Ladies, whether you’re on a plane, lounging by the beach, or curled up in your cozy Airbnb, a good book, podcast, or blog can be your best travel companion. As solo female travelers, we need resources that make us laugh, inspire us, and provide that oh-so-needed dose of reality (like how to survive a 16-hour flight without wanting to disown your luggage). And if you’re a woman of color, plus-size traveler, LGBTQ+ traveler, or an aspiring travel blogger, finding resources that speak to your unique experiences is essential.
So, grab your headphones, load up your Kindle, and bookmark these pages—because here’s a funny, thorough list of the best books, podcasts, and travel blogs to keep you company on your solo adventures!
Books to Fuel Your Solo Travel Dreams
- “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed Perfect for: Anyone who’s had a moment of “WTF am I doing with my life?” on the road. Cheryl Strayed’s Wild is a modern classic for solo female travelers. This memoir chronicles her 1,100-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail as she processes grief, bad decisions, and blisters. Lots of blisters. It’s a must-read for anyone contemplating a big, life-changing solo adventure—especially if you’ve packed more emotional baggage than actual luggage.
- “All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft” by Geraldine DeRuiter Perfect for: Solo travelers with a wicked sense of humor. Geraldine DeRuiter, aka The Everywhereist (one of the funniest travel blogs out there), combines humor and travel disasters in this hilarious memoir. From losing passports to confusing Italian words for vegetables, DeRuiter keeps it real about how travel isn’t always picture-perfect. It’s perfect for when you need a good laugh after a missed connection or failed Insta shot.
- “The Black Woman’s Guide to Traveling Alone” by Nneka M. Okona Perfect for: Women of color looking for practical advice on solo travel. This guide offers real-world advice and encouragement specifically for Black women navigating solo travel. Nneka Okona provides tips on everything from cultural challenges to finding safe spaces while on the road. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants a resource that speaks directly to the experiences of women of color traveling solo.
- “Big Gal Yoga: Poses and Practices to Celebrate Your Body and Empower Your Life” by Valerie Sagun Perfect for: Plus-size travelers seeking self-love, mindfulness, and yoga inspiration. While it’s technically a yoga book, Valerie Sagun’s Big Gal Yoga goes beyond just poses. It’s about embracing your body and using yoga to center yourself, even when you’re in a tiny hotel room or chilling on a beach. It’s especially helpful for plus-size women who want to incorporate self-care into their travel routine.
Podcasts for Inspo, LOLs, and Travel Tips
- “Women Who Travel” by Condé Nast Traveler Perfect for: Aspiring travelers who want the inside scoop from travel pros. Hosted by Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey, this podcast features interviews with incredible women from all walks of life, covering everything from solo travel safety to travel as a woman of color. The show includes travel tips, career advice, and personal stories, making it the perfect background listen as you plan your next getaway.
- “Fat Girls Traveling Podcast” by Annette Richmond Perfect for: Plus-size travelers and body-positive adventurers. Annette Richmond, the fabulous founder of Fat Girls Traveling, hosts this empowering podcast. She dives into issues plus-size travelers face, shares personal stories, and interviews inspiring plus-size travelers and influencers. Expect real talk about travel accessibility, body confidence, and how to pack like a pro (spoiler: you don’t have to pack light).
- “She Explores” Perfect for: Women who love nature, adventure, and a good wilderness story. This podcast is a love letter to the outdoors and the women who explore it. It’s perfect for solo travelers who want to hear about hiking, van life, camping, and all the nitty-gritty stuff that comes with outdoor travel. There are great episodes on navigating solo trips in the wild and plenty of inspiration from adventurous women pushing their limits.
- “The Travel Goals Podcast” by Pip Jones Perfect for: Aspiring travel bloggers and travelers looking for actionable tips. Pip Jones knows that travel isn’t just about wandering aimlessly. This podcast gives you real, actionable advice on how to turn your travels into a passion project or even a full-blown career. From creating a killer travel blog to setting travel goals that matter, it’s a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring travel content creators.
- “Black Women Travel Podcast” by Wanda Duncan Perfect for: Black women travelers and digital nomads. Wanda Duncan’s podcast highlights the experiences of Black women who live and travel abroad. If you’re a woman of color looking for representation in the travel world, this podcast is a refreshing, honest, and insightful look into the lives of Black women adventurers. The interviews are gold, featuring travel tips and life advice for those balancing travel and personal growth.
Travel Blogs That Will Give You All the Feels (and Tips)
- The Blog Abroad by Gloria Atanmo Perfect for: Women of color who love humor and no-BS travel advice. Gloria Atanmo’s The Blog Abroad is equal parts inspiration and comedy. She’s brutally honest about the highs and lows of solo travel as a Black woman, and her writing will have you LOL-ing while also dropping serious knowledge on cultural differences, safety tips, and how to monetize your travels. Bonus: her photography is stunning.
- Fat Girls Traveling by Annette Richmond Perfect for: Plus-size women who want to travel without the stress of judgment. Annette Richmond’s blog is a sanctuary for plus-size travelers who want tips on everything from travel-friendly clothing to plus-size-friendly destinations. The blog is an extension of her Instagram and podcast, and it’s full of practical advice on how to feel confident and empowered while seeing the world.
- Adventurous Kate by Kate McCulley Perfect for: Solo female travelers seeking honest travel guides and safety tips. Adventurous Kate is one of the OGs of solo female travel blogging, and for good reason. Kate keeps it real with her detailed safety tips, solo travel experiences, and hilarious takes on the occasional travel disaster. Her blog is packed with destination guides, budget tips, and advice on how to avoid common travel scams, making it a go-to for first-time solo adventurers.
- Oneika the Traveller by Oneika Raymond Perfect for: Women of color and aspiring travel bloggers who want a bit of everything. Oneika Raymond’s blog is the ultimate blend of travel inspiration, practical advice, and cultural commentary. As a journalist and TV host, Oneika knows how to tell a story, and her blog reflects her deep love of exploring new cultures. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or thinking about becoming a digital nomad, Oneika the Traveller is the place to be.
- Be My Travel Muse by Kristin Addis Perfect for: Solo female travelers looking for deep, meaningful travel experiences. Kristin Addis is all about encouraging women to travel the world on their own terms. Her blog focuses on sustainable travel, adventure, and authentic experiences. If you’re looking to go off the beaten path and immerse yourself in local cultures while staying safe, Kristin’s detailed guides and travel tips are exactly what you need.
- Curvy Roamer by Jessi Lewis Perfect for: Plus-size travelers who want destination-specific tips. Curvy Roamer is a blog dedicated to showing that travel has no size limit. Jessi Lewis shares her personal travel stories and practical tips for navigating the world as a plus-size traveler. From airplane seats to plus-size friendly accommodations, this blog is a wealth of knowledge for those wanting to travel confidently and comfortably.
For the Aspiring Travel Blogger: Resources to Kickstart Your Blog
Nomadic Matt’s Superstar Blogging
Perfect for: Travelers who want to turn their blog into a business. Matt Kepnes of Nomadic Matt fame runs this course that’s all about building a successful travel blog from the ground up. Whether you want to write for fun or turn your blog into a full-time career, Matt’s insights (and guest experts) will help you grow your audience, monetize your content, and create a brand that stands out.
Perfect for: Female travelers looking for a supportive network to grow their blog. Wanderful isn’t just a travel community—it’s also a platform for aspiring travel bloggers and influencers. Their Creator Collective offers tons of resources, webinars, and networking opportunities for women looking to make a splash in the travel content world. Plus, they focus on building diverse, inclusive communities, making it a great space for women of color and LGBTQ+ travelers.
In Conclusion…
Conclusion
Whether you’re dreaming of your next adventure or already packing your bags, these books, blogs, and podcasts are the perfect companions for every solo female traveler. They’ll inspire you to see the world, challenge your limits, and embrace the freedom of exploring on your own terms. From captivating travel memoirs and insightful blogs to podcasts packed with expert tips, this list will fuel your wanderlust and might just give you the nudge to book that one-way ticket (or, yes, maybe even quit your job!). So, wherever you’re headed next, let these stories keep you company and remind you that the world is waiting for you. Happy travels!
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