More and more women travelers are making their voices heard on the web. Travel Betty is one such woman who writes a blog that encourages women to go out there and travel. She aims to encourage ‘fearless, independent travel for women’, which she does through her hilarious posts and useful tips. Both of which are demonstrated in The Travel Bride Series. I interviewed her to find out more about what she had to say about women travelers and why she travels:
Why did you start Travel Betty?
Because I want to hear people say more of this:
“Remember Hector, that crazy shopkeeper we talked to for two hours in Itzamal, Mexico, who swore he used to be a roadie for the Grateful Dead? I still wear those beautiful hennequin earrings he gave me.”
And less of this:
“They had a TGIFriday’s in Cancun. Just like home!”
It makes me sad that people waste precious vacation time at all-inclusive resorts or with package tours. Basically, I want other Betties to see that it’s not difficult or scary to plan your own travel. I want them to see that it can actually lead to more fulfilling interactions with the people and places you’re visiting. And will probably turn out to be cheaper!
The other reason is because I wanted a place to share all of my own research with others. Because I love planning trips almost as much as I love going on them, I’m willing to spend hours and hours finding that perfect quirky hotel for a one-night stay. Travel Betty saves my readers the hassle of having to start from scratch. It also saves them from mistaking jalapeño poppers for authentic Mexican food.
And who is Travel Betty? What does it take to be a Travel Betty?
For purposes of authorship, I am Travel Betty. But anyone can be a Travel Betty. If you have an adventurous spirit and you’re curious about the world, then get out there and by all means call yourself a Travel Betty.
You don’t have to scale a cliff face to be a fearless traveler. Sometimes fearless means simply getting yourself out of your hotel room and walking across the street to a café. I’ve faced that fear many times. It’s easy to get intimidated in a strange city, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the culture or language. 9.75 times out of 10 it’s going to lead to a pleasurable experience.
As a travel writer, who do you read for travel inspiration?
I devour books and am always reading, but I wouldn’t say I read any one particular author for travel inspiration. There are way too many curious places in the world for one person to find them all. For that reason, I read a lot of travel anthologies, “Best Of” travel books, autobiographies and memoirs, and short stories.
Of late though, I’ve really enjoyed Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux and pretty much everything and anything by Simon Winchester. Especially A Crack in the Edge of the World because I LOVE plate tectonics!
What’s been your favourite location and why?
Egypt, because that was the first place I ever dreamed of going at the age of 8. So stepping off the plane 25 years later was a magical moment. It’s also where Travel Boyfriend and I got engaged, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Plus, it is just stuffed full of treasures, both ancient and modern.
And Cambodia totally surprised me. All I’d known before visiting was what I’d read from people who’d survived the genocide, so I thought I would find a country exuding a deep primal sadness. But I absolutely fell in love. I felt an exhilarating sense of optimism, curiosity and kindness from the people I met. The temples of Angkor Wat were humbling and awe-inspiring. Plus, it was my first trip to a place totally and completely different from my own culture. I actually cried in my tuk-tuk on the way to the airport for my flight back to the States because I didn’t want to leave.
Other favourites: London, Amsterdam, Yucatan Peninsula, Cape Town, Hawaii’s Big Island, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Sossusvlei, Namibia.
What are you top travel tips for women?
- Don’t let a culture of fear dissuade you from traveling by yourself if that’s what you want to do. Yes, there are dangers in the world. But you are a smart woman who has survived this long using your brain and your intuition. Traveling to another country doesn’t erase that knowledge.
- If you prefer to travel with a buddy or group of friends, don’t believe that you’re being any less adventurous. It’s all about getting to know yourself and acting accordingly.
- If you truly want to travel more often, make it a priority in your life. Once you do, you’ll notice that the world will work with you to help make it happen. But don’t expect the world to do so if you’re only pretending it’s a priority. You’ve got to do the work to make it so.
- You’re much more likely to have a boss respond positively to an appeal for an extended hiatus if you request it from a place of strength. Don’t ever start off with, “I know you’ll probably say no, but…” Instead try a variation on, “This opportunity is very important to me. How can we work together to make it happen?” And then be prepared to work together to make it happen.
- Please, dear god, use all of your vacation days!!! Otherwise, you’re devaluing yourself and working for free. This life belongs to you, not a bunch of stockholders.
- Get out there and be a Travel Betty!