Reviewed by Allison Firestone

Forget every travel book you’ve ever read. Fly Solo is the new go-to guide, designed specifically for independent women everywhere. Whether your passport is overflowing with exotic stamps and visas or you’re taking your first taste of world travel, you’ll find everything you need to know in this easy-to-read, female-oriented manual.

Author and solo travel veteran Teresa Rodriguez Williamson breaks down 50 different locations that her research and experience have proven to be safe and fun for the solo traveling gal. From Athens to Bhutan, the advice is as personal as that of a close friend and laden with the knowledge and expertise of someone who’s really been there and done that.

Each section follows a uniform and easy-to-read format, ranking culture, activity, weather and social scene on a scale of one to five. Savvy tips for the modern girl dish out advice you won’t find elsewhere: where to download self-guided audio tours for your MP3 player, where to go topless without feeling ogled and directions to cheap, trendy fashion finds instead of the usual stuffy tourist shop.