Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo

by Beth Santos

Achieve your solo female travel dreams with this empowering guide for women who want to see the world—perfect for anyone who has felt the tug of wanderlust after reading Wild, Eat Pray Love, or What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding.

If you’ve ever wanted to travel solo, founder of global women’s travel community Wanderful, Beth Santos, is here to tell you that you’re not alone.
 
Travel isn’t just about how many passport stamps you have—it’s about your mindset. In Wander Woman, Santos busts myths about who can travel, empowering women to uncover the confidence they need to see the world for themselves, by themselves.  and giving them the lifelong tools to challenge your preconceptions, try something new, and get out of your comfort zone—whether that’s halfway around the world or just down the street.  
 
Readers will also learn… As much a how-to guide as it is a source of inspiration and support, Wander Woman invites us to be mindful about why we travel, who it affects, and how we can make it better for everyone.
 
Whether you’re ready to chase your Under the Tuscan Sun fantasy, are preparing for study abroad, or just want to feel more comfortable on business trips, Wander Woman is your must-have guide to exploring the world without fear.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Feminism, Self Help

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

My unusual self was in search of an unusual book that understood me. Not restrict me for my safety, but help me be strong enough to face life - and then I found this: Wander Woman by Beth Santos.

It's a must-read for every person identifying with the title, who has a tingling in their toes if they stay in a place for long and keep hearing the call of their wanderlust. The book shows you how to travel right in several ways but, my reason to fall in love with the contents of this book may seem a little different.

🧳 The book is a chest of travel stories and some of it may feel infuriating, but what's shocking is these things do happen in reality.
🧳 The author addresses the victim-blaming issue very well
🧳 Calling out the prejudices of a society that acts modern but behaves ancient
🧳 The clubs mentioned in the book - I want to join them all
🧳 The travel resources at the end of the book, make me feel like I should treat it like my Travel Bible or something
🧳 Last but not least: I think I am ready to share my travel story on their blog too 🙈

And that is the beauty of books, I recommend people to read this one and share their takeaways (which I know will be so different for each one of us).

Thank you @gcpbalance @hachetteus @maximumbeth for the review copy of such a wonderful book.
Genre: #nonfiction #travel
Rating: 4.5 /5 ⭐️

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be life-changing... I've flirted with the idea of traveling solo (like a legit, planned, international solo trip) but haven't actually done it yet (even though Beth Santos would say I absolutely have traveled solo... with a pretty good amount of experience actually). This book has given me so many resources and a lot of confidence... so 2025 may be the year I actually book that flight!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling solo sounds both scary and exciting to me. I was intrigued by this book and wanted to know if it would inspire me to finally get the courage to do some solo traveling. What I realized was that just because my solo travel doesn’t look like what my mind has thought it is, influenced by what is portrayed on social media, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t count. I have actually solo traveled many times—by plane, train, and automobile. They may not have been captured on social media, they may have been for work, or they may have been for only a few days—but that doesn’t negate them. With good tips and inspiration, this is a great book for those new and experienced in solo travel.

*Provided a DRC (digital review copy) from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

[Travel Books and Movies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Score: 5-star, I loved it! Would definitely read/watch it again or highly recommend it to a friend!
Author: Beth Santos
Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Discovery/Change
Places Featured: N/A

Beth Santos isn’t new to the travel industry–she’s been a blogger, a podcaster, a speaker, a travel fest planner and the founder of Wanderful, a network for women travelers all over the world (full disclosure, I recently became a member of the group).

And one of the hottest topics currently in the travel industry is solo travel, especially solo travel for women. Many want to do it, but many are afraid of it…and part of the problem is that many just don’t understand it. Beth decided to combine her many years in the travel industry with her own experiences as a traveler to write Wander Woman: How to Reclaim Your Space, Find Your Voice, and Travel the World, Solo–a book that is kind of a study of the power of travel, kind of a how-to guide on traveling solo, and kind of a self-help book all rolled into one.

I loved it. I started reading it while actually on an airplane on my way to a new country and here are a few signs of just how much I loved it:
I kept quoting it and wanting to discuss it with my fellow travelers
I noted so many quotes from the book
I plan to give the book as a gift to several friends
I’ve already recommended the book to several people

Even though I’ve been traveling solo for 20+ years, I still found the book extremely insightful and helpful. She makes some great points on redefining travel, she encourages readers to just get out there and do it, and she reminds us about being a conscious traveler and being aware of our impact on the people, the environment, the culture, and the economics of the places we are visiting. She’s also very aware of how diverse travelers actually are and how that can affect travelers’ experiences (for this, she includes some great resources for travelers who are people of color, identify as LGBTQ+, are plus-size, or people with disabilities.)

She’s also honest about solo travel–it can be scary. It can be lonely. It can be frustrating. Things can go wrong. Your family and friends may not understand. You may not come back “a changed person” like Eat, Pray, Love promised you would. But she gives concrete ideas on how to move through those concerns and still learn from those “misadventures.”

Beth gets it. She gets the power of travel. She gets the power of solo travel. And she gets the power of sharing it with others–this book is the perfect way to do that. As she reminds us:

“Travel is not about how many miles you go, or how many passport stamps you acquire. It’s about how much you challenge yourself, how much you open yourself up to new experiences, and how much you let yourself rethink the way you look at the world.”

*I was given a version of this book for free in exchange for an honest book review. Thank you to @Netgalley and @GrandCentralpub.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth’s book came out when I was nearing the end of a 3 month solo trip in Southeast Asia. Oh how I wished I could’ve read it before I left! But coming home to digest everything that I’d been through with this book was the second best thing.

I’m a seasoned solo traveler so I wondered how much I’d get out of the book. A lot! This book felt like all the internal conversations I have had with myself during past trips, thoughts about how to support local communities, how to be a good guest, how not to judge other tourists, how to convey to my friends/family the safety I felt, etc. As I read, I felt so seen and understood, that these are common musings amongst travelers trying to get it right.

If you’ve never gone solo (spoiler alert: you probably have and don’t realize it), this is an informative read on how to prepare for a solo trip, mentally and logistically. It’s much better than the answer we so often hear to “just do it.” She has a step by step plan to work out your travel muscles so that you are strong enough to take that trip you’ve always wanted.

If you’ve already gone solo, this is a great read for your next trip and the return home. Also comes with recommendations for literature and data to support your assurance to your family/friends that you will be FINE traveling alone. When it comes to traveling, don’t have fear, have data! (And understand the underlying data too!)

[Heather Jasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think Wander Woman would have much to offer me because I've been solo traveling for over 20 years but I like everything Beth Santos does, so I thought I might like her book.

I was wrong about Wander Woman not having anything to offer a seasoned solo traveler and travel writer. Beth clearly articulates so many things I've intuitively felt but not known how to write about, like the difference between feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. I've solo traveled and even lived in places that were statistically unsafe, like the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, where I had a very fun and carefree vacation. As a travel writer, I've struggled with how to write about such experiences since I know my privilege is likely why I felt safe.

Wander Woman gave me a new framework for how to write about those experiences, how to acknowledge my privilege and write about feeling safe in places that other solo women travelers may not feel safe. Her advice on trip planning isn't for seasoned travelers like me, but there's still plenty in this book for the most experienced travelers out there.

[AndiReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I cannot wait to gift it to friends. Beth Santos has a great way with words and has built a book to allay any fears you have about traveling solo. This book is empowering, inspiring and the perfect amount of aspirational. Beth doesn't pull any punches and she addresses all of the fears and realities that face female solo travelers.

Beth breaks everything down and reminds us that a short trip is a great first step and just booking the flight might be intimidating but it's a perfect start.

I love her writing and her inclusionary terms and resources. I think this book will stand in for that trusted friend that can advise you!

The resources at the end of the book are endless. This is a great gift or a book you should read if you are ready to take that step. Pick up Wander Woman and start your own adventure!
#GrandCentralpublishing #WanderWoman #bethSantos

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting! I seriously couldn’t put it down. Beth’s writing style is captivating and she combines her own personal stories with others in the industry.

Unlike so many books about travel, this one really digs into the nuances and discusses some incredibly important topics that we desperately need to be talking about.

This book will challenge any pre conceived notions you may have about travel, especially solo travel. I’ve been traveling for as long as I can remember and have done countless trips solo and I still put this book down feeling inspired and introspective about my own travels.

Trust me when I tell you that this is a must read for any traveler whether it’s your first trip or 1,000th.

And if you’ve never taken a solo trip before, this book will give you all the steps you need to feel confident in taking your first one!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: Goodreads Giveaway Winner

I'm not sure what I was looking for when I entered the Giveaway, but this wasn't really it. I didn't realize that there were women so terrified to travel solo that this sort of guide was needed. Dining alone? Quite often.... whether it's while driving from Point A to Point B or during Reserve Training far from my living place. I was about 22 the first time I boarded a plane on my own... headed for a college conference where, yes, I would be part of a group, but I did not know anyone.

Yes, there are generalities, but I think this is much more a memoir of the author's journey to solo travel than a guide for women who just don't know where to start.

[Megan Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tbh, I didn't expect too much from this book. I've traveled a whole bunch solo all over and never had any hesitation about it. Was this going to be cringe like so many of the female travel blogs out there? NO! I loved it. The lessons were spot on and brought back fond memories of when I learned them (mostly the hard way) and I even picked up a few new tips. There was so much awareness of privelage too, but in a way that let marginalized voices speak for themselves, rather than being performative or preachy.

I'd 100% recommend this to any traveler, be them a woman or not, traveling solo or not. It's just a great travel book.

(One disagreement - camping solo is awesome and no more dangerous than traveling in a city solo.)

[Maggie Clapis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up a copy at LAX (what better spot to pick up a book about travel?) and finished by the time my flight landed across the world. Whether you want gentle guidance for your first solo trip, or you’re an avid traveler, reading this book feels like a conversation with a trusted friend. Beth captured everything I love about solo travel with honesty and an inclusive perspective. The reality of solo travel is that challenges will come up, and there will be uncomfortable moments as well as deeply rewarding moments (and often both simultaneously), and Beth’s voice through the pages of Wander Woman is the one you’ll want echoing through your head on your journey- reminding you that you CAN take on anything! I only wish I had this book before my first solo trip!

[Paul Clapis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! "Wander Woman" is an invitation to explore the world ethically, affordably, and with an open mind. Santos shares her family stories, her initial trepidations about travel, and her journey toward becoming the fearless traveler she is today. This is one of those books that is impossible to put down, in part because the writing is so embracing and evocative. The practical advice scattered throughout the book is like finding treasures in a trove of travel wisdom. Santos covers everything from budgeting and packing to choosing accommodations, making the book an indispensable resource for travelers of all experience levels. Solo travel, in particular, can be (and should be) a life-changing experience, especially if you tune into the people and social cues surrounding you.

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wander Woman is book meant to inspire women to travel solo without fear. Santos offers assurances, inspiration , and some travel tips. She talks about some of the experiences she has had with solo travel and sets out a plan for others, starting with a day trip and then a weekend trip and eventually an overseas. She covers topics such as types of places to stay, what to do on your first day and how to address the Liam Neeson's in your life (a reference to the movie Taken). She also addresses how to be an ethical traveller and other philosophical topics such as how travel will change you. Overall it was a good read that has given me the little push I needed to try solo travel in the near future.

[Jamie Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanderful Women is the perfect book for women seeking advice on solo travel. As a seasoned solo traveler, I found the information in Chapter 9 beneficial. I learned about new resources I hadn’t heard of before! I’m inspired to check out a few more websites and communities for women who travel. Beth has a “wanderful” job explaining that solo travel doesn’t always mean “single woman” travel and that many travelers are in relationships but travel solo for various reasons.

If you are intrigued by this, Wanderful Women is a helpful guide for traveling solo, safety, debunking common myths, recommendations, and everything in between.

[Shelby Marcotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is hard to review.

It’s objectively a well-written book. It was easy to listen to, the author referenced others’ works and provided resources for almost everything she discussed. I just got bored about halfway through because I think this was written for a reader who needs to feel empowered to travel, one who needs convincing. That’s not me.

It’s a really good book for someone who wants to travel but never has, someone who wants to learn about all the considerations to make. There were times I felt the book took itself too seriously - talking about how traveling changes us at our cores and how it’s a struggle for others to understand - but it’s not bad. It’s good. I think.

[Lindsay Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS THE BOOK I NEEDED. I am an avid solo traveler (or solo travel + my small child). At first I thought maybe this book would be too...beginner for me, but even the most beginner parts sparked new ideas for me. At the end of the book, the author talks about reentry after travel and how it can affect you (and maybe no one else around you knows you're struggling). I've NEVER been able to describe this feeling or find people who can explain it like Beth did. Whether you're new to solo travel or have solo traveled 500 times, this is a great book for you!

[Becca Buncie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about traveling as a female, and more specifically traveling alone. It is not what I expected when I set out to read it. I was thinking it was going to be more of a guide than it was, though the book clearly spells out early on that that is not what it is in fact. Moreso, the book is intended to provide confidence to woman to get out there and see the world. The thing that struck me the most is the idea of a day zero with no major plans on a trip to ground yourself, orient yourself to the new place and ease into the trip. What a great idea!

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give this book to the traveler in your life, whether they are just embarking on their first solo trip or they’re an experienced travel pro. They’re bound to find helpful tips in this book. I’m not one to keep or earmark books but I’ll be doing both for future reference. I found the chapter on re-entry after a trip particularly useful and original. So many flashy travel articles focus solely on international travel, but I really appreciated that Santos focused on travel as a mindset that can be found and practiced even in your own neighborhood. Overall great read!

[Megon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I couldn't really read this book. The font is an issue if you are older, it has a blurry, doubled look to it, but strangely not on every page. I did try though, and what I was able to read was interesting. It goes over fun things like dealing with your privilege, social justice, microagressions, and that sort of thing. I can't really comment more on it than that, since I was only able to read about 1/4 of the pages. I did get this book from goodreads.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good tips and I will likely buy a copy for my niece who wants to do some solo traveling. Some interesting resources listed in the end… a little tricky to grasp since I listened to the audiobook. But I did find out that there’s a travel company for neurodivergent young adults and that resource might come in handy for myself or friends. Super cool to know there are so many travel groups out there to support different needs (including those who are vision impaired or deaf).

[Avila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm completely biased because I went to High School with the author, but I'm so excited for Beth to have published this book! We always knew she was going to change the world, and the advice, encouragement, and stories in it will lead to so many more solo female identifying travellers confidently making smart and informed choices as they travel. Let this be a sign that you can dream big, and work hard to make those dream happen.

[Hailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I found it at the perfect time in my life. As someone who has already traveled solo several times, I still found Beth's words and advice helpful and ended up underlining SO much in her book! I also feel like it related to my life where I am emotionally and mentally, and the "find your voice" and "reclaim your space" really spoke to me and helped me navigate this chapter of life <3

[Haley Maple · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not for me. But, it is likely good for someone who isn’t comfortable doing anything alone. Most of the chapters are geared toward women who have never taken even a short business trip alone or maybe haven’t eaten alone or gone to a movie alone. Nothing wrong with that but it was semi repetitive and not what I expected. There were a couple of useful chapters for those who are experienced travelers looking for more adventure with useful references.

[Lola Akinmade Åkerström · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether a seasoned solo traveler or stepping out solo for the first time, Santos' warm engaging prose feels like travel counselling. Written in an accessible conversational style, it feels like listening to your most trusted friend empowering you to see the world; urging you to bask in the unique magic and transformational experiences that only solo travel can provide.

[Jessy Munch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. I feel I am a seasoned solo traveler but this book was great. I had my first out of country solo trip since a severe traumatic brain injury and it’s funny because things she talks about I don’t think I did as much pre injury versus post injury like day one. However now I have 2 days of rest before day one not leaving my hotel.

Great book.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book for someone who sees a lot of mental, physical and emotional barriers between themselves and solo traveling. That said, it was still useful for me as an experienced solo traveler because it made me think about some things such as safety through a lens I hadn't previously, even as a woman. Good read but no major wows.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be an excellent travel book for a woman traveling solo, especially for the first time. Even as a well traveled (married) woman that rarely travels solo, it had some good advice I could use.

[Anne Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book and highly recommend the audio version. Beth is a phenomenal storyteller! She asks the hard questions of why we travel and how we impact the communities we visit. Solo travel has changed my life and this book is assisting me in traveling more intentionally.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, reasonable guidance for solo women travelers. I particularly liked the section on “re-entry” into normal life after a trip. (I call this the “post-vacation grumpies,” and it’s nice to know it’s a thing with a name.)

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. A few interesting points in the midst of some common ones.