Wanderlust and Lipstick, by Beth Whitman
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!
Based on the comments to various posts and other interaction with the male readership on this site, you face the same strongholds towards solo travel that women do (and why wouldn’t you?). There’s logistical, psychological, and sociological issues with solo travel and these issues do not discriminate between the sexes.
So guys, if you’re not comfortable ordering the book for yourself, order it for a woman (or two) in your life and read it before tying on a bow.
Beth’s website, www.wanderlustandlipstick.com is another great resource (and entertaining), with gear reviews http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wandergear/wander-gear/ and ideas for world travel http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wander-tales/. Check it out!
The book is $15.95 and can be purchased on the Wanderlust and Lipstick website: http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/books/solo/
SRT readers, let me know if you enjoy this post and/or find it informational. It’s a departure from my normal road trip fare, but worthy of the detour.
About SRT... I’m a traveler, writer and photographer for whom the open road frequently summons. Adventurous solo road trips are a staple for me, and a curiosity. So I created this website to share them and inspire you to step out and give them a try. Welcome! 
Almost everything I’ve seen written about solo travel is by and for women, for reasons I only partially understand. I’ll agree that most of the “issues” that affect solo travelers are gender-neutral, but for some reason only women seem interested in talking about them. I’m not sure whether it’s because men are afraid of seeming “weak” or “unmanly” if they express concern about things like eating dinner alone in a restaurant, or simply that more women than men are sufficiently interested in travel to pursue it in the absence of a companion. Either way, publishers likely assume that a book on solo travel needs to be female-centric because that’s the presumed audience. After all, how many copies would a book on solo travel for men sell?
Thanks to your interesting review, I’ll certainly have a look at the book the next time I’m in a bookstore and read it through my “transvaluation glasses.” In the extremely unlikely event that anyone questions me about reading a book for women, I’ll explain that I’m a frequent solo traveler, but books on solo travel for men don’t exist. Despite the apparent lack of inclusiveness, I’m very glad to see books like this get published. Anything that successfully encourages women to take solo trips can only increase the acceptance of “soloing” as a valid and viable option for travel, which will benefit men and women alike.
Comment by Ted — June 28, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Great review and book sounds interesting. If unconventional travel, like hitchhiking, interests you check out the fictional novel Thumb Flagging. It is available online.
Comment by Jerome Peterson — June 24, 2009 @ 7:56 am
Well, I found it interesting, and I’m a guy. A guy currently sitting 2000 miles from home, alone; but a guy nonetheless.
Comment by Jeremy — June 19, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
How fitting for you to do this! Very interesting and packed with information for us all. I want to read the book…sounds like a great adventure story! Your review is wonderfully written, and I know Beth is very pleased!
Comment by Clay Mama — June 17, 2009 @ 6:58 am
Hi Tammie,
I enjoyed reading your review of Beth Whitman’s book. I know you are a proponent of solo travel, so it just seems appropriate that you did something like this!
Cheers,
Jen
Comment by jen laceda — June 16, 2009 @ 6:53 pm