We love to read books, whether on never-ending flights or after a day of hiking in the mountains or epic exploring of city streets. When you’re travel-weary or find your accommodation less comfortable than home, reading about women who travelled solo back in the 18th or 19th century can put things into perspective. Can you imagine travelling without Google maps, Airbnb or Booking?
These incredible stories, some of which set in an era without internet access or one-click bookings, are an awesome reminder that solo travel today is probably the easiest and most comfortable it’s ever been.
In this article, we feature a carefully curated list of absolute favourite books about solo female travellers that we have enjoyed. This collection is constantly growing – we’ll continue to update it as we discover and fall in love with new gems. Stay tuned for exciting new additions and happy reading!
A Trip of One’s Own By Kate Will
Kate Wills’ “A Trip of One’s Own” is an inspiring blend of personal memoir, historical exploration, and travel writing that offers a unique perspective on solo female travel in 21 th century.
We especially enjoyed how the author perfectly integrated her personal journey and travels with the stories of extraordinary women solo travellers from the past. From a 4th-century young nun named Egeria—the first female travel writer—to a globe-girdling cyclist, the author introduces us to an array of fascinating female adventurers, their courage and personal stories who defied societal norms to explore the world on their own terms.
The book is a valuable source of inspiration and a practical guide for women dreaming about packing their backpacks and enjoying solo travel. Wills’ genuine retelling of her personal, not always Instagram perfect, experiences—including an unexpected divorce that kickstarted her solo travel journey – makes the narrative authentic. Like, really real. Her writing style is engaging, often fun and humorous, and deeply personal that makes you feel you are right here with her.
The book is not only about famous women travellers, what to pack and where to go. It also teaches female solo travellers to step out into the world alone and discover the real you. Wills shows how solo travelling can be a transformative experience for women to break free from societal expectations, uncover their own strength and become the author of your own story.
The book also offers practical advice and tips for solo female travellers, making it an excellent resource for those planning their own adventures. From planning tips, enjoying solo adventures to troubleshooting common issues such as how to survive nights, record your travels, or staying safe, Wills provides valuable insights gained from her experiences as a travel journalist.
The book encourages women to step out of their comfort zones and try something new, whether that means travelling to far-flung destinations or simply exploring a new place just around the corner you have always been interested in.
A Trip of One’s Own is a celebration of female independence, recognizing the most important relationship with yourself, and a love letter to the transformative power of solo travel, and an invitation to embark on your own journey of self-discovery.
Whether you’re a pro solo traveller or someone who’s dreaming about their first adventure, the book is sure to inspire you to step into an unknown world. It’s more than just a travel book – it’s a guide to living life on your own terms.
Lone Rider by Elspeth Beard
“Lone Rider” by Elspeth Beard is an extraordinary memoir chronicling an epic 35,000-mile/56,327 -km solo motorcycle adventure around the world. In 1982, with almost no budget, with a tent, some clothes, and a few tools, all packed on her old 1974 BMW motorcycle and rejected by all potential sponsors, 24-year old British girl decided to go on this brave adventure to prove herself after a painful breakup,
Through her brutally honest writing style, you can experience the atmosphere of harsh landscapes, war zones, civil unrest, biker gangs, and corrupt police. By admiring the determination and incredible strength of the young lady, readers gain insight into her journey from both physical and deeply personal angles.
Through her powerful storytelling, she provides a glimpse into the world of road trips and long adventures. Although, for us personally, this excessively detailed style became monotonous, especially towards the end of her journey. But the concluding chapters, filled with love and intensely personal pain, made us experience everything anew.
The book inspires you to live life to the fullest, overcome your own challenges and plan your own journeys. Whether you ride a motorcycle or not, this brilliant book is a must-read, bringing a new perspective to a genre..
Elspeth Beard’s “Lone Rider” is an unforgettable memoir that teaches us we can push ourselves beyond our own limits.
This book is a valuable read for those who are searching for inspirations or preparing for long trips. It will also be a perfect gift for those who are looking for a deeper understanding of the human spirit or who enjoys reading memoirs.
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