Hesitant to travel alone as a female? Here’s why a solo road trip will change your life.

This year, in light of International Women’s Day and the topic of all things empowering women, we spoke with full-time adventurer and content creator Maddi (also known as @she.who.explores), about her solo road trip in Chloe the campervan, and why she encourages women to give van life and solo travelling a red hot crack.

So, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Maddi, also known as She Who Explores and I’m 28 years old. I am a content creator and fulltime adventurer from the South Coast, NSW. I’ve been travelling Australia for 5 years now, doing boomerang trips (going places but always ending up back home). Amongst nature, I love to hike, surf, spearfish, camp, fish and of course, van life.

What does solo travel mean to you, and how does it make you feel?

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my experiences of travelling solo. Prior to travelling around Australia in a van solo, I was actually travelling the world on a cruiseship for many years; solo, working and exploring the world. I did this fresh out of high school. It was the first time travelling overseas and leaving home.

Today I am very blessed to be travelling fulltime around my home soil, getting to see my own backyard with no one but myself. These experiences are what shaped me to be the Independent, adventurous and, as some would say, courageous individual I am.

There are definitely times that being solo can feel lonely - I get to see some pretty amazing sights on the road, and sometimes I wish I could share these moments with someone. But those thoughts are few and far between because, in reality, I’m exploring my backyard and getting paid for it, and there’s nothing to complain about that!

How was your road trip in Chloe the campervan, and what was your favourite moment?

Chloe was a great camper for a solo female - smooth driving, beautiful finishings, spacious and practical. I had many moments where I would open the back up, pull out the built-in picnic table and enjoy a wine, whilst watching the sunset. Seeing the Western Australia coast was super eye opening - a complete contrast to my home on the East Coast. I’m so glad I did the trip with Chloe and van-lifed it. It really was the best way to see the coast.

What would you say to women who are hesitant to travel on their own?

Just go!

Solo travel is more than just sightseeing by yourself - it’s a personal journey on so many levels. The things you find out about yourself and your capabilities both physically, emotionally and mentally whilst travelling solo is so beautiful.

There’s a children's book by Dr Suess called “Oh the places you’ll go” and it’s quite literally been my bible for facing fears and ‘conquering mountains’, as he calls it. On the nights I feel lonely or the days I need a pick me up, I read it. If you haven’t read it, it’s a beautiful reminder that no one grows in their comfort zones.

I hope to see more solo females out there giving travel or van life a red hot crack. I’ll leave you with my favourite quote and the sign you need for the places you’ll go:

“You're off the Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So… get on your way!”