by Jess Brake, Bristol Women’s Voice Policy & Research Intern
Defying Barriers: Edwina’s Journey as a Solo Traveller with a Disability
Solo travel is an act of independence, self-discovery, and adventure—but what happens when physical barriers and societal perceptions attempt to stand in the way? In the latest instalment of Bristol Women’s Voice’s Inspiring Women Series, Edwina, a Disabled travel coach and blogger, shared her incredible journey of perseverance, adventure, and her mission to empower other women to embrace solo travel, no matter their circumstances.
Embracing Travel from a Young Age
Edwina’s passion for travel was instilled in her early on by her mother, who never let being a single parent stop her from exploring the world. At just eight years old, Edwina travelled to Madagascar to connect with her paternal heritage, an experience that not only deepened her love for travel but also shaped her adventurous spirit. Later, at age nine, she spent a year living in Yemen while her mother pursued her studies, further broadening her cultural perspective.
These early experiences gave Edwina the confidence to embark on her first solo trip at 21, venturing across Australia. Reflecting on that experience, she shared how exhilarating it was to be fully responsible for herself on the other side of the world, making every decision and navigating new environments independently. Her journey took her from Sydney to Cairns via Greyhound buses, then on to Darwin, Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne—each stop reinforcing her belief that solo travel was her true passion.
The Mongol Rally and Facing Challenges Head-On
Among her many travel adventures, one of the most remarkable was participating in the Mongol Rally—a charity event that involves driving from England to Mongolia in a small-engine car. Despite not having a driving license, Edwina joined two friends on this daring expedition, traversing through Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. The experience of wild camping under the vast Mongolian sky and navigating unexpected mechanical failures cemented her resilience and adaptability.
Adapting to Travel with a Disability
In her 30s, Edwina became disabled due to chronic illnesses, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia. While this initially presented significant challenges, her “audacious stubbornness,” as she calls it, pushed her to find new ways to keep travelling. She candidly shared her experience of realising she needed special assistance at airports—something she had initially resisted but eventually embraced as a necessary adjustment.
Navigating the world with a disability has brought both positive and negative experiences. She recounted moments of kindness from strangers and the efficiency of special assistance services in places like Gdańsk, Poland. However, she also spoke about the emotional toll of negative encounters, such as facing dismissive treatment from airport staff in Morocco and Montenegro. Through it all, she has learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a valuable tool for making travel more accessible and enjoyable.
Empowering Women Through Travel Coaching
Now, Edwina channels her passion and experience into her business, Busy Bee Travel Advice. Through her coaching services, she supports women who dream of solo travel but may feel apprehensive about taking the leap. Whether through personalised travel itineraries, ‘Ask Me Anything’ calls, or one-on-one coaching, she helps women overcome their fears and embrace the transformative power of travel.
One of the biggest lessons Edwina imparted during her talk was that life’s obstacles—whether disability, fear, or societal expectations—should never stand in the way of doing what you love. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and self-belief.
For more on Edwina’s journey and travel coaching services, find her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at Busy Bee Travel Advice.
Find our next Inspiring Women Talks here.
