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Travelers' Tales: A Woman's World: True Stories of Life on the Road
Travel, Adventure, Women's Studies
Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 4, 2023
I relish reading traveler's tales 🖤
This book is a gem for lovers of travel literature and adventurous fellow travelers 💎
This book is a gem for lovers of travel literature and adventurous fellow travelers 💎
January 16, 2019
DNF
I was excited to read a travel book focused completely on women travelers. It's not rocket science to know that solo travel for a woman is different than it is for a man. Here's a direct quote from the book about this: "As I became aware of other women's travel experiences. I also became aware that women travel quite differently than men do, that we look for different things, we stop for different reasons, our goals and styles are different, and what we take from our travels is different."
Plus there's that inherent and essential caution of rape and assault that we women have to lug around everywhere that make our interactions with strangers different from the men.
Anyway, I was surprised the find short stories that have been obviously edited from a much larger pieces, such as a blog post or even a book, then condensed into three or six pages. Too short, in my opinion, to convey anything but scant details. Only a few were actual travel stories involving exploring and experiencing different cultures and meeting different people. The rest was complaining about back home problems while in a foreign place.
And I know I'm doing this book a great unkindness for stopping before the end, but 122 pages of slogging is all I'm willing to give.
And I have to mention that one story that finally made me quit the book. Three very short stories before page 122 that I quit on is a essay by a woman that takes up more pages than all the others. 11 pages exactly of a woman traveling with her boyfriend in the Mediterranean and spending the entire elven pages in a boiling rage for being there. Elven pages of a angry spoilt brat rambling on about how she hates the boat, the food, the islands, her understanding boyfriend who she whisper/screams at during the night, and the other tourists that she describes as fat, ugly boring, and stupid. I could hardly stand it, and finally decided to quit before running into anymore 'travels experiences' like that one.
I was excited to read a travel book focused completely on women travelers. It's not rocket science to know that solo travel for a woman is different than it is for a man. Here's a direct quote from the book about this: "As I became aware of other women's travel experiences. I also became aware that women travel quite differently than men do, that we look for different things, we stop for different reasons, our goals and styles are different, and what we take from our travels is different."
Plus there's that inherent and essential caution of rape and assault that we women have to lug around everywhere that make our interactions with strangers different from the men.
Anyway, I was surprised the find short stories that have been obviously edited from a much larger pieces, such as a blog post or even a book, then condensed into three or six pages. Too short, in my opinion, to convey anything but scant details. Only a few were actual travel stories involving exploring and experiencing different cultures and meeting different people. The rest was complaining about back home problems while in a foreign place.
And I know I'm doing this book a great unkindness for stopping before the end, but 122 pages of slogging is all I'm willing to give.
And I have to mention that one story that finally made me quit the book. Three very short stories before page 122 that I quit on is a essay by a woman that takes up more pages than all the others. 11 pages exactly of a woman traveling with her boyfriend in the Mediterranean and spending the entire elven pages in a boiling rage for being there. Elven pages of a angry spoilt brat rambling on about how she hates the boat, the food, the islands, her understanding boyfriend who she whisper/screams at during the night, and the other tourists that she describes as fat, ugly boring, and stupid. I could hardly stand it, and finally decided to quit before running into anymore 'travels experiences' like that one.
October 19, 2014
These stories, all concerning women traveling alone, are short and satisfying. Among the most memorable: "What I Came For" by Lucy McCauley about visiting her grandfathers grave in Guatamala. He had been murdered on his farm, at a young age. The description of Lucy and her mother crossing a ricketty, aged rope and plank bridge above a high gorge sent chills through me. One part of the anthology dealt with dangerous encounters of strangers in foreign countries. Since I usually travel alone, that intrigued me. Always trust your instincts and don't let your guard down, especially in an unfamiliar land. You can still have adventures and meet fascinating people while using common sense. You don't like to travel? Read this book for a vicarious thrill.
March 21, 2016
Required reading for feminists and travelers and combinations of the two. Inspiring, heartbreaking, funny, and sometimes just strange.
July 4, 2017
"The first special edition in the Travelers' Tales series, A Woman's World brings together more than 50 contemporary voices in which women tell their tales, offer pearls of advice and warning, and share their dreams and ambitions with fellow travelers."
Not quite what I thought it would be. I sometimes thought that the writing was surface, well mostly. A few essays stood out for their passion, but mostly it was all rather humdrum. At least to me.
The last section of the book didn't fall into humdrum, however. Part IV, In The Shadows, is where the cautionary tales are located. These books about women throwing off the shackles of every day, ordinary life and flinging themselves into the world for unknown adventures are written to tempt all of us to at least think about living outside the lines. But these tales, In The Shadows, are tales that talk about what went wrong -- sometimes horribly wrong. Life isn't always beer and skittles, whether you're charging yourself off to romantic locations or staying at home to see the ironing gets done, and I found it refreshing to read about the down side, and the need to trust the Universe in order to have a life-changing adventure contrasted with the need to use the good sense your mother drilled into you.
Not quite what I thought it would be. I sometimes thought that the writing was surface, well mostly. A few essays stood out for their passion, but mostly it was all rather humdrum. At least to me.
The last section of the book didn't fall into humdrum, however. Part IV, In The Shadows, is where the cautionary tales are located. These books about women throwing off the shackles of every day, ordinary life and flinging themselves into the world for unknown adventures are written to tempt all of us to at least think about living outside the lines. But these tales, In The Shadows, are tales that talk about what went wrong -- sometimes horribly wrong. Life isn't always beer and skittles, whether you're charging yourself off to romantic locations or staying at home to see the ironing gets done, and I found it refreshing to read about the down side, and the need to trust the Universe in order to have a life-changing adventure contrasted with the need to use the good sense your mother drilled into you.
July 19, 2023
This thick book showcased a lot of women travelers and their very varied experiences traveling around the world either by themselves or with others.
As you might expect with so many short pieces, some of the writing was superb and some of it was plainly awful.
Also as you might expect, some of it was more memorable than the rest~ but I'll leave you to figure out which might stick with you best.
Personally, I recoiled from the multiple pieces that were either flowery or new age in orientation. Ugh on both counts.
The book does give you a woman's view of largely independent travel and even goes so far as to relate basically a woman's worst fear(s) about traveling alone. Bravo for being brave enough to do that, though it might discourage some women from stepping out of their doors again. Still, better to face things like that directly rather than be held back by nameless vague fears, I'd think.
I give it three stars because of the unevenness of the writing and content quality.
As you might expect with so many short pieces, some of the writing was superb and some of it was plainly awful.
Also as you might expect, some of it was more memorable than the rest~ but I'll leave you to figure out which might stick with you best.
Personally, I recoiled from the multiple pieces that were either flowery or new age in orientation. Ugh on both counts.
The book does give you a woman's view of largely independent travel and even goes so far as to relate basically a woman's worst fear(s) about traveling alone. Bravo for being brave enough to do that, though it might discourage some women from stepping out of their doors again. Still, better to face things like that directly rather than be held back by nameless vague fears, I'd think.
I give it three stars because of the unevenness of the writing and content quality.
June 18, 2018
Just couldn't finish this. These stories are the reason women don't conquer travel writing, because it's NOT travel writing, it's all "me, me, me, I, I, I." If you think "Eat, Pray, Love" is a travel book then you'll love this, but if you like actual travel writing you won't be able to bear this.
What I did manage to get through was stories of women talking about how they felt in X place, what happened to them in X place, X place in reference to them etc. etc. without telling us about X place. Women traveling because of crises, to escape crises, to escape depression - sweet Jesus. I want to escape this book.
What I did manage to get through was stories of women talking about how they felt in X place, what happened to them in X place, X place in reference to them etc. etc. without telling us about X place. Women traveling because of crises, to escape crises, to escape depression - sweet Jesus. I want to escape this book.
March 10, 2021
I clicked on "memoir" as a category for this book (among other categories). This is a series of brief memoirs written by a variety of women about their adventures as women travelers. Some traveled solo, some in with a partner, some in groups. Their adventures ranged from enlightening, inspiring, awesome, to downright dangerous. Obviously, they all survived to write about their experiences. It took me a long time to complete this book, but not for lack of interest. It was a book easily set aside, while reading other books, and to be picked up again for a memoir or two, in between those other books. It was published in 1995. I wonder what those women are doing now.
June 19, 2020
There's a little bit of everything for anyone interested in 50+ travel stories, all written by women: crossing Mongolia on a horse, learning to surf, weekend shopping excursion, living in a tree, climbing mountains, aboard a ship holding contraband, hiking into the Alps with a stranger, and more. It is a fine way to escape, wonder, and dream.
December 11, 2019
This was a great read...again like Behind Every Great Man, there are a few stories that probably didn't need to be included, but I truly enjoyed the stories of what these women experienced! Borrowed this one from my local library.
November 28, 2022
I very much enjoyed this collection of short essays, written by women, about their travels. It reminds us all of why we should all be open to adventure and willing to explore. Great book for anyone who travels or needs encouragement to do so.
February 2, 2025
Each chapter is like a mini vacation. Give this to your daughters. Give them a narrative about how women can travel and adventure to so many places... And when life gets busy and you can't take a vacation, steal a chapter or two and feel rejuvenated with the awe that travel inspired.
May 23, 2017
I'm not usually a fan of short stories or brief writing of any kind, but this book is dynamite for all women who have a yen to travel. Each story is fascinating and beautifully written.
March 29, 2021
The stories were mostly interesting. I am not sure I could exactly endorse the book because of the tales that were kind of blah. All in all I decided, it would be a fun read for ladies of all ages.
September 4, 2023
Found this book in a free library on a trip to San Francisco! I loved reading such bad ass stories of women all over the world. One of my fav books for sure :)
May 10, 2025
Women rule!
December 26, 2016
Reading this book swept me away with the authors on their amazing travels. I loved each of these true stories from the road. Each one inspirational in another way. Each one celebrating the bravery of these travelers.
May 29, 2016
I love this book. I believe it was first given to me as a gift--by whom, I can't remember--and then I promptly lost it or let someone borrow it. I also received a similar book, The Condé Nast Traveler Book of Unforgettable Journeys: Great Writers on Great Places, which I haven't read yet, but it just made me want this one back. I remembered the map in the beginning of the book with numbered dots for the location of each story (although the Utah story is put at the Montana/Canadian border), and with that I was able to find the book on Amazon using the 'Look Inside' feature. I bought it for a penny and was really happy to have it back!
The book is a compilation of short stories written by different women traveling around the world. It is perfect to read one or two stories a night and let your imagination soar. In one night I swam across the Bering Straight, rode a horse across the steppes of Mongolia, and searched for buried treasure in Baja. Just skip the chapter 'In the Shadows' that illustrates how travel can sometimes be dangerous if you don't want to be bummed out. This book is going on my 'Keeper' shelf.
The book is a compilation of short stories written by different women traveling around the world. It is perfect to read one or two stories a night and let your imagination soar. In one night I swam across the Bering Straight, rode a horse across the steppes of Mongolia, and searched for buried treasure in Baja. Just skip the chapter 'In the Shadows' that illustrates how travel can sometimes be dangerous if you don't want to be bummed out. This book is going on my 'Keeper' shelf.
October 31, 2009
This large collection of short stories by women travelers, although written 14 years ago, is still pertinent today. In one story entitled "Excess Baggage," Mary Morris writes that sometimes losing your luggage will teach you about traveling lighter - both literally and figuratively. "What we bring wtih us as we forge ahead tells a lot about who we are...I move less burdened by the weight of self-the self I had opted to journey with. And I've learned what every traveler needs to know along the way to scream if you must, smile when you can, and travel light."
Each story also ends with a quote, here's my favorite: "The greatest sadness of all is to come home to "normal" life with your little travel notebook full of a hundred addresses and realize, after a year back in the rut, you have written to almost no one. All those shining stars in the firmament you have touched with the intention of holding, you now find your grasp releasing and they are gone, existing only in your memory-and theirs. Each moment-travel teaches you-is divine: each moment on the road, each moment at home. Cherish it.-Jan Haag, "Last Minute Terror"
Each story also ends with a quote, here's my favorite: "The greatest sadness of all is to come home to "normal" life with your little travel notebook full of a hundred addresses and realize, after a year back in the rut, you have written to almost no one. All those shining stars in the firmament you have touched with the intention of holding, you now find your grasp releasing and they are gone, existing only in your memory-and theirs. Each moment-travel teaches you-is divine: each moment on the road, each moment at home. Cherish it.-Jan Haag, "Last Minute Terror"
October 1, 2008
A nice selection of exciting, shocking, scenic, end of the world, around the corner, and frightening short stories about women traveling on their own...
Interesting, a little bit too sappy sometimes, but it also has some wonderful inspiring and interesting stories very short stories. Some of the stories are excerpts of books which look interesting enough to read the entire thing, so it's good as a pointer to other books as well. Most stories are only a few pages, 10 I think is the max, making them really easy to read inbetween things, which is also nice. I suppose especially as many of their readers would be women with typically less time on hand.
All the stories are well written and remind me of my own travels as a single women and what it's like to be on my own, both the joys and the dangers. Currently reading one about flying solo... makes me want to give that try... And I really should be getting to africa...
Would recommend to any woman who is afraid to travel on their own or for any women who likes to travel solo.
Interesting, a little bit too sappy sometimes, but it also has some wonderful inspiring and interesting stories very short stories. Some of the stories are excerpts of books which look interesting enough to read the entire thing, so it's good as a pointer to other books as well. Most stories are only a few pages, 10 I think is the max, making them really easy to read inbetween things, which is also nice. I suppose especially as many of their readers would be women with typically less time on hand.
All the stories are well written and remind me of my own travels as a single women and what it's like to be on my own, both the joys and the dangers. Currently reading one about flying solo... makes me want to give that try... And I really should be getting to africa...
Would recommend to any woman who is afraid to travel on their own or for any women who likes to travel solo.
Read
January 9, 2017This book is so much more than just essays by women travelers. As I traveled precariously with each of these women, I felt an myriad of emotions. I felt proud I shared the same sex of these women who see beyond the big picture. I was envious, not having ever been this brave. But mostly, I wanted to climb on a soapbox and make this required reading for all young girls in school. As I grew up and started finding books hidden away in people's nooks and crannies, I discovered "Little Women" and I wanted to be Jo. Mainly though, I had to go to the 'boys" books to get my adventure fix. Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Robinson Crusoe, and Treasure Island. How come I never knew about the likes of women who sailed around the world, had their own planes, hitchhiked, and faced the fear of solitary travel to see this world we call home? I urge everyone to go get a copy and gift it to a young girl. She may not know she needs, it but she does.
June 5, 2011
An entertaining, educational collection that spans the tragic to the introspective to the inspirational, Travelers' Tales: A Woman's World gives a realistic look at the dangers and joys of travel. Because this is a collection, some entries are better written than others. The organization of the book makes it easy to skip around. Not all stories have dates. This is a lengthy collection, but the variety of perspectives makes it worth reading.
September 2, 2016
I loved this book. I stumbled upon it in a Little Free Library and am so grateful. All of the writing was wonderful and I greatly appreciated the thoughtfulness of the brief quotes in the side bars and the excerpts at the end of each story. I have not always been a fan of collections of stories or travel writing but I WANT to like both of those categories so I keep trying. This book was a huge pay off for the continued effort. I now want to read everything in this series of books as well as many of the complete books from which the selections were taken.
December 19, 2012
I found this book at a great used bookstore on Whyte avenue in Edmonton.
Each of the chapters was fascinating on its own, but what I most enjoyed was the1994 (or earlier) perspective on women traveling/traveling in general. A few of the locations I've been to, some I hope to visit, and many I'll only experience through a book like this.
This book will come with me on my year of travel, I think, to share. And I'm definitely going to explore the Edmonton Bookstore next time in the city.
Each of the chapters was fascinating on its own, but what I most enjoyed was the1994 (or earlier) perspective on women traveling/traveling in general. A few of the locations I've been to, some I hope to visit, and many I'll only experience through a book like this.
This book will come with me on my year of travel, I think, to share. And I'm definitely going to explore the Edmonton Bookstore next time in the city.
July 21, 2016
I LOVE this book. When your dream of traveling seems a little distant, this book takes you there. It's also a great place to get trip ideas.
I gift this book to all the lady high school and college graduates I know.
I gift this book to all the lady high school and college graduates I know.
August 31, 2007
Very inspiring. I like to read it in the bath or at the gym, pretending to plot my next adventure.
August 17, 2009
Loved the travel stories as told by women for women.
January 30, 2012
Fast reading, excellent stories, it's also a book how women travel through the world and how the world relates to them.
March 7, 2013
Simply motivational
April 24, 2013
I loved this book! I have never been so inspired as I read the collection of stories from women traveling the world. It has made me a stronger woman and better prepared to follow my dreams.
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