Solo travel, especially for women, often causes concern in society. But the fact is, women have successfully travelled alone for centuries. These books by solo female travellers are honest, humorous, and inspiring.
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I’m Hazel, a British blogger and solo female traveller. I’m here today to tell you solo travel is still a good idea despite what others might think! And these amazing authors below agree with me 😀
Each entry in this list contains a link to Amazon, where you can purchase the book either by clicking the link or the picture of the book itself.
When you click through to Amazon, you can change the format of the book (paperback, audiobook, etc.) to your choosing.
Here are some incredible books by solo female travellers who have done it all – crossed continents, battled self-doubt, and embraced the unknown.
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£5.03Buy NowThis classic memoir follows Robyn Davidson’s solo journey across the Australian Outback with four camels and a dog. Her challenges include the scorching heat, deadly snakes, lecherous men and unruly camels.
If you’ve ever dreamed of an untamed adventure far from modern distractions, Tracks will transport you right into the wild.
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£5.03Buy NowPerhaps one of the most famous solo female travel books, Wild chronicles Cheryl Strayed’s 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Following personal tragedy and a downward spiral, Strayed embarks on a physically gruelling yet emotionally healing journey through the wilderness.
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£4.99Buy NowEver wondered what it would be like to ski across Antarctica completely alone? Felicity Aston did just that, becoming the first woman to traverse the continent solo.
Alone in Antarctica is a fascinating look at endurance, isolation, and the mental strength required to survive in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth.
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£1.99Buy NowThis beautifully written memoir follows Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alice Steinbach as she takes a sabbatical from her structured life to travel through Europe alone.
Without Reservations is a reflective, insightful, and charming book about embracing spontaneity, rediscovering oneself, and falling in love with the world.
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£11.04Buy NowKate Harris set off on a bicycle journey along the Silk Road, traversing some of the world's most remote and historically rich landscapes.
Lands of Lost Borders blends adventure with deep philosophical musings on borders - both physical and metaphorical - and the meaning of exploration.
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£5.03Buy NowA solo travel book list wouldn’t be complete without Eat, Pray, Love. While it has its critics, there’s no denying its impact on women’s travel writing.
Gilbert’s journey through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of pleasure, spirituality, and balance has inspired countless women to take the plunge and set off on their own adventures.
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£8.96Buy NowThis lesser-known but gripping memoir book follows Blair Braverman’s experience living and working in Arctic Norway and Alaska.
She delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated, extreme environments.
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£9.99Buy NowFor a more humorous take on solo travel, All Over the Place is a delightful read.
Geraldine DeRuiter, the woman behind the popular travel blog The Everywhereist, writes about getting lost, eating questionable foods, and embracing the unpredictability of life on the road.
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£7.99Buy NowBiologist Caroline Van Hemert sets off on a 4,000 mile wilderness journey through the Alaskan wilds, relying on traditional, non-motorised travel methods.
This book is an adventure in every sense - both a physical challenge and a deep exploration of nature and personal resilience.
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£12.39Buy NowFor anyone who has ever felt out of sync with societal expectations, this book is a refreshing take on solo travel.
Kristin Newman, a comedy writer, spent her single years jetting off on wild, spontaneous adventures instead of settling down. Her book is witty, sexy, bold, and perfect for anyone who dreams of a more unconventional path.
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Final thoughts on books by solo female travellers.
These books prove that solo female travel is not only possible, but also deeply rewarding, full of adventure, and often life-changing.
Whether you’re looking for an inspiring memoir, a tale of extreme endurance, or just a funny take on solo travel mishaps, there’s something here for everyone.
Ways to read these books.
If you would like to try reading with Amazon Kindle, Audible or Prime, use the links below for free trials. You could read every book in this list for free using one of these links!
Free trial of Audible: 30 days access to thousands of audiobooks, and one free premium title of your choice.
Free trial of Kindle Unlimited: 30 days access to unlimited ebook reading on any device. Unlock access to over two million titles instantly.
Free trial of Amazon Prime: 30 days free trial with free two-day shipping on all Amazon purchases, plus access to hundreds of new eBooks each month.
Free trial of Amazon Prime Video: 30 days of free video streaming, HD movies and shows, watch anywhere on any device, including all downloads and other Prime benefits.
FAQs: Inspiring Memoirs and Books by Solo Female Travellers.
Below are some frequently asked questions about books by solo female travellers.
A: These books offer firsthand insights into the joys and challenges of solo travel from a female perspective. They’re inspiring, relatable, and often full of practical lessons about independence, resilience, and embracing the unknown.
A: Not at all! While they highlight solo female travel experiences, anyone can enjoy and learn from these stories. The themes of adventure, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles are universal.
A: It depends on what you’re looking for! Wild by Cheryl Strayed is great for emotional and physical transformation, Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach is perfect for a thoughtful, reflective take on travel, and All Over the Place by Geraldine DeRuiter adds a fun, humorous spin to the experience.
A: Yes! Every book on this list is a memoir, meaning they are real-life accounts of the authors’ solo travels.
A: If you’re drawn to survival stories and extreme environments, Alone in Antarctica by Felicity Aston or The Sun is a Compass by Caroline Van Hemert are excellent choices
A: Yes, although it’s more of a personal journey than an adventure memoir. Eat, Pray, Love has inspired many women to travel solo, even if some readers find its perspective on travel and self-discovery a bit divisive.
A: All Over the Place by Geraldine DeRuiter and What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman are both witty, lighthearted, and perfect if you enjoy a more humorous take on travel.
A: Tracks by Robyn Davidson and Wild by Cheryl Strayed both explore solo journeys in remote landscapes, while The Sun is a Compass follows an epic wilderness adventure.
A: Many of these authors started their journeys with doubts and fears, but their stories show that solo travel is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Their experiences might just give you the push you need!
A: They are widely available in bookstores, online retailers like Amazon, and digital formats such as Kindle and audiobooks. Many libraries also stock them!
Related Reading for books by solo travellers.
- 30 Best Travel Books Every Traveller Must Read
- How to Plan Your First Solo Trip
- Tips for Solo Female Travel in Europe
- Why You Should Travel Alone: The Benefits of Solo Travel.
- 19 Empowering Solo Female Travel Quotes to Inspire You
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Solo Travellers
Pinterest pins – books by solo female travellers.
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