solo female travel

Diana Petterson is often the only Black solo traveller in her tour groups – and the destinations she visits, too. But that changed on an Intrepid trip to Iceland.

Saturn Returns is said to be an astrological phenomenon, occurring once every 27 to 31 years, where the universe shakes you up with dramatic events that make you question your life, your purpose, your relationships, everything. What a hoot!

At home in Brixton, I am not a morning person in the slightest. So it came as a surprise that I was happily settling into life at sea, and the early starts that came with it.

Besides learning that, yes indeed, women can do anything, I also came back down to sea level with a handful of other valuable life lessons tucked under my belt and scribbled in my journal.

“You can do it.” I wish I could tell you that was my own voice, strong and positive, cheering myself on as I attempted to bike up my first mountain. Yes, that’s right: mountain.

While most of South East Asia is suitable for solo female travellers, these are places I’ve visited that I think are really safe, friendly and comfortable.

After several extended trips in South East Asia on my own, I share some of my top tips for other women considering heading to the region alone.

The secret is out. Iran might be one of the most rewarding destinations for adventure travellers.

The image of the headscarf is one of the most pervasive of women in Iran. The thickest and longest scarf I own is about to get an unseasonable turn as my main fashion accessory for a week.