A travel influencer proved her “sexist doubters” wrong by driving to six countries in just a week.
Karolina Wachowicz declared afterwards: “Now I know that stereotype about women drivers is truly nonsense.”
The 35-year-old travelled through six European countries in seven days in an old VW Polo.
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The influencer set off from her home in Barcelona, Spain, to Marseille in southern France on the first day.
“I got into my worn-out Volkswagen Polo after work and, with a packed suitcase, set off on my journey from Barcelona,” Karolina told Need To Know.
“It was cold, it was pouring, and my mind was racing with thoughts like ‘Am I really going to make it?’
“I wanted to see what it was like to be a woman on her own on the highway, behind the wheel, in the dark, in the driving rain.
“Stunning views and a whole host of unexpected adventures awaited me.
“The road through France, especially at the beginning, wasn’t nearly as picturesque as it looks in the movies.
“I got lost in the dark, my phone died, and I had to come off the motorway to find a place to charge it.
“I ended up at a factory on the outskirts of Marseille.”
She added: “Luckily, someone was kind enough to help me charge my phone and give me directions to the hotel.”
Karolina admitted she got her first taste of male chauvinism on the road earlier that day.
“I heard car horns honking repeatedly on the highway.
“Seeing a woman behind the wheel, men apparently wanted to let me know that I was going too slow.
“The stress was eating away at me.”
Karolina, who originally comes from Kraków, Poland, added: “I recharged my battery – both mine and my phone’s – and continued my journey the next morning.”
Next up, the influencer arrived in the Principality of Monaco, the world’s second smallest independent state after the Vatican.
She said: “I felt like I was in a video game – the cars were shiny and awe-inspiring, almost made for the sole purpose of impressing others.
“Monaco was bustling with life, and I was surrounded by people from all over the world.
“The cleanliness of the streets was striking, and the elegant buildings emphasised the unique character of the place.
“I felt not only comfortable there, but also safe.”
Karolina added: “However, I only allowed myself coffee and a salad, which was beyond my budget anyway.
“A small bowl cost me about £17.”
Karolina said she then returned to France for the night to save paying a huge hotel fee in Monaco.
She ventured into Italy the following morning.
“I discovered Fuipiano on the map by accident,” she said. “It’s a small Italian village nestled among the hills.
“A steep, narrow road led to my spa hotel. The owners were very kind, and I caught my breath and rested for what seemed like the first time since I set off.
“Italy is very diverse financially. The charming spa where I stayed cost around £145 for three days, with a delicious breakfast included.
“However, if I had expected the same conditions in Rome, I would have paid several times more.”
Continuing on her journey, Karolina then entered “captivating” Switzerland.
“The road through the mountains led higher and higher, snow all around, and I could feel the pressure difference in my ears,” she said.
“Everything looked simply beautiful, but you had to stay alert – the road was very slippery in places.
“There were moments when I was truly afraid my small car wouldn’t cope in the conditions.
“Despite my fear, I stopped several times along the way to catch my breath – and to take photos.
“Switzerland gave me images I won’t forget anytime soon: snow, mountains reaching for the sky, and majestic landscapes.
“It was here, on one of the highest passes, that I suddenly decided to visit Liechtenstein as well.
“It was almost on the way anyway.
“But Lichtenstein made an average impression on me.
“It was expensive, modern, and tidy, a bit like the set of a bank advert.
“A few photos, a quick coffee, and then the descent towards Austria.”
The influencer visited several areas in the country’s westernmost state of Vorarlberg, but she was already beginning to think about her final destination: Paris.
She said: “Austria welcomed me with silence and gentle trails, perfect for a solo ride.
“But the French capital was getting closer.
“Finally, after a week of struggle, ups and downs, and a few moments of utter panic, I arrived in Paris.
“I expected to be disappointed, as I usually am with large European cities, but I was genuinely impressed.
“Sure, there were a few dodgy neighbourhoods, but the city’s overall charm completely won me over.”
Karolina said she spent around £600 for the entire trip, including food, petrol, and hotels.
She asked herself: “Was it worth it? Absolutely!
“If someone had told me earlier how much courage and determination it takes to drive across Europe solo in a week, I probably wouldn’t have believed it.
“Now I know that stereotype about women drivers is truly nonsense.
“And that it’s worth taking a solo trip, especially if you’re a woman.
“No matter what people say, it’s good to test yourself on your own terms.”
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