Vacationer of the Week: Katja Gehrmann

Our Vacationer of the week is a female solo traveler Katja Gehrmann. We normally ask our vacationers their formal titles, but she told us, “A free bird doesn’t need a title,” and we couldn’t agree more! 

Gehrmann – yes, that is her real surname – was born in a small town in Germany but lives in Leipzig, Germany when she isn’t traveling around the world. We caught up with the 33-year-old globetrotter to ask what advice she would offer to other solo LGBTQ+ travelers and what other places are still on her travel bucket list. She also gives us details about her personal experiences traveling in Southeast Asia as a lesbian traveler. 

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip? 

Katja Gehrmann: I traveled a lot with my parents in Europe, but you don’t need a passport to go to other countries in Europe. I received my first passport when I was 20. It was the same year I went on my first solo trip to London, which was a great step for me because I’m scared of flying and this was my first time getting on a plane. 

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

In 2011, I traveled alone to Australia for half a year and explored the country in an off-road vehicle. Being in nature all the time and waking up in a different place in a tent every morning was an unforgettable adventure for me as a fan of the outdoors. On my return flight, I had a stopover in Bangkok. The city totally overwhelmed me from the start, and yet, I immediately felt connected to Southeast Asian culture and knew that I wanted to come back. 

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel. If so, how? 

I identify as a lesbian. There were also times when I stumbled more and sometimes even referred to myself as a demigirl (someone who partially identifies as a woman or girl). And of course, that also influences my travel behavior. I am still in the privileged position of being a white cis woman. I am aware of this privilege, especially when traveling. And at the same time, I have limits. 

I moved a lot outside of my comfort zone in other countries and fortunately, I find it easy to adapt. At the same time, there are countries that I cannot visit because I would not feel safe as a queer person, but also as a woman traveling alone. 

When I’m in countries with different cultures, I’m also often asked if I’m a woman or a man. The question is of course fundamentally difficult, but in phases of life in which I struggled a lot with my identity, these were also ‘triggers’ that I had to deal with. It still happens to me a lot now, but I can deal with it better now. That’s why it’s important for me to always find safe queer spaces and people where I can exchange feelings when I travel. 

So, I actually look for such spaces in every country and in most places which is important for me as a solo lesbian female traveler. 

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? 

I haven’t been to countries where homosexuality is illegal and that’s where I also have some limits to travel. But in Southeast Asia, I have always felt safe as a queer person and have always found queer spaces and met queer locals and travelers. My next destination is Malaysia. Homosexuality is still illegal there. Maybe you can ask me about it again in two months. 

*Homosexuality may not be illegal in some places Katja visited, but some countries like Vietnam do not provide LGBTQ+ protections for discrimination (employment, housing, etc.) or recognize same-sex marriage. As always, LGBTQ+ travelers should thoroughly research their desired destination(s) before visiting them.

What inspires you to travel as a solo female traveler and not as a couple or group? 

As a solo female traveler, I’ve also traveled with other people even when I travel alone. I always find travel buddies with whom I can temporarily travel together. But I enjoy traveling alone, too. I have also found that it is much easier to come into contact with people on your own and thus have many more inspiring encounters. Also, I don’t always have to coordinate and make compromises. Going with the flow is simply easier alone than with others. 

What advice or travel tips would you give to a lesbian or queer woman who wants to travel the world alone that you wish someone had given you? 

I can’t give general advice to everyone. Our community is too diverse, and every single person has their own needs. As a queer person in some countries, you have to make compromises or move or work outside of your comfort zones or safe spaces. Everyone should determine for themselves what surroundings they need to feel comfortable in when traveling, and then select a travel destination(s). However, I have found that even in countries where homosexual marriage is not legalized or where homosexuality is still seen as an illness; tolerance in everyday life is still high. Of course, our visibility and the number of queer spaces differ sometimes. 

What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting where your hometown or when they visit where you currently live? 

Leipzig is very queer-friendly. You’ll feel comfortable in many places there. You should definitely have a drink at Pixi, a great and diverse queer bar that also hosts various events regularly. There are also many events, especially for people in the FLINTA (a German acronym that stands for women, lesbians, inter, non-binary, trans, and agender people) spectrum, that are more underground and only promoted through local networks. Just reach out to me if you’re planning a trip and want more info about the queer scene in Leipzig. 

What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why? 

Myanmar
I feel blessed to have been able to travel to Myanmar twice. I’ve been there once shortly after the borders officially opened for tourism and again a few years later. It was an incredible experience to travel in such a traditional country and at the same time I have never felt so safe while traveling. The people were very helpful at all times, and I was always immediately given a room near the reception without asking. I am deeply affected by what is happening to the people of Myanmar because of the war right now. 

Vietnam
I also fell in love with the people and the culture in Vietnam. The country’s regions (north, south, and central) are very different from one another. I also made a few good friends there. Usually, the ease of meeting new people has a great influence on how I feel in a country. 

Australia 
In Australia, I learned to appreciate the country’s diverse nature. The country simply has all the natural landscapes you can imagine, and it is very easy to travel there independently as a solo traveler. I love the mentality of the people there, too. They are very open and curious, and it always seems easy to get in connect with them. The Aussies have a classic, easy-going style.

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why? 

New Zealand – I miss individual travel in nature and New Zealand just has so much to offer. 

Laos – I suspect that culturally Laos is somewhere between Myanmar and Vietnam and if they are among my top 3, Laos can only rank there too. 

Peru – I’ve never been to South America, and I really want to go there and see the stunning landscapes of Peru. 

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase? 

It couldn’t be more obvious but of course my phone. I am traveling without a laptop and other devices. My phone is my camera, it connects me with the world, it helps me plan my trips and I can share my experiences and impressions of places in real-time with anyone interested. I’ve had great conversations for hours that thanks to the use of Translator and Maps apps since we didn’t speak the same language. And fortunately, the mobile connection is better all over the world than in Germany. When I’m on the phone with family and friends and we have a bad connection, it’s usually not because of my connection. 

You’re going on a road trip or a long-haul flight. What singer or band is always on your playlist? 

The wonderful Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and Glass Animals