What’s it like to be an American woman traveling solo in Pakistan?

This week, host Kim Anderson chats with Samantha Shae, an American who met her Pakistani husband while traveling solo through the breathtaking Hunza Valley.

Now married and living in his home region, Samantha shares her unique perspective on daily life in Pakistan, navigating cultural differences, and how speaking Urdu has helped her connect with the local community.

In this episode, you’ll hear all about what it’s really like to be a solo female traveler in Pakistan, from safety tips to understanding societal norms.

Samantha offers practical advice for those interested in visiting Pakistan, along with a candid look at the warm hospitality and genuine kindness of the people. Her life as part of a Pakistani family provides an insider's view into a culture that many travelers overlook.

Samantha founded Intentional Detours, a travel company offering group trips to Pakistan’s most beautiful and remote regions to help share her love of the country and its people.

Listen in to hear Samantha’s story of love and adventure, and why she believes Pakistan is a must-see destination for solo travelers.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• Cultural norms that make it safe to use public transportation as a woman traveling solo
• Life with 5 hours of electricity per day
• Hike breathtaking trails without another traveler in site
• Cultural differences throughout different regions of Pakistan
• Perception versus Reality of life in Pakistan

RESOURCES:
Connect with Samantha & Intentional Detours: Website, Instagram, YouTube
How Pakistan Changed my Life is the video referenced in the interview.

EPISODE DETAILS:
7:19 - You will experience the kindest people

10:05 - Foreign privilege as a sole female traveler

13:38 - Travel on public transportation with safety

17:30 - You won't accidentally wade into an unsafe place

23:35 - Pakistan is a nation that has many different cultural norms

40:10 - Extra power banks

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