Growing up in a small town has its advantages.  It’s safe and you can be shielded from many bad situations that young people often find themselves in.

That said, if you’ve grown up in a small town, you probably know the desire that I felt during my entire adolescence and young adulthood:  The yearning and down right determination to get the heck outta there.

So, if you’re thinking about setting sail and don’t know where to start, I have found a practical guide to get you started.

It’s called The Art of Solo Travel: A Girl’s Guide by Stephanie Lee.  Now, before you start making any assumptions, I’m not going to be traveling solo.  These days I get to have my own travel buddy called a husband, which is a wonderful thing to have.  However, reading this guide made me wish I had taken more initiative in leaving that small town when I was “stuck” there.

You shouldn’t be thrown by the name, there is a ton of practical advice for ANY traveler, not just solo and not just female.

This guide offers tips for:

  • how to save for your trip
  • planning and booking accommodations
  • what to pack
  • how to cut costs during your travels and more

Really, it’s everything you need to know except where you want to go.

It’s an easy and quick read and gives great advice on the do’s and don’ts of travel.

In my opinion, perhaps the best part of this guide is the long list of resources recommended by someone who has used them all.

Griffin and I have used several of these travel options as well and plan to employ the rest of them when we begin our travels together after the end of our current contract here in Korea.

Getting advice from someone who has experienced what you’re envisioning really is priceless, so if you’re thinking about “getting outta” wherever you are, this guide is a great place to start.