Travel guides

Women who desire to travel alone often hesitate to do so due to fear and worry. In such situations, within the NomadHer community, many female travelers often suggest a helpful tip: if solo female travel seems challenging, consider traveling with others. Nowadays, many solo female travelers are starting their journeys and meeting new friends of varying nationalities, languages, and ages by joining female travel camps..

This article features an interview with Myeong-su, the host of the Jeju Chujado camping trip in South Korea. The trip has become popular among both local and international female travelers since its launch last year. As a member of NomadHer and the owner of her own eco-tourism travel agency, Myeong-su shares her story about how she fell in love with eco-travel and became a camp host for NomadHer.

Meet the Outdoor and Eco-Travel Specialist in Jeju's Chuja-do Island Camping

Could you introduce yourself to the NomadHer members?

Hello! I'm Kim Myeong-Su, the CEO of Travel Masters. Our travel agency specializes in organizing outdoor tours that offer a deeper connection with nature through a range of activities like backpacking, surfing, kayaking, diving, and more. Our programs are designed to engage all of your senses and help you fully immerse yourself in the natural world.

We heard that you used to work as an engineer for a company.

Yes, I have a degree in computer engineering and worked as an engineer for a significant period of time. My role involved managing the overall process of creating production systems, such as knowing how to attach wheels and arranging the parts in the correct order.

However, the challenging aspect of this job is that everything relies on the assumption that every component is functioning correctly. Even a slight problem could bring the entire production line to a halt, so I needed to be highly vigilant to prevent errors. Even if I did a great job on nine out of ten tasks, one mistake could have a significant impact.

I began to feel somewhat restricted because I felt that my skills and energy were only being utilized to prepare for potential accidents that might not even happen. While it was an essential task that needed to be done, I wanted to explore something where the results were more evidently linked to my individual efforts.

Finding My Passion in Travel

How did you discover your interest in the outdoors at first?

Initially, I participated in many outdoor activities as a solo female traveler and attended brand events to unwind and spend time away from work. It was during this time that I applied for a program where I wrote travel itineraries for countries I had never been to before. It was during this program that I realized how much I enjoyed this type of work.

Since then, I have continued to travel on weekends while working at my company. I didn't have any plans to make a career transition in this field initially, but over time, I gained more and more outdoor experience. Through the network of instructors I met during my travels, I was able to start my own business.

Discovering the Joy of Doing What I Love

When do you feel happiest while organizing a travel camp?

When I first started my job as a travel leader, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility for the trust and support people had placed in me. Despite the best planning, even city trips can be unpredictable. Outdoor activities, like hiking and camping, are even more susceptible to factors beyond our control, such as weather and terrain. As a travel leader, it's my job to manage these all situations and ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved. While this responsibility initially felt like a burden, seeing the happiness of participants after a successful trip made it all worth it.

My travel style is not the typical tourist experience of visiting landmarks and taking photos. Instead, I love taking people to hidden gems that only locals know about, places that truly showcase the beauty of nature. When participants discover and appreciate these secret spots, I feel an immense sense of pride. Even during the Georisan Dulle-gil Trail trip, where we faced many challenges together, we were able to form deep connections through our shared experiences.

For me, the greatest reward of being a travel leader is seeing the joy and inspiration on people's faces as they connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. As I continue to lead more trips, I feel like this is a path that truly aligns with my passions and strengths.

For now, the Women’s Jeju Chujado Camping trip is open and will be held in June. I will be leading female travelers on a journey to soak in the stunning scenery of the Jeju Chujado camping trip. It will be a chance to immerse yourself in nature and take a break from busy minds. (Get the early bird ticket on the app now.)

Why Every Experience Matters

As I continue to plan and lead numerous trips, I find myself accumulating valuable experience on how to handle unexpected situations when they arise. When traveling, there are often situations where I need to make crucial judgments, taking into account the overall situation and the condition of the participants traveling with me.

During my recent trip to Jirisan Dulle-gil, I carefully calculated the distance that everyone could enjoy based on factors such as the participants' physical condition and their expected return time. As a leader, there are numerous critical decisions, both big and small, that need to be made on the spot. Some may see this as being overly meticulous, but looking back, I think my habit of planning and controlling every situation without making mistakes, which I developed when I was an engineer, is beneficial in this line of work.

Travel Inspiration Starts with Me

When planning a travel camp, where do you usually get your inspiration from?

When it comes to planning travel programs, I draw my inspiration from my own passions and interests. I believe it's important to create programs based on my own standards and what I truly enjoy. By following my heart, I can consistently produce work that reflects my passion and enthusiasm for travel, which others can see and become inspired by.

For those who may be unsure of their interests or passions, I encourage them to take the time to observe themselves and explore different activities. Interestingly, I used to be a homebody who enjoyed reading and writing. Hiking was not something that I was particularly fond of. However, as I started spending more time in the mountains, I gradually discovered a new side of myself and began to draw inspiration from nature. Now, I am working to deepen my connection with nature and become someone who is truly at home in the great outdoors.

Travel Episode

What are some of the most memorable episodes from your outdoor trips?

As someone who's been on many solo trips, I've definitely had my share of memorable experiences. One that stands out was when I rescued a paraglider in Nepal. I was there as part of a trekking team in the Nepalese Himalayas, but I arrived a few days early and went to Pokhara Lake near the  Chitwan National Park.

One day, I went kayaking on a lake near a mountain, enjoying the peaceful scenery. Suddenly, a dark cloud appeared out of nowhere, and I started to head back to shore. That's when I saw a paraglider fall out of the sky and into the water, unconscious. I rushed over to him with my kayak, caught him, and helped him breathe.

I used one hand to hold onto the rescued person and the other hand to paddle, but the waves were high, and the kayak was not moving forward easily.

Thankfully, a motorboat arrived after some time, and I asked for their help in rescuing the person. However, they didn't take me on their boat, and I had to figure out how to get back to shore on my own. Despite the waves still being too strong to move forward easily, I paddled my kayak back to shore while shouting "I can do it!" Although it was challenging at the time, the experience gave me the confidence to know that I could survive even in the middle of the Pacific and was like gaining an additional ability.

A Travel Camp with Like-minded People

Do you have any memorable participants?

For me, it is the reactions of the participants that make me feel like I have really done a great job and am doing well with this trip. There was a participant on the Ulleungdo island trip who had lived abroad for a long time. She was amazed throughout the trip. She exclaimed "Wow!" at every moment - when we boarded the cruise ship when we saw the sea from the boat, and even when we walked around Ulleungdo. Thanks to the happiness that this person exuded throughout the trip, the team's mood was great. There is a saying that happiness is contagious. Just being around a bright person can make you laugh without even realizing it. This person's happiness made the other participants happy, even in small moments, and they started to admire and appreciate Ulleungdo just like her.

Also, there is someone who still has a great influence on me to this day. This person has participated in over 70% of the trips I have organized so far. He is someone who enjoys new experiences very much. Even if I offer the same program, he always says that the atmosphere is different each time, and he wants to come again. He has even trekked through the valley three times with me.

Whenever he comes, he says it's always new and exciting. He immediately applies whenever I open a program, saying that he trusts and believes in my program. Seeing someone who willingly invests their time and money in my program gives me a great sense of power, especially during tough moments.

At last, I also remember ice climbing with my friend Susan from Nepal, who appeared on the TV program "Abnormal Summit." He contacted me first and said he wanted to learn, and we had fun doing it together. I was so grateful that he also took the time to write a sincere review.

To be honest, there are times when I want to take a break for a week or so while doing my job. However, there are people who are curious about what kind of travel I am preparing next and watch over me. I think this is why I can keep going steadily.

Jeju Chujado Island Camping Trip in South Korea for female travelers

How did your partnership with NomadHer come about?

For me, the most important factor when partnering with someone for travel programs is their attitude. With such a wide range of outdoor activities available, it's essential to approach planning from different perspectives to create unique experiences. When partners can collaborate and fill each other's gaps, it can result in great synergy.

Collaboration is about both parties striving for success, but it's inevitable that there will be challenges along the way. That's why trust is crucial in any partnership. To build that trust, it's important to understand each other's approach and perspective. That's why I've been working with NomadHer on Jeju programs since last year.

I had the pleasure of meeting Hyo-Jeong, the CEO of NomadHer, the top female travel app, at a startup event, and I was impressed by her dedication to creating a global community for women in the travel industry. As a woman myself, I'm also passionate about supporting and empowering other women. Together, NomadHer and Travel Masters are organizing a Jeju Chujado Island camping trip from June to October, and it's always an experience that I eagerly look forward to.

What Kind of Travel Do You Dream Of?

When it comes to outdoor and ecological travel, my vision goes beyond just personal enjoyment. I believe that it's crucial to consider the global impact of our travels. By exploring and immersing ourselves in nature, we can develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and discover how we can take action to protect it.

That's why I'm dedicated to creating ecologically-focused travel experiences that help people connect with and appreciate nature on a deeper level. Through these trips, I hope to inspire and promote a healthy outdoor culture. I would be thrilled to have you join me on the upcoming Jeju Chujado camping excursion!

Upcoming Jeju Chujado Camping Trip With NomadHer

Join us for the Jeju Chujado Women's Camping Trip with NomadHer this coming June 10th! This program welcomes all female travelers, including those who have never been camping before. If you are a beginner, don't worry about preparing too much – all you need is an open mind.

It's natural to feel anxious or unsure about what to expect, especially if you're not familiar with the equipment or what to bring. However, there's no need for perfect preparation to get started. The most important thing is to take the first step and try it out. Through the experience, you will learn what you need to improve and grow.

With an open mind, you can have a unique and meaningful experience that will help you grow as a person. You will also have the support of the other solo female travelers participating, creating a strong sense of sisterhood. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow female travelers and explore the beautiful nature of Jeju Chujado Island. Sign up for the early bird event on the NomadHer app today!

As someone who grew up in Europe, it was always really normal for me to travel to different countries in the summer. Bringing the tent to Italian lakes, experiencing French cuisine in France, or hiking in Austrian mountains.

Europe has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, having been affected by inflation over the last few years, traveling in Europe has become quite expensive, particularly if you are traveling alone and have no one to share the costs with. So here are 6 ways to travel Europe on a budget as a female solo traveler!

Tip 1: Take Interrail Across Europe

One of the big pros of traveling by train is the incredible views you get to see. Especially in more rural places, you’ll see a lot of different landscapes- varying from mountaintops to wide grass flats. When you buy an interrail ticket, trains are usually an affordable means of travel, as it allows you to travel unlimited for a certain amount of days. This way, there’s no stress over missing a train or wanting to visit a different location spontaneously.

The first blow is half the battle

Keep in mind that some trains require reserving a seat beforehand, especially in the high seasons. That’s mostly in July and August when Europe has summer vacation. Reserving a seat often costs extra money, but it’s definitely worth the extra euros if you’re guaranteed a seat and can choose a comfortable seat next to the window- allowing you to enjoy the views.

When you’re traveling through Europe with trains, always have a backup plan in case your train gets canceled or you miss a connection. When I was on my way to Copenhagen once, my train got canceled at the last minute and I couldn’t find another one that would bring me on time to my booked hostel. Luckily I found another way to get there and had two friends living close by, but it saves you a lot of stress to have a backup plan on how to get to your accommodation.

Finally, don't underestimate the distances and travel times. A lot of people from outside Europe seem to think that all the countries are so close to each other and though they may be compared to countries in Asia or the Americas, don’t be fooled by their closeness on a map.

Before I decided to go to Copenhagen a second time, I wanted to travel from Oslo to Amsterdam in one piece. Big rookie mistake, as the train would take me at least 24 hours to get to my destination. That is, 24 hours if the trains ride their planned schedule. Nevertheless, interrail is a great option if you’re exploring more places.

Tip 2: Use a Flixbus

If you’re just looking for a way to get from A to B, traveling with Flixbus might be a more comfortable option. They offer many boarding places in Europe and you can travel from Oslo to Copenhagen for as little as 30 euros! (To compare, a plane ticket without luggage costs about 80-90 euros). During my work exchange in Norway, I went to Copenhagen twice and when my train got canceled both times, I could easily fall back onto this option.

What is Flixbus?

As some of you might not be familiar with the concept of Flixbus, I’ll quickly explain. Flixbus offers rather affordable bus rides to many places in the world. You can bring as much luggage as you want for little pay (I brought a heavy backpack and suitcase without having to pay anything extra) and they are equipped with sockets, night lights, and free (good) WiFi. There is not too much space for you to sit, but if you’re lucky, like me, you’ll have both seats as there’s no passenger next to you.

Most destinations are traveled to at least once a day, so there are plenty of options for you to take and you can change your departure time/location without a lot of effort after buying tickets.

I have traveled with Flixbus both during the day and night and I recommend you travel during the night as much as you can! This way, not only do you reach your destination more quickly, but the trip is also cheaper when you travel at odd times.

One downside of this though, is that you probably won’t be able to sleep very comfortably. The seats don’t have a lot of space and if you pack big like me you’ll need that space for your extra luggage. During my first trip to Copenhagen, I was lucky enough to sit alone, which means I could put my backpack on the seat next to me and use it as a pillow during the night. Needless to say, my neck hurt the next day and I was still tired from the day before as I woke up every time a passenger got out, but I was happy to feel safe and have reached my destination so easily.

Tip 3: Do a work exchange

So far we’ve talked about two ways to get to your destination, but what about accommodation? Depending on where you go in Europe, accommodation can become super expensive. To give an example,  whereas accommodations in Poland, which is one of the cheapest Europe countries to visit, cost about 30-40 euros per night on average, in Amsterdam you pay at least 125 euros. You can imagine that if you travel to Europe for a couple of weeks this amount quickly adds up. Luckily there are some ways to save money on accommodation as well, like doing a work exchange.

How safe are work exchanges?

Work exchanges always sounded super sketchy and scary to me, I could already envision the headlines of the local newspapers the next morning after my arrival: “Teen girl gets kidnapped working on a farm”, or something like that.

Nevertheless, I tried it once and liked it so much that now it’s my go-to travel method. What does it entail? You get to travel anywhere, get accommodation, and often even food for free in exchange for a couple of hours of working per day, though usually, it doesn’t feel like work at all.

There are lots of different tasks that you can do: from working on a farm and helping harvest or planting vegetables to being an au pair or working in a hostel. The possibilities are endless. You can stay somewhere ranging from a couple of days to a couple of months and usually, hosts are very flexible with that as they love having you around as well.

So how does it work? You find a host, apply and if you get accepted that’s it: you just have to arrange how you are getting there. Often, travelers use this method to prolong their stay in an area they’re already in. Right now, I'm hoping to combine multiple exchanges in the summer to explore multiple areas at once.

Since we’re all women, some of you might have concerns for your safety and I totally understand! All I can say is: don’t give out too much personal information, check reviews, have a quick call with the hosts, and follow your gut. Personally, I noticed that my instinct knows when a work exchange is right and safe for me. I recommend messaging hosts to find out if there’s a connection or not. For every work exchange I have done so far and am planning for the future, I have video calls with the hosts before confirming my stay. Usually, my experience is that the host is just another friendly human being wanting to meet people from all over the world.

Tip 4: Stay in hostels

Hostels offer a lot of extra facilities! To be honest, I never knew this and actually used to think hostel experiences look something like this: sleeping in a bunk bed with random strangers, trying not to get your luggage stolen, and eating plane-like but free breakfast. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I have seen even the simplest hostels offer swimming pools, bars, large kitchens, foosball tables, a game and/or movie hall, and even lots of live music. I think the live music is my favorite part, as you’ll meet lots of like-minded people and you get the chance to dance your socks off without knowing anyone there!

When staying at hostels, once again it’s important to look at reviews. When I was in Copenhagen, I was about to book a hostel that had horrible reviews. I’m not someone who needs too much comfort and I consider myself quite easygoing with these things, but one thing that I do appreciate is feeling clean and safe. Before booking a hostel, decide what kind of experience you’d like to have as they can differ greatly. Would you like to stay in a party hostel, near the city center or in a family-friendly place?

Tip 5: Car camping

If your Instagram or Tiktok ‘for-you-page’ looks anything like mine, you have probably seen lots of videos of van lifers who drive around the globe in a fancy converted car or van. Doesn’t it look romantic, how they wake up with a new, marvelous view every day? Well, let me tell you a little secret: you actually don’t need a new van or fancy equipment to get started.

It has been a dream of mine to convert a camper van for a couple of years now and every time my parents and I have a conversation about my dreams and goals, that’s exactly what comes up. Until now, I have made numerous lists of how I would want my van to look and calculations of how much money I would need. I have researched the best-used vans and spent hours studying the materials of other builders, only to find out that converting a van right now is too far out of my budget.

Of course, if I would start focusing on earning more money and saving everything, that’s something I could realize within a couple of months. But working more hours in addition to finishing off my studies, writing new materials, and exploring new hobbies is not very realistic for me at this moment. There had to be another way.

Transforming our Peugeot

As the title of this tip gives away, I found another way! One day I was looking at videos of someone who converted her regular car, which caused a little light-bulb moment thinking: “Wait! My parents have a car. Can’t I just use theirs?”. I spent the next two hours taking out all the car seats in the back and cleaning the entire car.

Then I put down a mattress that was just small enough to fit in the car without being rolled up and assembled anything that might come in handy during a night of camping: a lantern, a bucket, lots of blankets and a pillow, and some snacks. Looking at the car all packed up, I had never been happier to see that ordinary Peugout standing in our driveway.

Be sure to check each country’s rules for sleeping in your car, because some European countries don’t allow this! Unfortunately, the Netherlands being one of them, I had to find another solution as I was determined not to give up on my happiness. I spent the first two nights sleeping in our driveway until I found a very friendly farmer whose land I could rent to park the car.

Having achieved yet another small milestone, the next morning I woke up deeply happy with a beautiful pink sky and overlooking a field with horses.  So dear readers, wherever in the world you may be and whatever your dreams may look like: Don’t wait around too long, hoping for the perfect thing, as it may never come. Just start small!

Tip 6: Work as a digital nomad

Why would you only spend money when you can also earn money during vacation? Digital nomads work online and earn money while traveling. This way you can earn back at least part of your travels. The only thing you really need to get started is having good internet and a smartphone and/or laptop. Of course, it can take a while to find yourself a job that brings in money, but there are lots of resources on the internet to tell you where to look. So far until now, I have worked online as a social media manager and content creator, but you can work as a tutor or coach as well for example.

As a digital nomad, you decide your workload, which means you can create your own travel routine and work around it. Lots of hostels accommodate digital nomads by offering very convenient flex working spots and good (free) internet, so you can work before or after exploring a new part of the city!

Something else that’s becoming more popular is the digital nomad visa. It’s a visa specifically designed for digital nomads, as digital nomads often experience difficulties with visas since they don’t know when they’ll leave a country. Keep in mind that before you can apply for such a visa, you’ll need to earn quite some money online. For me, being able to apply for a digital nomad visa in Costa Rica is my ultimate dream and I would love to be able to achieve this in the coming months.

What else do you need to think of?

Speaking of visas, always check your visa! I have seen people getting plucked from the bus for interrogation after not having the right visa, and that’s a situation you’d just rather avoid. In addition to this, covid measures as well as other regulations still differ greatly between European countries, so make sure to check which rules apply. And above all, be sure to savor and enjoy every moment of it! Traveling to new places is super exciting, and Europe really has so much variety to offer. Feel free to send me a message in the NomadHer app when you are in Amsterdam during the summer! I will be your guide and make sure you see the best things!

👩 Maron Theunis, NomadHer article contributor, is a female traveler from the Netherlands. She has a passion for writing and taking photos and hiking. A few months ago, she finally started her first solo trip to Norway to get out of her comfort zone. Since then she went to Copenhagen and Germany. Right now, her dream destination to travel to is Sri Lanka.

Busan is a famous city in South Korea known for its beautiful seas and water sports, such as surfing and sailing, as well as its fresh seafood. The city is always busy with people from all over the country who come to enjoy their vacations throughout the year. Many surfers also love Busan for its optimal waves and suitable water temperatures, and local surfers at Songjeong Beach lead the surfing culture in South Korea.

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If you're new to Busan and want to experience surfing while traveling, I suggest starting your trip from Haeundae or Songjeong Beach, which are just a 30-minute bus ride away. Songjeong Beach, in particular, is an excellent spot for surfing with great waves, and I personally had a fantastic experience learning to surf there during a women's Busan camp last spring. Within an hour of my lesson, I was able to ride the waves on a surfboard and had an unforgettable experience.

For female solo travelers planning a special weekend trip to Busan, I have the perfect 2-day itinerary to make the most of your trip.

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Embrace the beauty of Haeundae Beach by walking the Galmaetgil Trail 2

If you're heading to Busan from Seoul, the KTX train will get you there in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. For first-time visitors, I recommend starting your Busan adventure at Haeundae metro station, which is only a 50-minute ride from Busan Station. Haeundae is a great place to explore with plenty of local food and attractions to enjoy

Once you've checked into your accommodation near Haeundae, why not start your trip with a leisurely walk? Haeundae is home to the most beautiful trekking course in Busan, called Galmaetgil Trail 2. This path offers breathtaking views of the Busan sea and connects Haeundae, Mipo, and Songjeong. As you walk, you might even catch a glimpse of the beach train passing by. Facing the endless sea, you'll be treated to stunning scenery that looks like something out of a movie.

The course is about 5 km and takes around 90 minutes to complete, starting from Haeundae and ending at Songjeong via Mipo.

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Enjoying Freedom on the Waves While Surfing at Songjeong Beach

After taking a leisurely stroll to Songjeong Beach, it's time to fully immerse yourself in the sea. Busan isn't just a popular destination for travelers - it's also a beloved spot for surfers. Thanks to its warm weather and consistent waves throughout the year, it offers perfect conditions for beginner and intermediate-level surfers to enjoy the water sport.

Songjeong Beach, in particular, is so renowned for surfing that it's often called "Songjeongfornia" (a clever blend of Songjeong Beach and California). It's where Korea's first-generation surfers gathered and led the country's surfing culture. Plus, being located close to downtown, it's a spot where locals often come to enjoy surfing after work.

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Surfing classes typically last for 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an hour dedicated to both theory and practical education, followed by 90 minutes of free surfing. During the class, you'll learn not only about safety but also how to stand on the board and deal with the waves. After the theory class, you'll get hands-on experience surfing with a professional surfer. Even if it's your first time, you can experience riding the waves like a pro with the kind guidance of these surfing experts. Surfing in Busan is an experience that you simply can't miss.

• Tips for beginners to bring: a surfing board and suit (usually included in the surfing class), a swimsuit to wear inside the surfing suit, waterproof sunblock, a cap, toiletries, and a towel.
• How to enjoy surfing and local tours together? : Download the NomadHer app and register for the Women’s Busan Surfing Camp now.
  
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Don't Miss the Grilled Clam and Sunset Attraction at Cheongsapo

After a long day of surfing, take a moment to rest and then head to Cheongsapo, the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and delicious seafood. Cheongsapo Port is a small but charming harbor located beneath Moonlight Road. It's a place where the warm and cold currents meet, making it an ideal location for fresh seafood restaurants. Among them, Suminine is a must-visit restaurant in Cheongsapo, offering delicious grilled clams with butter and cheese that are loved by both locals and tourists.

Why not have dinner with the new friends you made through the NomadHer Busan Surfing Camp? Share your stories with people from different parts of the world and witness the beautiful sunset while listening to the calming sound of the waves. It's a romantic and charming side of Busan that you won't want to miss.

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Girls' Night Out on Haeundae

If you're looking to experience the vibrant nightlife in Busan's Haeundae area, the Ibis Budget Ambassador Busan Haeundae Hotel is the perfect place to stay. This modern hotel is located just a one-minute walk from Haeundae Beach and a ten-minute walk from Haeundae Subway Station, offering convenient access to the best attractions in the area.
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The hotel is a popular choice for young travelers seeking accessibility and affordability, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and street performances nearby. Enjoy a fun night out with your friends in this lively area, filled with exciting energy and bustling activity. The Ibis Budget Ambassador Busan Haeundae Hotel is the perfect base for a memorable girls' night out in Haeundae.
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Waking Up with Sunrise Yoga Class at Haeundae Beach

Rise and shine! The next morning in Busan, it's 6:30 am on Haeundae Street. This bustling nightlife district is now quiet, providing the perfect backdrop for a new day. Take advantage of this peaceful moment and join a sunrise yoga class on the beach to awaken your inner self. With the vast Haeundae Sea in front of you and the morning sun rising, you can focus solely on the sound of the waves crashing and the wind brushing against your skin.

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It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to take care of yourself. But don't worry - this morning yoga class will help you refocus and connect with your inner senses. Join fellow travelers in a peaceful moment as you start your day with sunrise yoga on the beach at Haeundae.

This unique experience is available as part of the Women's Busan Surfing Camp, running from April to the end of October this year. Download the NomadHer app and embark on a Busan adventure with locals and fellow female travelers, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

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I spent a year in Montreal in the Quebec region of Canada. My first expat experience was rich in life lessons and a total success. If you plan to settle there, here are the tips I can give you for living, working, and enjoying.

Since I was little, I always told myself that what I wanted in life was to travel and live abroad. I traveled whenever possible, alone, with friends, to meet friends, for work, and for events. But it took me some time before my first expatriation.

I hadn't necessarily thought of Quebec at first, because I didn't want to be in a French-speaking environment. I wanted to be in a country that moves away from my culture, to be immersed, and to improve my English. But one evening, I made my WHV  (Working Holiday Visa) request. I was accepted within days. My destination was therefore chosen, it was going to be Canada. After a one-year sabbatical accepted by my former company, I landed in the middle of January in Montreal.

I arrived at my reserved accommodation for three days, which brings me to the first piece of advice I can give about finding accommodation.

How to Find an Apartment in Montreal

✅ Step 1. Book accommodation

When I told a friend who has been living in Quebec for over 10 years that I had only booked accommodation for three days, she thought I was crazy! I should have measured the speed of finding accommodation there. I would advise you to book accommodation for at least one week.

✅Step 2. Check & Answer ads

Before leaving, I had already sent messages in response to ads published on the Kijiji website to let them know that I wanted to visit the apartment, when I would be arriving, and what I would need to rent it.

✅Step 3.  Credit Ratings are Important

I had answers, and it was the first time that I had heard of credit scores. Unknown to me in France, I concluded that it's a system used in North America whereas a bank shows that you can pay your bills and pay them on time. A lot of Canadians and Americans use credit cards. In some cases, you can't rent an apartment, or buy a car or a house without first showing your credit score. As I had just arrived from France and had not yet created my Canadian bank account, I didn't have this. But the owners are generally accommodating.

✅Step 4.  Apartment Rental Requirements

It's important to know that when renting a place, you are usually required to pay a 2-month security deposit for furnished accommodation, and you have to give 1 month's notice to leave the accommodation. Also, don't be surprised if the apartment you are moving into is not perfectly clean, as outgoing tenants are not obliged to leave the place clean. However, I was lucky that my apartment was clean when I moved in. Once you've secured your apartment, opening an account for water and electricity bills is quite simple.

During my first apartment visit, I discussed with the owners about bank statements, bank details, and specimen cheques. This leads me to my second tip for opening a bank account.

Opening Your Bank Account

✅ Step 1. Choosing a bank

For the choice of bank, I relied on the advice of my apartment owners. Some banks have offers for newcomers to Canada, which you can check on their websites or forums.

✅ Step 2. Opening Your Account

You can visit a branch to open your account in just a few minutes. You can also take advantage of this opportunity to take out home insurance, which your owners may require.

✅ Step 3.  Supporting Documents to Provide

You must present an original identity document and a document indicating your name and address. This can be a bill or letter that you can ask from your water or electricity supplier/company.

And yes, you can probably guess my next step in Montreal: finding a job.

How to get a job in Montreal, Canada

✅ Step 1. Get Your Social Insurance Number

I had no idea about this because I had missed this information on the forums and blogs, but you have to apply for a SIN (Social Insurance Number). You need it to be allowed to work and only share this number with your employer. I should specify that you have to know your address because when the person from the administration asked me for it, I no longer remembered the name of the street where I was staying for a few days. This number is precious and will help you in finding a job.

✅ Step 2. Visit a temporary employment agency

You can visit a temporary employment agency and have an interview. Even if you don't get a job right away, you can get an idea of how much you can expect to earn with your experience. You will also receive tips for your resume. For your information, in Canada, a CV can be very long because you have to include all of your experiences.

✅ Step 3.  Make business contacts

The majority of job offers are hidden. So you need to start responding to job postings on LinkedIn, and Facebook and start making contacts to eventually find the job of your dreams.

✅Step 4. Work Environment in Montreal

Montreal's work culture is known for its welcoming and trusting atmosphere. You'll find that you are quickly integrated into the team and that colleagues are friendly and talkative, often sharing stories about their families and personal lives. Additionally, Montreal workplaces offer flexibility in terms of work hours and remote work arrangements.

Moreover, companies in Montreal often organize various events, providing opportunities to get to know your colleagues and explore new places. These events can range from social gatherings to team-building activities, making for a vibrant and connected work community.

The Best Things to Do in Montreal

Here are some of the places I've visited and loved. If you're planning a trip to Montreal, these will serve as a great travel guide for you. You can also find tips through the NomadHer app.

✅ Art galleries

• La Centrale is an artist-run center dedicated to the dissemination and development of multidisciplinary feminist practices.
• MAC Montreal, located in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles, has been exhibiting contemporary art at the center of Montreal and Quebec life for over fifty years.
• Société des Arts Technologiques, a cultural organization created in 1996 and dedicated to the promotion and conservation of artworks using new technologies.

✅ Bars

• Le Réservoir was the first bar I went to after visiting my apartment. It has a microbrewery of draught beers, international tapas, and a rooftop terrace.
• Club Pelicano, a poolside bar offering wine, cocktails, and DJ sets on vinyl, as well as "nikkei" cuisine, a blend of Peruvian and Japanese specialties.
• Mc Kibbins is an Irish pub with a warm atmosphere where you can drink beer and taste dishes mixing Canadian and Irish cuisines.

✅ Bookstores

• L’Euguélionne, the first feminist bookstore I ever went to.
• The Word Bookstore is a cozy secondhand bookstore located in downtown Montreal.

✅ Cafes

• La Dépendance, live a Hygge moment in this café-boutique that will transport you to Copenhagen or Stockholm thanks to its Scandinavian-inspired experience in terms of both the menu and the interior atmosphere.
• Chat L’Heureux, is a café-restaurant where one can enjoy the company of cats while tasting a selection of homemade meals and drinks.
• La Graine Brûlée is a café with original decor reminiscent of a funfair with a coworking space and a terrace.

✅ Camping

• Lyster Lake, located in the municipality of Coaticook, can go kayaking and enjoy the view of Mount Pinnacle.
• National Park of Jacques Cartier, the most beautiful national park I have ever visited, offers camping in complete nature. The valley is splendid and there are many hiking trails.
• Memphremagog Lake, a lake shared between Canada and the United States, is, in my opinion, the most beautiful lake with nautical activities.

✅Concert halls

• Le Ministère, I saw my first concert in Montreal there. the building is beautiful and the room is intimate.
• La Sala Rossa, in a 1932 building, the programming is varied, ranging from Slam to Jazz or Indie Rock
• Quai des Brumes is a cultural place offering numerous concerts and exhibitions.

✅Festivals

• Mural Festival, is an urban art festival that takes place every year in the streets of Montreal.
• Igloofest, the coldest music festival in the world, outdoors in winter with electronic music artists.
• Montreal en Lumière, an annual winter festival held in the Quartier des spectacles in Montreal to promote the lights, art, and food.

✅ Restaurants

• Caribou Gourmand is a bistro that offers a great brunch on weekends.
• Les Glaceurs, the best cupcakes and birthday cakes I've ever eaten!
• Majestique, a festive atmosphere, quality products and dishes, and a kitchen open every day until 2 am.

In summary

• Search for apartment rental ads on the Kijiji website and social networks
• Open your bank account in a few minutes by going to an agency (some have offers for newcomers to Canada)
• Ask for your SIN at a Service Canada center to have the right to work
• Go to temporary work agencies, consult job offers on LinkedIn and Facebook, and start by making contacts
• Register groups of expatriates, working holiday workers, and digital nomads on social networks/media.
• Book your camping pitches in national parks in advance
• Explore the city on foot or by transport and discover the different neighborhoods

I would say that what characterizes the city of Montreal is its cultural and artistic richness, its open-mindedness, and its human warmth. I have learned so much from my friends and my colleagues. Maybe one day I will come back, either for a visit or when I settle down. And maybe I will meet you, and you will tell me about your experience, which I hope will be as positive and enriching as mine.

Do you want to go on a solo trip this year?  You can read more travel tips and find travel buddies through the NomadHer. Download the NomadHer app now!

👩 Aurelie Verger, NomadHer article contributor, is a female traveler from France. She works as a  consultant who has lived in many countries, including Canada. Living abroad was her childhood dream, and working in Montreal for a year with a Working Holiday Visa was a great chance to make that dream come true. Currently, She lives in South Korea to travel and work together.

Winter in South Korea is full of excitement for those who have been to the snowy mountaintops to marvel at snowflakes. Inspired by the picturesque view of snow-covered peaks, I made a promise to myself to embark on a snow mountain trek this year.

Although it's been a while since my last hiking experience in winter, I didn't want to push myself too hard and preferred to take in the tranquil beauty of snowflakes at a leisurely pace. For me, mountains are not a test of strength, but a place to enjoy the splendor of nature and to heal my mind.

In South Korea, there are countless mountains and trails, big and small, in and around Seoul that offer a diverse range of views. This winter, for those who seek to wander through a kingdom of ice and snow but want to walk on an easy trail as a beginner, I would like to suggest the Cheorwon Hantangang Water Road Trekking as a perfect destination for you.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐦: 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

Have you heard of the Cheorwon Hantangang, certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark in July 2020? This hidden gem boasts breathtaking and unspoiled scenery. You can stroll along the Hantangang River and marvel at the columnar joints and unique cliffs. This is a winter destination not to be missed.

Located just 2 hours away from Seoul by car, the Cheorwon Hantangang Water Road Trekking is a fantastic option for a weekend day trip. The trekking route features a pontoon bridge over the Hantangang River and a dirt road along the river. It is especially recommended to visit in winter to see the frozen Hantangang River and the stunning sight of the surrounding scenery covered in snow. Finding a travel buddy through NomadHer is a good way to enjoy travel.

𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

After purchasing a ticket at the ticket office at the Taebong Bridge parking lot, step into the entrance and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Hantangang River surrounded by snowy mountains and cliffs. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature by listening to the sounds of your footsteps on a snowy road, and ice cracking on the river.

As you stroll along the river, you may encounter mallard ducks looking for food. It's a charming sight to see these ducks diving into the water while gracefully splashing their feet. I can't wait to see what other delightful encounters await on my next visit.

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𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

✔𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐞𝐬𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬

Stroll along the buoy road and then you'll come across the magnificent Songdaeso cliff. This unique geological formation was created when hot lava cooled and split vertically, resulting in a striking red wall. It is one of the magnificent views that makes this road special.

✔𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐥l

Continuing your journey, you'll encounter a breathtaking ice waterfall. Its emerald sparkle in the sunlight is truly magnificent and can only be seen on a winter trekking trip. Don't miss out on this stunning, unexplored landscape.

As you keep walking straight, the buoy road splits into two paths. The road on the right will take you to Goseokjeong Pavilion. The road straight ahead will bring you to a rest area crossing the Hantan River Milky Way Bridge.

Need a break? I recommend that you cross over the Milky Way bridge to recharge your energy. Use your Cheorwon love gift coupons that you receive at the ticket office to warm up with a hot cup of coffee and some fresh bread at a cozy cafe.

✔𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐲𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞

As you approach Goseokjeong Pavilion, you'll come across a wide-open area blanketed in snow. This spot is particularly famous for its stunning ice wall. It draws in many visitors who want to snap a picture in front of it. I was in awe of the magnificent ice wall and quickly captured the moment with my camera, eager to remember its beauty forever.

There is a snowy hill in front of the ice wall, bustling with children sledding down it. Sleds are not available for rent and must be brought from home if you want to enjoy them. It appeared many families who had visited the area for trekking previously parked their cars in a nearby lot and came to sled with their children. I quickly checked my bag and found a thick piece of paper to use as a sled, amazed at how fast I was moving. I can't wait to come back with a proper sled and spend the day here.

Throughout the entire Hantanggang Water Road, you'll find plenty of people ready to help tourists. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many friendly guides around. If you have any questions during your walk, feel free to ask them. I took advantage of this and asked for information on shuttle bus locations, the estimated time for the route I was taking, and more. Each time I received a kind and helpful response, making my journey much easier. So don't forget, when you're traveling, it's always a good idea to ask the locals first!

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

▪️ Opening period: Late Fall ~ Early Spring every year (This year, it is opened for 5 months from October 29, 2022, to March 31, 2023)

▪️ Course: Taebongdaegyo Bridge - Songdaeso - Eunhasugyo Bridge - Seungilgyo Bridge - Goseokjeong Pavilion - Sundam Valley (8km)

▪️ Course starting point:  Ticket office at Taebong Bridge parking lot (Search for 'Korea Leisure Parking Lot' on Naver Map)

▪️ Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

▪️ Entrance fee: 10,000 won (5,000 won Cheorwon love gift coupon is provided instead)

▪️ Route for shuttle bus service (weekends and holidays only): Taebongdaegyo Bridge - Eunhasu Bridge - Goseokjeong Pavilion - Sundam - Druni Parking Lot

▪️Shuttle Bus Fee: Free for those with tickets for the Hantangang Water Road  

▪️To reach the course by public transportation, get off at Dongsong Terminal and take a city bus or taxi to the Taebong Bridge parking lot ticket office.

𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

The Hantangang Water Road Trekking Course offers a serene experience of walking along the pontoon bridge and the valley road. To make the most of your journey, here are some tips to keep in mind. These suggestions will be useful not just for light trekking but also for snow hiking!

✔ Pack Snacks, Yakgwa, and a Thermos

Bring along snacks such as fruits, chocolate, gimbap, and a thermos filled with hot drinks like tea or coffee. The 8km course is not short, and walking in cold weather can deplete your energy quickly. Snacks will help replenish your energy and keep you fueled during the walk.

I especially recommend bringing Yakgwa which is a Korean traditional sweet cookie. It can give more energy than chocolate. You can easily buy it in any convenience store in South Korea.

✔ Charge Your Phone

Don't forget to charge your phone 100% before departure. In cold weather, the battery drains faster than usual.

✔ Wear Sneakers

Sneakers are essential for walking on the dirt road next to the river. Some routes are dirt roads that have stones and dirt.

✔ Dress in Layers

Wearing several thin layers is better than wearing one thick jacket. It allows you to change your clothing easily according to the temperature, and it's lighter too.

If you're looking for a unique travel experience, the winter trek along the Hantangang River is a great option. And, if you'd like a companion, download the NomadHer app to find other female travelers and join a travel meetup!❤

The run-up to Norway

To be honest, I did make an incredible road trip across the US west coast in August, but I was so set on taking my planned interrail trip that I just couldn’t let it go. I had an unused interrail ticket and canceled plans, which left me kinda disappointed in myself.

Nevertheless, I think it was this very same event that planted the first seed towards the journey of my solo trip to Norway. I bought the infamous interrail ticket in May last year: A golden ticket, my portal to the adventurous world of travel.

The ticket was worth a month of travel and I planned to travel to Lake Bled (of course) via Firenze and Spello in Italy with a minor detour to the Swiss alps. I was going to stay in hostels, ideally even some camping, and travel by myself for an entire month. Sounds like an awesome plan, right? A little too optimistic maybe.

What stopped me before: Feeling afraid about the world

Let me give you a little backstory about the girl I was a couple of months ago because she was always afraid. Afraid to be on her own but at the same time avoiding social contact with roommates or visiting friends. Afraid to drive the car or accidentally take the wrong train. Even afraid to be alone at night while walking the dog in a neighborhood she’s lived in all her life.

I think you get the idea, that girl was pretty scared of everything that was even remotely new or uncontrollable including solo travel as a woman. Completely nuts for any human being given that change is the only constant in the world. Oh well. Now I hear you thinking: If I was so scared, why did I even buy the interrail ticket? The answer is simple.

What happened when started to listen to my inner voice

While part of me was so frightened by the world, there has always been this other part of me, safely tucked away under my shield of fear. This part has a hunger for adventure, freedom, and trying out new things. Hunger for letting all strings of life a little looser and starting to live. It has always been there, though last year it has grown to a new level of insatiableness.

Not a single day went by when I didn’t dream of traveling and exploring hidden gems of the world. I was just waiting for a sign from the universe. You can imagine that when the interrail company announced a 50% discount in May, I considered that to be the perfect sign. I booked the next morning without having second thoughts and felt jubilant for weeks, being completely in love with life and feeling grateful for all the new doors this would open.

Taking this action back in May was a real Kickstarter for my confidence boost as part of me thought that if I could successfully do this trip, I could do anything. In a way, I was only testing myself. As you might have guessed from the title of this article, however, this story is not about the interrail. So hang on, because we’re almost there.

My next challenge for a solo trip was to pick a month with enough time to leave my work, studies, and apartment behind for a while. Since my studies would be done in the summer, the big plan was to go in July. I had everything sorted out, but when one of my main accommodations got canceled and I couldn’t find something similar, I decided to call it quits.

This seemed like a pretty determining moment for me, as I thought to myself “I am never going to travel, it’s just not for me and I should give up my dream.”  Here’s what I learned afterward through a solo trip to Norway:

Lesson 1: Opening your mind leads to a new world

Flash forward to September: I was laying on my parents' couch while scrolling on a website for work exchanges. Pages and pages went by without feeling excited about any of the opportunities and just when I was about to give up, my attention was caught by someone’s profile. They seemed like the sweetest family and lived on a mountain, surrounded by nature.

Still a little hesitant by the interrail flop, I decided to send them a message as I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was the best decision I could have made because within 24 hours my flight to Oslo was booked. A one-way trip, with no return date. How exciting!

You may wonder where my fears had gone. Funnily enough, I don’t remember being afraid at all. Maybe that’s because, for the first time, I felt like I was living my dream and the idea of that alone was worth repressing any doubt. In the Netherlands, we have a saying to describe this feeling: “De wereld ligt aan je voeten”, which means that absolutely anything is possible for you.

And that’s how I truly felt because, from the moment I decided to leave everything behind to go to Norway, everything went super smoothly. You know what they say, fortune favors the bold. So go and do that thing you’re so scared of!

Lesson 2: You learn how to be more self-reliant

Anyway, once I arrived in Norway alone everything seemed to fall into place. I felt like I had just found the last golden ticket from Willy Wonka’s chocolate bars and was now getting the grand factory tour. Having made a scary decision that turned out exactly how I had planned in my head made a huge impact on my self-esteem.

The same girl who, only a month before, had been too scared to go home by herself after having dinner at her friend’s house was now in a different country, completely by herself! No friends or family around to fall back onto and without even some knowledge of the country. No cellular data or credit card and zero Norwegian language skills. As someone who loves to plan and prepare everything in fine detail, this was the most unprepared I had ever been.

Needless to say, of course, this unpreparedness brought its challenges. On my second day in Norway, I was asked to pick up a car and drive it back up the mountain. As you might remember from before, I was scared to drive a car. Not that I couldn’t drive safely, I just had very little faith I would be able to handle any unknown situation that might come up.

At the time I didn’t have cellular data to use Google Maps, but I sort of remembered the road from the first time and I was so set on not turning down their request on my second day, that I thought to myself: “How hard can it be?”. Spoiler alert: it was that hard. If you’re still reading, now is the time to shake your head disappointedly.

After carefully being escorted by my host until the first intersection, I missed my exit and although I heard a little voice asking whether I was still going the right way, I didn’t stop until I was on top of the mountain. A different mountaintop. Not that they were so far apart, but I still had to find my way back. You can probably imagine that this was the point where I started to panic: I had no idea where I was or how I was going to get home before dark.

Much exaggerated of course, but that’s how little faith I had in myself. A couple of minutes later I picked myself up, thinking: “If I can travel to a new country by myself, I can find the way back.” So ultimately, with a much lighter heart and some upbeat music playing in the background, I turned around and started driving the exact opposite way. I was relieved to find the way back and later that night at dinner we had a big laugh about it. All’s well that ends well!

Lesson 3: You can form different kinds of friendships

About a week in, someone else from the same work exchange platform joined me for a few days. Since we both came here and traveled alone, we quickly clicked. She came from Estonia and had traveled all over the world doing work exchanges by herself. As you can imagine, I looked up to her and was intrigued to hear more about the adventures she had made.

Both of us had a deep love for nature, hiking, and being outside, so we started going on little hiking tours together. I would tell her about my life as a student in the Netherlands, and she would tell me about the travels she made and the people she met along with them.

Looking at her was like looking at a version of my older self and that made it into an interesting dynamic. Most of my friendships in the Netherlands were based on a version of myself that was living from a place of fear.

Since I had stepped out of my comfort zone and gained so much more confidence, my friendship with the Estonian girl felt completely different from most of the friendships I knew. Even three months later, our friendship continues to increase my confidence in all the possibilities that life has to offer me.

Later that trip when I went to Copenhagen twice and stayed in hostels for the first time, I had very similar experiences. Long-distance friendships that were made spontaneously, but continue to persist and bring about a very new and grown side of me. I am forever grateful for them!

We’re getting to the end of this story, but if there’s anything I want you to remember as a best solo trip tip is to trust your intuition because she will always guide you toward the right things. Going to Norway by myself has been the scariest but easiest decision I think I ever made.

During my solo travels, I made some useless mistakes and felt afraid very often, but just by following my gut I have seen the most beautiful views, made amazing friendships, and gained a lot of trust in myself! At the end of the day, it was all of those small things that contributed to restoring my confidence in myself and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

Do you start to go on your first solo trip this year?  You can hear more travel tips from over 30000 female travelers and find women that you can travel together through the NomadHer. Download the NomadHer app now and connect and meet travelers.  You can participate in various meetups, and travel camps and read the travel guides which are made for female travelers now!

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👩 Maron Theunis, NomadHer article contributor, is a female traveler from the Netherlands. She has a passion for writing and taking photos and hiking.  A few months ago, she finally started her first solo trip to Norway to get out of her comfort zone. Since then she went to Copenhagen and Germany. Right now, her dream destination to travel to is Sri Lanka.

About Makgeolli

In South Korea, traditional alcohols such as Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), Soju, Dongdongju, and Bokbunja-Ju(Korean black raspberry wine) are an integral part of the country's culinary heritage. Among these beverages, Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Makgeolli is known for its unique milky, off-white color and light effervescence. It has a subtle viscosity and a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter notes. The origins of Makgeolli can be traced back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), where it has been a beloved staple of Korean cuisine for centuries.

5 Modern Makgeolli Flavors

Experience the authentic flavors of South Korea with Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, on your next trip to Seoul. Makgeolli is known for its milky white color and cloudy appearance. With a lower alcohol content of 6-8%, it is a popular choice among those looking to enjoy a refreshing beverage without the strong effects of higher alcohol content.

The taste of Makgeolli is characterized by a delicate balance of sweetness and slight sourness, with a smooth texture derived from its main ingredient, rice. In recent years, makgeolli makers have made it with various flavors such as chestnut, peach, banana, and citron, adding a new level of creativity to this traditional drink. Makgeolli can be easily purchased at convenience stores for 2,000 won($2), an affordable price.

The Best Korean Foods to Pair with Makgeolli Wine

Makgeolli is a Korean traditional drink that is popular among the young generation these days. You can see most Korean bars sell this drink and there are even “Jumak” style bars that specialize in selling various types of Makgeolli with different flavors. When Koreans drink, they love to eat foods that go well with the taste of their drink. Find local friends in NomadHer to enjoy delicious Korean foods together. Here are recommendations for foods that complement Makgeolli Wine.

✅ Various types of Jeon

The most popular and typical dishes with makgeolli are “Jeon”(Korean-style pancakes). There are various types of Jeon based on the ingredients such as kimchi-jeon (kimchi pancakes), haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), Gamja jeon(potato pancake), etc. Jeon is cooked in a frying pan with oil resulting in a crispy pancake that pairs well with the taste of sparkling Makgeolli.

✅Bindaetteok

Bindaetteok is similar to Jeon but it is made with mung beans and not wheat flour. Other than this difference, most of the ingredients are similar and include vegetables, meat, or seafood. But due to the use of mung beans, the texture is more soft and chewy compared to Jeon.

✅  Jokbal (braised pig trotters)

Jokbal is a rich and savory dish made with braised pig trotters. It is a famous food that is cooked with soy sauce and spices. After a few hours of cooking with lots of seasonings, it absorbs the flavors and becomes soft for wonderful glazed meat that pairs well with Makgeolli.

On rainy days, it's not uncommon to hear Koreans remarking that "it's a perfect day to have Makgeolli and Jeon" as they gaze out the window. The cozy atmosphere, the soothing sound of raindrops, and the taste of the traditional Korean rice wine and the savory Jeon (Korean pancake) makes for a delightful experience. The combination is considered perfect comfort food. As the rain continues to fall outside, it's the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a comforting meal.

How To Drink Makgeolli

To enjoy Makgeolli in the best condition, it is served chilled in a bottle or a charming pottery bowl. Before taking a sip, it is customary to give the wine a gentle mix with the ladle or flip the bottle upside down with the cap on to incorporate the delightful sediment that settles at the bottom. The experience of drinking Makgeolli is a true pleasure for the senses. Finding a travel buddy in the NomadHer community is a good way to experience a Korean-style bar to drink Makgeolli together.

Makgeolli Recipe

Making homemade Korean rice alcohol is very easy and simple– the only ingredients you need are rice, nuruk (yeast), and water. This means that some Koreans who love Makgeolli make the drink at home. Due to processes of natural fermentation, Makgeolli is considered healthy, organic, and clean. This drink is not commonly found outside of Korea and therefore is often new to foreigners.

✅ How to make Makgeolli:

• Step 1: Begin by washing the rice thoroughly to ensure it is clean. Next, steam the sticky rice in a steamer until it is cooked through.
• Step 2: Once the rice is cooked, spread it out to cool. Allow the rice to cool down until the exterior of each grain becomes hard, while still maintaining a moist interior. Then, add yeast and water to the container and mix everything together using a wooden spoon.
• Step 3: Thoroughly combine the ingredients and ferment for 5 days. During this time, it's important to open the container and check on the fermentation progress. You may notice bubbles popping to the surface. Stir the mixture a few times throughout the fermentation period using a wooden spoon, and make sure to keep the container covered. After 5 days, your homemade Makgeolli will be ready to enjoy!

A Beginner's Guide to Makgeolli Class in Seoul

"Experience the Art of Makgeolli Making with NomadHer: The best Makgeolli Class Led by Enthusiastic Traveler and Makgeolli Lover Matilda Kim of Baekusaeng"

Join NomadHer on a journey of traditional Makgeolli making, led by the passionate and knowledgeable Matilda Kim of the renowned Korean Traditional Craft Makgeolli brand, Baekusaeng. As a traveler, flight attendant, and Makgeolli lover, Matilda brings her unique perspective and expertise to the class, teaching participants how to make this delicious and healthy traditional wine using only vegan and natural ingredients.

Participant Soyoung raves about the class, saying, "I love to drink and hang out with new people. After taking this NomadHer Makgeolli class, I fell in love with hand-made Makgeolli. In her cozy house, the teacher Matilda guided all participants on how to make this traditional wine. I liked the blind-tasting game for different types of Makgeolli so much!

I’m so impressed that she prepared so many things for this class including snacks to enjoy with the drink. I will take her class again and will definitely bring my friends next time". With Matilda's fluent English, the class is open to all, regardless of language. Don't miss out on this unique and authentic experience on your next trip to Seoul!

Are you planning to go on a trip? Over 30000 female travelers from 178 countries are waiting for meeting you. Download the NomadHer app now and connect and meet travelers.  You can participate in various meetups, and travel camps and read the travel guides which are made for female travelers now!‍

Is Kenya safe for solo female travelers? Kenya is an attractive place to travel to broaden your insight about Africa for sure. If you prepare as much as you can, you can enjoy your trip to Kenya. So, here is my Kenya travel advisory that I prepare for women.

First, you have to keep in mind that Kenya is a place where you have to be careful during all your trip for your safety. I went to travel to Kenya for a week myself through a Kenya tour package to do a Masai Mara national park safari tour where I can see wild animals with my eye.

It was an amazing experience to be sure that I can’t forget this trip forever in my life. But there were moments when I had to face some situations like pickpocketing. If you want to go on a trip to Kenya as a female traveler, Here is information for your safety that will be good to know before you leave.

Is Kenya safe to do a solo trip for women?

Before I went to travel to Kenya, I had been to Prague, New York alone. So it was not my first time going to a foreign country. But even though you are an experienced female traveler, finding as much travel advice about Kenya as you can is always good for your safe travel. Because you will see totally different world here beyond all your expectation.

I recommend that if you plan to travel as a female traveler, you need to watch out while traveling. Here were real situations that I run into during my trip.

Situation 1️⃣: At the airport in Nairobi

When I landed at Kenya airport around 5:00 am which is located in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, there were no passengers who took the same airplane with me after I got back from the restroom. For a moment, I was confused about if I had to find and look through customs inspection or not(because there was no sign). I went to the place where the conveyer was placed and one man who looked like an airport staff stood behind it. I put my backpack on it. Then suddenly he said to me, “do you have money?” For a second, I knew instinctively that something was wrong.

And then he pointed out my small shoulder bag and said again, “do you have money there? open this small bag”. I showed him some 1 dollar bills which were lucky for me it was not 100 dollar bills. Obviously, the combination of a backpack(no luggage), an old sweatsuit that I wore, and 1 dollar bills were enough to make him think that I’m not rich at all and that maybe you are richer than I am. With hearing a little sigh from him, I can come out of the airport safely to meet my travel company agent.

Advice💁‍♀️: I recommend not wearing expensive cloth or jewelry. It makes you their target. Also, If you need to bring cash just in case, change your cash with a small unit of money like a 1-dollar, or 2-dollar bill and keep them in several places in your small bag, pocket, or luggage. Check and ask for more tips to other travelers on the NomadHer is a good way to get advice for your trip.

Situation 2️⃣: On the center of the street

On the last day of my travel, I had to stop by the government office to show my passport before arriving at the airport. After I got in my travel agent’s car after getting back from the office, an armed man came to the car and asked again for my passport. There was no reason that I had to show him. My driver who was a travel agent at the same time, raised his voice strongly for me saying that why she had to show you her passport even though she already went through the process 5 min ago. After a little confrontation, this armed man moved back and disappeared. This kind of case could happen often.

Advice💁‍♀️: If you want to travel to Kenya, I recommend you book all your trip through a Kenya travel company and choose a group tour with other travelers. The tourism industry here is huge so you can find well-organized travel programs easily and they are helpful. A solo trip as a female traveler without a travel company can be risky in Kenya. Using public transportation alone is not recommended during your trip.

Kenya Health & Safety Travel Tips

Before you go to Kenya, make sure to do more research on what you need to prepare and Kenya's travel requirements for leaving. Here are recommendations to bring for your safe travel.

• Yellow fever vaccination: Kenya is a high-risk malaria destination. If you want to enjoy your trip to see mother nature, you need to be careful about your health to prevent bites by mosquitoes and insects all the time.
• Pack plenty of mosquito repellents
• Prepare some medicine for emergency
• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Protein bars and snacks: If you go on a safari game drive tour in Masai Mara national reserve for a few days which is the most famous activity in Kenya, it would be hard to find a place to buy snacks. Just in case local food does not suit your taste, bringing some snacks could be a good idea. Also considering the price is not cheap in Kenya, it is good for your travel budget.
• Bring plenty of portable power banks that you need. Kenya is a beautiful country for sure. So you want to take lots of photos and videos, especially when you see wild animals like lions, leopards, buffalo, and so on. As much as you prepare, you can fully enjoy the travel.

Food Hygiene in Kenya

When you stay at top hotels and safari camps, the quality of food that is served to you would be quite good to enjoy the local taste. But when you choose food, you need to check if is well-cooked or not. Don’t eat raw food such as fruits that cannot be peeled. Also, I advise you to always drink bottled water instead of tap water. You need to be aware of what you eat during your trip to Kenya.

Without a doubt, Kenya is definitely a beautiful place to travel. If you see mother nature with wild animals there, I’m sure that you will fall in love with this country. Prepare as much as you can before the trip then you can enjoy all the moments.

Over 30000 female travelers from 178 countries are waiting for meeting you. Download the NomadHer app now and connect and meet travelers.  You can participate in various meetups, and travel camps and read the travel guides which are made for women now!

🌈 Are you looking for tips and advice to start your solo trip?

How I turn my fear into a passion to start my first solo trip

The 5 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Try Solo Travel

Five Things Solo Travel Teaches You

💁♀️ Soyeon Bae from South Korea is a bookworm, content creator, digital nomad, and travel lover. Including Kenya, she has traveled to Prague, New York, Kenya, New Zealand, and Paris herself. Now, she dreams to travel to the Antarctic and the Arctic to see mother nature with her eye.

About Chujado Island

Have you heard of Chujado Island? It is a famous place among Korean campers. Chujado Island is a perfect place to enjoy activities such as trekking, fishing, and riding, as well as a relaxing stroll in the small towns and enjoying local foods.

Chujado Island is divided into two islands, Sangchujado and Hachujado, and these two islands are connected by a bridge. Officially, Chujado belongs to Jeju Island, but it is located between Jeollanam-do and Jeju-do. For that reason, it is culturally influenced not only by Jeju but also by Jeollanam-do, so you can often see similar cuisine to that of Jeollanam-do.

In the fall, NomadHer held a Camping Trip for female travelers on Chujado Island with 10 NomadHers from Korea, the United States, and France coming together. From making a bonfire on a camping site to walking along the famous trekking course and looking at the beautiful sea and cliffs, NomadHers got a chance to take in the beauty of Chujado Island.

Here, we will share our top 6 recommendations for the best attractions to visit during a camping trip on Chujado Island!

6 Camping Attractions on Chujado Island

1️⃣ Jeju Olle Trail Routes 18-1 along the Navarone Cliffs

The Jeju Olle Trail is an 11.4km trekking course that starts from Sangchujado and leads to Hachujado crossing a bridge and taking about 5 hours. This is called “Navarone Sky Road” named after the famous movie, The Guns of Navarone because you can see beautiful cliffs similar to the movie. When you walk along this course, you will feel as if you walk on the road over the sea toward the sky, just like its name.

2️⃣ Camping on the Hupo Beach

There is a campground right near Hupo Beach where you can set up camp and spend the night. Hupo Beach is so clean and beautiful like the one in Busan city, you can even see black stones under the seawater clearly with your eye. It is a beautiful natural environment where you can see crabs crawling on the sand and it is also a famous place for anglers and divers due to its clear waters.

3️⃣ Make dinner together

When darkness has fallen on the island, the best part of a camping trip begins– it is time to roast sweet potatoes and meat, drink cocoa, and continue amazing conversations with your travel companions. Enjoy this peaceful moment to spend time alone or to mingle with friends, where the only sound you can hear on the island is the waves crashing against the rocks!

4️⃣ Beautiful Sunrise Over the Sea

Create a special start to your day by watching the sun rise at one of the most beautiful spots in all of South Korea. If you want to capture more diverse sunrises, we recommend you go up the Navarone Skyway trail right near your camping site. Bring hot coffee in a thermos to complete the perfect morning as you watch the sun arise from the sea.

5️⃣ Local fishing village tour

Chujado Island is a small island with a total population of fewer than 2,000 people. If you walk along the trekking route, you often see some small villages. Wherever you go, you can meet warm-hearted locals that are unique to small villages and different from the bustle of a city like Seoul.

Other things to see on Chujado Island that you will encounter while trekking:

• Chuja Lighthouse: You can see the whole view of Sangchujado from this Lighthouse, which serves as a guide for ships to navigate safely at night.
• Yeongheung-ri Mokhwa Village: If you walk along the Mokhwa Village, you can see murals showing the magnificent views of Chujado island.
• Chujado Bridge: This is the bridge connecting Sangchujado Island and Hachujado Island. At the entrance, you can see a sculpture depicting one of the local foods, Gulbi.

6️⃣Local food, Gulbi

If you visit this island, we highly recommend trying Gulbi. Gulbi is a kind of fish that Koreans love to eat regularly and Chujado Island is famous for this food. You can find that most local restaurants sell this so if you travel to Chujado, try to order “Gulbi Jeongsik” which is served with various small dishes with baked Gulbi.

Getting to Chujado

Chujado Island is geographically located between Jeollanam-do and Jeju island so there are various ways to take the ferry to go to the island. For example, a ferry can be taken from Wando-gun, Haenam-gun, or Jeju island with the most popular ferry from the Jeju Ferry Passenger Terminal on Jeju island.

How to get to Chujado Island from Jeju Island (1h 30m)

• Take the ferry called “Queen star 2” from Jeju Ferry Passenger Terminal 2 Quay
• Arrive at Sangchujado Port
• Booking website: http://www.seaferry.co.kr/
• Ticket fee: 14400 KRW (adult)
• Must bring ID to take to be able to board the ferry
• It is recommended to book the ferry ticket online in advance

Several ferries run regularly from Jeju island to Chujado Island. Some arrive at Sangchuja Port while others go to Hachuja Port. The most popular ferry is Queenstar 2, which arrives at Sangchujado Port. Sangchujado is a downtown area of the whole island where more than 70-80% of the island’s population is concentrated. Most restaurants, hotels, stores, and other general conveniences you would find in a city are here, so it is easiest to arrive here for your first trip.

On this island, there is only one bus and one taxi that runs the entire island. If you miss the bus, you have to wait for an hour, so we recommend you check the bus timetable in advance based on your travel plan.

Let’s go on a camping trip with a professional host

The NomadHer Jeju Chujado Camping Trip was hosted by outdoor travel expert Myung-soo. She has led and organized lots of eco-friendly backpacking/camping travel programs. On her camp trip, she helped participants feel the beauty of nature and discover themselves through their time spent on Chujado Island.

“Go camping with the NomadHer trip was the best choice of my life. Now, I can imagine a completely new style of travel that I’ve never tried before– a trip with nature. It was my first time going camping and trekking. For me, this camping trip taught me the beauty of mother nature and how to enjoy this moment with focusing on myself at the same time. Also, it was amazing that a professional photographer came and took a lot of great pictures. The most memorable trip I've done this year!” said Soyoung,  NomadHer participant.

You can see various meetups and trips in South Korea and France on the NomadHer app now. Not only the yoga & wine class, and hula dance in Seoul but also Busan Firework Festival, Yacht Tour, Hot Spa, and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to travel with female travelers (Go to NomadHer App on IOS & Android)