She-Ra of Etheria
Well perhaps she could have heard a rumor about a particular place within her world and decided to go investigate it and see the rest of the world along the way? What that rumor was, well I'll leave that up to you, but it's an idea.
Also, airships do exist in modern times, they are just not used very much as planes, helicopters and other modes of flight are more often used. The Goodyear blimp is an airship and regularly used at sporting events.
I know there are real-world blimps, but like you said, they're not as widespread as airplanes and helicopters.
I actually got it in my mind that she comes from a town that's kinda like a mecca for airships. Once in their lives, the pilots (who are very honored and celebrated) go on a sort of... spiritual journey to a holy place that is sacred to aviators. Maybe a deity that means something to them. On the way, she could explore the different towns as her and her crew get the airship serviced/resupply/etc, exploring their cultures.
And of course, her and her crew of four could remember things about their lives too. Sort of an adventure/character development kind of story. It would be very different than my norm.