The past two weeks I have been traveling around the country, alone. I have gone state to state, visiting different friends and it was definitely a great way to kick off the summer.

There is a great stigma surrounding traveling alone, especially as a woman. Most people will sight safety concerns, I have been asked, "do you think it is really wise for you to go out all on your own?"

My response to this criticism is, "why the heck not?" I am a smart, capable young woman, I can change a tire, check my oil, survive in foreign countries and have a pretty handy thing called common sense. I am not inviting danger, I am not going clubbing by myself. I am exploring the country, visiting some of my best friends and benefiting from their generous hospitality.

I am a young woman, I am extremely capable, and I'll be damned if I let anything stop me from exploring.

Another criticism I often hear is that people do not like to do things alone. "Arn't you bored walking around by yourself? Don't you feel awkward sitting at restaurants by yourself?"

Frankly, no. Sometimes there is nothing better than wandering a museum by yourself, you set your own pace, you get to concentrate more on how the art or exhibits make you feel, and less on how your friends might be perceiving them. And although I love going out to dinner with friends, it is so refreshing to sit alone and simply enjoy a meal with your own thoughts, and you get to indulge in a little people watching.

So to all the young women out there, yearning to explore, yet afraid to strike out on their own, I challenge you. Do it. See it all. Be careful, and smart, but do not let anything stop you from seeing all the world has to offer.