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What's New at Women on the Road?
This 'What's New' page keeps you updated with what's happening at Women on the Road.
It alerts you when new Web pages appear on my Women on the Road website (for my blog, go here).
To subscribe to 'What's New' and stay abreast of the latest in independent travel for women, simply right-click (or ctrl + click on a Mac) the orange RSS button above, then copy and paste the URL into your RSS reader - Feedly and the like.
PLEASE NOTE: Every effort is made to keep articles up to date but the changing coronavirus situation has made it impossible to provide information about the pandemic or travel restrictions. You'll find updated information from the CDC about travel conditions by country but please check all appropriate sources before you travel as situations can change in minutes.
May 20, 2021
My 10 Best French Castles on the Loire (and their REAL stories)
These are among the 10 best French castles in the Loire Valley - each has an intriguing backstory, often involving women.
Continue reading "My 10 Best French Castles on the Loire (and their REAL stories)"
Apr 19, 2021
Europe: Travel by Bus, See More, Pay less (and have more fun)
When you visit Europe, travel by bus is a great way to get almost anywhere - cheaply, easily and in comfort.
Continue reading "Europe: Travel by Bus, See More, Pay less (and have more fun)"
Feb 08, 2021
Solo Travel to Amsterdam for Independent Women
Everything you need to know about solo travel to Amsterdam: what to see, safety, getting around and where to stay.
Continue reading "Solo Travel to Amsterdam for Independent Women"
Feb 01, 2021
The Most Beautiful Places in NZ for First-Time Visitors
First time in New Zealand? Solo? Make sure these most beautiful places in NZ are on your list.
Continue reading "The Most Beautiful Places in NZ for First-Time Visitors"
Jan 19, 2021
3 Days in Prague: Things to Do and See for First-Timers
3 days in Prague is perfect: enough time to discover all the sights and sample all the fun.
Continue reading "3 Days in Prague: Things to Do and See for First-Timers"
Dec 02, 2020
Albania Travel Guide for the Culturally Curious
This Albania travel guide is part history and culture, but is also packed with practical tips.
Continue reading "Albania Travel Guide for the Culturally Curious "
Nov 16, 2020
Stories of Travel in Mozambique, When I Got Lost in a Minefield
Right after the civil war that raged in Mozambique, I spent a month there as a journalist, writing about reconstruction. And getting lost in a minefield.
Continue reading "Stories of Travel in Mozambique, When I Got Lost in a Minefield"
Oct 09, 2020
2020's Perfect Travel Gifts for Women for Under $30
The best travel gifts for women are practical, original and attractive - and cost under $30. Here's my list for 2020.
Continue reading "2020's Perfect Travel Gifts for Women for Under $30"
Oct 06, 2020
Senior Volunteering Abroad Over 50
Have you considered senior volunteering abroad? This step-by-step guide shows you how to ask the right questions and find the right program.
Aug 02, 2020
Virtual Tours Around the World: Experiences to Enjoy from Home
Maybe we can't travel physically, but we can still enjoy hundreds of virtual tours around the world.
Continue reading "Virtual Tours Around the World: Experiences to Enjoy from Home"
May 13, 2020
Ancestry Travel: How to Trace Your Roots and Origins
Traveling back to the country of your ancestors to trace your roots? Here's what you need to know before you go.
Continue reading "Ancestry Travel: How to Trace Your Roots and Origins"
Apr 27, 2020
Carbon Offset Flights: How to Fly Without Harming the Environment
How to carbon offset flights and help protect the environment whenever you get on a plane.
Continue reading "Carbon Offset Flights: How to Fly Without Harming the Environment"
Jan 27, 2020
Driving in a Foreign Country: What You Need to Know
Driving in a foreign country can be tricky - you need to be attentive to road safety abroad, new rules, and making sure you have the right paperwork.
Continue reading "Driving in a Foreign Country: What You Need to Know"
Dec 31, 2019
Tunis Travel Guide for Independent Women
This Tunis travel guide for women unveils the secrets of Tunisia's capital city, from twisted souks to white-domed villages to Roman ruins.
Dec 27, 2019
23 Beautiful Train Stations and Their Fascinating Secrets
The world is full of beautiful train stations - because of history, architecture, size or sheer beauty. Here are 23 of the best train stations in the world.
Continue reading "23 Beautiful Train Stations and Their Fascinating Secrets"
Dec 22, 2019
How to Stay Healthy on Vacation in Any Country
Traveling abroad can be hard on our system - here are some common-sense tips on how to stay healthy on vacation.
Continue reading "How to Stay Healthy on Vacation in Any Country"
Dec 14, 2019
These Are the Best Countries to Teach English Abroad
The best countries to teach English are the ones that combine decent pay, good vacations, liberal hiring policies and pleasant living conditions. Here they are.
Continue reading "These Are the Best Countries to Teach English Abroad"
Oct 30, 2019
What to Wear on a Long Haul Flight
Here's what to wear on a long haul flight - stylish, simple and above all, comfortable.
Oct 29, 2019
The Perfect Winter Travel Packing List for Women
Deciding what to pack for the cold is challenging - this winter travel packing list for women should help!
Continue reading "The Perfect Winter Travel Packing List for Women"
Sep 30, 2019
Discover 8 Unmissable Northern France Cities (Paris day trips!)
These 8 northern France cities are easily reachable from Paris on a day trip - they're gorgeous, fascinating and you'll be beating the crowds.
Continue reading "Discover 8 Unmissable Northern France Cities (Paris day trips!)"
Sep 25, 2019
Places to See in Austria for Solo Women Travelers
Insider tips - how to beat the crowds in popular places to see in Austria (and make sure you add them to your Austria itinerary!)
Continue reading "Places to See in Austria for Solo Women Travelers"
Sep 23, 2019
Choosing the Very Best Women’s Pants for Travel (that are comfortable)
The best women's pants for travel should be comfortable, stylish and practical. Click here for my recommendations.
Continue reading "Choosing the Very Best Women’s Pants for Travel (that are comfortable)"
Sep 17, 2019
Best VPN for Travel: Stop Thieves From Stealing Your Data
Traveling? Prevent criminals from stealing your passwords or identity - get the the right VPN for travel.
Continue reading "Best VPN for Travel: Stop Thieves From Stealing Your Data"
Aug 26, 2019
East Timor Travel: Why Go to a Country So Few People Ever Visit?
Few people experience East Timor travel - it's one of the world's least visited countries. Here you'll read about why you should go.
Continue reading "East Timor Travel: Why Go to a Country So Few People Ever Visit?"
Aug 18, 2019
The Best Anti-Theft Backpack for Women? (Here are my top 4)
Choosing the best anti-theft backpack is a challenge - so I've narrowed it down to my top 4 for you.
Continue reading "The Best Anti-Theft Backpack for Women? (Here are my top 4)"
Aug 17, 2019
How to Find the Best Cooking Vacations - Italy, France and Beyond
Cooking vacations - Italy, France, Thailand - sounds fun? Here's how to find the best food holidays.
Continue reading "How to Find the Best Cooking Vacations - Italy, France and Beyond"
Aug 15, 2019
Indispensable Travel Accessories for the Discerning Woman
Choosing the right travel accessories for women can be like walking into a pastry shop: so much choice! Here's a breakdown of what you need - and don't.
Continue reading "Indispensable Travel Accessories for the Discerning Woman"
Jul 25, 2019
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: The Lyon Food Market of Your Dreams
There is food, and there is FOOD. You'll find the latter at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Lyon's premier food market.
Continue reading "Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: The Lyon Food Market of Your Dreams"
May 28, 2019
A Brief and Whimsical Kotor Travel Guide for Solo Women
This Kotor Travel Guide is perfect if you're traveling solo and spending a day or two in Kotor, Montenegro, a jewel on the Mediterranean.
Continue reading "A Brief and Whimsical Kotor Travel Guide for Solo Women"
Apr 09, 2019
Eating Chocolate and Ham (separately) are THE things to do in Bayonne
Delving into the history of chocolate is only one of many things to do in Bayonne. It's not called the "Capital of Chocolate" for nothing.
Continue reading "Eating Chocolate and Ham (separately) are THE things to do in Bayonne"
Mar 24, 2019
A Bilbao Travel Guide (especially for foodies and history buffs)
The independent woman's Bilbao travel guide for the discerning foodie and culturally curious traveler.
Continue reading "A Bilbao Travel Guide (especially for foodies and history buffs)"
Mar 21, 2019
8 Steps to Animal-Friendly Tourism
We may be harming animals when we travel - by petting tigers or riding elephants. Here's why. And here's what we can do to engage in animal-friendly tourism.
Mar 05, 2019
24 Intriguing Facts About Malawi (you'll add it to your bucket list!)
These 24 fascinating facts about Malawi will make you want to go, now - whether this is your first visit to Africa, or your tenth.
Continue reading "24 Intriguing Facts About Malawi (you'll add it to your bucket list!)"
Mar 03, 2019
Best Walking Sandals for Travel: 15 Features to Consider
Know exactly what to look for when buying the best walking sandals for travel (for women).
Continue reading "Best Walking Sandals for Travel: 15 Features to Consider"
Jan 29, 2019
Urban European Travel: Packing List for Europe and Her Cities
First trip to Europe? What to pack? Here's the perfect urban packing list for Europe.
Continue reading "Urban European Travel: Packing List for Europe and Her Cities"
Jan 29, 2019
Responsible Travel, Ethical Tourism and Other Essential Travel Issues
Ethical and controversial travel issues are easy to ignore, but by doing so we endanger much more than ourselves. It's so easy to travel right - here are some basic rules.
Continue reading "Responsible Travel, Ethical Tourism and Other Essential Travel Issues"
Jan 07, 2019
17 Memorable Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
There are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Hanoi but these 17 are unparalleled when it comes to discovering the city's essence, culture and history.
Continue reading "17 Memorable Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam"
Dec 14, 2018
The Complete Tropical Vacation Packing List for Women
Heading for the hot, humid tropics? This tropical vacation packing list will save you tons of time and legwork - everything you need is on it!
Continue reading "The Complete Tropical Vacation Packing List for Women"
Nov 11, 2018
18 Special Events and Winter Festivals - Europe and Beyond
The best winter festivals - Europe has plenty but so do other parts of the world - are fun, colorful and different. Here are 18 of the most popular.
Continue reading "18 Special Events and Winter Festivals - Europe and Beyond"
Oct 23, 2018
7 Offbeat Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova
The essential Chisinau travel guide for the solo traveler, including Moldova travel advice for Transnistria and Moldova's famous wineries.
Continue reading "7 Offbeat Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova"
Oct 17, 2018
Sitemap for Women on the Road
Women on the Road, the travel site for independent international women
Aug 21, 2018
Should We Boycott Destinations With Evil Regimes?
If a country promotes discrimination and ignores human rights, is a travel boycott the answer? Should we stay away, or are we doing more harm than good?
Continue reading "Should We Boycott Destinations With Evil Regimes?"
Jul 25, 2018
Best Places in Europe to Travel Alone (for women travelers)
Europe is safe, easy to get around, and diverse. Click through for the best places in Europe to travel alone if you're a woman.
Continue reading "Best Places in Europe to Travel Alone (for women travelers)"
Jun 06, 2018
Staying in a Hostel for the First Time (If You're Not 20-Something)
Staying in a hostel for the first time could be daunting, especially if you're past your 40s or 50s or more. But it doesn't have to be. Here's a first-timer's guide to walk you every step of the way.
Continue reading "Staying in a Hostel for the First Time (If You're Not 20-Something)"
May 02, 2018
Dark Tourism: Should Tragedy Become a Tourist Draw?
Dark tourism, or grief tourism, is on the rise as tourists visit places associated with tragedy and death. Why do we do it - and should we?
Continue reading "Dark Tourism: Should Tragedy Become a Tourist Draw?"
Apr 15, 2018
How Giving Money to Child Street Beggars Can Hurt, Not Help
Giving money to child street beggars when you travel can hurt more than help them. Here are some alternatives to giving money that can have a positive impact.
Continue reading "How Giving Money to Child Street Beggars Can Hurt, Not Help"
Apr 05, 2018
Best Time to Visit the World
The best time to visit a destination depends greatly on the weather. Check here to discover the best time of year to travel to each country and why.
Apr 03, 2018
How to Find the Safest Places To Travel Alone (hint: it's an app!)
It's not always easy to figure out the safest places to travel alone - but there's an app for that. It's free, and is the only one to look at women's safety.
Continue reading "How to Find the Safest Places To Travel Alone (hint: it's an app!)"
Mar 27, 2018
Local Living (or how to stake out your corner of paradise)
Tired of being on the go-go-go? Local living - just slowing down for a bit - may be the answer.
Continue reading "Local Living (or how to stake out your corner of paradise)"
Search this site
Hi! I'm Leyla Giray Alyanak and through Women on the Road I've been providing inspiration and advice on solo female travel since 2007. A former foreign correspondent and diplomat, I've had the privilege to visit more than 90 countries (and no, I'm not finished yet!).
But the world has changed and the virus is keeping many of us home.
For those who CAN travel without putting themselves or others at risk, you'll find plenty of inspiration in these pages (most of which were written pre-Covid).
For those who CANNOT travel... this is the perfect time for armchair escape and to plan for when we're on the road again.
Whichever it is, if you're over 50, curious and independent, a traveler at heart and in love with the world, you're in the right place. New to Women on the Road?
Start here!
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