Women’s Day 2015

When will each person on this planet be seen as who they truly are – an individual, a human being!?

Equal opportunity. Equal pay. Mutual respect.

Not separated as Man vs. Woman.

Not divided by the skin color or religious belief.

As a solo female traveler to over 50 countries in the world, I have seen my fair share of discrimination and experienced harassment – unfortunately. Not one country is perfect. It might be impossible to be perfect but I hope to see REAL change within this lifetime.

Travel Thought Thursday :- Unexpected Discoveries

Unbeknownst to me, my life really took a turn for the better after my live-in boyfriend of 5-years walked out on our relationship. Until it ended, I did not know I was co-dependent. I did not know it was in an unhealthy relationship, that it was a ticking time-bomb.

That was 10 years ago. After hitting what I thought at that time as rock bottom, I met a series of strong, level-minded women and men who helped me to understand, to acknowledge, to shift and to evolve to the newer me – the current Karen.

Throughout all this, alongside the smattering of boyfriends and flings – was the travels I experienced. Some days, actually there are many days, I can say I felt more comfortable traveling solo, surrounded by strangers, in a strange land.

What an oddity – you must think.

Experience First Flight with Women in their 70’s

This morning my attention was drawn to this video that Vodafone posted on their Firsts.com site.

http://www.firsts.com/content/vodafone-firsts/home/nans-on-a-plane.html#main-video

Spring has Sprung!

Lotus in Sydney Australia

Shake off the past.

Come out of the fog.

Take a deep breath.

Turn over a new page.

Lotus flower with seed pod

The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud — the obstacles of life and its suffering. … The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. … Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open each petal one by one.

~ Goldie Hawn

How Safe is it to Travel Solo?!!?

So you’re considering spending some time away from your daily routine. However, you are not sure if you are comfortable with the idea of traveling on your own – near or far… now you’re wondering how safe is it to see the world on your own?!

First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on making the decision to see the world – solo!

Regardless, whether you’re just going to another city in your country or a whole different country or continent. It takes courage to travel solo – I am constantly reminded of this aspect by my friends and random strangers. Honestly, I did not know it takes courage or bravery, its almost second nature to me to spend time on my own but it all started as method of survival.

Single Woman Travels celebrates 100+ followers on WordPress!!

On November 2013, I began sharing my travel stories on WordPress. Slowly over the last few months, I have realized what a great, supportive community this is to be a part of!

Thank you for reading my ramblings!! I look forward to sharing more of my past travel experiences with all of you – in hope of motivating more people to travel Planet Earth and beyond! I hope you’ll be here when I launch into the next phase of my life.

With Gratitude!

Karen – the elated Single Woman jumps for joy on Easter Island

5 Tips How to be Safe while Traveling Solo

In light of recent rape incident of a 51 year old Danish traveler in New Delhi, India I thought it’d be helpful to share some tips on how to travel safely as a single woman. I’ll admit I’ve done some dumb things in the past and been stubborn with my decisions. Luckily I’ve come out unscathed and only have stories to tell.

Pardon the bluntness but Shit happens. But it shouldn’t stop you from living your life.

Lightning…

Just as the saying goes “Lightning does not strike twice (in the same spot)”
Neither does life lessons.

Be grateful for each and every iteration of a life lesson. There is much to be learned about ourselves.

A Lightning bolt hitting Lake Ontario, Canada

Leaving consumerism behind…

With Boxing Day, Cyber Monday and Black Friday behind us for 2013 – I believe I have stepped into a new paradigm for myself.

 

I was born in Hong Kong – the land of street stalls and high end boutiques. My whole being was exposed to and bombarded by materialism and consumerism on a daily basis. Name Brands. Celebrities. The Ultra Rich. Old Money. The Nouveau Riche. Newest designs. Limited editions. Latest craze. Newest flavor.

A treasure in NYC

The ‘uniform’ and locker key which also keeps track of your tab.

After a hot, relaxing bath – I fondly thought of my recent visit to Spa Castle in Queens, NY. I heard about this gem prior to my visit from a friend and knew that I MUST spoil myself with a visit during my week stay in NYC.

Let me tell you, if you are anywhere close to its location, you owe it to yourself to spend a few hours if not a full day at this spa! I am definitely glad they did justice in naming this spa, it IS like castle! And I have been to many spas around the world.

If you’re a spa lover like me you definitely have to MAKE time for this place!