Throughout history, many pioneering women have crossed deserts, sailed seas, and navigated jungles, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible for women at the time. In this post, I’ll list some of the best historical travel books by female explorers.
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Below is my list of historical travel books by female explorers. You may also be interested in my list of more modern reads by solo female travellers.
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, Kindle, audiobook etc) to your choosing. I’ve got some links for free trials at the bottom of the post.
Isabella L. Bird was a trailblazer for women travellers in the 19th century.
In this book, she describes her solo journey through the Rocky Mountains in 1873. Her adventurous spirit and detailed observations of the American West continue to inspire today.
Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of "Little House on the Prairie," wrote about her real-life experiences as a pioneer in this autobiography. It shows what it was like for women to travel across the American frontier in the 19th century.
Although not a travel book in the traditional sense, this autobiography covers Keller's travels and experiences, offering insights into her world as a pioneering figure in overcoming her disabilities.
Mary Wortley Montagu’s letters, written during her time in Turkey in the early 18th century, offer a fascinating account of Ottoman culture, daily life, and the gender dynamics of the time. Montagu’s keen observations and wit make this a timeless exploration of the East from a female perspective.
Known for her pioneering feminist writings, Mary Wollstonecraft’s travel letters provide a candid and insightful account of her journey through Scandinavia. She reflects on the people, landscapes, and cultural observations, with a particular focus on social conditions and the role of women in these countries.
In this book, Frances Milton Trollope explores American life in the early 19th century, offering a critical look at the country's social and domestic practices. Her observations paint a vivid picture of a rapidly changing society from the perspective of an outsider.
This memoir gives a detailed and heartfelt account of Marian Sloan Russell’s journey along the Santa Fe Trail in the mid-19th century. Her personal narrative offers a rare female perspective on the American frontier and the challenges faced by women in the West.
Barbara Hodgson brings together stories of women who ventured into remote parts of the world, defying expectations and making significant contributions to the exploration of various cultures. This book celebrates the courage and perseverance of female explorers throughout history.
This collection of diaries offers an intimate look at the lives of women who travelled across the American frontier during the westward expansion. These personal accounts provide a rich and poignant view of the challenges and triumphs experienced by women during this transformative period.
This book compiles the voices of pioneering women who settled in Kansas, revealing their daily struggles and achievements in the face of frontier life. The stories offer a powerful narrative of resilience and determination from women who helped shape the American West.
Another of Isabella Lucy Bird’s travel accounts, this book captures her time in Hawaii during the 1870s. She provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes and people she encountered, offering insights into Hawaiian culture and natural beauty.
Emily Eden's letters offer a fascinating account of life in colonial India during the 19th century. Her observations on Indian society, British rule, and cultural differences provide valuable insights into the complexities of the colonial experience.
Siân Evans delves into the history of female passengers and workers aboard ocean liners, exploring the role of women in maritime travel and the changing dynamics aboard these luxurious ships.
Lya Badgley’s travel memoir explores her experiences in Asia, giving a personal account of life in various countries and cultures. Her reflections offer a unique perspective on global travel and the connections between East and West.
Alexandra David-Néel’s extraordinary journey to Lhasa in Tibet in the early 20th century is one of the most remarkable tales of adventure. As the first Western woman to enter the Forbidden City, her memoir offers fascinating insights into Tibetan culture and the challenges she faced during her journey.
In this account, Isabella Lucy Bird details her travels through the Malay Peninsula, describing the landscapes, people, and culture she encountered. Her observations provide a rare glimpse into Southeast Asia during the 19th century.
Barbara Hodgson explores the fascination with the Orient through the stories of Western women who travelled to the East. This book delves into the complex relationship between these women and the cultures they sought to understand.
Li Juan’s memoir captures her time spent with the Kazakh herders of China’s Xinjiang region. Her narrative blends personal exploration with cultural insights, offering a window into a nomadic way of life that is rapidly changing.
Ways to read these travel books.
If you would like to try reading with Amazon Kindle, Audible or Prime, use the links below for free trials. You can read every book on 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: Historical travel books by female explorers.
Frequently asked questions about travel fiction books and novels.
A: These books highlight the contributions of pioneering women who broke barriers and disproved the myths in the field of travel and exploration. They offer inspiring accounts of courage, resilience, and determination, showing how women have always been part of the world’s greatest adventures.
A: In a word – no. While these books focus on women adventurers, their stories are universal. They offer lessons in bravery, exploration, and the human spirit, making them inspiring for anyone interested in travel and history.
A: Many of these women travelled during times when it was uncommon or even unheard of for women to journey alone, especially to far-off or dangerous places. They traveled often on foot, horseback, or by ship, navigating unknown lands with little support.
A: Many of these women were among the first to document and explore these regions, especially as solo travellers. They often faced social and physical challenges, making their journeys even more remarkable and groundbreaking for their time.
A: While the world has changed, the themes of resilience, self-reliance, and adventure are timeless. These books provide inspiration for today’s travellers, especially women looking to push the boundaries of their own adventures.
A: All of the books above contain links to Amazon where you can purchase them. Some of the books can also be found in bookstores, other online retailers, and libraries. Many are also available in digital and audiobook formats, making them easy to access for modern readers on the go.
A: Many of these books combine historical accounts with personal reflections. The authors document their travels and share their emotions, challenges, and triumphs, giving readers an intimate view of their experiences.
A: These books are special because they combine historical significance with the unique perspective of women travellers. These adventurers were often pioneers in their time, offering a fresh and insightful look at the world through their eyes. Their stories challenge traditional gender roles and inspire new generations of travellers.
A: See my list of travel books by solo female authors to see more modern-day female adventurers.
Conclusion- books by women travellers from history.
These books highlight the incredible stories of women who travelled and explored in ways that were once thought impossible.
Their courage to step out into the world, whether in the mountains, jungles, or oceans, has left a lasting impact on the history of travel and exploration.
These stories show that women have always been part of the great adventures of the world!
Related Reading for historical solo female travel books.
- 10 Inspiring Reads by Solo Female Travellers
- 30 Best Travel Books Every Traveller Must Read
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Travellers
- How to Plan Your First Solo Trip
- Why You Should Travel Alone: The Benefits of Solo Travel.
- 10 Best Audiobooks for Travellers
- Non-Fiction Books about Travel, By Travellers
- 10 Funny Travel Books to Make You Laugh
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