With March being Women’s History Month and having an International Women’s Day, I wanted to write a post about how women have been really making strides in the travel industry. Travel is becoming more inclusive because of people – in particular women – taking initiatives and creating their own paths toward obtaining their goals. They’re not only seeing the world; they’re leading by example.

Over time, I’ve been meeting or following female travel bloggers, writers, vloggers and overall experts. They go beyond the cookie cutter mold of a single look, status, background, shape or age.

Here are five of them that I follow and consider to be my friends.

Jessie Festa

I have to say that I’ve been writing for Jessie’s two websites (her solo travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and her responsible tourism e-zine, Epicure & Culture) for a few years now. Outside of working for her, I like to keep up on her adventures as a solo traveler, tour guide and blogger. What I like about Jessie is that her writing makes us feel like we’re coming along with her but she tells us about the good, bad and ugly that can happen on a trip. She also doesn’t shy away from sharing some mistakes she’s made or humorous events that she’s encountered (like odd fellows on the subway). Speaking of sharing, Jessie gives out a ton of tips on everything from starting a blog to avoiding pickpockets for good.

Oneika Raymond

Describing herself as a “bona fide travel junkie,” Oneika gets you just as excited about exploring as she is. And she’s a busy lady. Along with her blog, “Oneika the Traveller,” this gal not only is an in-house travel expert for CTV Canada’s news program “Your Morning,” but also hosts two Travel Channel digital series, “Big City, Little Budget” and “One Bag and You’re Out.” Along with her continuous energy and enthusiasm, Oneika focuses on inspiring females and people of color to see the world. If she can do it, we can too! She really is like your travel BFF, as on her blog and web shows, she talks about how to dress within certain locations or staying in shape.

Kelly Lewis

I met Kelly through the Women’s Travel Fest, a weekend event she co-puts on every year. You’ll find your sisterhood at this event, which features talks and workshops given by noteworthy female travel experts and entrepreneurs. Kelly builds community in other ways. She’s the founder and CEO of Go! Girl Guides, a guidebook series specifically for women. For a previous travel article, Kelly told me that she started Go! Girl Guides out of her frustration in finding a void of information for female travelers. Her company creates guides to dispense advice on women’s health and safety overseas, along with tips on a destination’s lodging ops, culture and food. One thing, among others, Kelly pointed out, “If it’s impossible to find tampons, we tell you. If a bus station is sketchy at night, we tell you.” Her latest venture: Damesly, a women’s tour operator.

Vicki Winters

Vicki told me that she can be all over the place but it’s for good reason. She’s a travel agent, brand ambassador and actress/model who lives life on her terms. She’s also a fun storyteller. Follow her on her Instagram (She’s @mybigfatmouth on there and Twitter) and you’ll see her venturing around New York City on her bike or two feet. While it’s easy for New Yorkers to pass by their surroundings without a second thought, Vicki engages in what’s happening around her. She’s not hesitant to go out on her own or talk to people. Also, she knows her stuff with social media. Vicki’s given teaching demos for travel clients and at conferences. Ignore the stereotype that only certain ages do social media; Vicki totally surpasses that notion.

Anne Howard

Anne is different from the others I’ve mentioned because she’s part of a twosome. I mean, she works and travels with her husband, Mike, constantly. As in being on a honeymoon since January 2012. Together, the Howards brand themselves as “HoneyTrek,” as travel influencers and advisors with the goal of having the world’s longest honeymoon. Anne handles much of their writing on their blog (Mike’s the photo taker) but together they do speaking engagements and, for National Geographic, co-authored a couple’s adventure book. I also chose Anne because she shows that a solid partner can join her on life’s journey. Granted these two probably have their share of ups and downs but I can tell by being around them that they know how to work together as a team – as travelers and husband and wife.

 

Is there someone you follow? Let me know in the comments below.