Bringing in the voices of digital nomads and storytellers is one of the ways in which we like to help tourism boards and organisations spread the word about the amazing destinations they represent.

Over the years we’ve worked with an array of super talented bloggers, influencers, writers and photographers and always wrap up campaigns feeling more inspired, passionate and grateful for the work we get to do than before.

Being #WomensMonth, we thought it the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to a few of the female storytellers who have made an impact – not only on our campaigns, but also on our personal travel aspirations.

Here are four women, one international and three local, who we know will inspire you too:

Becki Enright, Borders of Adventure

 

1. What is/are your top tip/s for a woman who's about to set off on her first solo adventure?

Trust your instinct. It's the most valuable tool you have over any possession. And when your gut tells you something isn't quite right, it's a warning and listen to it. If you have a great feeling about something, go with it. What is spontaneous, often turns out to be the most fun.

2. So many women have big travel dreams they keep putting off due to life circumstances or fear of the unknown. Why do you think it's important that they take the plunge, save up and just do it?

Second chances are rare and regrets stay with you forever. The fear of the unknown is what often is the best thing to happen to us. We find out about ourselves in ways we never thought imaginable.

3.  You spent some time in South Africa recently - what was the highlight of your trip? 

While I could try and choose one activity or area, the experience was more about the people - the ones I was travelling with and those who we met on the way. South Africa is complex, but it's full of energy, and a love amongst people that is and will overcome the divisions we hear about. The unique spirit of South Africa is one that many can't explain. You just have to visit.

Meruschka Govender, Mzansi Girl

 

 

1. What is/are your top tip/s for a woman who's about to set off on her first solo adventure?

Have an open mind. Be curious. Leave your comfort zone and be open to new experiences.  Make new friends.

2. So many women have big travel dreams they keep putting off due to life circumstances or fear of the unknown. Why do you think it's important that they take the plunge, save up and just do it?

Taking off on your first solo adventure can be very intimidating. Taking the plunge and just doing it is a leap of faith but you will come back from your travels so much richer for it. You will develop as a person, gain confidence and realise that you don't need things to make you happy.  

The experiences you've had, new friends and memories made, and things you've learnt during your travels will change your life! 

My first solo travel experience - backpacking from Joburg to Malawi via Mozambique solo changed my life. I realised I didn't want to work in a corporate environment, that I wanted to travel and live a simpler life if I could travel more.

3.  What is the single most important thing you've gained from travel?

So much.  I've learnt so much about myself because of travel. I've learnt to adapt, to leave my comfort zone, to be curious, to think creatively, live simply, make friends with strangers and appreciate other cultures.

4. Favourite destination you've visited recently? 

Vilankulos in Mozambique. Spent 2 weeks there in January lazing on the beach, visiting the Bazaruto islands, going deep sea fishing (my first time!) beach horse rides, and chilling at the pool at the stunning Bahia Mar boutique hotel.

It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind and there are so many great activities to do in the area - island hopping, diving, snorkelling... I think I saw over 50 whales on our deep sea fishing trip, flying fish & dolphin pods too.

Natalie Roos, Tails of a Mermaid

 

 

1. You recently undertook an amazing adventure around Iceland with two of your best girlfriends. What was the best thing about travelling as a group of girls and why would you recommend this to every other woman out there?

It was just such a moment in time. Not long after we got back, Misha found out she was pregnant, and Camilla bought a house. So we won’t really ever have the opportunity to be young, free and wild together again. That’s why it’s so important to travel with your female friends as often as you can. You never know when your lives will take a new turn, and it’s such an amazing opportunity capture the moment.

2. So many women have big travel dreams they keep putting off due to life circumstances or fear of the unknown. Why do you think it's important that they take the plunge, save up and just do it?

Life happens and will continue to happen. There will always be more time to work, more money to make. So just take that trip.

3. What is the single most important thing you've gained from travel?

Independence. I took my first solo trip to India in 2013 and it changed my life. It’s where I learned to depend on myself, to handle difficult situations on my own and to enjoy my own company immensely.

4. Favourite destination you've visited recently? 

Iceland, definitely. The story is featured in this month’s edition of Getaway.

Mariette Du Toit-Helmbold, Chief Destineer

 

1. As a wife, mother and passionate Destineer, you seem to juggle these various aspects of your life so successfully. What advice do you have for women who are battling to balance their wanderlust, career ambitions and love for family? 

I love and embrace the full complexity of my life and who I am - woman, mother, wife and Destineer. I stopped striving for balance, it puts so much pressure on women, especially when we are passionate about our children and our careers.

I have learnt to be gentle with myself, to accept the guilt that comes with working and being away from your kids, to be truly present when I am with my girls (and putting my phone away for a few hours every day), to pick projects I really love, to invest in my health and that it is ok to say no.

Travelling for work is one of the greatest joys in my life and has taken me to unexpected and wonderful places. It has enlarged my life, challenged my perspective on the world and given me a global family of dear friends and mentors.

2. So many women have big travel dreams they keep putting off due to life circumstances or fear of the unknown. Why do you think it's important that they take the plunge, save up and just do it?

Travel is the greatest education and opens our eyes to a world beyond our own narrow perspective. Travel should be a priority not to be put off for one day when you have enough money or when the kids are big.

There is never a perfect time, so start with travelling locally. Go away for the weekend with a few girlfriends, then go on your own. In fact, make an annual date with yourself for a weekend away, just you. Go for dinner alone. Do that thing you have always wanted to do. It is liberating and the greatest gift you can give yourself.

3. Do you have any tips for women who are about to embark on their first solo adventure?

I often travel solo, it is so empowering and gives me the freedom to truly immerse myself into a place, whether I am there for a day or for a week. I research places I travel to for work well and make it my business to connect with locals in the know so that I am able to dive under the skin of a place quickly, finding the heart and soul without wasting time on the touristy veneer.

4.  What is the single most important thing you've gained from travel?

Courage. 

5. Favourite destination you've visited recently? 

Portugal, in particular the city Lisbon, has stolen my heart. The city has so many layers, such an incredible vitality and they understand the importance of good food! Just go.

 

Be sure to follow the journeys of these inspiring women and share yours by connecting with us on Twitter and Facebook.