More Women Travel: The Rough Guide, Second Edition

Although the subjects and tones of the essays in this invaluable guide vary from author to author, all the pieces are of high quality as both travel literature and practical assistance. Covering more than 60 countries, the book includes both predictable destinations (Costa Rica, Italy) and less popular ones (Burkina Faso, Hispaniola). Each essay is sandwiched between a brief introduction to the country covered and a ``Travel Notes'' section with vital information and a list of further reading. The essays are the stars, though, and some countries have more than one. These are not by casual travelers: whether tourists or residents, contributors all convey a deep and meaningful connection with the places they describe. Some of their experiences are truly unusual: Nerys Lloyd-Pierce worked as a camp cook on a cattle station in the Australian outback; Cathryn Evans toiled in an Icelandic fish factory. Many of the pieces are also distinguished by the ease with which their authors reveal personal details: Deborah Bosley contributes a humorous look at San Francisco, a city ``for the seriously randy''; Janey Mitchell reflects on a close call with sexual assault in Colombia; and Anna McDermott recalls how learning that she was pregnant the night before leaving for Port-au-Prince colored her trip. The essays also handily integrate insight about the women's movements in their respective countries, levels of street harassment and what precautions women should take when traveling alone. (Aug.)