26-year-old Kristina Wegscheider is an avid traveler and the founder of travel website for young women, Do It While You’re Young, which strives to break down the barrier stopping most young women from traveling abroad. She spoke to website Crushable about her own experiences — having traveled to nearly 50 countries and trying to blend in as a 6-foot tall blonde — and gave them some ideas for tips and tricks to use along the way.

Headings include:

• Do your research
• Arrange for transportation from the airport when you get there
• Keep your passport on you at all times
• Bring cash
• Research local customs and dress conservatively
• Lose the jewelry
• Arrange taxis through your hotel
• When in doubt, take a tour
• Just make smart decisions

Full article here at Crushable

Excerpt Reprinted with permission from “Female Nomad and Friends” by Rita Golden Gelman. Copyright © 2010. Published by Three Rivers Press/Crown Publishers, a division of Random House, Inc. BUY IT HERE

Being a part of Servas is like having family all over the world. It’s actually better than family. People join Servas because they want you to visit them when you are in their country. Not always the case with family.

interview. Servas charges a small annual membership fee, and travelers pay a deposit for host lists in the countries they want to visit. During the visits, however, no money changes hands.

My first Servas visit was with Gabi and Batsheva in Tel Aviv in 1988. Before the trip, I saw their names in the Israel host book; I wrote asking if I could stay with them when I visited.

They welcomed me as they would an old friend. They fed me, toured me, guided me, and shared their stories as I shared mine. I helped with the cooking and clean- up and bought a meal or a snack here and there.

After only one day we felt so close that we decided their single son, then living in the Dominican Republic, and my single daughter, then living in New York, should marry! Never happened, but we did have fun planning the meeting and discussing the wedding. It was wonderful getting to know them.

Their love for each other made being with them a pleasure. Gabi and Batsheva met in an orphanage. Their parents were killed by the Nazis. During and after the war, the surviving kids were taken from Europe to an orphanage in Palestine.

The two found themselves among the oldest children there and ended up working on the same projects and caring for the younger kids together. They fell in love. Batsheva had a sister, Tova, who was also in the orphanage. I never met Tova, but Gabi and the two sisters shared a special closeness as the only survivors of both families. The sisters meant everything to each other.

As we shared our stories, Gabi, Batsheva, and I developed a special bond. Servas is like that. A level of intimacy is quickly established, and you always leave feeling as though you have made a new friend— or extended your family.

Several years later I returned to Israel for my cousin’s wedding. I called Gabi and Batsheva. Gabi answered the phone. He was excited to hear from me, but he explained that Tova had recently died and Batsheva was devastated. He didn’t think she felt ready for guests. The two women had been incredibly close, he reminded me. I suggested that maybe this time I could take care of Batsheva. They talked it over and decided it was a good idea.

Rita Gelman

I didn’t exactly take care of her, but I did some cooking and a little cleaning; and Batsheva was able to share her happy Tova stories, as well as her pain.

On the second day of my visit, Batsheva received a letter from a Servas friend in Brazil. Claudia had heard about Tova’s death and written a sympathy note. She had included her e- mail address. I offered to write to Claudia on my computer.

In the e- mail I introduced myself to Claudia, and then Batsheva dictated her response while I typed. I left the next day, sad, but pleased that I had been able to help.

Four years later in Argentina, I once again connected with people through Servas. I was staying in my friend Gera’s home in San Miguel, outside of Buenos Aires, so I didn’t need a place to stay, but I wanted to meet people in Buenos Aires. I took out my host list and called a few people. The response was fantastic. Servas members invited me to share meals, parties, and excursions.

After I had met a number of hosts, they told me that a group of them planned on taking a boat across the river the next Sunday to meet Uruguayan hosts. Would I like to come?

Of course. Our two groups got together in the charming Uruguayan town of Colonia and wandered for a few hours before lunch. Everyone wanted to talk a little to everyone else, so two of us would walk and talk for a while, and then we’d switch. The fi rst two Uruguayans I met insisted that I come back as their Servas guest (which I did). I was able to converse with them in Spanish, although they both spoke better English than I did Spanish.

The third person I met asked me not to speak Spanish. “My Spanish is not very good,” she said. “My English is better.”

“But aren’t you from Uruguay?” I asked.

“No, I’m not. I’m from over the border in Brazil.”

It was at that point that we introduced ourselves. “My name is Rita. I’m from the United States.”

“Oh, my God,” she said. “I can’t believe it. I’m Claudia.”

Yes, she was that Claudia! We hugged like old friends. And cried. And a month later I was a Servas guest in Claudia’s house in Brazil.

If you’re a traveler and a connector, check it out. It’s an amazing organization: www.servas.org or www.usservas.org.

We invite you to join us on the Female Nomad and Friends virtual tour. The full schedule can be seen at. You can learn much more about Rita Golden Gelman and her work on her website.

Wanderlust and Lipstick:
The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo

Wanderlust and Lipstick:
The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo

published by Dispatch Travels www.dispatchtravels.com Dispatch Travels is devoted to publishing travel books for women with the express purpose of encouraging them to stretch their travel boundaries and to pursue their dream journeys.

“How many times have you been travelling and visited a school or community or local charity that you would love to help? The school needs books, or a map or pencils; an orphanage needs children’s clothes or toys. All things that, if only you’d known, you could’ve stuffed in your rucksack. But once you get home you forget, or you’ve lost the address, or worry that whatever you send will be stolen before it even gets there…”

Kate Humble did not just wonder, she has done something about it and set up a website to help you know what best to stuff your rucksack with, when you travel. StuffYourRucksack.com

I travelled to Morocco with Venus Adventures and part of that trip was to stay with a berber family in the Atlas mountains.  Our guide Julie Paterson suggested what we should take to share – pens, paper, jewellery, soccer balls.  It was great to be able to share something from our rucksacks with this small community.  As the sun went down and the snow threatened, I spent a memorable hour in a candlelit room with an 8 year old girl trying  on jewellery and making shadow puppets on the wall.  No word of language in common, but a world shared.

Usually I far prefer to travel solo, but as this was my first trip to Asia I decided it would be nice to have a guide to familiarize myself with Bali. I hoped to lessen the culture shock. I contacted Jennifer at Bahagia travel and discovered that travelling with a knowledgeable guide and a group could be a lot of fun after all.

Jennifer speaks Indonesian which made our travels that much more pleasant. While it is true that most locals spoke some English, it made such a difference in their response to the use of their own language. I can highly recommend Jennifer who guided us through Bali, answered our questions, explained customs, and showed us through markets and temples.

Most enjoyable for me was that I got to meet local people and got a glimpse of their personal lives. Thanks to Jennifer, I was all confidence by the time they all headed back to Honolulu and I stayed behind to enjoy Bali on my own for the rest of the month.

If you’d like to know more about Jennifer’s Bahagia travel tours go to www.bahagiatravel.com

See her current tours on offer here

Helen writes: It was like an itch that I had to scratch – this is how I like to describe the decision to start What to Wear on Holiday

whattowearonholiday.com

The idea came again and again every time I would be planning a trip. What to take to fit in? What to take to cover all my needs without coming back with lots of things unused only to have to wash them and put away? What would I need that I wouldn’t be able to buy there? I would call and email friends who I knew had been there to ask them and this could take hours and hours over days or weeks.

If I would find a resource like w2w useful maybe other people would too.

The great thing about travelling is that you meet amazing people and they helped me get the guide together, comparing notes, adding in extra notes or writing lots when there were places that they had travelled that I didn’t know. The website is a collaboration by people who love to travel.

Perhaps I’m a typical Sagittarian – I love to travel, I love to have lots of things on the go and can never sit still for long. I have had my own business since my early 20’s and at 52, I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else. The freedom to decide when and what I do is really important to me. I have recently opened a bar in Cape Verde as well as business interests in the USA and UK.

This year my son will be 18 and is off to university so it presents new opportunities for me too.
My advice learnt from my mum – is that you really can do ANYTHING …  if you want it enough.

Simple Rules for…The Road Warrior Princess: “Thee” Women’s Inspirational Guide To Embracing The Open Road!!!

“I stumbled upon Simple Rules For The Road Warrior Princess while looking for travel books on Amazon.com, and boy what a treat!

It’s an inspirational guide for women to get them to take a road trip. It motivates you to embark on a journey whether it’s on your own, with some friends, or even family. It gives you the confidence that you’re going to need when driving through unfamiliar areas on your trip. No detail is forgotten in this book either.

It starts out with knowing the ins and outs of your car and how to perform some light maintenance on your vehicle just in case a situation should arise. Some examples are changing the oil, windshield wipers, adding radiator fluid, and filling your tires properly just to name a few. The author lets you know exactly what to pack and where to pack it in case of any emergencies.

If you’re not sure that you can afford to take a road trip, it gives some ideas on how to save money, budget properly, or even how to take one with just the money you have now.

If you have any inhibitions on getting into the car and taking a drive to whatever destination you so choose, this book will erase all of them.

There are also personal stories in the book which is a great addition because you know she’s actually experienced as opposed to some other books by authors that don’t give any proof of their expertise.

Now, if you’re one of those people who like to say I’d like to but I can’t because I have no money, I have kids, I’m married, I have pets, or I’m JUST TOO SCARED!, she has an answer for every excuse you can think of.

By the end of this book you’ll feel empowered. You’ll want to stand on top of a mountain and say “I am woman here me roar!”. You’ll feel unstoppable. You’ll be motivated to not only take a trip, but have the feeling that you can accomplish anything and that anything IS possible!”

Buy the book from Amazon Now

• about travel for in different countries
• Where are the Hottest Men – results of a survey
• Hostel Bookers blog posts about women and travel
• Results of survey of Women Travellers

Some Results from Hostel Bookers survey of Women Travellers

The results of our Women Travel Survey are in – and what an adventurous bunch of young ladies you all are!

Our survey of 100 women travelers conducted with Lost Girls World (who have a novel about their adventures coming out soon) found that more and more women are backpacking than ever before.

Solo women’s travel is more popular than ever – whether it’s to escape the recession, take a career break or go on a gap year, a staggering 74% of women consider themselves ’solo travelers’, and 67% travel alone once or twice a year.  MORE HERE

Airlines do a great job of getting you safely from A-B, but it is ultimately up to the individual to take care of their comfort and well being. Let me help you arrive feeling Refreshed and Rejuvenated. As a retired flight attendant, I have a good knowledge of aviation medicine, along with passengers feedback which has enabled me to source some useful travel accessories , many of which are made right here in ‘clean green New Zealand’ . I also offer you travel tips for the family & the individual.

Jill has created a website Travel Comfortable where you can get advice and buy things that make the  journ

I got sent this advice from a travel company in Morocco, having been there, I thought most of it made a lot of sense.  Source of Advice

My recommendation would be to join a small group tour – the best way to explore, be safe and have fun.  Check out this calendar for tours for women to Morocco

In Morocco, male/female relationships are patterned differently than in western countries because gender roles are much more fixed. Family is the center of life in Morocco therefore it is not surprising that each sex has expectations that tie-in with raising children.

Females in Morocco are not discriminated against, however, upon reaching puberty (especially in small cities and villages) they are often separated with the intention of making sure that they stay virginal and to better prepare them for motherhood. In Morocco, getting married is considered one of the most important times in a woman’s life.

As a tourist, it’s important to maintain sensitivity to the differences between men and women. Public displays of affection are a taboo between men and woman. Kissing in public for example, should not be done. Couples you may see in the street walking near to each other or holding hand are typically married or possibly engaged in prostitution. While platonic friendships do exist between males and females, they are less common than in western countries. Since Morocco is a country that has had foreigners living among them for hundreds of years it is common to find less traditional differences between men and women in the larger cities such as Marrakesh and Casablanca. Still, as a traditional Muslim nation there are old fashioned and traditional values that must be respected.

Women in Morocco are stereotypically expected to take care of the home and family, engaging in activities such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, weaving, caring for the elderly and educating the children while the man is away at work. In their free time, women meet other societal expectations of visiting family, friends and attending evening prayer services at the local mosque or shrine. These roles also apply to women in the countryside, where agricultural duties are shared with their husbands. However in the countryside where you find Berber villages it is the women who often run the households and spend most of their time doing the agricultural work.

As a result of Morocco’s culture and traditions, women do not often accompany their husbands on social outings. With the exception of modern cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh, it is not likely to see a co-ed group of Moroccans mingling in a local cafe or bar. In fact, female tourists withstanding, cafes and bars are traditionally limited to males.

In more traditional areas of the country and in some of the larger cities, women are also not supposed to smoke, travel alone or without parental consent, or be unaccompanied late at night.

Much of this is gradually changing as foreigners continue to make their lives in Morocco. Morocco is the home to a large population of British and French families along with many American, Germany and Spanish. As a result of foreigners relocating to make Morocco their permanent and others purchasing property for vacation homes or building riads, Morocco has become increasingly open.

Considering Morocco’s history, its occupation by the French and Portuguese, the country has become a melange of the novella (new) and the old. European contemporary influences on Moroccan traditional architecture, cuisine, fashion, film, music and decoration are leading the way to a new Morocco! The combination of these factors and increased tourism to this wonderful country has created a new world view which has been coined a Moroccocracy. By definition a Moroccacracy is the description of a 21st Century Morocco that has risen to take on democratic ideologies in its social and political culture and opened the door for a larger conversation with its European neighbors and American friends.

For the most part Moroccans are incredibly open-minded, especially in cities where tourism is common (Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fes, Essouaria, Rabat, Meknes, and Ouarzazate) and you will find it quite easy to have conversations with locals (in souks and hotels) about world politics, the cultural and historical traditions of Morocco and the economy. Moroccans who work in the tourism industry and in the souks tend to be multi-lingual and up to date on world politics. If you are a person who enjoys conversation during your travels you will find the opportunity to discuss many things within the souks and markets while you are shopping and being offered the traditional hospitality of mint tea.

If you are a female traveller in Morocco there is little to worry about as long as you maintain respectful dress and carry yourself appropriately, not making eye contact with men. The popularity of tourism caused the Moroccan economy undergo a process of liberalization and modernization, consequently altering some societal values. Today, Moroccan women are taking more active roles in the government, law, medicine warfare, and trade. There is also an increase in university enrolment among the younger generation, ultimately, leading to a more open-minded youth and a greater tolerance for modern ideas and western influences. Consequently, Moroccans are getting more used to seeing females (particularly tourists) visiting cafes and other places that were in the past were primarily frequented by men.

Tips for Female Travelers

• Don’t react to catcalls, whistles, or anything else directed at you.
• Wear sunglasses to avoid direct eye contact with men when travelling during summer months.
• Dress conservatively, no mini skirts, shorts, tank tops or tight shirts.
• Enjoy the culture by becoming a participant and dress in a Caftan or Jellabah (the traditional robe worn by local women).
• Don’t go out on your own at night if you are not in a major city or area that is well lit.
• If asked, let people know you are married and carry a photo of your ‘husband’ with you.
• If you feel you are being harassed or followed, walk into a shop or hotel and ask for help.
• If you are lost ask directions from a woman or family.
• If you feel threatened by someone make a scene by shouting loudly to shame the person.
• If you speak French, Spanish, or Arabic it will make it easier to stand up for yourself if you encounter undesirable behavior.
• If it is possible, travel in a group of women or with a male. While tourists are welcome all over Morocco, Moroccans are still uncomfortable with the idea of a solo female traveler; with the exception of major cities.

Overall, Morocco is an amazing and most hospitable country therefore women travelling alone should not be afraid, just be sensible and cautious.

Gay and Lesbian Travelers

While gay sex is officially illegal in Morocco, it does exist. As a result of Morocco’s traditions and culture to separate males and females, gay sex is not uncommon in Morocco.

However, gay travelers must keep in mind that gay resorts, such as those popular in Tangier and Marrakesh back in the 1950’s are gone. Also, although gay couples can be met throughout Morocco, it is unlikely to see a public display of affectionate gay interaction. In Morocco being gay is considered a social taboo. Yet, if you see two men holding hands, this is probably an indication of their friendship rather than their intimate relations.

If you do want to meet gay men in Morocco, you can do so at Morocco’s gay bars and discos (clubs). The annual Spartacus Gay Guide, available at bookstores in many western countries, indicates how to find gay sources of entertainment in Morocco.

With regards to lesbianism in Morocco, it is highly unlikely to encounter a woman who identifies herself as a lesbian.

Regardless of Morocco’s progressiveness, women are still expected to marry and raise children. The rules dictated by tradition and family for who a woman can choose as her partner is strict. Moroccan women are encouraged and rarely marry outside their faith. In particular, it is forbidden for Berber-Arab women to be married to French, Spanish or Jewish men. While there is definitely exceptions this is the accepted socio-cultural norm of Morocco. On the other hand, men are free to marry anyone they choose. Men in Morocco live a more unstructured life than women.