1. Iran
It’s full of surprises, super friendly and welcoming, and not as intimidating for a solo woman traveller as one might expect, so it’s definitely at the top of my list. You can read more about my adventures there in my latest book, Revolutionary Ride.
2. America
I love America for a road trip. Especially if it’s your first time, do the west coast – something like Highway One through California. Americans are up there with Iranians as the most friendly, hospitable people. People are very open, very welcoming and it’s a great place to be a woman on a bike – there are loads of women riders and a big culture of female bike clubs.
3. Mexico
A real highlight for me – wonderful riding, great food, really friendly people and lots of fascinating architecture and design. I’m really into ceramics and tiles so I loved all of that too.
4. Argentina
A diverse and very interesting country. Buenos Aires is an amazing city, really cosmopolitan. There’s a brilliant flea market too. I shop all the time when I’m away – cram stuff into my panniers, then have to send it all home. Oh, and I love the horses, and there are a lot of handsome gauchos!
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5. Angola
I had a really wonderful time in Angola. I went after the big civil war, which had just ended after 27 years, and people were so lovely, so warm and happy to see foreign visitors again. I remember an old man hugging me in the street and saying, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
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– TEXT BY HANNAH STUART-LEACH
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
