🖨️ Printable Version of this Travel Guide
Looking for inspiration for your next solo adventure or seeking practical advice for traveling as a woman? Here’s a curated collection of travel books that speak directly to the female traveler’s experience, offering both practical wisdom and captivating storytelling. The links in blue take you to the book details and reviews at Goodreads.com.
Safety and Security for Women Who Travel by Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer
This practical guide addresses the specific concerns of female travelers, offering concrete advice on everything from choosing accommodations to handling harassment. While encouraging women to explore the world, it provides essential safety tips and strategies for maintaining security without sacrificing adventure.
Top Review: “An invaluable resource that strikes the perfect balance between encouraging exploration and promoting safety. The practical advice is grounded in real-world experience and has helped me feel more confident in my solo travels.” – Jessica M.
Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman by Alice Steinbach
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alice Steinbach takes a sabbatical from her regular life to travel through Europe, rediscovering herself along the way. Her elegant memoir combines cultural observations with personal reflection, showing how solo travel can help us reconnect with our independent selves.
Top Review: “Steinbach’s gentle wisdom and keen observations make this book a joy to read. Her journey inspires readers to consider their own potential for independence and adventure, regardless of age or circumstance.” – Patricia L.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Following the death of her mother and the end of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed embarks on a life-changing 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. With no previous hiking experience, she faces physical challenges, encounters with wildlife, and most importantly, a journey of self-discovery. This raw and honest memoir shows how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to profound personal transformation.
Top Review: “A powerful, blazingly honest memoir: the story of an 1100-mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe – and built her back up again. The book is a journey of both body and soul, beautifully capturing the physical and emotional challenges of finding yourself in the wilderness.” – Sarah M.
Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman
At age forty-eight, Rita Golden Gelman left her privileged life in Los Angeles to embrace a life of perpetual travel. This inspiring memoir chronicles her adventures across cultures, from living in a Zapotec village in Mexico to studying orangutans in Borneo. It’s a testament to how it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and find your place in the world.
Top Review: “This book changed my perspective on travel forever. Gelman shows us that authentic connections with local communities are possible at any age, and that true cultural immersion leads to the richest travel experiences.” – Rebecca L.
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
A hilarious and honest memoir from a television writer who spent her thirties traveling the world during her colleagues’ off-seasons. Newman’s adventures from Argentina to Israel offer a refreshing perspective on choosing a different path than the traditional marriage-and-kids route, while still leaving room for love and romance along the way.
Top Review: “Laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely touching, Newman’s stories remind us that there’s no ‘right’ way to live your life. Her adventures prove that following your own path can lead to the most rewarding experiences.” – Lauren T.
A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe edited by Faith Conlon
This collection of travel essays features stories from women who have traversed the globe solo. From scaling mountains to navigating busy marketplaces, these diverse accounts provide insight into the unique challenges and rewards of female solo travel, while addressing common concerns and celebrating the freedom of independent exploration.
Top Review: “An empowering anthology that showcases the breadth of experiences available to women who dare to travel alone. Each story offers a unique perspective and practical insights that will inspire any woman considering solo travel.” – Maria K.
The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Friedman
Rachel Friedman’s transformation from a cautious good girl to an adventurous traveler begins with a summer trip to Ireland. This leads to a year of exploration across three continents, challenging her assumptions about life and her own capabilities. Her story speaks to anyone who’s ever felt the urge to break free from expectations and explore the unknown.
Top Review: “Friedman’s journey from anxious beginner to confident explorer is both relatable and inspiring. Her honest account of overcoming fears and finding herself through travel resonates long after the last page.” – Emily W.
Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents by Elisabeth Eaves
This memoir chronicles fifteen years of global adventures, examining how travel shapes our relationships with others and ourselves. Eaves explores the complex intersection of romance, adventure, and self-discovery, while questioning what drives us to keep moving and how travel affects our ability to create lasting connections.
Top Review: “A beautifully written exploration of the transformative power of travel. Eaves captures the intoxicating pull of wanderlust while honestly addressing its impact on personal relationships and life choices.” – Sophie H.
The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents, One Unconventional Detour Around the World by Jennifer Baggett
Three successful New York professionals leave their jobs to embark on a year-long journey around the world together. This collaborative memoir explores friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of long-term travel, while offering a realistic look at both the highs and lows of extended adventures.
Top Review: “A heartwarming testament to the power of friendship and travel to transform lives. The three different perspectives offer something for everyone, making it both entertaining and relatable.” – Amanda P.
A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit
While not strictly a travel book, this philosophical exploration of the concept of getting lost offers valuable insights for travelers. Solnit’s essays examine how embracing uncertainty and allowing ourselves to be lost can lead to unexpected discoveries and personal growth.
Top Review: “Solnit’s profound meditation on the art of getting lost will change how you think about travel and exploration. Her poetic prose and deep insights make this a must-read for thoughtful travelers.” – Claire D.
I hope this collection of travel books has sparked your wanderlust and given you some wonderful reading material for your next journey! Each of these books offers unique insights into the female travel experience, whether you’re planning your first solo trip or are already a seasoned explorer.
Remember, every great adventure starts with a single step – or in this case, perhaps with turning the first page of one of these inspiring books. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, personal stories, or just a dose of travel inspiration, these books will be your faithful companions on your journey.
Safe travels and happy reading!
