[.ca] Go Girl!: The Black Woman's Book of Travel and Adventure (ISBN 0933377428)

From Amazon.com:
Go Girl! is part travelogue, part guidebook for African American women. Author Elaine Lee first caught the travel bug from her mother, but it wasn't until she was in her late 30s that she realized travel could mean more than just a vacation. She began to systematically plan her life and finances in order to make travel a focal point, an accomplishment detailed inthe book's concluding essay. But Lee gives the reader plenty to think about before she reveals her own secrets--there's Maya Angelou in Africa, Alice Walker in Bali, Gwendolyn Brooks in Russia, and Jill Nelson on Martha's Vineyard, to name just a few of the 52 women who contribute their travel stories to Lee's book of travel and adventure. Along with the inspiration come snippets of practical advice and some very useful resources listed at the end--everything from travel magazines to cruises geared toward African American travelers.

This book made me brave!:
I started to read Go Girl: The Black Woman's Book of Travel & Adventure because I was bitten by the travel bug. I went to Cuba for a week in 2006 and I loved every second of it. I went on this trip alone and I was not for one second afraid or jumpy about it. I had a splendid time and while on the plane back home, I made a vow to see as many other cities and countries God has to offer in this world. I chose and bought this book from amazon.ca because it was right for me. Unless you are black, you will never understand the nervous feeling you get thinking about how you will be accepted, no matter the length of your stay, in countries like Eastern Europe. I wanted to hear from other black people, specifically women, and their experiences in these countries because well, I want to visit them. And Go Girl: The Black Woman's Book of Travel & Adventure really, really, really helped me. The book provides 52 personal tales from women who have traveled all over the world and their experiences with the locals and the country itself. I loved it! While reading this book, I felt myself drawn into each story and I was living the adventure with that traveler. It truly put my mind at ease and at caution with countries and people's attitude toward anyone "different". What I got from the book was that overall, in most countries, black women are not only accepted but appreciated for our difference. The book, however, does not paint a picture of harmony and acceptance by all. It is a realistic portrait of traveling, black, and single. Overall, I loved this book. It was comforting that these are real stories from real experiences and did not emerge from a writer's imagination. I also learned that there are some really cool things to do and see while in different countries, other than the traditional touristy things. This wonderful book opened my eyes and heart to journeying the rest of the world. I am super excited to continue and I can not wait to get on a plane bound for my next adventure. I highly recommend this book to any black woman or single woman period, who wants to travel and alone but have reservations. Screw it! Book your flight, pack that suitcase, practice caution and have fun. Since reading Elaine Lee's book (editor), my travel log has expanded.

Inspirational!:
Go Girl is an excellent book for anyone who wants to listen to the stories of kindred adventurers. The stories are interesting, often humorous, and always engaging. They inspired me to venture out. Elaine Lee's planning and preparation chapter was especially helpful.

At long last:
I was really excited when I saw this book! Having traveled and lived abroad myself, the book brought back a lot of memories. This is as excellent choice for any African American or solo female traveler who is just beginning branch out on the globe. The stories by the various authors reinforce the truth that living in a society that's very different form one's own will change the way you see yourself and the world for the better. I definitely recommend it!

Around the world with a different viewpoint...:
I bought this book before going overseas for the first time and found the stories compelling and informative. Rich with tips and tricks, it is unique in that it is written from the viewpoint of Black female travelers. From China to Yugoslavia, across the African diaspora from Africa to the Caribbean, and other points abroad, these stories of world travel are often funny, sometimes reflective, and always interesting.

An essay guide for African-American women who want to travel:
One of the reasons we don't get the chance to see the world, the author says is a need for a travel companion and lack of money. Elaine Lee says that it can be overcome. In this book, there are essays that will help the traveler get a feel of what it is like to be in another country and enjoy traveling without a companion. In this book money shouldn't be an issue if you plan accordingly and find deals on flights and stays. This book is a reference for not only black women, but African-Americans who want to have a chance to see the world.