Discover EmpowerHER’s top 20 memoirs by women travel writers, sharing inspiring solo adventure stories for every female traveler.

Introduction

Solo female travel has become a transformative journey for many, providing a unique opportunity for self-discovery, empowerment, and adventure. Solo female travel memoirs offer profound insights into the experiences of women who navigate the world on their own terms. These memoirs not only inspire but also empower women to embark on their own journeys with confidence and courage. In collaboration with EmpowerHER, let’s explore the top 20 memoirs by women travel writers that celebrate solo adventures and the spirit of female explorers.

1. Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy

Dervla Murphy’s classic recounts her daring bicycle journey from Ireland to India in 1963. This memoir is a testament to resilience and adventure, showcasing Murphy’s interaction with diverse cultures and landscapes.

2. The Best Women’s Travel Writing: True Stories from Around the World

A compilation of stories from various women, this collection offers a diverse range of solo travel experiences. It’s perfect for those who enjoy short, engaging tales of adventure and self-discovery.

3. Finding Rhythm: An International Dance Journey by Aliénor Salmon

Aliénor Salmon blends her passion for dance with her travels, exploring cultures through movement. Her journey spans Thailand, Mexico, Cuba, and beyond, highlighting the connection between dance and cultural immersion.

4. Around the World in 72 Days and Other Writings by Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly’s groundbreaking journey around the world in record time is a pioneering story of determination and ingenuity, making it a must-read for solo female travelers interested in adventure journalism.

5. A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe

This collection features twenty-nine stories from various women, each offering unique perspectives on solo travel. From religious pilgrimages in Mexico to train rides in India, the memoirs provide rich narratives of personal growth and exploration.

6. Destinations: Essays from Rolling Stone by Jan Morris

Jan Morris brings a historical and insightful lens to her travel essays, blending personal experiences with significant historical events. Her memoirs offer a deep understanding of the places she visits and the transformations she undergoes.

7. Elsewhere: One Woman, One Rucksack, One Lifetime of Travel by Rosita Boland

Rosita Boland’s memoir is an inspiring tale of a lifelong traveler balancing multiple careers while exploring the world. Her stories are filled with honesty, adventure, and a profound connection to the places she visits.

8. From Excuses to Excursions: How I Started Traveling the World by Gloria Atanmo

Gloria Atanmo shares her journey from hesitancy to becoming a fearless traveler. Her memoir is not only about the places she visits but also about overcoming fears and embracing the unknown.

9. Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty by Lisa Niver

Lisa Niver’s memoir combines personal transformation with global exploration. Her journey across six continents post-breakup highlights the healing power of solo travel and personal reinvention.

10. Sola: One Woman’s Journey Alone Across South America by Amy Field

Amy Field’s adventurous trek through South America is a blend of physical challenges and emotional growth. Her memoir offers a raw and honest portrayal of solo travel’s impact on one’s life.

11. Sovietistan: Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan by Erika Fatland

Erika Fatland explores the lesser-known regions of Central Asia, providing historical insights and personal reflections. Her memoir is a fascinating account of cultures often overlooked by mainstream travel literature.

12. Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Glenn

Rita Golden Glenn’s memoir delves into the spiritual and personal aspects of solo travel. Her stories emphasize deep connections with people and places, offering a profound narrative of self-discovery.

13. Call You When I Land: A Memoir by Nikki Vargas

Nikki Vargas combines travel and personal growth in her latest memoir. Her candid storytelling provides a modern take on solo female travel, highlighting the joys and challenges of being a travel creator.

Alden Jones shares her diverse travel experiences from Costa Rica to Cambodia, intertwining personal anecdotes with reflections on travel ethics and privilege. Her memoir is both humorous and insightful.

15. The Catch Me if You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo

Jessica Nabongo’s ambitious journey to visit every country in the world is a groundbreaking achievement. Her memoir emphasizes diversity and provides practical tips for aspiring solo female travelers.

16. Eat, Pray #FML by Gabrielle Stone

A modern twist on the classic travel memoir, Gabrielle Stone combines humor and honesty in her journey of self-discovery through travel, offering relatable and refreshing perspectives on solo adventures.

17. Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust by Karen Gershowitz

Karen Gershowitz’s collection of travel stories spans 90 countries, providing entertaining and educational narratives. Her memoir is perfect for readers seeking inspiration and laughter from solo travel experiences.

18. Wanderlost: Falling from Grace and Finding Mercy in All the Wrong Places by Natalie Toon Patton

Natalie Toon Patton explores the Middle East in her memoir, blending personal struggles with cultural insights. Her story highlights the spiritual and emotional growth that accompanies solo travel.

19. What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman

Kristin Newman’s memoir is a humorous and candid account of her solo travels, blending her experiences with wit and insight. Her storytelling makes for an engaging and relatable read.

20. Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman by Alice Steinbach

Alice Steinbach’s year-long European adventure is a vivid depiction of cultural immersion and personal freedom. Her memoir emphasizes the transformative power of solo travel and the joy of independent exploration.

Honorable Mentions

A Bike Ride: 12,000 Miles Around the World by Anne Mustoe
Honouring High Places: The Mountain Life of Junko Tabei
Strangers Have the Best Candy: How Talking to Strangers Leads to a Life of Crazy Adventure and Lasting Friendship by Margaret Meps Schulte
Wall to Wall: A Journey from Beijing to Berlin on Rail by Mary Morris

EmpowerHER: Supporting Solo Female Travelers

EmpowerHER is dedicated to elevating women-led initiatives in the hospitality and tourism industry. Our Women-Led Hotel Directory connects solo female travelers with safe and authentic accommodations managed by women. Additionally, our curated Travel Packages are designed to highlight women-led facilities, ensuring secure and enriching experiences for every female adventurer. By choosing EmpowerHER, you support gender equality and empowerment in the hospitality sector while embarking on memorable solo journeys.

Conclusion

Solo female travel memoirs offer a window into the resilient and adventurous spirit of women around the world. These stories inspire and empower travelers to explore beyond their comfort zones and embrace the transformative power of solo adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first solo trip, these memoirs provide invaluable insights and motivation.

Ready to embark on your own solo adventure? Visit Meet the Leader to discover more resources, connect with women-led hospitality businesses, and find the perfect travel package tailored just for you.

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