Pay homage to iconic female travellers this Women's Day
International Women’s Day, 8th March 2018, is a day dedicated to celebrating female achievement and gender equality all over the world. Travelling the world as a woman hasn’t always been easy, but there are some serious kick-ass women trailblazing the path for us today.
Iconic female explorers throughout history and their life-changing trips are serving as Booking.com’s travel inspiration this International Women’s Day. Pull up a seat and read about their unforgettable feats, before packing your bags to head off on your own trip into the history books!
Annie Londonderry
Annie was the first woman to cycle the globe on a bicycle, and our legs hurt just thinking about it! Starting in the US in 1894, she made her way across Europe and Asia before sailing from Yokohama, Japan to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and biking on to Los Angeles, through Arizona, New Mexico and on to El Paso.
If you’re a fan of cycling but fancy an adventure on a smaller scale, Yangshuo, China is for you. The countryside is a cycling paradise, leading you through winding roads, tea plantations, caves, rivers and rural villages. Stay at the Li River Resort for a relaxing riverside retreat, and a taste of traditional Chinese accommodation.
Valentina Tereshkova
In 1963, at just 26 years old, regional skydiving champion, Valentina, was selected to be the first Soviet woman to be sent into orbit. She spent almost three days on the spacecraft which orbited the Earth 48 times. Even today, she remains the only woman to ever have been on a solo space mission.
You may not be able to travel into space but Lake Tekapo, right here in New Zealand, is one of the world’s best places to stargaze. Close to Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo boasts beautiful clear skies, especially from world-class Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where the sky is protected as a heritage area. Stay at Lakeview Takepo for stunning views of the lake and Southern Alps, where guests can enjoy luxury apartments with a sky window in each bedroom for private viewing.
Junko Tabei
Junko was a Japanese mountaineer and the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1975; as well as the first women to reach the highest summit in every continent. She played a huge role in challenging cultural stereotypes in Japan about women’s roles in society.
You may not be ready to take on Everest, but you can get up close to this incredible landmark with a trip to Nepal. The Everest Base Camp trek takes you on a 15-day adventure giving you great views of this incredible mountain. Start or end your trek in The Dwarikas Hotel in Kathmandu, a luxury stay inspired by Kathmandu Valley’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, restaurant options, beautiful architecture and spa before setting off on their trek to see Everest.
Laura Dekker
In 2010 Laura Dekker was the youngest person to ever sail solo around the world, aged just 15. She was brought up sailing, spent the first five years of her life at sea and owned several boats – all named Guppy. Her journey took one year and five months, starting in Gibraltar and going onto Canary Islands, Panama, Galapagos, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia and South Africa before finishing in the Netherlands.
If you’re a fan of sailing, Cowes, on the Isle of Wight is calling your name. This beautiful island off the coast of England hosts Cowes Week in August each year; one of the longest running and largest regattas in the world. Whether you’re an Olympic level or weekend sailor, you’re invited to take part in the action. Stay in North House, a boutique hotel offering an outdoor swimming pool, traditional restaurant and beautiful heritage rooms.
