Meet Marilyn

I have always been a free spirited woman, and have always dreamed of traveling.  But it was not until I was in my thirties that I ventured to Europe on a packaged tour with a friend.  I have traveled for business (Canada and the USA), but business travel is very different then independent adventure travel.

I have walked, trekked, bused and hitchhiked my way through six continents and more than fifty countries. Travels have taken me from the heights of Everest Base Camp to the depths of the Dead Sea , across the silk road on thirty hour bus trips and hitchhiking on the back of  motorcycle or trucks to places not accessible by public transport.

South East Asia was the first independent trip after two package tour trips and one backpacking trip with an experienced traveling friend.  People kept telling me that I was adventurous, but it felt so easy that it was difficult to see how it was dangerous or difficult. 

The purpose behind this website is to motivate and empowering others to travel. Whether your idea of adventure travel is a tour with one of the adventure tour companies or a trip to Hawaii on your own this site's travel tips, and practical advice will guide you along the way.

My other life is as a faculty member in a School of Business at a College in Victoria, BC, Canada.  My career is as far away from adventure travel as any one can imagine. 

Everything to do with the development of this website, travel, writing and web design have been self-taught.  Most female travel writers are journalists or have worked abroad and combine writing with interesting international projects, which enable them to travel to far flung places, with some support.

I believe that travel is not only a way to push our boundaries and acquire new confidence, but it opens our eyes and gives us and fresh ways to think about every day life events/occurrences.  It challenges our attitudes and values.

The inspiration and motivation to develop this site came from hearing other women claim that they are not brave enough to travel solo.  The message I received is that I was so brave to travel, especially now with all the dangers of crime and terrorism.  For this reason women seem to be afraid to venture out on their own.   It takes a great deal of courage to take that initial step.  Women are aware of being a little vulnerable, maybe more so than men, mostly due to their smaller physical size and strength.  But being aware is a good thing as women can then plan around it.  Also, women tend to develop relationships “along the road” with other travelers and local people.  The being aware and the social skills compensate for our smaller stature.

Favorite destinations include Asia and the Middle East.  “I love the food in Asia and the travel infrastructure for independent travel is fairly well developed.”   For the Middle East, I love the hospitality of the people, and the safety, especially for women.  And both areas are very inexpensive for solo travel.

Contact Marilyn Drews