Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler

Earlier this year, New Yorker writer Rebecca Mead reported on the scandals taking place within the British Museum—and its own history of cultural theft that continues to define how we approach it as a museum today. Lale joins Rebecca on the ground in London to learn more about the institution she grew up visiting—and more broadly, how to tackle some of the world’s biggest museums in a way that’s both fulfilling and, well, fun.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Charissa Enget, a student who moved to Thailand for an affordable engineering course, shares her transformative journey. She learned Thai in just six months, showcasing the power of immersing oneself in a new culture. Charissa recounts delightful culinary adventures and humorous encounters with local wildlife while adapting to campus life. She reflects on the bonds she formed with Thai friends and the emotional hurdles she overcame, revealing how Thailand became more than just a temporary stop, but a permanent home.

Leslie McKellar, a professional photographer who turned to full-time travel after confronting personal challenges, shares her inspiring journey. She discusses how a health scare led her to embrace solo adventures and plan for long-term travel. Leslie highlights budgeting strategies and the transformative power of letting go of material possessions. She reflects on the emotional triumphs of navigating unpredictable circumstances in Europe, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and spontaneity for female travelers.

Preet Chandhi, an endurance athlete known for her record-breaking solo skiing expeditions across Antarctica, shares her incredible journey. She discusses the rigorous training and emotional preparation required to brave one of the world's harshest environments. Preet reflects on the mental challenges of isolation and her survival strategies during severe weather. She also highlights her transition from team sports to embracing solo adventures, emphasizing how her military background strengthened her resilience and connection to nature.

Christie Bowers, an adventurous backpacker, shares her thrilling six-month journey across South America. She discusses the intricacies of planning and budgeting for such an expansive trip while emphasizing the importance of human connections. Christie recounts vibrant experiences, from diving in the Galapagos to celebrating Carnival in Brazil. She highlights how solo travel can lead to personal growth, transformative insights, and the joy of embracing spontaneous adventures amid the challenges.

In the first installment of our three-part solo travel series, Zakiya Gibbons, host of dating podcast Hang Up, recounts a pretty glamorous work trip to Cannes—and shares how she navigated moments of loneliness, figured out ways to prioritize downtime and actually see the destination, and even managed to squeeze in a date. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Reggae singer Lila Iké, known for her deep roots in Kingston, shares her journey as an artist influenced by icons like Bob Marley. She discusses her commitment to authentic reggae while blending it with modern sounds like soul and hip-hop. Lila reflects on her childhood experiences, including a poignant story about a local artist who shaped her identity. She also shares the excitement of her first live performance and journey through the vibrant Kingston music scene. Her personal connections to her heritage resonate throughout her music and artistic vision.

Freezing your eggs can be logistically challenging—and costly—here in the US, which is why some women are turning their sights overseas. Lale chats with Los Angeles-based Esther Yu McElroy about her own fertility journey, one that took her all the way to Barcelona with a stop in London along the way. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this engaging conversation, journalist Megan Spurrell shares her firsthand experiences covering the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti. She dives into the vibrant surf culture and how it contrasts with the serene island life. Megan highlights inspiring stories of both rising and retiring female surfers, emphasizing their journeys and the significance of mental health advocacy. Additionally, she explores Tahiti's natural wonders, local cuisine, and the importance of connecting with communities while traveling, all set against the backdrop of an Olympic dream.

Join outdoors expert Emily Pennington as she shares her adventures in Patagonia and offers tips for exploring the wilderness responsibly. Learn about solo backpacking trips, camping strategies, and summer nature destinations. Get inspired to get out into the wild this summer!