Library Journal

February, 2007

Review by Alison Hopkins

Women have emerged in recent years as a growing demographic of separate travelers—either individually or in groups—fueling growth in tourism by Americans. These three books, each with a helpful approach, are aimed at women travelers. For the planning stage and for first-time travelers, there is Whitman’s (web site publisher, www.forwormentravelingsolo.com) book, which is full of specific details regarding how to pack and how to book a trip. This one is best for the nervous newbie.

Williamson (founder, TangoDiva.com) advises the solo female traveler but focuses on where to go instead of how to go. Arranged geographically, the 50 locations she describes are rated by culture, activity, weather, and social events; each includes resources and the top ten experiences, along with suggestions for preparing. There are also photos and anecdotes from travelers. This book will appeal to female travelers with varying levels of experience.

Bond’s book is similar to Fly Solo, as it also describes 50 travel locations, but it is aimed at groups of female travelers. Bond (Gutsy Women: Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road) arranges her entries by type of vacation, including “Big City Getaways” and “Pampering Retreats,” and limits her locations, unlike the other two volumes, to North America. Descriptions are shorter than in Williamson’s book and are specific to the location and type of vacation, e.g., “Best Long Hike,” “Best Shopping,” and “Pamper Yourself” direct the reader only to Aspen, CO. Bond’s title will be of interest to the largest range of readers; public libraries should buy it. Consider Fly Solo as another option for public libraries, and consider Wanderlust and Lipstick for public libraries with large travel collections.