For International Women's Day, we’re highlighting some incredible Lokafyers who are shaping the travel experience through their unique perspectives, resilience, and passion for cultural exchange.
Reeja: Exploring Through a Local’s Eyes
What do you love most about being a Lokafyer?
What I love most is that it’s not a conventional walking tour. As a Lokafyer, you have the opportunity to take visitors around the city as a local—showing them your perspective and what you truly love about the place you call home.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in travel? How did you overcome them?
The most serious challenge I faced while traveling was contracting Dengue Fever in Malaysia. Thankfully, I had local contacts who helped me navigate the medical system there. This experience reinforced the importance of having a local connection in the country you’re visiting. If that’s not possible, getting local recommendations or references from someone familiar with the area can be invaluable.
What action do you think can help make travel more inclusive for women?
It’s encouraging to see travel companies offering tours designed exclusively for women. In many cultures, solo female travel or all-women groups are not common, so these tailored tours are a significant step in making travel more accessible and comfortable for women worldwide.
Marja: A Journey of Sharing and Learning
What do you love most about being a Lokafyer?
Being a Lokafyer allows me to meet people from all over the world, each bringing their own unique backgrounds and perspectives. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of Toronto and Canada’s history and culture, but more than that, I love exchanging stories and experiences that create a deeper connection between travelers and the places they visit.
The beauty of this experience is the balance of learning and teaching—I share what I know, but I also absorb new insights from the travelers I meet. Hearing their stories is just as rewarding as introducing them to my city.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in travel? How did you overcome them?
Fortunately, I haven’t encountered any significant challenges as a female traveler. I’ve had the opportunity to explore the world both solo and as a backpacker, and I’ve found the experience to be overwhelmingly positive.
What action do you think can help make travel more inclusive for women?
Several key steps can contribute to a more inclusive travel experience for women:
- Encouraging cultural awareness—Educating both travelers and locals on respectful behavior and cultural norms fosters a more inclusive environment.
- Enhancing safety protocols—Ensuring that destinations, accommodations, and transportation providers prioritize safety measures for women.
- Providing flexible travel options—Offering solo and family-friendly travel options, including childcare services or accommodations suited for families, can encourage more women to travel comfortably.
- Increasing career opportunities for women in travel—Ensuring that women have equal opportunities within the travel industry helps create a more inclusive space.
By implementing these changes, the travel industry can continue evolving into a more accessible and empowering space for women worldwide.
This International Women's Day, we celebrate Lokafyers like Reeja and Marja, who are redefining travel by creating meaningful connections and empowering women around the world. Their stories remind us that travel is not just about places—it’s about the people who make every journey unforgettable.
Enjoyed this article?
