The One-Way Ticket Plan: Find and Fund Your Purpose While Traveling the World

by Alexa West

In 2011, Alexa West sat on her bedroom floor, packed her life into a backpack, and got on a one-way flight with just $200 in her pocket. She turned that $200 into over ten years of full-time travel. She went from budget backpacker to solo female travel expert — and now teaches thousands of women how to travel alone and make money from anywhere.

The One-Way Ticket Plan reveals her decade’s worth of lessons, regrets, embarrassments, love stories, shortcuts, and problem-solving strategies — all packed into a hilarious page-turner and actionable plan for a total life makeover. From real-world advice on how travel can lower your cost of living to guidance on traveling safely, using strange toilets, avoiding tourist traps, dealing with unfamiliar foods, and coping with friendships, romance, and loneliness, Alexa provides the tools and inspiration to turn even the most inexperienced traveler into an expert explorer before ever leaving the couch.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Audiobook

328 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2023

About the author

In 2011, Alexa West sat on her bedroom floor, packed her life into a backpack, and got on a one-way flight with just $200 in her pocket. She turned that $200 into over ten years of full-time travel. She went from budget backpacker to solo female travel expert — and now teaches thousands of women how to travel alone and make money from anywhere.

In her new book, The One-Way Ticket Plan, Alexa reveals her decade’s worth of lessons, regrets, embarrassments, love stories, shortcuts, and problem-solving strategies — all packed into a hilarious page-turner and actionable plan for a total life makeover.

From real-world advice on how travel can lower your cost of living to guidance on traveling safely, using strange toilets, avoiding tourist traps, dealing with unfamiliar foods, and coping with friendships, romance, and loneliness, Alexa provides the tools and inspiration to turn even the most inexperienced traveler into an expert explorer before ever leaving the couch.

Looking for the best destinations for solo female travelers? Alexa is the author and founder of the best-selling guidebook, called The Solo Girl's Travel Guide, which covers 12 destinations perfect for solo travelers.

Alexa is passionate about writing, travel and pickleball!

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a life-changing book that encourages travelers and dreamers to explore the world while discovering their life's purpose. It's a captivating blend of personal stories and helpful tips, making it a valuable resource for those who love to travel.

I was touched by the author's stories and inspired by the lessons from her and other adventurers. The book also gives useful tips, like managing your budget and getting emotionally ready, which are helpful for anyone looking for a meaningful adventure.

If you dream of finding your own path through travel, this book is a great place to begin. It reminds us that the most extraordinary journeys often start with a single decision, and it motivates you to take that first step. You definitely need to read this book, I highly recommend it 100%!

[Sharon Hazzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the One-Way Ticket Plan by Alexa West, which I did in one sitting because it was so reader-friendly — well thought out, well-organized, and well-written, is like sitting down with a big sister you trust and knowing she will tell you everything you need to know to enjoy the highs and benefit from the middles and lows of traveling alone. She doesn’t leave anything out, includes many resources beyond her own expertise, and provides inspiration and strategies for making travel about far more than the destination. I recommend it for any traveler, but especially women traveling alone. I’ve been traveling solo for decades and made some notes for my upcoming trip. Thank you for this wonderful, accessible book!

[Shelby]

This book is so much more than a travel guide.
When I started researching for travel guides I was looking for guides that were not standard. I wanted personal experience’s because I was planning to travel solo. And when you open this book, from the very beginning it’s like sitting down with your best friend. You’re getting the best advice, the funny stories, unique experiences that you’d get when talking to a friend. She breaks everything down from the towns to visit, what to know bout locals, and all the must do experiences. Alexa encourages you to break through the solo travel stigma’s, embrace new cultures and exciting adventures, make the memories, and leave a little magic as you go.
I can not recommend this book enough to the fellow traveler. 🦩

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what I needed years ago when trying to figure out what to do with my life. As someone who absolutely loves to travel, it’s a dream to be able to live and work abroad, but life circumstances have prevented that for the time being. Alexa brings her writing style from her bestselling travel guides into a book that is the perfect mix of personal stories, advice, and how-tos. She writes in a way that a lot of people can relate to, and this book is no exception to that. Alexa is one of my favorite authors, and this book is probably my favorite- I absolutely love everything about this book and cannot wait to be able to plan out my next travels with this book being a key part of the process.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel Lesson #22 - Don't Wait for someone to go with you, or you may never go at all.

I highlighted and circled that quote in the book. Luckily I learned this lesson on my own many years ago. There are so many other ideas, lessons and tips in this book that just spoke to me (those are also highlighted). I have picked up tips of my own in my travels and I am happy that some of them align with what Alexa says here. But for anyone looking to just get up and go anywhere, whether it's for a week to reset, or months, or even to start a new adventure somewhere new - THIS IS YOUR GUIDE/CHECKLIST! Don't be afraid of new things, but also do some homework to make it easier for yourself.

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I had in my early 20s...a guide to learning that a different life from the "designated" one they tell us we should have is not only real but possible. Whether you're planning to go backpacking, or you're looking to move abroad and be a digital nomad...I can't recommend this book enough. The One-Way Ticket Plan is a TRAVEL BIBLE...it's packed with all the trips and travel wisdom you could ever need. From the practical stuff like airport tips and avoiding trouble and scams...to inspirational stories that are living proof that just one single trip can change your life! And with this book...yours will to."

[Arden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traveling solo is intimidating, especially as a woman. And with good reason! From the big questions like, how do I stay safe? To the smaller ones like, will I be lonely on my own? There are a lot of things to wonder and worry about when considering your first solo trip. Alexa tackles all those questions and so many more in her book. And she does it in a way that doesn't make it feel like you've picked up a school textbook. Her writing style makes you feel like you're chatting with your BFF while she gives you her best tips for making your dreams come true. If you're hoping to explore the world on your own but don't know where to start, now you know - start with The One Way Ticket Plan!

[Jaclyn Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read multiple books from this Alexis but this is my favorite thus far. It’s so moving! It’s so much more than just a “traveling book”. Maybe it speaks to me differently because of my life the past couple of years. But I feel it will benefit any female in Atleast one aspect of her life. I want all of my girlfriends to read it so they can feel empowered as a woman, discover what truly makes them happy, question their purpose. Ofcourse there’s also lots of amazing advise for traveling and many ways to connect to Alexis and her experiences. It’s like reading a book from your best friend. Everything you would want to know about traveling and so much more.

[Nika Kabiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this is a travel book. But it's so much more. It's a book about female empowerment, about believing that yes, women CAN travel the world alone, experience amazing things, and learn important lessons. This book made me realize that there's a lot I've been missing. And more than that, it's made me see that I don't need to be missing any of it. The tips in this book are so practical, so relevant, that by the time you're done reading, you not only feel open to go to that exotic locale all by yourself: you feel ready. Thank you, Alexa, for opening my eyes and giving me courage to live my best life!

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all the travel advice and motivation you seek from any best friend or family member!! Alexa gets you, she is beyond relatable and honest. You think “yeah but my situation is different,” then you flip a page and boom, she’s managed to answer your questions or hesitations before you could finish your thought. I’ve done my fare share of traveling and would have loved this book years ago, but reading it now only makes me more motivated to keep exploring. Girls, do it! Buy this book and your plane ticket, no regrets!

[Ashley Bohacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are a travel expert, novice, or just thinking about traveling, this book is an incredible read for you. Alexa is a masterful writer, who makes you feel like she's your best friend giving you sage wisdom and advice. She's funny, witty, and keeps you engaged with not only sound advice on how to live your best life traveling but also provides so many great nuggets of life lessons and wisdom.

[Jessy Munch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! As someone who isn’t buying a one way ticket but loves to travel this book helped me see so many more possibilities to make it happen more even if housesitting not far from home! I finished the book on my flight to Indonesia, which is how I discovered Alexa with her Solo Girls Bali guide which hands down is my favorite travel book and this book I just read was great, I just skipped a few things that did not apply to me.

[Cannon McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Alexa West before blindly picking up this book. I also didn't know that it was targeted toward females. Regardless, I found this to be fantastic for all travelers. As a young male who has backpacked through Europe multiple times, I can testify to much of the advice here through my own experiences and through the experiences I've had with female solo travelers.
I will definitely be recommending this to any female in my life who is thinking of traveling.

[Emma Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for women who are really looking for change. The author lays out specific routes to take which can allow you to travel the world, should you want to take the leap. It is definitely geared more to the woman looking to fully change their life, but I found some areas really useful as she shares tips for female solo travelling.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is geared more towards women changing their lives for long-term travel, I did find that many ideas & tips resonated, as applied to my own smaller trips. Wish I'd been able to read this years ago and utilize some of these guidelines instead of making simple beginner mistakes. Definitely worth a read even if you're not yet in a position to buy that one way ticket!

[Carley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL of the authors books are fantastic and this one is no exception! Her stories and tips are highly related and enjoyable to read. The tips and travel advice she gives you is honest and real because she lived it herself! Don’t hesitate, just buy the book you won’t regret it!!!

[Holly W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend for anyone thinking about traveling! Loads of great advise

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very inspiring book with a lot of very practical advice regarding long term travel. Would recommend!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The higher your vibe, the smaller your tribe” 🤮

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want this book. This is fantastic must read for dreamers, wanderers, and travelers!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very happy I bought this book. You can only get so much information for free online. It was worth it to get my questions answered directly

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You NEED this book!!!
Everything I didn’t even know I needed!!! This isn’t just a travel book. It’s like calling your best friend for advice and getting all of the nitty gritty details that should be kept a secret! Thank you Alexa for such an amazing book!!!!! 💕💕💕