We're pulling past episodes from the archives to highlight Women's History Month! This episode was originally published in October 2022.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel like a great historical adventurer? Today, I'm joined by Elise Wortley, a journalist on a mission to, quite literally, walk in the shoes of some of history's most fierce female explorers.
After reading Alexandra David-Néel's book My Journey to Lhasa at age 16 (and again at 28), Elise was left with many questions about the trials and tribulations Alexandra must have faced being a female traveler in the early 1900s. In search of answers, she set off to India to follow in the author's footsteps, using only items that would have been available during the original journey - a yak wool coat and wooden backpack.
This trip has snowballed into multiple adventures sprinkled throughout the globe, bringing history to life and giving these past explorers the recognition they deserve.
Elise shares epic stories from her travels (like traveling through the Valley of the Assasins) and describes what it was like to travel without modern luxuries. She talks about what it took to get started on her first journey, the important lessons she's learned along the way, and so much more.
Which modern technology do you think would be the hardest to give up when traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.
Premium Passport:
- Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!
Why female adventurers lack the same recognition as their male counterpartsHow Elise conducts her research How she found her passion and inspiration for her first adventureWhat it felt like to wear historical clothing and how others reactedHow traveling without technology will change your relationship with your phoneWhy adventure is for anyone and everyone and why you should embrace your weirdnessHighlights from traveling through the Valley of The Assasins in IranAdvice for anyone who is looking to do something different with their livesHow Elise’s projects help fund charities and what’s nextAnd so much moreJoin Zero To Travel Premium PassportSign up for our FREE newsletterWant to travel with me to Morocco? Sign up for more info!Check out Woman with AltitudeLearn more about EliseFollow Elise on InstagramRead the Atlas Obscura articleGet your copy of My Journey to Lhasa (the book that changed Elise's life)Independent Travel as a Female in Afghanistan, Hitchhiking Iraq, and Ex-Pat Life in Sudan with Jacquelyn KunzA Race Around the World, Meeting Strangers Abroad, and Storytelling With Adrien BehnThe Only Woman To Walk Around The World: Inspiring Female Adventurers Series with Polly LetofskyUS Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card - Get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days.
Nissan - There's no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.
Wise - Wise can help you send, spend, and receive internationally without the hidden fees or exchange rate markups. Learn how Wise can work for you by downloading the app or visiting www.wise.com/travel.
AeroPress - Say yes to better mornings fueled by better coffee. Visit aeropress.com/zerototravel to save 20% off your order.