International Politics

Travel is political

Travel isn’t just about ticking off bucket list destinations. It’s about choosing the kind of world we want to live in by using our money and time as a powerful tool to support or oppose the systems, policies and values we believe in.

That’s why there’s a politics section on this solo travel blog. Whether you realize it or not, every trip that you take is a political act. That’s because as you and I choose where we want to visit, as we spend our money and precious time in a place, when we share our stories and photos – we are not just supporting that destination. We are also financially, physically and energetically supporting the systems, policies, values, and government of that place.

So travel can be a very powerful way to vote with your passport, your money and your principles – especially when it’s done as a mass movement. When it comes to fighting oppression, racism, patriarchy, and authoritarianism, every single person’s voice counts. Right now we have been watching in real time as far-right extremism grows around the world supported by dangerous men with far too much power and influence behind their beliefs and goals which will harm millions globally. We’ve been witnessing a rise of not just far-right politics but also just generally a rapid rise in anti-women, anti-DEI, anti-immigrant, anti-trans policies, Christian Nationalism, and threats to democracy which are not limited to just America.

Christian Nationalism and far-right beliefs have continuously been overlooked or downplayed because it’s mediocre white men doing the terrorism. I believe that we all have an innate responsibility whether we live in the U.S. or not to stay educated on every bad thing that they do, and fight back in whatever ways we can.

It’s more important than ever to stay informed and intentional.

This space is here to explore those intersections – between travel, politics, human rights and justice – and to empower us as solo travellers to make conscious choices and take decisive actions that align with the future we want to see in the world.