Fearless and free – Byron writer features in new Lonely Planet book

BYRON Bay travel writer Sarah Reid has shared her solo travel experiences in Bahrain in a new Lonely Planet book.

It’s one of 30 inspiring stories by female writers about the highs and lows of journeying around the globe by themselves in Women Travel Solo, which also offers practical tips for those planning their own adventures.

Reid, who has been to more than 130 countries, said she loves visiting under-the-radar destinations that she hasn’t seen all over the travel press or social media.

“I enjoy travelling solo in the Arabian Gulf countries as they are generally quite safe and clean, English is widely spoken and I receive very little unwanted attention as a female traveller,” she said.

“Bahrain is quite compact so it’s easy to get around and there’s plenty to see on a short visit.”

Reid, who was born and raised in Byron Bay, studied a Bachelor of Arts in communications/journalism at University of Technology Sydney.

She has written for publications around the world, including National Geographic Traveller, Condé Nast Traveller and Adventure.com, and was named Travel Writer of the Year at the 2020 ASTW Awards for Excellence and Specialist Travel Writer of the Year: Emerging Destinations at the 2020 Travel Media Awards.

When she was grounded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Reid

took the opportunity to study a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Management through Central Queensland University’s Cairns campus.

“It felt like a good time to level up my knowledge and I enjoyed the opportunity to examine sustainable travel more critically,” the 41-year-old said.

Reid said she loves the freedom of solo travel and the way it opens doors to meet new people.

“I appreciate every opportunity to spotlight underrated travel styles, experiences and destinations,” she said. “Hopefully our stories will help women to feel less intimidated about solo travel and inspire them to lean into the benefits.”