Think hitchhiking across 25 countries as a woman is dangerous? Think again.

Meet Ana Lucas, also known as The Sustainable Backpacker, a solo female traveler currently hitchhiking from Portugal to Australia.

That’s 25 countries, 14,000 kilometers, and an epic journey that defies the media narrative about the dangers of traveling alone as a woman.

In this episode, host Kim Anderson learns how Ana's her open-hearted approach to slow, sustainable travel has not only brought her across continents, but into contact with the kindness of strangers, the depth of her own courage, and a version of the world that’s very different from the one we often see on the news.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a big leap, challenging the status quo, or just seeing what happens when you trust humanity and follow your gut, Ana’s story will light a fire in you.

From her mindset and practical tips for hitchhiking to the quiet moments of clarity she’s had on the road, this conversation is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and inspiration.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• What it’s really like to hitchhike solo as a woman across 25 countries
• The safety tools Ana swears by and how to tune into your intuition
• The key to meaningful long-term travel.

This episode is for anyone who’s craving a deeper kind of journey, questioning the fear-based narratives we’re often sold, or secretly dreaming about that one wild adventure they can’t stop thinking about.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Anna on Instagram & YouTube
• ⚡️ ROUND BOOK: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

EPISODE DETAILS:

05:44 - A journey isn’t just about getting somewhere

11:23 - If you’re interested in long-term travel

13:56 - One of the most important ways to stay safe

28:31 - Bravery is as simple as

29:35 - If there’s an idea in your head and heart

WANT MORE Stories from Solo Female Travelers?

Try these episodes:

• How to Handle Foreign Privilege and Unwanted Attention Abroad - Solo Female Travel Tips #122
• Traveling Syria: A Solo Female Traveler’s Unfiltered Journey #146
• Wander Woman: Empowering Women to Travel Solo - The Ins & Outs of Solo Female Travel #10

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