Hi, I’m Monica!
Welcome to This Rare Earth.
I am an expert on solo female travel, offbeat destinations and itineraries, and outdoor adventure travel!
I’ve been traveling the world for more than 15 years, primarily as a solo female, to destinations well off the typical tourist track. Some recent favorites include Qatar, Nepal, Lithuania, French Polynesia, and Egypt, just to name a few.
I spend most of my time exploring the outdoors, going on thrilling adventures, and digging deeper into cultures around the globe. I am well known for my frequent travels throughout the Middle East and the deserts of the world.
I started This Rare Earth to help other females gain the confidence to travel solo anywhere in the world. Additionally, I want to prove that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think.
This Rare Earth’s Mission
This Rare Earth is your one-stop resource for solo female travel tips, off the beaten path itineraries, and outdoor adventures!
This blog provides guidance and tips on traveling the globe smarter, safer, and with confidence. So whether you are looking for a city break in Istanbul or Abu Dhabi, or an outdoor adventure like paragliding in Nepal or hiking New Mexico’s deserts, you will find it here.
Most importantly, I want to prove to females that you absolutely can navigate this world alone.
Through careful trip planning and being smart about safety, my blog aims to give you the confidence to travel solo, all around the world. And once you’re off the beaten path, you’ll probably find me there, too.
So join me on my journey, as you start one of your very own!
Want to Solo Travel, but don’t know where to start?
Why I Blog
- To teach women how to solo travel and take on the world alone – safely and with confidence.
- To prove that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think, and that we have more similarities than differences across the globe.
- To showcase the beauty and awe of lesser-visited and misunderstood destinations.
- To help travelers understand the culture and norms of destinations around the world, and talk about travel safety.
- To inspire new and seasoned travelers to live life adventurously. I believe that travel is possible no matter who you are or where you come from.
My Solo Travel Story
I may be a serial world traveler now, but I didn’t start out that way.
Growing up, my family traveled each summer within the USA. Going abroad wasn’t even a thought in my head at the time.
But even back then, I loved adventure, choosing jet-ski rides and parasailing as my vacation activities. But I had no idea where that adventurous spirit would lead.
After exploring much of my home country through many cross-country road trips, I was struck with the notion that it was time to go overseas. So, I did. I got a passport, booked a flight, and headed to Malaysia and Singapore solo.
I’m still so proud of that decision, which ultimately changed my life. On that trip, I navigated unmapped areas completely solo. I went scuba diving with sharks. I slept in a treehouse. I hung out on a deserted island alone, with no plan on how to return to the mainland.
Most importantly, I connected with locals in an deep way and quickly came to realize how similar we all are across the world. That decision paved the way for countless adventures, both traveling and living abroad, which I’m excited to share on This Rare Earth
Where To Next
👉 If you’re a new solo traveler, start by joining my FREE solo travel e-course! It is jam-packed with loads of value, covering safety, itinerary planning, budgeting, and more. Gain the confidence to travel solo now.
👉 If you’re a seasoned traveler looking for inspiration and tips, check out my top destinations around the world! And, be sure to join my mailing list below for monthly itineraries and news.
👉 Need some 1:1 help planning your trip? Check out my Custom Itinerary Services today!
Where I’ve Been…
