Last updated on June 17th, 2024
Books + Movies to Inspire Travel
JourneyWoman Book Club
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Holiday Gift Guide: Our Top Travel Books for Women, From the JourneyWoman Book Club
With the holidays approaching, the JourneyWoman Book Club team reflects on our top books to inspire travel in 2024 and beyond.
Never Too Old to Travel Solo: At 86, Joyce Perrin is Still Making Connections
You’re never too old to travel solo, says 86-year old author Joyce Perrin in her memoir, “Ants in My Pants”. Join Joyce and other 80+ authors on our September 28 webinar.
Female Solo Travel: 10 Books to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Ten books by women that will have you planning your next solo adventures, from Dervla Murphy to Cheryl Strayed.
Join the JourneyWoman Travel Book Club (it’s free!)
In 2024, our book club meetings are quarterly, at 8 pm ET. Upcoming dates are August 21 (The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey, set in India), and November 20, 2024 (The Crimson Thread by Kate Forsyth). Read more about the books here. Sign up for and watch club events on our Events Page here. Email [email protected] with any questions.
JourneyWoman Book Club Selections
Maria Dueñas’ Wartime Spy Novel “The Time In Between” Travels Back to 1930s Tangiers
In Maria Duenas’ “The Time In Between”, we learn about the Spanish Civil War from the perspective of a seamstress turned skillful spy.
Sarah Winman’s “Still Life”: A Love Letter to Florence, Italy
Sarah Winman’s captivating novel “Still Life”, set in Florence, Italy, brings the magic of chance encounters and kindred spirits to life.
Getting Real About Spain’s Camino with Jane Christmas and “What the Psychic Told The Pilgrim”
Jane Christmas’s funny memoir of her 780-kilometre trek across Spain on the Camino de Santiago to celebrate her 50th birthday and midlife.
Please support our book club by buying your book or ebook using the links on our site.
Explore the World With Books + Movies
Six Books About Midlife Misadventures on the Camino de Santiago
Six books about the Camino de Santiago, from midlife misadventures to practical guides, all recommended by women.
Step Into a Timeless World in “A House in Corfu: A Family’s Sojourn in Greece” by Emma Tennant
In Emma Tennant’s memoir “A House in Corfu” we visit Greece and celebrate the joy of a timeless world, one of vine, olive and sea.
Escape to the Caribbean with “An Embarrassment of Mangoes” by Ann Vanderhoof
In an Embarrassment of Mangoes, Ann Vanderhoof shares travel stories of cruising in the Caribbean on a 42-foot sailboat.
23 Women Whose Travel Memoirs Will Inspire Your Next Journey
There is no shortage of incredible travel memoirs written by women. Here are 23 of our favourite authors, as recommended by our readers.
“Morocco to Timbuktu: An Arabian Adventure” by Alice Morrison
Adventurer Alice Morrison’s book is a quest for knowledge, exploring the Salt Route between Morocco and the lost city of Timbuktu.
Travelling the World Through Dance: How Aliénor Salmon Found Happiness by Taking the First Step
In Finding Rhythm: An International Dance Journey, Aliénor Salmon embarks on a dance journey around the world, discovering how beautiful life can be when you take the first step.
Leslie Ehm: Lessons From My Mother, the Original JourneyWoman, Evelyn Hannon
With the publication of her new book, ‘Swagger’, Leslie Ehm shares lessons learned from her mother, Evelyn Hannon, the founder of JourneyWoman.
Travel to Córdoba, Spain With Joanna Glen’s Novel “All My Mothers”
Travel by book with Joanna Glen’s “All My Mothers” to Córdoba, Spain, which has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than anywhere in the world.
Bike The Silk Route in Kate Harris’ Memoir “Lands of Lost Borders”
Kate Harris’ memoir ‘Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road’, follows Marco Polo’s journey across Asia.
The Ultimate Women’s Travel Movie List: 16+ Top Picks from JourneyWomen
Need a little pick-me-up? Here are 16 of the best travel movies recommended by JourneyWomen to fuel your wanderlust.
Exploring Gender Inequality in “Nervous Conditions” by Zimbabwean Author Tsitsi Dangarembga
A modern classic, “Nervous Conditions” by Zimbabewan author Tsitsi Dangarembga examines education, gender inequality and culture change.
Falling in Love with the South of France: Women’s Travel Tips from Author Patricia Sands
Best-selling author Patricia Sands shares her love for southern France and offers travel tips for women visiting the region.
Marlena de Blasi’s Memoir: “The Lady in the Palazzo: At Home in Umbria” Takes You to the Hilltop Village of Orvieto
Visits the ancient city of Orvieto in Italy’s Umbria region, with “The Lady in the Palazzo: At Home in Umbria.”
Get Inspired With Rita Golden Gelman’s Solo Travel Classic, “Tales of a Female Nomad”
An inspiring solo travel classic, Rita Golden Gelman’s book “Tales of a Female Nomad”, shows you’re never too old to start travelling solo.
Kate Pullinger’s Historical Fiction Novel: “Mistress of Nothing” Takes us to Lady Duff Gordon’s Egypt
The JourneyWoman Book Club sets sail to Egypt in the late 1800s with the award-winning ‘Mistress of Nothing’ by Kate Pullinger.
Best Women’s Travel Books for 2021 to Stimulate Your Curiosity
Get your shopping list ready! Our 2021 Book Club list is out, and it includes incredible books recommended by JourneyWomen. it’s time to dust off your dreams and start planning your next journey.
JourneyWoman Book Club: “State of Wonder” Takes You to the Amazon Rainforest (Brazil)
The JourneyWoman Book Club ventures into Brazil and the Amazon Rainforest for a journey from darkness to light with Ann Patchett’s novel “State of Wonder.”
Christine Osbourne’s Fearless Memoir “Travels with My Hat” Takes you on a Solo Tour of the Middle East
Beloved by solo travellers, ‘Travels with My Hat: A Lifetime on the Road,’ by Australian Christine Osborne, is an incredible story of a fearless, brave woman, who travelled to remote areas of Ethiopia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan, and Morocco at a time well before the Internet, travel guides and mass tourism.
Top 10 Armchair Travel Movies from Mother-Daughter Film Buffs
Mother-daughter film buffs Doni and Franny Belau share their top 10 travel movies to quench your travel wanderlust.
Easy-Walking Europe: Accessible Travel and Mobility Tips for the Young at Heart
Author Elizabeth Bingham shares tips for accessible travel in Europe from “Easy-Walking Europe: Tips and Suggested Tours for the (Somewhat) Mobility Impaired.
Books, Films and Documentaries to Learn About Racism
Books, films and courses recommended by our community, friends and family to help us learn about bias and anti-racism.
Let’s Travel to Portugal with “300 Days of Sun” by Deborah Lawrenson
History, mystery and romance: Deborah Lawrenson’s novel “300 Days of Sun” follows the stories of two women living in Portugal during very different times.
Ann Mah’s Suspenseful Novel “The Lost Vintage” Takes us to the Vineyards of France
Set in Burgandy, France, Ann Mah’s book The Lost Vintage explores past and present, love lost and secrets kept.
Get a Glimpse into Rural Life in Ireland With John McGahern’s Novel
Step into the slow, relaxing pace of Irish rural life with “By the Lake That They May Face the Rising Sun” by John McGahern.
Chris Stewart’s Memoir “Driving Over Lemons”: A Rugged, Enchanting Adventure in Southern Spain
The JourneyWoman Book Club explores Andalucia in southern Spain, reading Chris Stewart’s “Driving Over Lemons.”
Kathleen Grissom’s Bestselling Novel “The Kitchen House” Introduces us to Plantation Life in Virginia
Kathleen Grissom’s bestselling book “The Kitchen House” Brings us to 1791 Plantation Life in Virginia.
JourneyWoman Book Club: Books to Transport you to Faraway Places
Books recommended by our community to take you to faraway places. Join our JourneyWoman Book Club!
Books Recommended by Women That Inspire Travel
From across the globe, JourneyWoman readers submit their favorite travel-centric reads for our women’s travel book club.
Discovering Key West’s Literary Secrets: From Hemingway to Judy Blume
From Hemingway to Judy Blume, there’s much to explore in the rich and somewhat secret literary history of Key West, Florida.
Reads on the Road: Books to take on your Travels
Guest writer Ursula Maxwell Lewis shares some the classic travel books, including suggestions from the JourneyWoman community.
7 Award-Winning Novels For Curious Women
Seven award-winning books to help you discover other cultures different from our own, including Korea, China and India.
12 Female-Authored Mystery Books to Read on the Way to Your Destination
There is no better way to augment your research on a city or country than by enjoying these mysteries, their heroes and heroines all created by females.
Need more travel inspiration?
Listen to our JourneyWoman TravelReady Playlist on Spotify and add your own songs.
Click here to listen!
JourneyWoman Book Club: 2020-2021 Reads
Please check for upcoming book clubs on Eventbrite. All Book Clubs are recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.
GReeCE
A House in Corfu: A Sojourn in Greece
by Emma Tennant
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 2 boots / 5 – below expectations
THE CARIBBEAN
An Embarrass-ment of Mangoes
by Ann Vanderhoof
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 4 boots / 5 – fun – made us want to live on a sailboat!
Morocco + Mali
Morocco to Timbuktu: An Arabian Adventure
by Alice Morrison
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3.5 boots / 5 – loved its authenticity
Africa
Nervous Conditions
by Tsitsi Dangarembga
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3 boots / 5 – Empowering and inspiring!
Egypt
Mistress of Nothing
by Kate Pullinger
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3.5 boots / 5 – a step back into history
Portugal
300 Days of Sun
by Deborah Lawrenson
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3.5 boots / 5 – learned about spies!
Iraq, Ethiopia, Egypt, Pakistan, Morocco
Travels with my Hat
by Christine Osborne
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 4.5 boots / 5 – a must-read for solo travellers
Ireland
By the Lake
by John McGahern
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3.5 boots / 5 – a classic, beautifully written!
United States
The Kitchen House
by Kathleen Grissom
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 4.5 boots / 5 – illuminating and engaging
SPAIN
Driving Over Lemons
by Chris Stewart
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3.5 boots / 5 – Fun and authentic
Italy
Lady in the Palazzo
by Marlena de Blasi
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3 boots / 5 – rambling but interesting
France
The Lost Vintage
by Ann Mah
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3 boots / 5 – history + wine, a great combination
BALI, MEXICO + MORE
Tales of a Female Nomad
by Rita Golden Gelman
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 4.5 boots / 5 – loved it all!
Silk Route
Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road
by Kate Harris
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 4 boots / 5 – an unexpected ride
TANZANIA
Our House in Arusha
by Sara Tucker
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3.5 boots / 5 – wanted more of her story
ARCTIC CIRCLE
The Magnetic North: Notes from the Arctic Circle
by Sara Wheeler
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rating: 3 boots: an intellectual read!
CUBA
The Cuban Chronicles: A True Tale of Rascals, Rogues and Romance
by Wanda St. Hillaire
ABOUT THE BOOK
SICILY
From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Healing and Finding Home
by Tembi Locke
ABOUT THE BOOK
“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth.
What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”
– Anne Lamont, Bird by Bird
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We only recommend things that are suggested by our community or through our own experience that we believe will be practical and helpful for you. We welcome your questions and feedback about any articles published on our site.
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