How could I resist buying a book which had the title ‘High Heels and a Head Torch’?! Genius! And, what’s more, as it’s also ‘The Essential Guide for Girls Who Backpack’ it’s just what I need!

Actually, with the cutsie cover and dubious title, I was wondering what this book would give me – entertainment, knowledge or neither. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Chelsea Duke is a normal girl who undertook a ‘normal’ solo 54 week RTW adventure – giving up her day job to have a gap year.

The book is funny and insightful. I felt like I was having a conversation with Chelsea where she was telling me all sorts of useful stuff like how to sleep with strangers and making pasta and tomato sauce interesting for months on end.

There was the odd story from Chelsea’s actual travels (toilets anyone?), however most of the content is in a ‘guide to’ style – which works well largely because it is well written and entertaining, and I think it would appeal to experienced and novice travellers alike. The novices because we have no idea what to pack and have no idea that we must buy a head torch, and the more experienced because they read Chelsea’s rationale for a head torch and nod knowingly; the memories of their own experiences flooding back with a smile.

Having enjoyed her writing, I hope Chelsea considers writing the journal of her travels – I was missing the detail of the places, how she got there, who she met, what she saw, and most importantly how she felt about her destinations; because as much as I want to read the practicalities of planning and packing for a big trip, I’m also interested in people’s travel experiences which go beyond what they have packed to whet my appetite and keep me turning up for work every week day in the hope that one day it will be me.

An index at the back – brilliant because I can use Chelsea’s book as a reference when I’m packing (or panicing about some element of the trip).

Some DOs and DON’Ts – for important things (like packing) and some less important thinks (like haggling) – can be found at the end of every chapter. At the time, I found these a little annoying, as they basically condensed the same information I’d just read, but with hindsight, using this book as a guide and not as just ‘entertainment’ I can scan the DOs and DON’Ts without having to re-read the whole chapter.

It made me want to pack my imaginary rucksack with my imaginary head torch and head out into the wilderness. At least I do own some sparkly flip flips already…