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For some people, the idea of traveling alone may seem less than ideal. But for those who’ve found friends, family and loved ones waiting to save enough money, enough PTO, or the group trip they’ve been talking about for years, solo travel can seem like the only option. An option to make sure you don’t hold back from seeing the world.
Still, traveling alone can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before, and it can definitely be overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared. That’s where Keem Smith comes in.
Tired of waiting for others, Smith, known as a passport abuser, died in 2011. She started traveling solo in 2017. Since then, she’s created workshops to help other women learn how to get in and out of solo vacations, and how to do it without too much time. Losing all your PTO, ways to hire a photographer to capture your favorite moments, and most importantly, equipment that works safely. She has made millions with her masterclasses.
These days, she works with Teachable, a leading online course platform for creators. She is a very popular solo travel creator, and solo travel courses are becoming more popular on the site due to the pandemic. Only in the spring they are close to 15 percent all of them Travel course registrations for the site.
Smith shared with ESSENCE why she embarked on the solo journey, why many others are flocking to it since the onset of Covid, and tips to keep in mind if you’re ready to hit the friendship skies on your own. Learn more about her adventures and enjoy her pictures.
01
What was your first experience with solo travel?
In the year I took my first solo trip to Paris in the summer of 2017, after being kidnapped by two friends on vacation. I decided to travel alone because my friends couldn’t afford to travel with me, they didn’t have any flexibility at work, or they had family obligations. Traveling on my own felt like the only way forward- either I was going to live a life of regret, or get out there and if all else failed, at least pat myself on the back for trying.
Courtesy of Kim Smith
02
How did that translate into your course(s) and business?
I never really thought I would turn my life experiences into an income stream or an online course. I never thought that creating a course on the topic of solo travel would be profitable. At that time, I was the only woman in the world with a passion for travel. But once I started posting photos and videos of my solo trips, thousands of women asked how I could prepare, embark on, and enjoy my first solo trip. I started teaching women around the world my nine-week system for taking your first solo trip. In one year, my course has helped nearly nine thousand women from 14 different countries and raised $1.1 million.
Courtesy of Kim Smith
03
Why do you think we are seeing such a big increase in solo travel courses lately?
Two words: revenge journey. After surviving a global pandemic that changed the world, cabin fever is at an all-time high and people are looking for a vacation from the past two years. Most new solo travelers find going solo a better option than waiting for their third summer to experience Capri. If you are someone who has decided to travel solo, the best thing to do is to prepare.
Courtesy of Kim Smith
04
Over the past year or so, have there been any big trends or patterns you’ve heard from your students that motivated them to take your course or why they’re interested in solo travel?
I get hundreds of calls a day from women who report their biggest reason for choosing to travel alone, because they are fed up with waiting on their friends, or come together with a real romantic relationship, before they experience the world.
Courtesy of Kim Smith
05
See any patterns with who is signing up for your solo travel course? Is it young people, old people, everyone?
I see people of all ages starting their solo travel journey. From women in their 30s who are tired of waiting for their friends to women in their 60s who are retired and empty nesters. What all the women in my community have in common is that they are in a place of transition. They know they are not meant to live ordinary lives. They want to see the world. They want to overcome their fear. They want to make themselves proud. But most importantly, they are looking for a one-on-one coach as they begin their process.
Courtesy of Kim Smith
06
What are your top tips for people thinking of starting their solo travel chapter?
The most important thing to consider with solo female travel is safety. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program when traveling abroad. The STEP program allows you to register your entire itinerary with US embassies in the countries you are visiting. Another thing I recommend is to share your location with a friend or family member and give them a copy of your trip. This way, you can keep track of your commute and activities throughout the day. Another interesting tip is to search for a photographer in each country on Airbnb, in the Experiences section. This way you get great photos without asking a stranger.
Courtesy of Kim Smith
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