As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is a fitting time to celebrate eleven pioneering women travellers who defied societal norms and ventured into the unknown. From early explorers to modern-day adventurers, these women have left an indelible mark on history, proving that travel and discovery are not bound by gender.
1. Jeanne Baret (1740–1807)
Jeanne Baret holds the distinction of being the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, though she had to disguise herself as a man to do so. In the 18th century, women were barred from such expeditions, but Baret, an expert botanist, joined the journey of French explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville under the guise of a male assistant. Her remarkable botanical discoveries contributed to the study of plant life worldwide.
2. Isabella Bird (1831–1904)
One of the most celebrated Victorian travellers, Isabella Bird, defied the expectations placed upon women of her time. She explored the Rocky Mountains, Japan, Persia, and Tibet, often travelling alone. Her books, including A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains, offered vivid accounts of her adventures and cemented her reputation as a fearless explorer and travel writer.
3. Nellie Bly (1864–1922)
American journalist Nellie Bly turned fiction into reality when she attempted to travel around the world in less than 80 days — a feat inspired by Jules Verne’s novel. In 1889, she completed the journey in just 72 days, setting a world record at the time and proving that women were just as capable of global adventure as men.
4. Gertrude Bell (1868–1926)
Known as the female Lawrence of Arabia, Gertrude Bell was an explorer, archaeologist, and political officer who played a key role in the formation of modern Iraq. Her extensive travels across the Middle East in the early 20th century provided invaluable insights into the region’s culture, history, and politics.
5. Amelia Earhart (1897–1937, presumed lost at sea)
Amelia Earhart remains one of the most legendary women in aviation and travel history. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, earning international acclaim. She later set her sights on circumnavigating the globe by plane, but tragically disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. Despite the mystery surrounding her fate, her fearless spirit and contributions to aviation continue to inspire generations.
6. Freya Stark (1893–1993)
A writer and explorer, Freya Stark ventured deep into the Middle East, often travelling solo through areas little known to Westerners. She published over two dozen books, documenting her experiences in Persia (modern-day Iran), Yemen, and Syria. Her fearless attitude and deep appreciation for different cultures made her a legend in the world of exploration.
7. Bessie Coleman (1892–1926)
Although best known as the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s licence, Bessie Coleman was also a traveller, using aviation to explore different parts of the world. She had to move to France to receive her training because of racial and gender discrimination in the United States, demonstrating her unwavering determination to pursue her dreams.
8. Dervla Murphy (1931–2022)
Irish travel writer Dervla Murphy became famous for her 1965 book Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle, documenting her solo journey across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. She continued to travel well into her 80s, exploring remote and politically volatile regions, always preferring to immerse herself in local cultures.
9. Junko Tabei (1939–2016)
A pioneer in mountaineering, Junko Tabei was the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1975. Despite facing gender bias in the male-dominated climbing world, she went on to become the first woman to complete the Seven Summits, scaling the highest peak on each continent.
10. Ellen MacArthur (born 1976)
British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur set a world record in 2005 when she became the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe. Her journey was gruelling, requiring immense physical and mental endurance. She later founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, focusing on sustainability and environmental issues.
11. Jessica Nabongo (born 1984)
Travel influencer, writer, and entrepreneur Jessica Nabongo became the first Black woman to visit every country in the world in 2019. Using her platform, she advocates for diversity in travel and encourages women of colour to explore the world, breaking barriers and stereotypes in the process.
These eleven remarkable women have redefined the boundaries of travel and exploration, proving that adventure knows no gender. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, their stories are a powerful reminder that courage, curiosity, and resilience can take women anywhere.
