Passport To Confidence: How Women Are Rewriting The Rules Of Travel

With women now the fastest-growing—and most influential—demographic in global travel, there’s never been a better time to rethink how we explore the world. In A Woman’s Guide to World Travel, author and seasoned globetrotter Caryl Dolinko draws on 40 years of adventures across nearly 100 countries to offer practical, empowering advice for travelling safely, confidently, and with joy. In this Q&A, Dolinko shares the lessons, realities, and rewards of seeing the world on your own terms—whether you’re planning your first solo trip or your 50th. —Noa Nichol

After travelling to nearly 100 countries over four decades, what made you feel now was the right time to write A Woman’s Guide to World Travel?

I felt it was the right time to write A Woman’s Guide to World Travel because I’ve spent decades learning the lessons that weren’t available when I first started traveling. Over the years, I’ve gained experience, perspective, and insight on how women can travel safely, confidently, and thoughtfully.

I have personally witnessed the changes in our world, which are sometimes disturbing and alarming, and that have led us to a tipping point. The world’s population has almost doubled from over 4 billion in the early 1980s when I started to travel, to just over 8 billion today, putting a strain on finite resources. Many tourist attractions are now overused, overrun, and exploited as a result of global tourism’s exponential growth.

I believe it is past time for us to reconsider how we travel and become more aware of the impact we have. Travel has changed dramatically—with more opportunities for women, but ongoing safety concerns and a greater need for awareness about our impact on the world. Now, I’m able to share what I’ve learned so women can travel better prepared, aware, and at ease. After over four decades travelling the world, it felt like the right time because I finally had the perspective—and responsibility—to share what I wish had existed when I began traveling as a woman.

Women are now the fastest-growing demographic in global travel. What’s changed—and what hasn’t—for women on the road since you first started travelling at 18?

Since I started traveling at 18, so much has changed. Travel has become far more accessible and convenient thanks to low-cost airlines, technology, and online booking platforms. There’s greater societal acceptance of women traveling solo, and many travel companies and groups now cater specifically to women. Women have more freedom, opportunities, and confidence to explore independently than ever before.

What hasn’t changed, however, are the safety concerns. Women still need to take precautions and be aware of risks wherever they go. And while travel has opened up, the way we move through the world carries responsibility—overcrowding, overuse of resources, and the impact of tourism are increasingly pressing issues. Women can now travel more freely, but they still need awareness, confidence, and street smarts to navigate the world safely.

Your book blends practical advice with personal stories. Was there a moment from your travels that became a turning point in how you think about safety and confidence abroad?

I don’t think there was ever one defining moment that suddenly changed how I thought about safety and confidence. It was really an accumulation of moments over time. Traveling for decades, often alone and in places where there was very little guidance for women, meant I was constantly observing, adjusting, and learning—sometimes in subtle ways, sometimes through discomfort or uncertainty.

Each interaction, each city, each situation added another layer of awareness. I learned how much intuition matters, how preparation can be empowering rather than restrictive, and how confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about knowing how to read a situation and trusting yourself to respond. Over time, safety stopped being something I consciously worried about and became part of my rhythm on the road.

What really shifted was realizing that confidence isn’t something you arrive with; it’s something you build. It comes from experience, from making mistakes, from navigating unfamiliar cultures respectfully, and from understanding that being alert and aware actually gives you more freedom, not less. That’s what I wanted to capture in the book—not a single dramatic story, but the way real confidence is formed through lived experience, one journey at a time.

Many women want to travel more boldly but still carry a lot of fear—often fueled by headlines or social media. How do you help readers separate real risks from unnecessary anxiety?

Fear around travel is very real for women, and it’s often amplified by headlines and social media that focus on worst-case scenarios without context. One of the main ways I help readers separate real risk from unnecessary anxiety is by replacing vague fear with practical knowledge. In the book, I walk through what women actually need to think about—planning, preparation, cultural awareness, and situational awareness—rather than letting fear stay abstract and overwhelming.

Absolutely risks exist, but I also show that most situations can be managed when you understand what to expect. A lot of anxiety comes from the unknown. Once you know how to research a destination properly, understand local customs, dress appropriately, move around confidently, and trust your instincts, fear becomes something you can work with instead of something that controls you.

I also emphasize that safety isn’t about constant vigilance or restriction—it becomes part of your routine. Over time, awareness, intuition, and street smarts become ingrained. When women learn to distinguish between discomfort that’s simply unfamiliar and situations that genuinely don’t sit right with them, they gain confidence. The goal isn’t to travel without fear, but to travel informed, prepared, and empowered—so fear no longer dictates where you go or what you allow yourself to experience.

What are the most common mistakes women make when planning trips—and how can they simplify travel without sacrificing safety or joy?

The most common mistake women make when planning trips is either under-preparing or overthinking everything. Too little planning leaves you vulnerable; too much information—especially from social media—creates unnecessary anxiety. Some rely too heavily on optimism—assuming everything will just work out—while others become so overwhelmed by information and online advice that anxiety takes over. In both cases, confidence and joy get lost before the trip even begins.

In the book, I stress that good planning doesn’t mean rigid itineraries or trying to control every detail. It means doing thoughtful research: understanding cultural norms, knowing how women are perceived in that place, having your documents, insurance, and finances organized, and thinking through arrival logistics. These basics remove a huge amount of stress and allow you to relax once you’re on the ground.

Another common mistake is packing too much—physically and mentally. Overpacking creates unnecessary strain and makes moving around harder, while overthinking every possible scenario can take the pleasure out of travel. Simplifying what you carry, dressing appropriately for the culture, and planning for flexibility makes travel smoother and safer. With preparation, awareness, and respect for local cultures, women can travel confidently without sacrificing spontaneity or joy. The more prepared you are before you leave, the freer you are once you arrive.

You address the topic of unwanted attention with honesty and nuance. What advice do you give women about navigating interactions with men abroad while respecting cultural differences?

Unwanted attention is something most women will encounter at some point while travelling, and I approach it with honesty rather than fear. In the book, I emphasize that context matters. How women are perceived and what behaviour is considered appropriate, varies widely from place to place, especially in more traditional or male-dominated societies.

My advice starts with awareness and respect. Learning local customs, understanding dress codes, and observing how local women behave can dramatically reduce unwanted attention. Modifying how you dress or interact isn’t about giving up who you are; it’s about moving through another culture safely and respectfully.

I also encourage women to be clear and confident in their boundaries. Politeness doesn’t require compliance. A firm “no,” avoiding prolonged eye contact, and not engaging in conversations that feel uncomfortable are often enough to shut things down. Trusting your instincts is key, if something doesn’t sit right with you, remove yourself from the situation.

Finally, I remind women that confidence and preparation are powerful. Travelling with awareness, adapting to local norms, and knowing when to seek support, whether that means joining a group, changing plans, or teaming up with others, allows women to navigate interactions with men abroad without fear, while still remaining open to meaningful cultural exchange.

For women planning spring and summer travel, what are three destinations you think are especially rewarding right now—and why?

Every woman’s journey is different, and each destination can be deeply rewarding depending on who you are, how you like to travel, and what you’re looking for at that point in your life. In the book, I emphasize choosing places that align with your comfort level, interests, and travel experience, because when a destination fits you, it becomes far more meaningful.

For spring and summer travel, these three destinations consistently offer rewarding experiences for women:

Thailand is welcoming, accessible, and well suited to women travelling alone or for the first time. It offers an easy introduction to Southeast Asia, with excellent infrastructure, warm hospitality, and a strong traveller network. Thailand allows women to travel confidently while still feeling adventurous.

Mexico is incredibly diverse and flexible, making it rewarding for many travel styles. Whether you’re drawn to colonial cities, coastal towns, food culture, or ancient history, Mexico offers rich cultural experiences alongside modern comforts. It’s a place where women can feel both stimulated and at ease.

Central European countries like Slovenia, Poland, or Latvia are rewarding options for women who enjoy culture, history, and ease of travel. These countries offer walkable cities, efficient transportation, and a strong sense of safety, along with fewer crowds than some better-known destinations. They allow for slower, more reflective travel while still providing rich cultural experiences.

Ultimately, the most rewarding destination is one that suit the traveller. When women plan thoroughly, respect local culture, and trust their instincts, as I encourage throughout the book, travel becomes not just enjoyable, but empowering, wherever you choose to go.

Budget travel is often misunderstood. Based on your experience, where should women splurge—and where can they confidently save?

Budget travel is often misunderstood as cutting corners, when in reality it’s about spending intentionally. In the book, I emphasize that saving money shouldn’t come at the expense of safety, comfort, or peace of mind. Eating where locals eat, using public transportation, travelling in shoulder season, and keeping itineraries flexible often leads to more authentic and rewarding experiences. You don’t need luxury to travel well.

Where women should splurge is on things that directly affect security and well-being. Reliable accommodation in a safe location is worth the extra cost. Travel insurance is non-negotiable, and good transportation, whether that’s a reputable airline, a trusted taxi, or a comfortable overnight train, can make a huge difference. The goal of budget travel isn’t to spend as little as possible, it’s to spend wisely without sacrificing the richness of the experience.

You write about returning home after big trips, something few travel guides address. Why is reintegration such an important—and sometimes emotional—part of the journey?

Returning home is often the most overlooked part of travel, yet it can be one of the most emotional. In the book, I talk about reintegration because travel changes us, sometimes subtly, sometimes profoundly, and returning to familiar routines can feel disorienting. Reintegration is where the journey is truly processed.

After long or meaningful journeys, many women experience a sense of loss, restlessness or even boredom. You’ve been living with heightened awareness, independence, and curiosity, and suddenly that rhythm disappears. Friends and family may expect you to slip back into your old life, even though your perspective has shifted.

Taking time to reflect, journal, and acknowledge how travel has affected you helps bridge the gap between who you were before you left and who you are when you return. It’s also an opportunity to carry what you’ve learned into everyday life. How you return, reflect, and integrate the experience is part of the journey itself, and honoring that transition allows the experience to remain meaningful long after you unpack your bags.

If a woman reads your book and takes just one mindset shift with her on her next trip, what do you hope it is?

If a woman takes just one mindset shift from this book, I hope it’s a sense of wonder—an understanding of how much she is capable of learning, navigating, and achieving through travel. Travel has been my greatest teacher. It has given me a broader perspective on the world, expanded my horizons, and opened doors I never knew existed. It is always a journey of exploration, but it is also a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Alongside that sense of wonder, I hope women understand that confidence comes from preparation, not fearlessness. You don’t need to be fearless to travel well—you need to be informed, aware, and willing to trust yourself. Throughout the book, I emphasize that safety isn’t about restriction or constant worry; it becomes part of your rhythm when you know what to expect and how to respond.

When women replace anxiety with knowledge and listen to their instincts—especially when something doesn’t sit right with them—they travel with greater ease and confidence. Ultimately, I hope women stop asking, “Am I brave enough?” and start asking, “Am I prepared?” That shift allows travel to offer not just new places, but a deeper sense of purpose, belonging, and connection to something larger than themselves.