Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

In December 2023, I found myself lying on my hotel bed in Istanbul, pondering a trip I'd been considering for the past two years: Saudi Arabia. Friends, family, and coworkers had often expressed their fears about traveling there, especially as a woman. The treatment of women and the perceived dangers of solo travel in Saudi Arabia dominated their concerns. Yet, my rebellious spirit, always questioning and seeking the truth for myself, propelled me to finally take the plunge.

I've always believed that people's warnings often reflect their fears, learned biases, or attempts to manipulate perceptions. This mindset has driven me to verify things first-hand, and this trip was no exception. As I sat in my hotel room, a mix of excitement and anxiety churned within me. Despite years of solo travel, I still felt those familiar butterflies whenever I embarked on a new journey. But instead of letting fear hold me back, I acted.