A trip alone, setting out into the wild world, eager and ready for all that might come, is not a newly desired experience for the modern woman. However, in the past decade solo female travel has become more widely celebrated (something we’re very fortunate and grateful for). But who do we have to thank for the mass population’s acceptance of adventuring women? Those that tell their stories from the road. Today, we’re sharing ten of our favorite inspiring solo travel books written by women who dare to share their tales of discovery, acceptance and misadventure.
Made for any woman needing an extra push or a little inspiration for their own adventures alone, here are ten books that will encourage any woman to travel solo.
Dame Traveler: Live the Spirit of Adventure
Combining breathtaking collection of the unseen images of the women within the Dame Traveler community, empowering messages and planning tips for female travelers and secret recommendations – “Dame Traveler: Live The Spirit Of Adventure” is a coffee table photo book you’ll love to sift through to collect stories, inspiration and more. Each page is filled with some of the most thrilling, awe-inspiring photos made by women boldly traveling the world and sharing their stories. It’s a collection and celebration of the diversity and bravery of women who are not afraid to think (and live) outside the box.
All Over The Place by Geraldine DeRuiter
Perfect for any woman who doesn’t identify herself as the type of person who could travel solo, Geraldine DeRuiter’s story of misadventure is told through the eyes of a non-stereotypical traveler. All Over The Place‘s candid take on transformative experiences traveling the world will warm any woman up to the idea of solo travel. Trust us, it’ll delight you just as much as it’ll inspire you.
Now Is The Time To Open Your Heart by Alice Walker
Described as a “modern take on the Odyssey,” Alice Walker’s book centers on the ever-difficult quest we all face in finding meaning in our lives. Along her journey to self-actualization (separate from her lover) in various parts of the world, Kate gains insight on the world around her through inner development of trust and courage.
Flâneuse: Women Walk The City In Paris, New York, Tokyo, Venice & London by Lauren Elkin
Flâneuse: “a woman who is said to behave like the historical masculine figure of privilege who strides the capitals of the world with abandon.” Sounds right up our alley! Exploring the history of women artists, creators and writers who have found their inspiration through exploring the world’s most inspiring cities, Lauren Elkin’s book celebrates liberated and bold women of the past.
At Home In The World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering The Globe by Tsh Oxenreider
While backpacking the world with her husband and three children for nine months, Tsh Oxenreider’s story focuses on the meaning of home when in transit. Captivating, honest and raw, this novel will show you how travel truly shapes us and redefines home’s identity for any nomad in the world.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
It’s a cliche, but it’s a standard choice for a reason. If you haven’t read Elizabeth Gilbert’s gem, consider this your call to action.
My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang, and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine by Kate Betts
This memoir is set in the ever-fashionable and stylish Paris in the 80’s, seen through the eyes of Kate Betts (former Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar editor). Through Kate’s memoir, we’re reminded that the dream of living abroad and attaining glamorous professional roles comes through perseverance and hard work. Kate takes us readers on her journey through tedious jobs, fashion week, savoir faire, nightclubs and romantic lavender fields of Provence – through the eyes of a determined girlboss.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Another one of those classic solo travel books you’ve heard about, and for good reason! Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of her thousand mile hike through the west coast as a complete newby brings to light so much more than the beauty of nature. Wild shows us how transformative travel can be when our life plans seems to have shattered in front of us.
Under The Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy by Frances Mayes
Frances Mayes buys and restores an abandoned villa in the Tuscan countryside. But what she discovers is so much more than frescoed walls. Under The Tuscan Sun lets readers in on the charming and vibrant markets and villages in the rural sections of Italy, celebrating the sweet and slow lifestyle it embraces and delighting the senses. It’s truly a love letter to Tuscany wrapped up in a story of self realization!
The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost by Rachel Freidman
An unlikely friendship formed in Ireland by an American good girl and a free spirited Aussie drives Rachel Friedman’s memoir on a yearlong journey to three continents and an unrealized love for adventure. This tale of female friendship formed through life changing travel will teach you, more than anything, that living for the moment unlocks inner joy.
A Field Guide To Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit
Rebecca Solnit’s novel lets us readers see the lives lead by bold and adventurous leaders through a series of memoirs. Inventive, challenging and damn inspiring, A Field Guide To Getting Lost gets right into the soul of what travel truly means – from what being lost feels like, to wanderlust to loss and more. If you want to dig deep, this is your book!
Black Girls Take World: The Travel Bible for Black Women with Boundless Wanderlust
A book to inspire wanderlust (or just some fun armchair travel) for young women of color. Black Girls Take World is the global travel bible for young women of color. Packed full of insider knowledge, travel tips and tricks, plus advice on how to handle the pros and cons of traveling when you stand out, this book is the perfect accompaniment for adventurous women with a serious case of wanderlust.
