Connecting with nature, either close to home or in a far-flung destination, is an increasingly important part of how many women are living their lives. Gale Straub documents eight inspiring journeys
‘To be honest, I’m not sure travelling was always in my blood,’ admits Gale Straub, whose new book is a celebration of female travellers. It’s a surprising admission when you consider that Straub’s life – a website, two podcasts and now a book – focuses almost exclusively on the subject of uniting women who love to travel. In 2014, the former accountant from New Hampshire, US, decided to take some time out of her career with her partner Jon. Together, the pair set off on a year-long road trip, living in a van. ‘This was the trip that changed everything,’ she says. ‘We didn’t own a house or have kids. The timing felt right for us and we saved for more than 15 months to make it happen.’
Their travels led Straub to set up She-explores.com, a community for women who love the outdoors as much as she does. Since then, the site has featured hundreds of travel stories from women around the world, and formed the inspiration for her podcast and book, which shares 40 women’s experiences of travel, alongside the lessons Straub has learned while exploring. ‘Writing the book was important to me, because I see a lot of women who have a curiosity about going out into the wild, but don’t necessarily have anyone in their circle of friends they can ask questions, or see as role models,’ she explains. ‘I love inspiring people to spend time in nature – studies reveal how beneficial time outside is, and I wanted to make that more accessible for everyone. I also felt it was important to show others that you can travel locally, too, since books often just share far-flung locations, which can seem unattainable for the majority. Sure, be inspired, but know that it’s possible to have some of that for yourself, closer to home.’
Straub’s travel tips? ‘Plan your route thoroughly and if you’re travelling alone, wear colourful clothing [so you’re easily identified if you go missing],’ she says. ‘You should also always know when you’re coming home – and stick to it.’
She Explores Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild by Gale Straub (Chronicle Books, £17.99)
Rachel Brookhart
‘Rachel has an M1079 truck, which is a military vehicle that she’s turned into a full-time home. She’s a mom in her twenties and really wants to instil that sense of adventure in her son Wilder. This picture was taken in Deschutes National Forest in Oregon.’
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Noël Russell
‘As a child, Noël camped every other weekend, and says it inspired a way of life for her. Noël and her husband Jonnie are now both working with young people and are passionate about ensuring future generations get to enjoy the outdoors, too. Living in the fairly urban area of Oakland in California, they’re big on proving that you don’t have to travel far to escape, and they never leave home without their two dogs.’
Kirsten Ales
‘Kristen started a community called Wild and Weightless, and has a background in wilderness therapy. Her work focuses around women with eating disorders, like herself. This was taken at the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. Kristen said she’s found a lot of healing and recovery in spending time outside.’
Katy Fetters
‘Katy has cerebral palsy, and in this photo you can see an ExoSym brace on her leg, which allows her to hike, adding stability. She’s captured here sitting in Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado. The Flatirons [mountains] are right behind her.’
Katie Boue
‘Katie is pictured here in Utah doing something called canyoneering [activities in a canyon, like walking, climbing and abseiling]. She lives in Salt Lake City and does a lot of work advocating for public land – something you can clearly see she’s passionate about on social media. She recently bought a van and goes for regular trips with her dog Spaghetti.’
Karen Wang
‘Karen attempted her first hike of the Pacific Crest Trail [where Reese Witherspoon famously trekked in the film Wild] in summer 2016, but badly injured her ankle in Oregon. Here she is in 2017 finishing what she started – this is her at the terminus [finish] that second summer.’
Amanda Zito
‘She is an artist and a huge fan of motorbikes. Amanda often takes the trip from where she lives in Portland, Oregon, to where she grew up in Montana. She started riding motorbikes because she was homesick for the open skies of when she went horseback riding in Montana. To her, motorcycling is the next best thing.’
Karen Wang
‘This photo was taken by Karen Wang in Washington State – it’s Vesper Peak. She took it with a self-timer and stood there for a good 30 seconds getting ready! It was one of Karen’s first nights out solo camping as part of a training hike for the Pacific Crest Trail.’
Karen Wang
‘This photo was taken by Karen Wang in Washington State – it’s Vesper Peak. She took it with a self-timer and stood there for a good 30 seconds getting ready! It was one of Karen’s first nights out solo camping as part of a training hike for the Pacific Crest Trail.’