to your safety.
Do something spontaneous. Don’t hesitate to go after what you want or to forge a new path. Give back as often as you can to the world that has offered you so much.
Pack smartly and be prepared for the unexpected. Never take more than you can carry. Leave the high-maintenance attitude at home.
Don’t waste time wallowing or comparing things to how they are back home. Remain present and in the moment. Accept that it’s okay to be alone at times.
Do what you want to do. Even if it means doing the “touristy” thing. Spend one day during your travels just relaxing, not worrying about what you “should” be doing.
Realize that not everyone is cut out for this lifestyle; that most people won’t understand. There will always be doubters. Learn to value constructive opinions and ignore the negativity.
You are a female traveler, and you are ready to see the world.
Yes so many doubters. I always get asked when I’m coming back to “settle down” don’t people realise how silly that sounds. Settle has such negative connotations why would anyone want to do it.
I couldn’t agree more George! My answer is always, “Yeah…about that…”
Don’t let the fear stop you from traveling – love it! I’m always trying to encourage people to travel and to work past their travel-related fears. We all have those fears, I still get freaked out sometimes, but you go anyway because it’s the only way to show yourself there’s no reason to be scared.
I completely agree..as a former social worker turned travel agent, travel is probably one of the only things that shows you what you are made of as well as what you are capable of.
A beautiful manifesto.
Weirdly, I find “being scared” half the fun of doing about anything, and I so rarely see others admit and/or understand that. Love!
Awesome Abby, glad you get it <3
AND, please do not think it is just for you when you are young! I trekked all over the world in my 20,s and now I am doing it again in a similar way in my 50′s! The time in between was more conventional travel and it was nice but a little too safe and boring. I just quit my job and am spending the rest of this year on the move! Woo Hoo!