Travel and Travail Blog

\Welcome to Travel and Travail — Adventures, Truths, and the Roads Between

I’m Renee Gurley — memoirist, feminist traveler, and seeker of both the beautiful and the complicated corners of our world. Travel and Travail is where I share the joy of wandering, the flavors of faraway kitchens, and the truths women often face when we take the road alone.

I’ve roamed from South America to the USA — with only five states left until I’ve checked off all 50 — and I find myself returning to Mexico again and again for its food, its warmth, and its endless layers of culture. My travels are filled with laughter, discoveries, and the thrill of finding my way in unfamiliar places — but I don’t shy away from the harder conversations about safety, sexism, and the realities that come with women’s solo travel.

Here, you’ll find:

• Inspiring travel stories that prove the world is worth exploring, even when it challenges you.
• Candid reflections on the obstacles women encounter on the road and how to navigate them.
• Destination guides and food finds from Bolivia to Baja and beyond.
• A community that believes in the power of women traveling boldly, speaking honestly, and supporting each other.

Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or your fiftieth, I hope you find something here that sparks your wanderlust, strengthens your resolve, and reminds you that your story matters.

📌 Subscribe for new posts, feminist travel insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at my upcoming memoir, Saga de la Gringa.