Dame Traveler: Live the Spirit of Adventure

by Nastasia Yakoub

A breathtaking celebration of Instagram's premier solo female travel community, featuring 200 striking photographs—most of them all-new—plus empowering messages and practical tips for solo travelers. “For those with passports full of stories, this book carries you away to every dreamy corner of the earth. I can’t stop flipping through these visually incandescent pages to see where I’m capable of traveling to next!”—Caila Quinn, The Bachelor contestant and lifestyle and travel influencerFrom backpackers in Peru to artists in Berlin to storytellers in Morocco, Dame Traveler celebrates the diversity and bravery of women from around the world who are not afraid to think (and live) outside the box.The revolutionary Dame Traveler Instagram account was founded by Nastasia Yakoub, who was born into a strict Chaldean-Middle Eastern community where women are expected to marry young and put aside other personal ambitions. But at the age of twenty, Nastasia embarked on a solo trip to South Africa to volunteer at an orphanage in Cape Town, which sparked a love of world travel. Recognizing a void in the travel industry, she founded Dame Traveler, the first female travel community on Instagram, now more than half a million strong. Nastasia herself has traveled to sixty-three countries on solo adventures, sharing colorful photos of her tantalizing travels along the way.Dame Traveler celebrates these women with a photographic collection of 200 stunning images paired with inspiring captions, 80% of which have never been seen on the Instagram account. Organized into sections on architecture, culture, nature, and water, each entry features travel information, plus tips, advice, unique solo-travel experiences, and wisdom from contributing globe-trotters to embolden the next generation of Dame Travelers.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Photography

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

About the author

Nastasia Yakoub, a Labor & Delivery nurse turned photographer, travel blogger and author has leveraged her passion for travel and photography by founding the revolutionary women's travel community Dame Traveler, a curated women’s travel blog where female travelers can inspire and connect with one another. At the age of twenty, Nastasia embarked on a solo trip to South Africa to volunteer at an orphanage in Cape Town, which sparked a love of world travel. Recognizing a void in the travel industry, the first female travel community on Instagram, now more than half a million strong. Nastasia herself has traveled to over sixty-seven countries on solo adventures, sharing inspiring photos of her tantalizing travels along the way. As she manages a large network of travel bloggers as well as creating her own content on her travel Instagram account, @nastasiaspassport, her community continues to grow and so does her brand. She's based in her favorite city of New York.

From backpackers in Peru to artists in Berlin to storytellers in Morocco, Dame Traveler celebrates the diversity and bravery of women from around the world who are not afraid to think (and live) outside the box.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose the name Dame Traveler because I wanted to exemplify strength, selflessness, and courage.

Nastasia Yakoub is the founder of the Dame Traveler - a travel blog for women adventuring across the world.

She empowers women to travel - alone - anywhere and every where.

But, she was not always the bold and daring woman she is today.

For as long as I remember, I have felt out of place.

Once, the wildest thing she could imagine was attending nursing school away from the family.

Then, an accident happens and Nastasia finds that freedom taken away...and she began traveling and hasn't stopped since.

The actual text of this book was rather short (though really interesting!).

We get a three page introduction to Nastasia's life and learn a little bit about what it was like to travel on her own for the first time.

While it was cool to learn about her...I really wish I would have gotten more.

I've never heard of the Dame Traveler instagram/blog until this book so I would've appreciated a stronger narrative to orient me to her blog and her lifestyle.

And a bit of a narrative linking the images together would've really made it pop for me.

When a woman travels solo, she throws fear to the wind and trusts the universe to protect her while she uses her instincts....

From there we go into a laundry list of safety tips for solo women travelors, such as advising to stay with female hosts, what to do if you are followed and how to pack for an emergency.

While those tips were rather helpful, it was a bit disconcerting to go from Nastasia's wonderful view on traveling to a completely different vibe (BE CAREFUL - BE VERY CAREFUL).

It took me aback and made me realize just how much a woman needs to take into account if she wants to go alone. It was a little spooky.

And now *drum roll* the images in this book. Wow.

This has to be the most aesthetically pleasing books I have ever seen.

Each page had an absolutely stunning picture of a woman traveling on her own across the globe.

The locations were amazing, the way Nastasia assembled the color coordination is beautiful and the overall vibe is just gorgeous!

Overall, this was the perfect book to feed your wanderlust while keeping quarantine! .

A huge thank you to Mimi from Goodreads for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads

[Brittney Arena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful book! I love traveling, and even though the world is shut down right now due to COVID19, receiving this book has been such a blessing. I've been able to dream a bit as I traverse its pages, listing all the locations I'd love to visit one day. Better yet, there's tons of tricks and travel advice - and the book is lovely as a coffee table piece!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow. I am so inspired by these women, their courage, their travels and their photography. Count me in!

[A. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're a solo or pair or group traveler, whether you're a man or woman, this book is a beautiful showcase of the world around us. Expertly curated and stunningly assembled, this is a must-have for anyone who loves to see--or day dreams one day of seeing--our world.

Bonus: if you are a solo, woman traveler, this book is full of bite-sized tips and tricks to make your travels safe and fun.

[Brei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book on a whim from the Random House blogger program. I ended up loving it. I love the beautiful photos and the advice from fellow travelers.

I loved seeing some of my favorite bloggers and instagrammers in the book as well.

[Andrea A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this may be the most beautiful book I have ever owned. I mean this not only from an aesthetic point of view (both the cover and the photographs are beyond words) but also for the powerful message the author brilliantly conveyed.
It is very inspiring and uplifting to see so many women out there living their dreams and sharing their experiences and knowledge. I’ve been looking for something like this for a while – a travel tome to lose myself into when I feel like going off on an adventure but I’m stuck home – and this is just perfection.
Besides, I may or may not have planned all my next travel destinations thanks to this book :)
I highly recommend it to every traveler out there!

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book to transport you to places all over the world then this is it. Not just the well-traveled places, but the lesser know, lesser trod, off the beaten track adventures that so many of us dream of. But by far my favourite aspect of this book is the community of female empowerment, inspiration and positivity. If you ever doubted your ability to travel solo, this book proves it's not only possible but so so rewarding! For your friend/family member that loves travel, adventure, photography and travel tips, make sure you get this book for them!

[Laura Gingerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armchair explorers - rejoice! 200+ female travelers' stories, stunning photography of destinations off-the-beaten-path and familiar (delightfully reimagined or seen through a new perspective), lots of inside information and resources. As a follower of @dametraveler for years, I've always loved the content shared... but this is next level. Thoughtfully curated, impactful, and highlights lots of diversity. I've been waiting for a book like this to hit the shelves, and it's FINALLY here.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the male-dominated travelsphere, anything empowering the female perspective is a win in my book. This book is beautifully printed, filled with gorgeous photos and advice from female travelers all around the world, and was clearly crafted with love. If you're looking to get a little bit lost from the comfort of your own home, I highly recommend it.

[Diana De Lorenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nastasia is one of the most inspiring people I have ever known and her Dame Traveler project is no different. A project that honor travelers women from all over the world and gives a lot of inspiration for incredible places to discover and photograph. A real inspirational well! 10+

[ES Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently quarantined at home and the new Dame Traveler book is really helping to lift my spirits by giving me all the travel inspiration! So many beautiful photos and stories from all over the world.

[Giulia De Jesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that anyone who loves to travel must have at home.
An all-female book that tells through wonderful photos wonderful places.

LOVE IT!

[Christine Petterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book with amazing pictures and travel tips from all around the world. Great for both solo travellers and couples or for those who just want to dream.

[Anastasia Pittini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure wanderlust! A stunning book to have at home for dreaming, planning, exploring whether sitting at home or while packing for your next adventure.

[Mary Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book with a beautiful pictures and stories about girls travels around the world.

Очень красивая и вдохновляющая настольная книга путешественников - любителей красивых мест для эстетичных фотографий в разных уголках мира. Подборка особенно идеальна для девушек, которые путешествуют самостоятельно - вдохновляет, помогает сориентироваться и зарядиться идеями от путешествующих блогеров!

[Radha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful, thoughtful and inspirational travel book for woman of our generation. My first ever coffee table book and have already had so many comments of what a beautiful book this is. It’s filled with truely inspiring young woman from every corner of the planet and showcases the most stunning destinations that I think every traveler needs to try and visit. It’s the ultimate travel book. I’m obsessed! Also BEST gift if you’ve got a young girl who loves travel or is into photography.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful photo book profiling female travelers all over the world! Perfect for “armchair travel” and as a stunning coffee table book.

[Nabina Nazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

World on my coffee table!!! Most beautiful, inspiring book with stories of solo female travelers around the world. This book is also a tribute to all aspiring travels. Dame traveler tells how travel changed their life, their journey and discovery with beautiful photographers from cities, culture and nature.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fave travel books so far - it is a beautiful showcase of the world around us, and includes some of my favourite bloggers/influencers. It can be a beautiful gift, or even a gift to yourself! :)

[Francesca Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful and inspiring book which highlights a diverse range of women conquering the world. The photos are gorgeous and there are a lot of great tips for the featured destinations!

[Lisa Tran · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just your regular coffee table book. This book inspires, motivates, and features a collection of beautiful images by women who are bold, daring, determined, creative, and so much more. Every page will make you want to go somewhere.

[Samantha O'Brochta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being able to see so many amazing women traveling the world in this book! If this wont get you inspired to travel, nothing will!

[Lola Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book filled with so much amazing travel inspiration!

[Ivette Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to all travelers, restless souls who is always thinking about where to go, when will be the next trip, what new places to meet and what adventures will be found along the way. Definitely you have to have one!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! I can travel with the incredible images. Loved the tips and recommendations. Also is a beautiful table book. Will be forever on my coffee table.

[Jenny Feng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nastasia for your hard work of putting this book together for the dreamers and explorers. The depth of your love for travel and culture will always be admired.

[Bella Bucchiotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book so happy to be apart of this!

[Anna Hammerschmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for travel inspiration, this is a must-have book! "Dame Traveler: Live the Spirit of Adventure" is the ultimate travel coffee table book. Each page is full of breathtaking photos by female travelers as well as tips and stories from each contributor. Not only are the photos in this book beautiful and inspiring, but the story by the author is also incredible. Nastasia's story is truly inspiring and encourages the reader to explore the world. I have discovered so many female travelers through the Dame Traveler book. I find it very helpful that each contributor's Instagram handle is in the book, as I find myself wanting to check out their pages to see where else their travels have brought them.

[Alison Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dame Traveler’s Live The Spirit of Adventure coffee table book is the perfect escape right now. You’ll get lost in the pages and each destination — from Denmark, Morocco, Kenya, Japan to Cincinnati, Ohio are all wonderful, vibrant images that will make your travel bucket list grow exponentially longer. Throughout the book both the contributors and Dame Traveler give amazing travel tips that only someone who had been to that place would be able to share with readers. The best part of the book is the community of inspiring and empowered female travelers highlighted throughout each page. This book would make a great gift for any female traveler in your life.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the women supporting women movement. The Live the Spirit of Adventure book is a perfect gift to a girl friend, sister, mom, niece, or a stunning piece of decor for your coffee table or book shelf! It has a beautiful collection of images and i'm obsessed with my copy. xx