I ILLed this book because I like to daydream about taking vacations. I’ve always had problems getting people to hop on board with my half-baked plans, so I’m used to doing things by myself. But a whole vacation? Surely you jest! I hoped that this book would make me feel more confident about a pseudo-prospective solo female traveler.

The author has separated this book up by continent, then country, then destination within. For each destination, she gives a list of reading, suggestions for packing, and “Top Ten Extraordinary Experiences” (must-do for the solo traveler). Each destination is also rated on four scales: Culture, Activity (as in offerings for exercise and related stuff), Weather, and Social. For example, Amsterdam (the first destination in the book) got a 5 for Culture, 2 for Activity, 2 for Weather, and 5 for Social.

There is a definite slant towards the Social in this book. Right off the bat, she gives a few “very important phrases” to learn for a solo trip to Amsterdam were “Thank you”, “Please”, “Excuse me”, “I’m sorry”, “Where are all the cute guys?”, “Where can I get some good cheese?”, and “Do you have any condoms?”. This sort of slant towards going on vacation to party and hook up with exotic locals is carried through the book. Granted, there are a few destinations that looked appealing to a person like me, who is happily attached and more interested in a cultural experience. However, they were few and far between and I didn’t feel much like searching for them through the chapters on where to find the best discothèque. ( )