Girl Talk

Where confidence meets curiosity

As women embrace the freedom and confidence that come with traveling, many are recognizing the truest form of self‑discovery arises from exploring the world on your own terms. This global shift, driven by women of all backgrounds charting their own paths, is reshaping the way we understand travel, inspiring a future where independence, curiosity, and personal empowerment lead the way.

Join writers Ashley Ryan and Lyla Madison (pictured below) for an inspiring conversation on how their travel experiences have shaped their perspective and sparked meaningful introspection across the globe. Whether traveling solo or in a group of like-minded women, these adventures remind travelers just how expansive the world – and their own potential – can be. 

Ashley Ryan: What was your first solo trip?

Lyla Madison: My first solo trip was to Australia and Southeast Asia. I had graduated from college a few months prior and bought a one-way ticket to Sydney. I barely had a plan, but ended up staying away for three months. I’ve always loved traveling, though. My grandparents really valued seeing the world, which inspired a sense of wonder in me from a young age.

LM: What instilled your desire to travel?

AR: I’ve always had a passion for traveling. When I was young, my mother would take us somewhere every year, which encouraged me to see more. I also studied journalism and anthropology in college, and it made me want to learn how different people live.  

AR: What drew you to Australia?

LM: I love to surf and be outdoors, and with no language barrier, Australia was ideal. After traveling for a month, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. Southeast Asia was an easy connect from Australia, so I visited Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

AR: What was the best part of traveling solo?

LM: I loved having the freedom to travel exactly how I wanted. I’m convinced wandering uncovers the best hidden gems, and you meet the most interesting people. What you find feels like divine intervention.

AR: Solo travel inspires confidence, too. There are so many ways you need to rely on yourself, which is a good way to prove to yourself that you can do it. Having limited time, it encourages you to push yourself further.

LM: Definitely. It really strengthened my sense of identity. Being in environments where you know your presence is temporary allows you to be your authentic self. You learn that, despite what it may feel like, no one is really paying attention to or judging you. As an independent traveler, you become comfortable being alone and conquering the self-consciousness that can inhibit you from experiencing things.

AR: Describe a moment that challenged you. 

LM: Learning to dine alone was such a learning curve. I vividly remember my first time. I walked by the restaurant so many times. Once conquered, it is easier every time.

AR: What destination surprised you the most?  

LM: Cambodia. I fell in love with it and ended up spending ten days there. Everyone was so welcoming and happy. Cambodians have a great sense of humor. This was also the most out-of-my-comfort-zone experience, which made it the most rewarding. 

AR: Which activities do you enjoy that others might want to try?  

LM: Going to a museum alone is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. Being alone completely changes the experience. Put on headphones, listen to music, and actually read the placards. Sit and stare at a painting, lingering longer than usual. It is cathartic. I also surfed often, which was a great way to find community in a new place. Being out in the ocean always feels familiar. I’d recommend others find an activity that feels natural to them.

AR: Why do you value being able to move through the world independently as a woman?

LM: I’ve never felt so confident and powerful. You learn so much about yourself and gain independence that you’ll carry forever. I also believe experiencing different cultures and seeing how societal norms differ changes your perspective on life. It’s easy to forget how big the world is when we’re so wrapped up in our own lives.

LM: In Bali, did you feel that same sense of empowerment?

AR: Yes. It immediately pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is always empowering. I was traveling with a group that I didn’t know – all women. The first night there, our hosts took us to a restaurant where everyone dances on the tables. It helped us bond quickly.

LM: What prompted your decision to take this journey?

AR: Bali had been on my list for so long, and I wanted to travel more. Sometimes I plan vacations with my sister, but our schedules don’t always line up. There were limited people with whom I could travel. The idea of going with other women and connecting with people from all over the world was enticing.

LM: How do you think the all-women environment contributed to the experience? 

AR: It created this feeling of sisterhood where we were enjoying new experiences with zero pressure.

LM: Which moment changed the way you think about travel?

AR: The last day, I went to a water temple by myself. I booked a guide online who lived five minutes away and met me at the temple with traditional clothing for me to wear. There’s a purification ceremony in the sacred water, and you pray about very specific things while doing the rituals. The island is so focused on spirituality. We did yoga in a temple. We went to a dinner where our meal was chosen by tarot card readings. The cleansing ritual just made me feel so much lighter. The one activity I did on my own left the deepest impression. With others, I wouldn’t have been as introspective.

LM: This feels like a common theme. You’re much more introspective when you’re by yourself.

AR: I agree. When you’re alone, you consider things more deeply. When I got home, my fiancé said that I looked different, and he mentioned it a few more times. His comment reminded me of the water temple. 

LM: How would you describe your time in Bali overall?

AR: I felt carefree, and that isn’t a feeling I really have at home. I didn’t have to worry about anything. We did activities on our own, but the hosts organized a lot for us. And with everything being so affordable, it felt like luxury was limitless. Bali also has the best energy – all the people and every place you go feels uplifting and happy and tranquil. It is just a really special place.

LM: What do you recommend for women travelers?

AR: Decide upon a place and go. Learn how to stay safe while recognizing there’s no way to know what it feels like until you’re there. I truly believe every woman can benefit from traveling, no matter your background, and the best thing of all is that you can make it your own. There’s nothing holding you back. Just go and learn and experience.