English 
Discover how travel in China reminded me that humans share more in common than we think—insights for women seeking transformative midlife adventures.
One thing I learnt again on our recent trip to China was just how much more similar we are as humans than we are different. No matter where we grow up, what language we speak, or what assumptions others might hold about us, the threads of our shared humanity always shines through.
If you’ve read any of my recent updates, you’ll know we took this trip to China for a very unglamorous reason: sourcing building materials and furniture for our new home project. We wanted to explore how much we could save and whether buying from China could help stretch our slim budget just a little further. (The answers? Loads and absolutely!)
What surprised me, though, were the reactions we got before we left. Some people raised eyebrows, muttering about poor quality. Others assumed it would cost a fortune and that we must have money to burn.
But the overwhelming vibe? Suspicion.
China, to them, was “lesser,” risky, or simply unknown. And the unknown makes people uncomfortable.
But I’ve never been somebody who buys into someone else’s fears. I believe in experiencing things for myself.
Don’t prejudge – go, see, connect, discover. Then form an opinion
Still, I carried a little of that suspicion with me. The complicated visa process didn’t help, and neither did the warnings about language barriers or navigating trains in a country where the alphabet was entirely unfamiliar.
But the moment we arrived, that invisible armour I’d built up began to melt. And what we found could not have been further from the stereotypes.
The Human Moments That Change Everything
We are all more alike than we are different. And it showed up in ways that were small, ordinary, but beautifully human.
The Gym Bunny
One day, our sourcing guide, Amy, seemed uncomfortable during a discussion about staircases. We were worried we’d done something wrong or culturally inappropriate.
Her response? “No, I’m just sore from overdoing it in the gym last night!” A small, human truth that could have happened anywhere in the world.
The Free-Meal Fan
At the window manufacturer, our salesman Dee asked whether we’d like to break for lunch. When we hesitated, his face dropped in a way that truly transcends all cultural boundaries.
We quickly said yes — not because we were hungry, but because we didn’t want to ruin his day. It turned out he hadn’t had breakfast and lunch was not only sacred in China… but expensable!
Two mains and dessert later, it was a universal story of anticipation, delight and making the most of the company credit card. Tell me that’s not universal!
The Patient Parent
In Shanghai, our interpreter David talked about his 17-year-old son. “How is parenting at that age in China?” We asked.
He rolled his eyes. “He doesn’t listen to me. Maybe when he was 10… but now? No chance.”
If that’s not a global parenting truth, I don’t know what is!
Travel Reminds Us: We Are All Human
Whether you’re aching from a workout, exasperated by a teenager, or excited to charge lunch to expenses, you are living the exact same human experience as someone on the other side of the world.
Wherever you choose to go in the world, travel strips away the illusion of “otherness.” It reminds us of our shared stories, our shared struggles, our shared joys. And as a woman in midlife — as we expand, evolve, and rediscover who we are — these reminders matter.
They ground us. They soften us. They open us up to deeper connection, empathy, and confidence.
If You’re Craving a Transformative Travel Experience…
Let your next journey be guided by curiosity, not fear. By connection, not assumptions. By a belief that the world is full of people just like you — trying, learning, laughing, aching, striving, dreaming.
Because we are all more alike than we are different. And travel is the most powerful way to remember that.
So, {{ subscriber.first_name }}, when was the last time you connected with someone on your travels, realising that no matter what cultural upbringing they had, below the surface, we are all the same? Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a road trip filled with wild beauty, coastal drama, and true freedom, Scotland’s North Coast 500 delivers it all. This 516-mile loop around the northern Highlands is often called “Scotland’s answer to Route 66,” but really, it’s something entirely its own. Expect rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, tiny villages, ancient castles, and winding single-track roads that make you feel like you’re driving along the edge of the world. It’s the kind of journey that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply fall in love with the road again.
Last week, I failed to mention that I put out a NEW VIDEO, finally documenting this full epic journey. I have split it into 3 parts and you can see Part 1, the west coast HERE (wild coastline, sweeping beaches, ancient castles) and use THIS LINK for Part 2, the north coast (turquoise waters, haunted caves, northern landmarks). Next week is the final part, so stay tuned for more.
Also, as you know I have been doing loads of work behind the scenes on my YouTube channel and here are a few more of my new playlists that you may want to check out:
Female Solo Travel Over 40 | Tips, Hacks and Destinations
Puerto Rico Solo Travel | Tips, Itineraries and Inspiration
Solo Hiking for Women | Tips, Inspiration and Amazing Trails
Singapore Adventures | What To Do In Singapore
Solo Iceland Trip | Travel for Women Over 50
North Coast 500 Scotland | Dream Drive Around the NC500
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Until next time,
Safe Travels
Sue x
This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.
More of my Adventures…
Video Playlist – North Coast 500 – Dream Drice Around the NC500
Video Playlist – Puerto Rico Solo Travel – Tips, Itineraries and Inspiration
Video Playlist – Solo Hiking for Women – Tips, inspiration and Amazing Trails
And finally, just for you…Receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay
🏠 For accommodation, I use Expedia and Booking.com primarily. They have their own loyalty schemes which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🚶♀️ For walking and food tours (two of my favourite things to do anywhere), I recommend Walks and Devour Tours.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wingyou can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.
🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanneror join Jacks Flight Clubwhich scans the internet for error fares (UK only).
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce
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