If you follow Fiona Chen on social media under the handle Finding Fiona, you will likely find her drifting through a bustling street market in Hong Kong or floating in a remote salt lake. For Chen, travel is less about checking boxes and more about an urgent invitation to explore the world now rather than waiting for some vague future date. As a seasoned advocate for solo female travel, she believes that while the anticipation of a lone journey can often lead to anxiety, the act of simply showing up is the only true cure for fear.
Preparation for Chen centers on two non negotiable pillars: safety and connectivity. She emphasizes that investing in high quality accommodation and thoroughly researching local risks is essential for peace of mind. While she relies on Tripadvisor to vet hotels and ensures she always has a reliable eSIM to avoid being stranded without internet, her golden rule remains simple. She heads out when the sun rises and returns home by sunset, balancing adventure with cautious boundaries.
Her recommendations span the globe, ranging from the seamless ease of Japan to the rugged landscapes of Madeira, Portugal, where she once took the leap into solo paragliding. In Tokyo, she suggests immersing oneself in the flavors of Tsukiji Outer Market, while in Seoul, she points toward the trendy galleries and cafes of Seongsu. Whether it is sampling tapas at Ciutat Comtal in Barcelona or lounging on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Chen views these destinations as gateways to self discovery.
Beyond the sights and sounds, Chen argues that solo travel offers a psychological reward that group trips cannot replicate. She recalls a pivotal moment in Zurich when stepping out of her shell led to a lifelong friendship with a stranger over Pilates and dinner. To her, navigating foreign cities alone is like clocking in your street smarts. By solving their own problems and managing their own needs abroad, women gain an empowering realization that they are entirely capable of handling whatever life throws at them independently.
