Why Solo Female Travel Makes You a Badass

Traveling solo isn’t just a way to explore new destinations—it’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and breaking down barriers. As a solo female traveler, you’re not just adventuring through the world; you’re crafting your own path and proving to yourself that you’re capable of anything.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “brave enough” to take that first solo trip, here’s a truth bomb for you: You already are. And here’s why being a solo female traveler makes you a true badass.

1. You’re In Control of Your Own Story

When you travel alone, you’re the architect of your adventure. Whether you want to wake up at sunrise and hike to a mountaintop, or sleep in and spend the day in a cozy café, every decision is yours. There are no compromises with anyone else’s schedule, preferences, or opinions. You get to create your journey from the ground up, making spontaneous decisions and embracing every twist and turn along the way.

This control over your own travel experience is incredibly empowering. It’s a reminder that you’re capable of managing everything from your itinerary to your own safety. And the beauty is, there’s no one to answer to but yourself. The freedom to make decisions as you go makes you more resilient and more attuned to what truly makes you happy.

2. You Develop Unshakable Confidence

Solo travel is a perfect exercise in confidence-building. Think about it: you’re stepping into the unknown, navigating unfamiliar places, and dealing with the challenges that come with it—whether it’s the language barrier, a missed flight, or simply finding your way around. Yet, each time you overcome a hurdle, you prove to yourself just how strong, adaptable, and capable you are.

The confidence gained from these experiences extends beyond travel. You’ll return home with a newfound sense of self-belief that ripples through all aspects of your life. You’re more likely to speak up for yourself, trust your instincts, and handle obstacles with calm and clarity.

3. You Build a Deep Connection with Yourself

Traveling alone allows you to develop a deeper relationship with yourself. When you’re not distracted by the opinions or schedules of others, you have the space to truly listen to your own thoughts and desires. Whether you’re exploring a foreign city or relaxing on a beach, you’ll find moments of clarity and reflection that help you reconnect with your inner self.

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to lose touch with what makes us truly happy. Solo travel allows you to tune out the noise and tune into your own rhythm. The more time you spend with yourself, the better you understand your strengths, desires, and aspirations.

4. You’re Fearless in the Face of Challenges

It’s not always smooth sailing when you’re traveling solo, and that’s exactly where the badassery comes in. Whether you face logistical challenges, unexpected delays, or moments of doubt, you learn to handle it all with grace and grit. There’s no safety net, but that’s what makes you stronger. You’re forced to think on your feet, troubleshoot, and solve problems as they arise.

Overcoming these challenges, big or small, creates an incredible sense of accomplishment. You’ll look back at every difficulty and realize that you’ve emerged stronger, more resourceful, and more capable than you ever imagined. Each challenge you conquer becomes a badge of honor that reminds you of your inner strength.

5. You Become a Master of Adaptability

Traveling alone means you have to roll with the punches. Plans don’t always go according to schedule, and you may need to make last-minute adjustments or adapt to unexpected situations. The ability to adapt quickly to different cultures, environments, and circumstances is one of the most powerful skills you can develop.

Whether you’re navigating a new public transport system, adjusting to local customs, or finding your way around a bustling marketplace, your ability to adapt enhances your confidence and problem-solving skills. You learn to take everything in stride and become comfortable with uncertainty.

6. You Challenge and Redefine Boundaries

One of the most powerful aspects of solo female travel is how it challenges societal norms and pushes boundaries. For many women, traveling alone is still seen as unconventional or even risky, but as you hit the road solo, you start redefining what’s “normal” for women. You prove to yourself that you can take up space in the world without needing permission from anyone.

The more you explore solo, the more you realize that your only limits are the ones you place on yourself. You begin to understand that your fears are often products of the mind, and you’re capable of stepping outside your comfort zone in ways you never thought possible.

7. You Form Deep Connections with Others

Contrary to popular belief, solo travel doesn’t mean being alone all the time. In fact, some of the most meaningful connections happen when you’re traveling solo. Whether it’s fellow travelers, locals, or people you meet along the way, solo travel encourages you to engage with the world around you.

These connections are deeper and more authentic because they’re formed out of genuine curiosity and shared experiences. Traveling solo makes you more open to meeting new people and forming bonds with individuals who you may never have crossed paths with otherwise.

8. You Embrace the Unknown

Stepping into the unknown is a massive act of courage. Traveling solo forces you to embrace uncertainty, whether it’s stepping onto a plane to a destination you’ve never visited or trying a new food that’s unfamiliar. Every new experience becomes a lesson in courage and curiosity.

The more you embrace the unknown, the more you realize that the fear of the unknown is often worse than the actual experience. Traveling solo teaches you that life is full of surprises, and those surprises often lead to some of the most rewarding moments. You learn to approach life with an open mind, ready to explore all that it has to offer.

9. You Inspire Others

One of the most powerful impacts of solo female travel is the way it inspires others. When you share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs, you create a ripple effect. Your courage and independence become an inspiration to other women who might be too scared or unsure to take the leap themselves.

By traveling solo, you become part of a movement that’s reshaping the narrative around women’s freedom, strength, and independence. Your journey doesn’t just transform you—it has the power to inspire countless other women to break free of their own fears and take the plunge into solo travel.

10. You Return Home a Changed Woman

Perhaps the most incredible transformation of all is how solo travel changes you at a deep, personal level. You return home not just with photos and souvenirs, but with new perspectives, memories, and insights. You’ve discovered new parts of yourself, learned to trust your intuition, and built a resilience that will carry you through life’s challenges.

Solo female travel isn’t just about the destinations you visit—it’s about the person you become along the way. You return with a stronger sense of self, an unwavering belief in your abilities, and a greater understanding of what truly matters to you.

Ready to start your own badass journey? There’s a world waiting for you to explore, and trust us, it’s ready for you to make your mark. Remember, the adventure isn’t just about the places you’ll visit—it’s about the bold, empowered woman you’ll become in the process.

Ready to travel but prefer a little extra safety and a group of badass solo female travelers? Join us on a tour made just for women like you.

Why Every Woman Should Experience Solo Travel

Solo travel—just saying those words brings an instant rush of excitement, doesn’t it? The idea of venturing out into the world on your own, leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown, is something so many women dream of. But often, that dream gets pushed aside. We’ve all heard the doubts: “Is it safe?” “Am I brave enough?” “What if I get lonely?”

I get it. These thoughts are normal. But I can tell you this: solo travel is one of the most empowering, life-changing experiences you can have as a woman. It’s not just about exploring new places—it’s about discovering yourself, overcoming challenges, and embracing the freedom to shape your journey in your own image.

Let me share why every woman should experience solo travel at least once in her life.

1. The Empowerment of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

The first step is always the hardest, but once you take it, something magical happens. The moment you step outside of your comfort zone, you begin to grow in ways you never imagined. Solo travel challenges you to navigate unfamiliar cities, communicate across language barriers, and make decisions independently. Every new situation becomes an opportunity to push yourself beyond what you thought was possible.

For me, traveling solo was a journey of building confidence. I learned to trust my instincts, to embrace uncertainty, and to take ownership of my own path. I realized that I am capable of handling whatever comes my way—whether it’s catching a flight to a city where I don’t speak the language or figuring out how to navigate a new subway system in a foreign country. Each challenge I faced made me stronger.

Breaking free from the expectations others may place on you—whether it’s society, family, or friends—by traveling solo is one of the most liberating feelings you’ll ever experience. Solo travel is an act of defiance, of telling the world that you are in charge of your own destiny.

2. Building Deep Connections with Yourself

When you travel alone, you’re forced to spend time with the most important person in your life: yourself. And that can be a scary thought. We’re so often busy juggling responsibilities and commitments that we don’t always make time for self-reflection. Solo travel gives you that gift.

I’ve found that the quiet moments between activities—sipping coffee in a café, walking through a new neighborhood, or even sitting by the beach—are when I’ve made some of my most important realizations. Solo travel opens the door to deep self-reflection, clarity, and the opportunity to rediscover who you truly are.

Through this process, I built a stronger connection with my inner self. I gained a greater understanding of my passions, desires, and dreams. It was through traveling solo that I found the courage to pursue The Solo Female Traveler Network, and it’s through every journey I take that I continue to nurture that connection with myself.

3. The Beauty of Freedom

One of the best things about solo travel is the complete freedom it offers. When you’re traveling alone, there are no compromises. You decide when to wake up, what to eat, where to go, and what to do. It’s all up to you, and that’s incredibly liberating.

I’ll never forget the first time I traveled solo to a destination I’d been dreaming about for years. I didn’t have to ask anyone for approval or consult anyone about what to do next. I could go wherever my heart led me. I wandered through ancient ruins, got lost in the charm of hidden alleyways, and even spent an entire afternoon in a local park, reading a book without a care in the world. It was pure joy.

Solo travel strips away the pressure of catering to anyone else’s needs, and it lets you indulge in your own experiences without distraction. You get to explore the world on your terms—and that kind of freedom is priceless.

4. Discovering New Perspectives and Cultures

Traveling alone doesn’t just give you the chance to explore new places—it also opens the door to connecting with different cultures on a deeper level. When you’re not bound by the familiar, you become more open to the world around you.

I’ve found that the best cultural experiences often happen when you’re traveling solo. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a local shopkeeper or enjoying an impromptu meal with strangers who become friends, solo travel gives you the space to engage in ways that might not happen when you’re traveling with a group.

Solo travel allows you to experience a place through your own lens. You can engage with locals on your own terms, without feeling the need to adhere to a pre-determined itinerary or follow a group dynamic. This makes for more meaningful, authentic experiences that expand your worldview.

5. Facing Challenges with Grace and Resilience

Let’s be honest—solo travel isn’t always easy. There will be moments when things don’t go as planned. Maybe your flight is delayed, or maybe you miss your connection. Perhaps you get lost in a city or face language barriers. But that’s where the real magic happens.

For me, some of the most rewarding moments of solo travel have been when I’ve had to figure things out on my own. Whether it’s solving a problem or finding my way in an unfamiliar city, each challenge I faced built my resilience.

By confronting the unknown and learning to adapt, I became more resourceful, patient, and confident. And those qualities have stayed with me long after the trip is over.

6. The Joy of Solo Travel for Women

There’s something uniquely empowering about being a woman who travels alone. Despite the stereotypes that often surround women who travel solo, we are not only capable—we thrive. The sense of freedom, independence, and self-sufficiency that comes with traveling alone is incredibly empowering.

Solo travel, for women, is an act of rebellion against societal expectations that often place restrictions on where and how we can travel. It’s a way to reclaim our space in the world, to tell the world we belong wherever we choose to go.

And let’s not forget the incredible sense of camaraderie within the solo female traveler community. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many amazing women who have shared their stories and experiences with me. There’s a beautiful bond that forms when women support each other on the road—and it’s one of the most powerful aspects of solo travel.

7. How Solo Travel Changes Your Life

The impact of solo travel doesn’t end when the trip is over. In fact, it has a ripple effect that touches nearly every aspect of your life. The confidence, independence, and resilience you gain from solo travel can completely transform how you approach both your personal and professional life.

For me, traveling solo has been a constant source of inspiration. It’s encouraged me to follow my dreams, take risks, and build the kind of life I’ve always wanted. And by stepping outside my comfort zone, I’ve created a life that feels more aligned with my passions and values.

FAQ About Solo Travel for Women

1. Is solo travel safe for women?

Yes, solo travel is safe when approached with preparation and awareness. Always do your research on the destination, follow safety tips, and stay connected with trusted friends or family. Many solo female travelers report feeling empowered and confident in the right circumstances.

2. How can I start planning my first solo trip?

Begin by choosing a destination that excites you and feels manageable for your first solo journey. Consider factors like language, safety, and ease of transportation. Start small—perhaps a weekend getaway—and gradually work your way up to more ambitious adventures.

3. What if I get lonely while traveling alone?

Loneliness can happen, but it’s also a great opportunity for self-reflection and connection. Solo travel often leads to meeting new people and forming meaningful relationships with fellow travelers or locals. Embrace the moments of solitude as part of the experience.

4. How do I stay safe while traveling alone?

Staying safe while traveling solo involves being proactive. Trust your instincts, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid risky situations, and make sure someone knows your itinerary. Consider joining local tours or connecting with other solo travelers for added security.

5. Will solo travel change my life?

Absolutely! Solo travel is transformative. It encourages you to break out of your comfort zone, discover new strengths, and embrace a more independent and fearless mindset. You’ll return from your trip with new perspectives, memories, and a deeper sense of who you are.

Every woman deserves to experience the empowering, transformative power of solo travel. It’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and adventure. It’s a journey that will teach you to trust yourself, embrace your independence, and face the world with confidence.

If you’ve been thinking about your own solo travel dreams, I encourage you to take that first step. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, the world is waiting for you. Solo travel is an invitation to live on your own terms, to explore the world, and to connect with your most authentic self.

At The Solo Female Traveler Network, we believe in empowering women to step into their own adventure. Start turning those travel dreams into a reality. The world is yours to discover, and it’s time to begin.

Solo Female Traveler Bikes Across Africa: Meryem’s Journey

Imagine biking 20,000 km (that’s more than 12,400 miles!) through the heart of Africa, from Morocco to Cape Town. Sounds wild, right? Now picture doing it as a solo female traveler. That’s exactly what Meryem, a member of The Solo Female Traveler Network, accomplished. Her journey isn’t just about miles; it’s about proving that with a dream and determination, anything is possible.

For Meryem, it wasn’t just about reaching Cape Town. It was about exploring the African continent in a way that felt personal and meaningful. She wanted to challenge herself, connect with people and cultures, and show the world that being a solo female traveler from Morocco doesn’t limit you—it empowers you.

Meryem’s approach might surprise you. She kept things simple: preparing her bike, packing essential gear, and keeping an open mind. “I didn’t over-plan,” she admits. “A lot of the details unfolded as I went.” Sure, figuring out visas and routes was challenging, but part of the magic came from adapting to the unexpected.

Let’s be real: biking across Africa isn’t a walk in the park. Meryem faced everything from physical exhaustion to mental hurdles. “Dealing with fear—both mine and other people’s—was tough,” she says. In South Africa, constant warnings about safety were mentally draining. Then there were the bike issues in the jungle, the relentless headwinds, and the never-ending hills. But she stayed focused on small wins: a stunning sunset, a friendly smile, or a helping hand from a stranger.

What stands out most from her journey? It’s the little things that left the biggest impact. Meryem recalls kids running after her bike, strangers offering her shelter, and a priest who let her sleep in a church despite their different religions. These acts of kindness reminded her why she started: to connect, to learn, and to grow.

Through this adventure, Meryem discovered resilience she didn’t know she had. She saw how connected we all are, despite our differences. “The contrasts in Africa—poverty and wealth, fear and hospitality—were eye-opening,” she reflects. Most of all, she learned to find joy in the simple things and to never underestimate the power of human kindness.

Meryem has some advice for you: start small, trust your instincts, and don’t let fear hold you back. “You’re stronger than you think,” she says. The world is full of challenges, but it’s also full of amazing people and opportunities. Why not take the leap?

Her journey is far from over. East Africa and Kilimanjaro are next on her list. And after that? “Who knows?” she said. “I want to keep exploring and sharing stories that connect people.”

Meryem’s message is simple: don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Solo travel isn’t about being alone; it’s about building connections, trusting the journey, and embracing the unexpected. You’re capable of more than you realize.

Meryem’s story isn’t just an adventure; it’s a call to action. Whether you’re dreaming of biking across a continent or taking your first solo trip, her journey proves that bold steps lead to unforgettable experiences.

Meryem’s journey across Africa is not just a story of a solo female traveler cycling through vast landscapes; it’s a story of courage, determination, and the power of breaking boundaries. Her adventure is a shining example that travel, especially solo travel, can be both transformative and empowering. Meryem’s ability to face challenges head-on and her commitment to embracing the unknown serve as a reminder that no dream is too big, no place too far. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or seeking inspiration for your next adventure, remember that the world is full of opportunities waiting for those bold enough to chase them.

Follow Meryem's Journey!

Robbed Blind and Lost: A Solo Female Travel Story

Want to travel on a budget? Backpacking is the way to go! The world is full of kind people and safer than we often think. But don’t repeat my mistakes. I’m sharing one of my toughest nights on the road and how you can stay smarter and safer while traveling.

In my twenties, like so many others, I was scraping by—but my passion for travel was undeniable. So, I dove headfirst into the classic backpacker lifestyle. I spent months without a flight home, constantly on the move, never knowing where I’d land next. I thrived on the thrill of spontaneous adventures, hopping between countries with little more than a backpack and an open mind. Accommodation? Usually, it was the cheapest hostel I could find. Sometimes, I’d trade photography or marketing work for free stays or tours. This was over a decade ago, before influencer culture took over the travel world. The journey was raw, unfiltered, and full of excitement.

Most of the time, this worked out fine. I was traveling through Central America, and there was always a sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers, especially because there were less resources back then.

After two weeks in Cuba, where Wi-Fi and air conditioning were luxuries, I was ready for a little comfort in Cancun. At the airport, I asked for directions to the taxi stand, and when the woman asked where I was staying, I told her I hadn’t figured it out yet. She smiled, warned me it was peak season, and said finding a room might be tricky.

If you want to travel but don’t have a big budget, backpacking is an amazing way to go. The world is full of kind people and is often safer than we think. But don’t make the same mistakes I did. I’m going to share with you one of the worst nights of my travels and how you can be safer and smarter on the road.

Safety Lessons I Learned As a Solo Female Traveler

Lesson #1: Book your accommodation before you leave save yourself some stress and keep yourself safe

I was a confident traveler. I’d proven time and again that I could get myself out of tough spots, find accommodation, manage my budget, and stay safe. Cancun seemed like it would be no different. And it wasn’t—except I got unlucky and, as you’ll read, second-guessed my instincts.

After a few phone calls, the kind lady at the airport found me a cheap hotel room—still a bit out of my backpacker budget. I stayed one night before quickly booking a hostel for the next few days. But when I arrived to check in, they told me they were full. The booking system had messed up, but they offered me an “upgrade” to a small apartment down the street.

Relieved after two weeks without air conditioning or Wi-Fi, the idea of a private space felt like luxury. But soon, everything went wrong.

In the middle of the night, the power went out. No Wi-Fi. No air conditioning. I felt a sense of unease, a kind of dread I couldn’t explain. I couldn’t sleep because it was sweltering, but my gut told me not to open the window. Something didn’t feel right. Without a SIM card, I couldn’t reach anyone—not even the hostel.

Lesson #2: Always have the ability to make a phone call independent of wifi.

You can get cheap local SIM cards each place you visit, and they are often available at the airport. You can also prepay for e-SIM cards like Airalo. Now I use an international plan with Verizon, and while it’s expensive, I have yet to go to a country where I didn’t have good service.

The next morning, after the power was restored, I grabbed my backpack and rushed to the hostel for Wi-Fi. As I opened the door to the apartment, a man stood outside the iron gate blocking him from the apartments. He spoke quickly in Spanish, and though I didn’t catch everything, I understood he was from the electric company. He led me to the circuit box and pointed out that only one unit had power—mine. He asked me to go inside and make sure everything was powered off. I considered ignoring his request, but when I glanced back, his face was pressed against the gate, watching me.

He thanked me and left. I walked to the hostel, but soon realized I’d forgotten my computer in the apartment. When I returned, the gate was wide open. The door to my room was ajar, the handle broken. Inside, my heart sank. All my belongings—my dive gear, camera, laptop—were gone. Only my dirty clothes remained.

I walked to the hostel feeling sick, alone, and scared. This wasn’t just about stolen things; it was everything I had worked for, including the small inheritance from my mom’s death—just gone. I tried explaining to the hostel staff, but my Spanish wasn’t fluent enough to really be understood.

I called the woman who’d helped book the hotel, but she only texted back saying she’d call later. Desperate, I called another contact in Mexico—a guy who’d given me his number, offering to take me on a date. Not ideal, but better than nothing. He showed up, but he made me really uncomfortable. He said we needed to return to the apartment to check for anything left behind. I agreed, but as we drove with music blaring, I realized we were headed in the opposite direction. When I questioned him, he claimed it was a “shortcut.” I screamed for him to turn around, and he finally did, taking me back to the apartment where, thankfully, my passport was still there.

I had my passport, but no working phone, charger, or money. The creepy guy took me to the police station, where he helped translate for a few minutes before leaving me alone with officers who couldn’t—or wouldn’t—help. Three hours later, I had a police report. I called the American embassy, but no one answered, and the officer wouldn’t let me make any more calls. I asked for a ride back to the hostel, but both officers said no.

Lesson #3: Have the emergency phone number for your country’s embassy written and stored in multiple places.

I was stranded at 10:30pm, no idea where I was and no money. I opened up my empty backpack searching for any change I may have carelessly thrown in. I found 40 pesos—less than $2. I stopped taxi after taxi, showing them my money, but they all refused to take me. Finally, one driver agreed to drive me back to the hostel. When we arrived, as I handed him the 40 pesos, he didn’t reach for the money, instead his hand slid up my inner thigh. Panic flooded me. I screamed, fumbled to unlock the door, and bolted out of the car, running into the relative safety of the hostel.

The next day, the kind woman from the airport came to check on me. She took me to a 7-Eleven and bought me a phone charger. I still think of her sometimes and wish I knew how to contact her and say thank you. With the hostel Wi-Fi, I called my dad, who immediately booked me a flight home. The next morning, I walked to the airport, and for the first time in six months, I went home.

Lesson #4: Kind people are everywhere, but don’t trust just anyone.

I felt completely vulnerable in that moment, with no choice but to stay in the apartment, turn off the lights, and get into that car. While there are genuinely kind and amazing people, like the woman from the airport, it’s important not to rely too heavily on the kindness of strangers. Trusting that everything will work out without taking basic precautions is both irresponsible and selfish.

Looking back, that day remains one of the darkest moments of my travels—but it also taught me lessons I’ll never forget: trust your gut, plan ahead, get a SIM card, and always have a backup plan. Solo travel is freeing, but it’s also essential to stay grounded, stay connected, and stay smart.

That night changed how I approach travel. It wasn’t just about stolen possessions or hours spent in confusion and fear; it was realizing that no adventure is worth risking your safety. Sometimes, it’s okay to admit when things go wrong.

When I got home and replaced my computer, I founded The Solo Female Traveler Network—an empowering Facebook community for women to protect, support, and share our travel experiences.

Today, we offer incredible tours to destinations once seen as less safe for women. The friendships and memories made on these tours are priceless, built on trust and shared experiences. What began as a response to my own vulnerability has grown into a global network of women who cheer each other on and lift each other up. Every journey we take reminds us that we’re stronger together. Through The Solo Female Traveler Network, we’re rewriting the narrative of solo travel into one of courage, connection, and empowerment.

For years, I reflected on that trip—wondering what might’ve been different if I’d made other choices: booked my accommodation, left the light on, remembered my computer, told that man to f*ck off, had the right number for the embassy, kept spare money in my bag… The list goes on. But I also learned one final lesson.

Lesson #5: Be kind to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone is just trying to figure it out.

I was a young woman riddled with grief from the loss of my mom, overwhelmed with the excitement of living out my travel dreams, and trying my absolute best to not go destitute in the process.

That day in Cancun left me shaken, but it also became a pivotal turning point in my travel journey. Through fear, mistakes, and moments of desperation, I learned invaluable lessons that shaped the way I travel today. Travel can be a wild and beautiful adventure, but it’s important to approach it with respect for your own safety and well-being. It’s okay to take risks, but don’t let those risks jeopardize your peace of mind or your security.

The most important lesson of all is that it’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s just as crucial to learn from them and not be too hard on yourself. Solo travel is about growth—both in the world and within yourself. So, whether you’re exploring the world on a budget, chasing new experiences, or simply looking to escape for a while, remember: your safety comes first, but the kindness you offer yourself along the way is just as essential. Keep learning, keep growing, and above all, keep adventuring—safely and smartly.

A Story of Tattoos, Travel, and Self-Expression

“I explore the connection women, trans, and nonbinary people have with tattoos and tattooing across cultures, borders, generations, and time. It’s about gender politics, body image, autonomy, and art.”

Meet Jenn—she’s found a fun way to mix her love for traveling and getting tattoos. Jenn has turned these two passions into an exciting lifestyle. From her first tattoo to her adventures around the world, learn how her love for travel and ink has shaped her journey.

This interview is part of her story.

How did you get into getting tattooed when traveling — was there a source of inspiration for this?

When I started researching tattoo artists to find the right one to do my head, I found so many amazing artists that happened to live all over the world. I already loved traveling, and I couldn’t stop thinking about traveling to these incredible places to get pieces of art. It just became something I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Were you tattooed before you started traveling?

I got a practice tattoo in my home city before traveling to Long Beach, CA for my head tattoo.

Tell me about the first tattoo you ever had done — when was it? What was it? Why?

I have to go back a bit to when I was 13. I started losing my hair, which was devastating for an adolescent girl. The alopecia became permanent and frequently drained me of joy throughout my life. I worried about how to part my hair to cover bald spots and if the wind would make them visible. And forget about swimming; I was too afraid to get my hair wet.

In my 30s I became friends with a person who changed careers and became a tattoo artist. Tattoos had always scared me. What if I regret it? But when I saw what they were doing and getting on their own body, a new world opened up. I began to see tattoos as art, and I was especially drawn to color tattoos.

At 36 an ex contacted me after years of blissful silence to offer me a bogus miracle cure for hairless. Suddenly, filled with rage, I decided I was done hiding and letting people tell me that I needed to be fixed. It clicked in that moment that I could put a tattoo on my head. In a moment of anger, rebellion, and inspiration, I committed to the idea and never looked back. The first tattoo was done by my friend. It was a test tattoo to see how it feels and how my body responds before jumping in headfirst (pun intended). The tattoo is Crow T. Robot from the TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000. It had been something I turned to during depression, and it seemed like something I would always appreciate.

Do most of your tattoos have meaning? Do you think the meaning matters or changes over time?

Most of them have deeper meanings, but I don’t think that matters. I realized that I am more interested in collecting art. Every piece is beautiful to me, and that won’t change over time.

How many tattoos do you have? — are there any you call your favourites? What about ones you don’t like?

I have 19. I’m 41-years-old (42 August 13) and have only been collecting for 5 years, so all of them are still kind of new and loved. If I have to pick a favorite, it would be the lilies on top of my head, my 2nd tattoo, only because of the role it played in my life and love for myself.

I’m often inspired by the artists. I sometimes get their pre-drawn art or something similar to their best pieces. There are a few that are inspired by other things, like my Egyptian tattoo that is a replica of one found on an ancient mummy.

Are there other “tattourists” you’ve connected with? Anyone who inspired you?

Some inspiration comes from what I see on Instagram. Artists will post their work and say something like, “thank you for traveling from so far away to get this.” That tells me that there are plenty of other people willing to travel for their art.

about your upcoming book and documentary — if you could condense it into like 3 sentences, what is it about?

I explore the connection women, trans, and nonbinary people have with tattoos and tattooing across cultures, borders, generations, and time. It’s about gender politics, body image, autonomy, and art.

Can you give us some recommendations on how to plan for or choose an artist or shop or tattoo when you travel?

Instagram is a great place to start. I started by searching things like “head tattoos” and then digging deeper as I found art that sparked my interest, and then I usually choose the locations based on artists I like.

If you had to choose your top 5 places in the world you’ve visited, where are they and why?

Paris and so many cities in Italy are uniquely charming and filled with beautiful art and delicious food.

Egypt has breathtaking archeological sites and welcoming people.

The Philippines is fun. The people are outgoing and very social. That can mean that they make fun of you or it could mean that they embrace you, depending on the person. I believe I made lifelong friends there.
New York City is a former home that I now visit on vacations. It will always be the greatest city in the world to me. There are so many activities, and the arts are so vibrant.

The variety of cultures fills the streets with life. It is a place where you can find inspiration and beauty around every corner.

Some of our travellers struggle with the post vacation depression — do you experience that? What would you say to them?

I always feel a bit low for a few days after returning home. I like to reflect on everything I was able to do. I’ve been traveling alone, and that makes everything I accomplish feel extra special. It’s not for anyone else. I did these things just for me.