Wander Women

16 September 2025

More women than ever are embracing the freedom, adventure, and personal growth that come with solo travel. In fact, nearly 85% of today’s solo travellers are women, and the number continues to climb both in Australia and around the world. Many are opting for group tours that provide the safety and comfort of a community while exploring new destinations.

But what if you could take that experience a step further? What if your travels not only took you somewhere remarkable, but also gave you the chace to make a real difference along the way?

That is exactly what Earthwatch offers. For adventurous, curious women looking to travel with purpose, Earthwatch expeditions open the door to step off the traditional tour path and experience wildlife and ecosystems that most holidaymakers only dream of—working alongside scientists to collect vital data that helps protect the very places they are visiting.

It is travel that is immersive, purposeful, and shared with a community of like-minded people—ideal for solo travellers who want more than just a holiday.

It is exactly what happened to Ashley, here is her story.

The solo millennial traveller: facing fears, finding rhinos

Ashley, a first-time solo traveller, had long dreamed of visiting South Africa. When the opportunity finally came to join an Earthwatch expedition studying endangered rhinos, she had to confront the daunting reality of going alone.

“People warn that it can be dangerous, boring, and lonely,” she said. “And there is always that pressing millennial question of who will take my travel pictures for Instagram?”

Ashley had always preferred remote trails and wildlife over crowded landmarks, but convincing friends or family to join her had become increasingly difficult. “It seemed like if I waited for the perfect time for schedules and finances to align, I would never get to go to any of the places I dream of seeing.”

So, she stopped waiting and found the perfect solution. “Earthwatch solves a lot of the common fears I, and many women, have about travelling alone.”

While I definitely view myself as a fully capable woman, dealing with safety concerns, especially the ones that come from being in an unfamiliar place, is daunting to tackle alone.

She was reassured to discover that every Earthwatch expedition is thoroughly reviewed for safety review conducted by staff trained in risk management practices, and that travel logistics were taken care for her. “I did not have to worry about planning each day, the safety of each destination, or arranging safe transport,” she said.

Earthwatch took care of it all.

Upon arriving in South Africa, Ashley become part of a team of scientists and fellow volunteers working to understand the ecological role of rhinos and the consequences of their rapid decline due to poaching. She was far more than a tourist—she was a field researcher, helping to observe rhinos, survey birds and mammals, collect vegetation data, and support anti-poaching efforts.

What she discovered was more than wildlife. Ashley found a supportive community of scientists and volunteers who encouraged her curiosity and celebrated her courage. She learnt to track animals, live off the grid, and sleep beneath the stars—all while forming deep bonds with people equally committed to protecting the planet.

Through this experience, I’ve overcome my fears of solo travel while supporting scientists and conserving an endangered species.

Top 5 Reasons to Travel Solo as a Woman (Especially with Earthwatch)

UNMATCHED EMPOWERMENT

Travelling alone allows you to test your limits, face challenges head-on, and build unshakable confidence. Earthwatch expeditions amplify this by placing you in real-world research environments where your contributions genuinely matter.

DEEP PERSONAL GROWTH

Solo travel strips away distractions, helping you connect more deeply with your values and passions. Immersed in conservation work, you not only understand the planet better—you also better understand yourself.

FREEDOM WITHIN STRUCTURE

You are free to fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about travel logistics. You will have time to connect and reflect—whether working alongside your research team or journaling under the stars.

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Ironically, travelling alone can make you more open to connecting with others. Earthwatch expeditions create close-knit teams of like-minded people—fellow solo travellers, scientists, and locals—building friendships rooted in shared purpose.

YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

With Earthwatch, solo does not mean alone. You are part of a global mission to preserve biodiversity, combat climate change, and protect endangered species alongside a team of volunteers and scientists.

You have similar mindsets and interests, and you have so many things in common that it’s like you’ve been friends forever. And then you become friends forever. I have friends all over the world now that I met on Earthwatch projects. — Judy Wieske, Earthwatch Volunteer

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Make a difference

Whether you have a background in science or are simply passionate about protecting our planet, these expeditions provide hands-on experiences that contribute directly to critical environmental research. Participants learn field research techniques, collect valuable data, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our ecosystems—all while exploring breathtaking natural environments.

By joining an Earthwatch expedition, you can actively contribute to the preservation of coral reefs and other vital ecosystems while being part of a global movement for environmental conservation.

Want to participate in a similar expedition? Get involved today!

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