Travel narratives are one of my favorite nonfiction topics, regardless of the author’s destination. I recently read two travelogues written by single females traveling solo with mixed results.

Jen Ruiz’s 12 Trips in 12 Months outlined some fascinating destinations, and Jen is a good writer, BUT… while her travel experiences are enjoyable, her sense of entitlement and attitude as an “influencer” turned me off. Maybe it’s a generational thing, but the last straw was her rant near the end of the book about how one should be able to use accrued “sick leave” from a job for reasons other than being sick (like using it for a travel day). When I used a sick day, it was at least a “stay home” day and not boarding a plane for an overseas trip. Even if I did head out for a trip, I certainly wouldn’t be shouting it to the world.

Danika Smith’s One Year and a One-Way Ticket was much more appealing, with good writing and many fascinating experiences. This well-balanced journey of self-discovery and travel experiences (marked by bouts of angst) was intriguing and never dull. Because I’m of an older generation, I gave her the side-eye a few times at her judgment (especially when it came to relationships), but all turned out well, and she came away with a sense of her self-worth.

Danika’s journey is similar to Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love, only more interesting and less self-indulgent. I recommend this to readers who liked a good travelogue featuring solo female travel, such as Rita Gelman’s Tales of a Female Nomad, Suzanne Roberts’s Bad Tourist, and Blythe Robinson’s America the Beautiful?.