Throughout history, there have been countless female travellers who have defied societal norms and embarked on incredible journeys around the world.
From explorers and adventurers to writers and activists, these women have left a lasting impact on the travel industry and have inspired generations of women to follow in their footsteps.
This Women’s Month Sure Travel pays tribute to 10 fearless, female travellers who were serious trailblazers for their time.
Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie Coleman faced numerous obstacles in pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot.
At the time, there were no flight schools in the United States that accepted African Americans or women. Undeterred, Coleman travelled to France, where she earned her pilot's license in 1921. She returned to the United States and became a renowned stunt pilot, captivating audiences with her daring aerial manoeuvres.
Coleman's achievements paved the way for future generations of women of colour in aviation and inspired countless women to pursue their dreams.
Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, was a pioneering journalist who, in 1889, set out on a daring journey to circumnavigate the globe in just 72 days – a feat that had never been accomplished by a woman before.
Her journey was not only a test of endurance and determination, but also a groundbreaking achievement in the field of journalism.
Bly’s reports and articles from her travels captivated readers around the world and solidified her place in history as one of the trailblazers in female travel.
Born in 1831, Isabella Bird defied societal expectations for women at the time by embarking on numerous solo journeys to remote and challenging destinations.
The Victorian explorer’s travels took her to destinations that were, at the time, extremely exotic, such as Japan, China, India, and the Rocky Mountains in North America.
Bird's writings about her adventures, including her book "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains", captivated readers and inspired many women to pursue their own travel dreams.
Kenyan environmentalist and political activist Wangari Maathai was a groundbreaker in the field of environmental conservation and a passionate traveller.
Born in 1940, Maathai dedicated her life to promoting sustainable development, women's rights, and democracy in Kenya. She founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization focused on planting trees to combat deforestation and empower local communities. Maathai's work took her across Kenya and the world, as she advocated for environmental protection and social justice.
Through her travels, Maathai witnessed the interconnectedness of environmental issues and social inequality, inspiring her to fight for a more just and sustainable world.
Born in 1893, Freya Stark was a British explorer and writer who dedicated her life to exploring the Middle East (thus earning her the moniker “the Adventurous Arabist”; a person who studies Arabic civilisations and/or languages).
She travelled extensively throughout Middle Eastern countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, immersing herself in the local cultures and documenting her experiences.
Stark's passion for the region and her deep understanding of its history and people made her a respected authority on the Middle East. Her books – notably "The Valley of the Assassins" and "The Southern Gates of Arabia” – shed light on the region's rich heritage and garnered her a loyal following of readers.
Born Isabella Baumfree in 1797, Sojourner Truth was an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist who travelled extensively throughout her life.
After escaping slavery in New York in 1826, Truth embarked on a journey to spread her message of freedom and equality. She travelled across the United States, speaking at abolitionist meetings and advocating for the rights of African-Americans, particularly women. Truth's powerful speeches and personal experiences as a former slave resonated with audiences, and she became a prominent figure in the fight against slavery.
Truth's courage and determination to travel cross-country to challenge societal norms and fight for justice made her a true pioneer.
Born in 1868, Gertrude Bell was a pioneering archaeologist, writer and, later, an accidental diplomat, who explored and documented the Middle East extensively.
Bell’s knowledge of the Middle East's history, culture and languages made her an invaluable asset to the British government during World War I and the subsequent peace negotiations.
Moreover, Bell's contributions to archaeology and her efforts in promoting the region's cultural heritage earned her the nickname "Queen of the Desert." Her book, "The Desert and the Sown," remains a classic in the field of travel literature.
Born in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker began her career as a dancer in New York City before finding fame in Paris in the 1920s and travelling the world.
Known for her energetic and provocative performances, Baker captivated audiences with her unique style and charisma. She used her platform to advocate for racial equality and was actively involved in the civil rights movement, even becoming a spy for the French Resistance during World War II.
Baker's travels and experiences shaped her worldview and fuelled her passion for social justice, making her a true trailblazer in both the arts and activism.
Pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart captured the world's imagination with her daring feats and determination.
In 1937 she embarked on her most ambitious adventure yet – an attempt to fly around the world. However, tragedy struck when Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Despite extensive search efforts, their fate remains a mystery to this day (some scientists, however, believe remains found on a remote Pacific island may have belonged to the intrepid explorer).
Earhart's disappearance only added to her legend, solidifying her status as an aviation icon and inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams of flight.
Maya Angelou, renowned poet and author, was not only a literary icon but also a passionate traveller.
Born in 1928, Angelou faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout her life, including racial discrimination and personal trauma. However, she never let these obstacles hinder her spirit of exploration and adventure. Angelou travelled extensively, both within the United States and abroad, immersing herself in different cultures and gaining a deeper understanding of the world. Her travels greatly influenced her writing, as she drew inspiration from the people she met and the places she visited.
Angelou serves as an inspiration to women to break free from societal constraints and explore the world on their own terms.
*****
Want to follow in the footsteps of these fearless female travellers? Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to find out about travel deals across the world.
Or spoil yourself with one of these packages:
Full Day Mangwanani African Revitalisation Spa package from R1,775 p/p sharing
2 Night at the 5-star Fordoun Hotel & Spa Pamper Package from R4,995 p/p sharing
5 Night Amman & Petra – Women Only – package from R39,800 p/p sharing
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to book.
