Customer Reviews

Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found Wanderlust and Lipstick to be an excellent resource for anyone who travels (or might be thinking of traveling, wants to travel more, is nervous about traveling, etc.). While it's obviously geared toward women traveling on their own, I think the benefits from this book are more widespread. I believe people that are already traveling the world as well as those who have never ventured outside of their hometown can appreciate and learn from this book. The best part about this book is the way Beth seamlessly weaves all of her personal, heartfelt stories (as well as those from other women she interviewed for the book) into the content of each chapter. Every one of us can relate to at least one of those stories (her feelings, thoughts, fears) as well as the theme of each of her chapters. The tone is very direct but is always on point with lots of witty remarks and humorous anecdotes. In fact, she emphasizes over and over the importance of getting beyond all of the never-ending reasons/excuses we all make for ourselves for not traveling more than we do. Beth notes that everyone can make their travel dreams come true, regardless of your individual situations(marital status, budget, job, etc.) Another invaluable part of the book is the extensive list of useful websites referenced throughout the book. This is a "must read" for anyone with a passion for travel.

I am a female who often travels solo. I loved reading Beth Whitman's book - it offers a lot of resources and advice for women and I recommend it for anyone who is thinking of traveling alone. I wish I had read this when I went on my first solo trip several years ago! I also like the little excerpts in the book of fellow stories by women travelers.

After reading this book, it inspired me to want to go on another solo trip. I'm currently planning it right now ;) Thanks, Beth!!!

Satisfaction is usually a function of expectations. I had expected this book to provide insights for independent/ solo travelers. It is actually a primer on solo domestic and international travel for those who are/ or want to embark on an initial solo trip. Most of the advise here I have written/given for employees we have sent overseas. It is all pretty basic stuff - which I think would be very helpful if you have not ever travelled and are pretty anxious about it. It would have been a great read twenty years ago when I left for Greece on my first solo trip. After a hiatus of 20 years of travel, I have been lucky enough to be in a position to travel to many destinations for work and I was looking for some more advanced insight on places that are more or less female friendly to help provide direction for my side trips. Oh well, shame on me for not reading all the info. I was going to give it two stars but have given three as this would be good for a different audience.

The other thing that tweaked me was that I purchased the Amazon package of three books, this one, Wanderlust and Lipstick as well as Fly Solo. Fly Solo was the best of the three with recommendation on specific locations and why they were good choices for solo travel with details on the best things to do, unfortunately Wanderlust and Lipstick had almost the same format and same information as Journey of One's Own with minor variations between the two,so why you would package price almost the same book makes no sense to me. If you are on the verge of solo travel I would only pick one or the other you do not need both - they are redundant. I will likely return these two.

I did not find this to be a particularly inspiring travel book, especially given the title. I expected more content aimed toward the traveling solo part and less on what I consider to be basic travel knowledge. I gave it an extra star because it does include a few decent pointers for basic travel skills. Although I think that saying the obvious, such as how they drive on different sides of the road in some countries, is almost rude. I would hope anyone thinking of traveling solo would do their homework about their destination of choice! It amazes me that you would need to tell someone that the place they are traveling to is...different! I think Rick Steves' books, Rough Guides or even Budget Travel Magazine do a better job of explaining what kinds of questions to ask yourself when choosing a destination. Additionally, some of the subjects seem like nothing but filler. For example, the author devotes more words to explaining RSS feeds than to the subject of jet lag! I don't need to know how to use the internet--I wanted solid advice on how to make my solo travel a more enjoyable and safe experience.

If you've driven across the U.S. or traveled overseas you might want to continue to look elsewhere. But, if you've never really left your own town or state, then this is probably a great book for you and I say buy it and happy trails!

For those who are looking for a quick reference guide, this is a good place to start. The collection of Web sites and resources make this book invaluable. The danger in a collection like this is that because of the fluid nature of the Internet, it will become outdated fast.

For this reason, although I will use the resources, I found myself wishing the writing was more anecdotal and woven into a cohesive story, and less a running list...the most interesting parts of the book were learning about her personal experiences and those of other women. If somehow this was made the focus, I think the lessons would be longer lasting.

This book is full of excellent information for solo travellers, especially women. There are tons of websites and tips as well as anecdotes by the author and others of their travel experiences. I have been planning my own short solo travel adventure, but after reading this book I can't wait to plan my next trip once I return.

This book has helpful advice on travel safety from what to say when you are in a patriarchal society or any other for that matter to advice on restrooms. Whitman discusses different traveling styles and which vacation packages might work best for you. In the book, there is a section that lists travel companies that do not penalize solo travelers. You get advice on electronic gadgets, transportation safety, what types of travel documents to take on vacation and which to photocopy. The section on illness covers an array of female maladies and how to pack if you get sick abroad. Information is delivered in a concise manner with stories from other solo women travelers intermingled.

The subtitle for Wanderlust and Lipstick states: "The essential guide for women traveling solo." My readership on this site approximates 50% male so when Beth asked I review the book, I was reluctant to discuss and recommend something geared specifically towards women. Then I actually read the book.

From cover to cover it's glutted with resources I've not seen all compacted in one tidy place and many with which I was completely unaware. From forums (which have become some of the best sources for hands-on information) to dining guides, to websites covering all modes of transportation timetables, to information on how to handle illness or emergencies, the resources alone make this book worth the purchase price.

Beyond the sheer quantity and usefulness of the resources for traveling the world, the book inspires. Beth has ridden a BMW F650, SOLO, from Seattle to Panama, had a grenade pulled on her in Cambodia, and encountered the monster of giardia in Southeast Asia. Without having to say anything, Whitman's erudition alone is inspiring. But she doesn't stop there. Her ability to impart nuggets of wisdom and encouragement tells the reader she's a woman on a mission - her goal is to see others enjoy the empowerment, liberation and rejuvenation of solo travel. She's done it, she loves it, and she's going to make you love it too!

This little book is certainly worth the price. Its an easy read but don't be fooled by the simple, straight-forward style and arrangement. It is chock-full of sound, practical advice. There are countless suggestions and links to important sites with necessary travel information. Not only do you get all of this for the price, you get motivation and support, too. Feeling a little skittish about that first foray into single travel? This author will hold your hand all the way through her insightful and well thought out book. Happy Trails!

I am normally a huge fan of the LP guide, but this is #1 for me. This book contains everything you need to know to plan ANY trip, ANY where in the world! Whether you are traveling on a 5 star budget or backpacking, Wanderlust gives you the tools to maximize your cultural experience. This would make the perfect gift for all travelers and a bible for newbies. Wanderlust promises to make my NEXT round the world trip even better than the first.