Last updated on June 15th, 2024
Featured image: Get your red boots ready! Our 30th anniversary celebration kicks off in Toronto on June 14 / Photo via Envato
Honouring 30 years of solo women’s travel
JourneyWoman’s 30th anniversary celebrations officially kick off in Toronto, Canada on June 14, 2024. We’re starting with a special event at the Bata Shoe Museum, from 1-3 pm ET, to honour Evelyn Hannon and her iconic red boots.
“Toronto is where Evelyn lived, and where JourneyWoman began, so it makes sense to start here,” says Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman CEO. “Evelyn loved shoes, fashion and all things red, so we’re inviting eveyrone to join us in their favourite red outfits and boots to celebrate her impact on our lives and on women’s travel. Without Evelyn, many believe there would be no women’s solo travel industry. So many women were inspired by her courage, not only to travel, but to start their own websites and blogs. She was the first.”
There’s more to come this year, including the launch of the JourneyWoman Foundation in June, the recipients of the JourneyWoman Awards for Women Over 50 in September, and a special 30th Anniversary trip to South Africa In November. To see all the activities we’re planning, please visit this page.
Bata Shoe Museum Event in Toronto – June 14, 2024, Open house 1- 3 pm ET
Evelyn Hannon, the original JourneyWoman / Photo credit Evelyn Hannon
Carolyn Ray at the Bata Museum with Evelyn’s boots in 2020 / Photo credit Carolyn Ray
Join us for a special celebration in Toronto
Four years ago, Evelyn’s iconic red boots were accepted into the Bata Shoe Museum‘s permanent collection, as a symbol of women’s empowerment and Canadian ingenuity. Evelyn started JourneyWoman in 1994 and is regarded by women in the travel industry as one of the first solo female travel writers in the world. Recognized for her dedication and her role in empowering women to travel safely, she was particularly beloved by older women who saw her as a source of inspiration at a time when women didn’t travel alone and lacked female travel mentors.
“We appreciate the story of Evelyn’s boots and how they manifest one woman’s dream to inspire and empower women,“ said Nishi Bassi, Manager of Exhibitions and Assistant Curator, the Bata Shoe Museum. “We strive to showcase footwear that is unique, memorable and leaves its mark on the world, and we are excited about this donation.”
Come to our open house between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, tour the Bata Museum Exhibit and connect with other JourneyWomen. This is an open house, so come anytime between 1:00 pm and 3:00 p.m. Wear your favourite boots and something red! And if you have any newsletters from the past, bring those too!
Reduced tickets are available but need to be confirmed and purchased in advance. The deadline to RSVP is May 24.
Carolyn Ray and Evelyn’s daughter Erica Ehm with Evelyn’s iconic red boots and an original JourneyWoman Magazine / Photo credit Carolyn Ray
Meet Joy Fox, JourneyWoman Evelyn Hannon Solo Travel Award recipient
In addition to celebrating Evelyn and JourneyWoman, Joy Fox, 89, our first JourneyWoman Evelyn Hannon Solo Travel Award recipient is joining us from British Columbia.
Fox’s boundless energy is astonishing, and her ability to share a story that helps you feel connected is legendary. As a member of the JourneyWoman community since 2005, Fox first travelled solo in 1956 from England to Italy, a story she shared in an article she penned called Healing After Heartbreak in June 2020. While that trip didn’t turn out as expected, it instilled in her the confidence to travel solo — she’s never looked back since.
“I’m never lonely when I travel solo,” she says. “I talk, smile and ask questions. I think there is great freedom in being a solo traveller and I plan to keep going and see everything.”
Joy Fox in 2023 / Photo provided by Joy Fox
Special thanks to our 30th anniversary sponsors and supporters
To learn more about Toronto, visit our Toronto City Guide here.
More on our 30th Anniversary
Celebrating JourneyWoman’s Anniversary and 30 Years of Women’s Solo Travel
JourneyWoman readers, partners, family and friends gathered to honour founder Evelyn Hannon at JourneyWoman’s 30th Anniversary in Toronto.
30 of the Best Solo Travel Tips from Readers (April 2024)
JourneyWoman readers share their best solo travel tips from April 2024, including packing, safety and inspiring places to visit as a 50+ woman.
10 Women-Friendly Places to Stay in Cape Town, South Africa (From Women Who Live There)
Recommended places to stay in Cape Town South Africa, from our Women’s Travel Directory, including boutique, luxury and well-known hotels.
JourneyWoman Staff
Follow JourneyWoman for curated articles, tips, news and content from our community and our partners.
I so enjoy your excellent articles. Congratulations on your 30th anniversary. May this be your best year yet.