Advice for Women Travelers:
Suggested Resources
When it comes to Twitter sites to follow - that's super subjective. You can always see who I'm following on Twitter - most are travel-related - but this changes frequently, as I switch up whom I'm following depending on where I'm about to go.
The following are web sites I use myself, and that I feel offer excellent information for people, particularly women, who want to travel.
Resources
for Women Abroad
A terrific site by the International Center at the University of
Michigan that should be read by any woman about to travel or work
abroad. An OUTSTANDING resource. If you don't find what you are looking
for on my web site, go to UM's IC site.
Sex
While Traveling
Helpful information whether you are traveling with your sexual partner
or not.
Camping
Abroad
This web site has a LOT of great information about tent camping abroad,
particularly in Europe.
The Lee Family Around the
World
In 2001-02, a family of four went around the world. The Lee's web site
chronicles how they prepared for the trip, and how they did it, and
serves as an inspiration for entire families to do something as
ambitious together.
Camping with Your Dogs
I first posted this page back in 1997, and it quickly became -- and
remains -- the most popular page on my web site. This is USA-specific,
but I think the tips are easily adapted to other countries (but YOU need
to do your OWN research about camping with your dog/s in other countries
-- please do NOT write me for advice regarding such!).
Camping
and RVing with Dogs
Comprehensive guide by Jack and Julee Meltzer that covers just about
everything you can imagine regarding taking your dogs on the road with
you. The owners have two German Sheperds, and have lots of advice for
those with dogs that are perceived as aggressive. In addition to
excellent, practical information, this book also includes a directory of
pet-friendly campgrounds in the USA.
Hosteling International
Let's you book hostels online in advance that are a part of the
Hosteling International network.
Lonely Planet
Publisher of the oh-so-famous travel guides, which I find to be the best
anywhere. Its online forum, called "The Thorn Tree", is a great place to
ask for advice. It also has a section on Responsible
Travel.
OneWorld
Alternative Travel Guide
to allow you to "explore the World not just as a tourist, but as a
caring global citizen." Find out about exciting, unique travel
opportunities: OneWorld U.S. has compiled a list of volunteer and travel
opportunities offered by its nonprofit partners.
Rough Guides - Travel
Somewhat similar to Lonely Planet, published out of Great Britain.
Travel Intelligence
First-hand accounts of travel across the globe.
Another site's information on safety for women traveling abroad
Insure My Trip, a site to compare trip insurance. I found out about it from Clark Howard's show. There's also Travelinsure.com, Ustia.org, QuoteWright.com, insuremytrip.com and and Squaremouth.com.
Pink Pangea, featuring very brief blog entries by women travelers.
The Twitter feed AdventureMentor, which provides basic information about a variety of traveling options (adventure travel, international travel, hiking, bicycling, etc.).
There are more than 878 UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites belong to all of us – to enjoy, experience and protect. They are mix of man-made and natural sites, all outstanding, each with universal value. There is an AWFUL book called 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz that's actually "1000 Luxury Hotels to See Before You Die." Don't even bother with it -- the UNESCO sites are a much better goal for world travel. You may have a site quite near wherever you are now in the world. Also, get involved with Friends of World Heritage.
Yahoo Travel - accounts by
& for travelers
News and travelogues regarding adventure travel, independent travel,
business travel, traditional travel, and more. Great tips and
inspiration.
Yahoo Travel - deals
Info on hotels, travel companies, airlines, car rentals, etc.
FlightStats.com
provides an agglomeration of real-time information on the status of just
about every airline flight in the world.
German Wings
This discount airline flies all over Europe. It's two hubs are in
Germany. Great for travel within Europe.
Hapag Lloyd Express
Another super cheap airline that flies all over Europe. If you are
traveling within Europe, this is a great airline.
Travel.State.Gov
By the U.S. State Department. Tips for USA citizens traveling or
residing abroad. Includes information on getting a passport, and which
countries require Americans to get a visa before you visit. Frequently
updated.
transire benefaciendo: "to travel
along while doing good."
advice for those wanting to make their travel more than sight-seeing and
shopping.
Volunteering Abroad
(especially for citizens of the USA)
Times have changed drastically in the last 30 years regarding Americans
and other "westerners" volunteering in other countries. The emphasis in
local relief and development efforts is to empower local people, and to
hire local people, whenever possible, to address their own issues, build
their own capacities, and give them employment. This strategy is much
more beneficial to local communities than to bring in an outside
volunteer. That said -- the days of international volunteers are NOT
numbered: there will always be a need for international volunteers,
either to fill gaps in knowledge and service in a local situation, or
because a more neutral observer/contributor is required. This online
resource provides tips on gaining the skills and experience that are
critically needed to volunteer overseas.
The International Federation of
Women's Travel Organizations (IFWTO)
a worldwide network of professional women in the travel and tourism
industry.
womens
travel talk
An online discussion group for women over 40 to share travel and outdoor
recreation suggestions and ideas. It is also a place for women to
connect with other women in their area for outdoor adventures.
For travel insurance, I recommend World
Nomads.
Quick Links
Some of my favorite photos from my travels. Very hard to pick favorites.
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