A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler
by Thalia Zepatos (The Eighth Mountain Press). Detailed advice on practical matters for women traveling abroad alone. Active Woman Vacation Guide by Evelyn Kaye (Blue Panda Publications). True stories by women travelers and complete information on adventure vacations worldwide. Adventures in Good Company: The Complete Guide to Women's Tours and Outdoor Trips by Thalia Zepatos (The Eighth Mountain Press). Profiles more than 100 companies worldwide that offer trips for women. Air Courier Bargains: How to Travel Worldwide for Next to Nothing by Kelly Monaghan (Intrepid Traveler); info@intrepidtraveler.com, [www.intrepidtraveler.com]. Complete guide to courier travel in U.S. and around the world. Air Travel's Bargain Basement by Kelly Monaghan (Intrepid Traveler); info@intrepidtraveler.com, [www.intrepidtraveler.com]. A 124-page list of U.S., Canadian, and international companies that buy blocks of seats from the airlines at discounts and pass savings on to the consumer (new version of Consolidators). Alternative Travel Directory. Annual. $19.95/postpaid. (Transitions Abroad Publishing [www.TransitionsAbroad.com]). The most comprehensive 1-volume guide to independent travel, living, and study abroad. By the editors of Transitions Abroad magazine. Amateur's Guide to the Planet by Jeannette Belliveau (Beau Monde Press). Reports on 12 adventure journeys reflect author's responses to diverse cultures and how people live. Good background reading for responsible travelers. Archaeology Abroad, 31-34 Gordon Sq., London WC1H 0PY, England. Three annual bulletins list worldwide archaeological digs with details of staffing needs and costs; fax 011-44-020-7383-2572; arch.abroad@ucl.ac.uk, [www.britarch.ac.uk/archabroad]. The Archaeology Handbook: A Field Manual and Resource Guide by Bill McMillon (John Wiley & Sons). How-to and where-to guide for volunteers. The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred by Phil Cousineau (Conari Press, orders only 800-685-9595). Travel for personal meaningfulness. Auto Europe Wallet Card. Toll-free telephone access codes to reach AT&T, MCI, and Sprint in 20 countries; 800-223-5555; [www.autoeurope.com]. Also the Auto Europe Free CD Rom Travel Planner, an interactive guide to planning your trip to Europe. Avalon Travel Publishing. Publishes the imprints: City Smart, Moon Handbooks, Foghorn Handbooks, Rick Steves, Road Trip USA, and Travel Smart. Big Book of Adventure Travel by James Simmons (Avalon Travel Publishing). A sourcebook of worldwide guided adventure tours. Bradt Guides (Globe Pequot Press). Reliable guides originating in the U.K. covering less traveled destinations for the adventurous traveler. Britain and Ireland Bed & Breakfast Guide 2003 (AA Publishing, 2003, 720 pp., $19.95; sold in U.S. by AAA (AAA.com). This reference guide contains all the information you need to choose from 4,000 inspected guesthouses, farmhouses, inns, and small hotels. Bugs, Bites and Bowels by Dr. J. Howarth (Cadogan). A guide on healthy travel covering prevention, diagnosis, and cure. Cadogan Guides (Globe Pequot Press). Excellent, all-purpose guidebooks at moderate prices. New this year: Northeast Italy and the Dolomites (2nd). Create Your Own European Adventure: Leave the Guidebooks at Home by Clive Shearer (Newjoy Press, orders only 800-876-1373). Remarkably detailed planning and preparation guide. Culture Smart France! by Barry Tomalin (Graphic Arts Center Publishing, 2003, 168 pp., $9.95). One of a growing series of titles on the customs and etiquette of individual countries written by experts on the culture. In addition to providing reliable cultural background information, each book has a chapter on Making Friends. Do's and Taboos Around the World: A Guide to International Behavior by Roger Axtell (John Wiley & Sons). Advice for the business and pleasure traveler on what to do and not to do in other cultures. Europe Through the Back Door, Europe 101, Mona Winks by Rick Steves (Avalon Travel Publishing). Rick is the expert on independent travel in Europe. Europe Travel Book by Des Hannigan, et al (AA Publishing, 2003 ed., 576 pp., $16.95). Another "highlights of" guide, but the Survival Guide and Essential Information section for each country are especially thorough. Exploring Rural Europe Series (Passport Books). Driving tours of 1 day to 1 week acquaint the traveler with the history, character, and cuisine of the region. Titles for Austria, France, England. First Time Around the World by Doug Lansky (Rough Guides, 2003, 314 pp., $14.95). An easy-to-use new guide by an experienced world traveler that covers everything from initial planning to booking to what to take with you and what to do when you arrive. Fly Cheap by Kelly Monaghan (Intrepid Traveler); info@intrepidtraveler.com, [www.intrepidtraveler.com]. All you need to know to save on airfares, including strategies and contacts. Fly for Less by Gary E. Schmidt (Travel Publishing, Inc.; 800-241-9299, fax 651-501-9230). Detailed coverage of how to find reduced price airfare, including the 25 best consolidators selling international and domestic bargains. Foiling Pickpockets and Bag Snatchers and Other Travel Related Crimes or Scams.
Order Jens Jurgen's 24-page booklet from: Travel Companion Exchange, Inc., P.O. Box 833, Amityville, NY 11701-0833. One copy $4.70, two copies $6.70 ppd. Footprints Handbooks (U.S. distributor, NTC/Contemporary). The original book in the series is the old reliable South American Handbook. New this year: Mexico. Footsteps: The Soul of Travel Kite Strings of the Southern Cross by Laurie Gough; The Sword of Heaven by Mikkel Aaland; Storm by Allen Noren; Take Me with You by Brad Newsham. (Travelers' Tales, [www.travelerstales.com]). Footsteps showcases talented voices in travel literature. Ford's Freighter Travel Guide (Ford's Travel Guides). Very informative. Updated semi-annually. Freighter Travel News. Monthly newsletter by Leland J. Pledger (Freighter Travel Club of America, 3524 Harts Lake, Roy, WA 98580. $20 per year. Compilation of first-hand reports of recent ocean-going freighter voyages and unusual water craft transportation. The Gift of Travel: The Best of Travelers' Tales by Larry Habegger, James O'Reilly, and Sean O'Reilly (Travelers' Tales). Stories from all over the world confirm that travel is one of the best teachers. The Globetrotter's Guide by Wayne Smits and Carol E. Dolinko. Essential skills for the budget traveler. Going Abroad? Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20420; 202-512-1800. Free pamphlet with safety tips; includes order form for other U.S. government publications on foreign travel and residency. Going Solo Travel Tours edited by Diane Redfern. Tips, advice, tales, and contacts for planning going solo adventures. Connecting: Solo Travel Network. Connecting, P.O. Box 29088, Delamont RPO, Vancouver, BC V6J 5C2, Canada; 800-557-1757; [www.cstn.org]. Great Railway Journeys of Europe (Langenscheidt Publishers, 2002, 400 pp., $23.95). Evocatively photographed, this thoroughly researched practical guide also includes fascinating background information. You’ll want to read it at least once before you go, try to fit it in your luggage, and read it again when you return. Hostelling Directory, P.O. Box 37613, Washington, DC 20013-7613; 202-783-6161, fax 202-783-6171; hiayhserv@hiayh.org, [www.hiayh.org]. (Hostelling International--American Youth Hostels). Two annual volumes: Europe and Africa/Americas/Asia/Pacific. Lists nearly 4,500 hostels in over 70 countries for all ages. Hot Spots (Fielding Worldwide). Compendium of stories complementing World's Most Dangerous Places. In Search of Adventure: A Wild Travel Anthology by Bruce Northam and Brad Olsen (CCC Publishing). Lively collection of traveler's tales. Interlink. Important independent publishing house, specializes in world literature, history and politics, music, ethnic cooking, and crafts as well as world travel. Wild Guides series: Illustrated guides to the wild places in the modern world. New this year: Spain, Britain, Ireland, Italy. Travellers History series: Concise historical background on cities and countries. New this year: Australia, India, U.S., Scotland, Greece, Italy. In Focus Guides: Lively and thought-provoking introduction to the country's people, politics, and culture. New this year: Nicaragua, Brazil, Jamaica, Haiti, Belize. Spectrum Guides: Lavishly illustrated guides with detailed country descriptions. New this year: Jordan, Nepal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe. Independent Walker series: New this year: Ireland, Italy, France. Traveler's Wine Guides: New edition this year: Italy, France. Cities of the Imagination (new series): In-depth cultural, historical, and literary guides to the great cities of the world: Buenos Aires, Oxford, Mexico City, Venice, Madrid, Rome, Edinburgh. Jewish Travel Guide 2000 International Edition by Michael Zaidner, ed. (Sepher-Hermon Press, Publishers and Distributors of Better Jewish Books, 1153 45th St., Brooklyn, NY 11219; Tel./fax 718-972-9010). An annual updated source of information for the Jewish traveler including Kosher restaurants, synogogues, museums, and organizations. The Latin American Travel Advisor, P.O. Box 17-17-908, Quito, Ecuador; fax 011-593-2-562-566; LATA@pi.pro.ec, [www.amerispan.com]. Sound advice for safe travel in 17 South and Central American countries. Includes detailed "how-to" travel advice, comprehensive country profiles, and a wide selection of excellent maps. Lonely Planet Publications. As well as regular guide books, maps, atlases, phrasebooks, walking, hiking, cycling and diving guides, Lonely Planet publishes the following useful planning guide series. Healthy Travel: Informative guides full of answers to common travel health questions. Available for Africa, Asia & India, Central & South America, Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific. Journeys: Travel literature covering cultures, places, and adventures throughout the world. Read This First: Practical advice on preparation, itinerary planning, staying safe, and more. Available for Africa, Asia, and India, Central and South America, Europe.
Watching Wildlife: Practical information on wildlife and where, when, and how to experience wildlife in Australia, East Africa or Southern Africa. World Food: Cultural insights and practical information for local food and drink for several worldwide destinations. Museums and Galleries of London (Langenscheidt Publishers, 2002, 224 pp., $17.95). This beautifully illustrated 4-color guide provides background history and cultural background along with incisive evaluations of more than 130 museums and galleries. Also some helpful travel advice. Passport Regional Guides (Passport Books). This series divides countries and continents into areas and provides detailed information: Africa, China, France, Italy, Indonesia, India, Great Britain, Malaysia, Portugal, Russia. Passport to World Band Radio (International Broadcasting Services). Hour-by-hour, country-by-country listings for world band radio programming; hq@passport.com. People's Guide to Mexico (Avalon Travel Publishing). The Guide to Cooking Schools (ShawGuides, 15th ed., 2002, 440 pp., $24.95; Internet edition free at www.shawguides.com). Detailed descriptions of culinary and wine education programs in 32 countries. The Pocket Doctor: A Passport to Healthy Travel by Stephen Bezruchka, M.D. (Mountaineers). A compact health guide for the traveler. The Practical Nomad by Edward Hasbrouck (Avalon Travel Publishing). Useful information on airfare strategies, travel documents, information sources, and more The Way of the Traveler: Making Every Trip a Journey of Self-Discovery by Joseph Dispenza (Avalon Travel, 2nd ed., 180 pp., $14.95). An intelligently written book, with a good bibliography, by a former monk on how to follow the road to self-discovery. Rick Steves' Country Guides (Avalon Travel Publishing). Annually updated budget travel insights on the cities and regions of Europe. Also tips on transport, lodging, and dining. Rough Guide to the Internet and World Wide Web (Rough Guides). Listings and web sites on many topics including much travel-related information, [www.roughguide.com]. Rough Guide: First Time Europe and Rough Guide: First Time Asia (Rough Guides). Practical information, tips, and advice for the novice traveler in these two areas. SCOPE Quarterly Newsletter (International SOS Assistance, 800-523-8662, fax 215-244-0165; scholastic@intsos.com, [www.intsos.com]). Informational newsletter providing travel tips, news, and articles to independent travelers. Shawguides (www.shawguides.com). Shaw Guides' educational travel guides are now available on the Internet: descriptions of more than 3,600 cooking schools, photo workshops, writers' conferences, art and craft workshops, learning and language vacations, and golf, tennis, and water sports schools and camps worldwide. Searchable by keyword, name, state, country, region, month, and specialty. Short-Term Study Abroad: IIE’s Complete Guide to Summer and Short-Term Study edited by Marie O’Sullivan (IIE Books, 53rd ed., 2003, 582 pp., $46.95). The companion volume to Academic Year Abroad, this is the most comprehensive guide for those seeking a short-term vacation abroad with a focus on learning. Single-Friendly Travel Directory edited by Diane Redfern. Frequently updated listing of hundreds of tour companies, cruise lines, lodges, spas, resorts, and travel clubs whose functions and pricing are attractive to single and solo travelers. Included with subscription to Connecting: Solo Travel Network. Connecting, P.O. Box 29088, Delamont RPO, Vancouver, BC V6J 5C2, Canada; 800-557-1757; [www.cstn.org]. Speaking Vegetarian. The Globetrotter's Guide to Ordering Meatless in 197 Countries
by Bryan Geon (Pilot Books). An overview of what to expect--from the vegetarian perspective--in over 197 foreign countries, with phonetic pronunciation table. Specialty Travel Index. Biannual directory/magazine of special interest and adventure travel listing over 600 tour operators worldwide. $10 per year for 2 issues from Specialty Travel Index, 305 San Anselmo Ave., Suite 313, San Anselmo, CA 94960; 415-459-4900, fax 415-459-4974; [www.specialtytravel.com]. Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America by Dirk G. Schroeder (Avalon Travel Publishing). This is your tool for maintaining good health while living or visiting in developing nations; info@travelmatters.com, [www.travelmatters.com]. There's No Toilet Paper on the Road Less Traveled and Not So Funny When it Happened by Doug Lansey (Travelers' Tales). Proving once again that a sense of humor is the one travel tool you shouldn't leave home without. Visit [www.travelerstales.com]. The Thrifty Traveler, P.O. Box 8168, Clearwater, Fl 33758; 800-532-5731, fax 727-447-0829; editor@thriftytraveler.com, [www.thriftytraveler.com]. Twelve-page monthly newsletter includes a special section for over-50 travelers and a section on Internet travel news. Tips on Renting a Car. Council of Better Business Bureau, 4200 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209; 703-276-0100. $2 with long SASE. Guide to getting the most service for your money from car rental companies. Ask for their other "Tips On" publications. Transformative Adventures, Vacations and Retreats by John Benson (New Millennium). Worldwide organizations offering programs for personal change--meditation retreats, health spas, etc. Travel Alone & Love It--A Flight Attendant's Guide to Solo Travel by Sharon B. Wingler (Chicago Spectrum Press, $14.95). Instructions on how to plan your own successful solo journey. Travel by Cargo Ship (Cadogon). Travel Companion Exchange, P.O. Box 833, Amityville, NY 11701; 631-454-0880 or 800-392-1256; [www.tce4me.com]. $6 sample newsletter. Widely recommended listings for travelers seeking companions and outstandingly useful newsletter for all travelers. Travel with Others without Wishing They'd Stayed Home by Nadine Nardi Davidson (Prince Publishing). A survival guide to traveling with your spouse, lover, boss, friends, kids, someone else's kids, relatives, pet, and yourself. Travel with Peace of Mind (International SOS Assistance). Brochure informing individual travelers about medical, personal, and travel assistance when needed while overseas. Traveling the South Pacific Without Reservations by Evangeline Brunes (Penrith Publications, 2001, 328 pp., $19.95; available from Amazon.com or from the publisher). A highly personalized account of a solo trip through the islands with a Lonely Planet guide and $1200 in traveler’s checks. The Travel Healthy Clinic Pocket Guide to Healthy Travel by Lawrence Bryson, MD (Silvercat). A pocket-sized guide to staying healthy while traveling. The Traveler's Atlas (Barron's Educational Series, 800-645-3476; [www.barronseduc.com]). A beautiful coffee table book plus a planning guide with regional background information. Traveler's Handbook: Essential Guide for Every Traveler (WEXAS/Globe Pequot).Good resource. Traveler's Literary Companion Series (Whereabouts Press). Short stories by local authors. Travelers' Tales Consumer Guides Tips and Wisdom series: The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel by Joel Widzer; The Fearless Shopper by Kathy Borrus; Shitting Pretty: How to Stay Clean and Healthy While Your Travel by Dr. Jane Wilson-Howard; Safety and Security for Women Who Travel by Shiela Swan and Peter Laufer Travelers' Tales (O'Reilly and Assoc.). Award-winning collections of experiential travel writing by world famous authors and new voices in the genre. New this year: Travelers' Tales Ireland and Travelers' Tales Australia. Traveller's History series (Interlink). New this year: Italy, Greece, Scotland, North Africa. Damron Address Book by Ian Phillips (Damron Co., annual). The original gay travel guide lists over 10,000 gay-equot). Advice and ideas for more than 250 great vacations including language and cooking schools, and active vacations, plus tips for traveling on your own. Traveler's Wine guides (Interlink). Companions for the traveling wine lover. Volunteer Vacations by Bill McMillon (Chicago Review Press). 5th ed. More than 500 opportunities worldwide. Wild Planet! 1,001 Extraordinary Events for the Inspired Traveler by Tom Clynes (Visible Ink). Thorough compendium of festivals, cultural events, and holidays spanning the globe. Women Travel & More Women Travel (Penguin). From Rough Guide series. First-hand accounts, adventures, and advice from more than 60 countries. Women's Traveller 2000 by Gina M. Gatta, Ian Philips (Damron Company). The World Awaits: Comprehensive Guide to Extended Backpack Travel by Paul Otteson (Avalon Travel Publishing). Practical book with details for life on the road. Work Your Way Around the World by Susan Griffith (Peterson's Guides). Excellent first-hand information, by country, on short-term jobs to keep you going by Transitions Abroad contributing editor. World Music from the Rough Guides Series. (Penguin). References and information on music spanning the globe. World's Most Dangerous Places by Robert Young Pelton and Coskun Aral (Fielding Worldwide). First-hand experiences, advice on protecting yourself, etc. Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by David Borgenicht and Joshua Piven (Chronicle Books). Handy book to prepare you to cope with dangers on the road, from escaping from quicksand to wrestling an alligator. You Can Travel Free by Robert W. Kirk (Pelican). Author tells how he has traveled a half-million miles for free.
KATHY WIDING is author of Cycling
the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg and is part owner of Wide World Books & Maps in Seattle,
WA. Her latest book, Cycling
in France, will be published by Lonely Planet. Contact her at kwiding@hotmail.com.
(with updates by Clay Hubbs) | 
