I very much appreciated your list, both for its content and the information it provided, and the fact that it made me contemplate how we would define a great woman (or “female,” if one prefers) traveler. And I think there is value in defining what makes a great woman traveler as compared to a man, because as you note, women are hardly perceived the same as men in many corners of the world. So a woman traveling in Australia alone is going to be a way different story than a woman traveling in Afghanistan alone.

Just as I think there is value in naming the accomplishments of specific groups of people that have traditionally been oppressed due to the color of their skin or heritage, even if they accomplish something a white male could also have done (easily, due to the lack of boundaries they would encounter), I think it is important to note the huge discoveries and adventures that your list brought to light. My purpose was to beg the question, how do we define this sector and yet be inclusive of all the women who have overcome adversity in traveling, yet are not recognized for their feats?

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Traveling alone is still something many women are reluctant to do and, let’s face it, sometimes we find ourselves in situations on the road that men don’t. Male and female travelers are perceived differently in many parts of the world. Sometimes it’s easier for women and sometimes it’s harder, but I’d argue that the experience can be very different, depending on context.

I agree that there are plenty of women I’ve never heard of who could qualify as “great” travelers, based on all sorts of criteria. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, the list was simply meant to highlight six accomplished women who inspired others to travel without fear.

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For me, travel is learning about other people, places and their culture. Might be a trip to Little Italy in any city (that has one) as well as the real Rome. Leaving your home to experience a place, .

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I object to that “Greatest Women Travelers” list (shouldn’t it be “female”?), just as I would to a “Greatest Men Travelers” list. (See what I mean? It should be “male.”) It turns travel into a contest when it’s really about the experience. “I ran through a tribe of cannibals wearing nothing but a giant hot dog bun and a smile” doesn’t automatically make me a trailblazer. “Female travelers” are inspirational and I admire that, but it’s a fine line from that to condescending.

Leaving your zone of comfort to see something more is THE criteria for travel. I’m all for that empowerment, regardless of gender, race or tax bracket. It takes courage to go on a real adventure – to me, there’s only one answer to “what makes a great woman traveler”…

…a pair of brass cajones!

Er, wait a minute…

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I think what makes a great woman traveler is the fact that she decides to travel on her own for the first time and have new experiences. She’s exercising her independence and is ready to breakout of the same old, same old.

Most people will faint at the thought of a woman traveling on her own. My family members freaked out when I said I was going to the UK in 2007. This is why I am starting to keep my plans to myself. FYI: I would like to go to the Middle East, India, Africa, and other countries!

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Women who travel to developing countries for sex with impoverished younger men are no more great than men who do the same, in my book… There’s debate to be had over sex tourism, for sure, but the trouble is too often the same women who condemn men for doing it feel that for women, it is somehow empowering. Maybe it’s exploitation or maybe it’s not, but I think in this case the power differential stems from money and (often) skin colour, rather than gender.

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