As early as the 19th century, Western women traveled alone to Asia and Africa. They were called female adventurers and also symbols of feminism. Today, female travel has become a lifestyle—whether it's about releasing stress, seeking freedom, satisfying curiosity, or simply enjoying the good things in life. However, unlike men, women encounter various challenges and have different needs during their journeys. For example, women often complain that restroom lines for ladies at tourist sites are always much longer than those for men. In response, some countries and scenic areas are working to address this issue.
In interviews, reporters found that adventure travel and luxury travel are the two most popular types of trips among women. Though they represent opposite extremes, they are not mutually exclusive. The former includes outdoor hiking and exploring remote areas to experience local cultures, which poses significant physical and mental challenges for women. However, experienced female travelers have their own strategies to deal with issues such as personal safety and poor sanitation.
The latter mainly involves high-end hotel stays, luxury cruises, shopping, and the like. Once women choose this style of travel, even those with extensive outdoor experience tend to fully relax and immerse themselves in enjoyment.
In the second type of travel, women don’t seem to need to do much themselves—they just receive the best service. But the actual number of travel products truly tailored for women by agencies isn't as many as one might think. Of course, luxury hotels may offer professional spas, scenic rooms, and delicious desserts, but what women often want is more detailed and thoughtful care. For instance, what impressed the reporter was that the restrooms at the Shangri-La Hotel in China, besides standard toiletries, also had a special ladies' kit containing sanitary pads, stockings of varying lengths, and hair ties—small items that may seem trivial, but are lifesavers for women on the road.
Hongxing (far right), who finds life happiness through travel, believes that journeys undertaken purely in search of love are generally unreliable.
"Romantic Encounters" During Trips Are Largely Unreliable
Travel Sharing: Don’t Travel Alone or Push Your Limits
Attitude Toward "Romantic Encounters"
If someone strikes up a conversation with you during your travels—like sharing an inn or riding the same vehicle—there’s no need for women to get overly nervous. It’s fine to chat, and if your routes align, traveling together can be a good idea. But if you’re tempted to change your itinerary for someone else, think carefully. Also, avoid venturing too far into remote areas.
——Hongxing, Human Geography Photographer and Travel Writer
Trips with the sole purpose of finding a "romantic encounter" are no different from going to a city bar.
Reporter: Nowadays, many single girls or those who’ve had heartbreaks choose to travel alone, just like in movies—hoping to find romance on the road and regain confidence in life. You and your husband met during a trip to Shangri-La. Please share some insights on travel “romantic encounters.”
Hongxing: Many single girls and guys around me have asked how to encounter love during a trip. I actually think it’s largely unreliable. Because many young people deliberately hope to find “love” or “romantic encounters” through travel. When a trip becomes goal-oriented, whether it’s Dali or Shangri-La—once romantic and innocent places—they end up being no different from bars in big cities. Do you really expect to find a stable relationship in Sanlitun?
My meeting with my husband was purely by chance. In 1999, I had just graduated with a master’s degree and went to Shangri-La to shoot my graduation project—not to heal from heartbreak—and he was there for a conference—not for a romantic encounter. We coincidentally stayed at the same inn and thought it was amazing to meet another Beijinger in a remote place. Later, we both continued on our separate ways, but unexpectedly met again on the same bus. So we traveled together and gradually grew fond of each other after getting to know each other.
Romance and love can definitely be part of travel, but I believe sincerity should remain the foundation. Women must never lose their dignity or be taken advantage of.
Women Don’t Need to Travel Alone on Purpose
Reporter: Do you prefer to travel alone or with companions? Do you travel more with same-sex or opposite-sex companions?
Hongxing: When I can find travel companions, I rarely travel alone, especially for hiking—most of my companions tend to be male. Actually, I don’t think women need to intentionally travel solo. Even within a group, you can still find a sense of being “on your own.”
Pursue Neither “Self-Torture” Nor Carry Unnecessary Burdens
Reporter: You often hike in tough conditions, enduring both physical and mental challenges, right?
Hongxing: I once circumambulated Mount Meili continuously for 13 days, and I was the only woman who lasted the whole time. I remember there were six or seven days when I was stuck in the rain without being able to shower. On the road, I don’t push myself, nor do I seek “self-torture.” If necessary, I hire horses or locals to help carry my luggage. But even when camping or visiting harsh environments, I won’t bring burdensome items like bedsheets or pajamas. However, I do pack disinfectant, perfume, and feminine wipes.
(Source: Beijing News)