Beth Whitman is a traveler, writer, teacher, and hey, she's my neighbor! She contacted me to see if I'd be interested in reviewing her book, Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo. "Of course," I said, and how crazy is this, she just dropped it by my house.

Since we live about two miles apart, we were able to meet up at the French Bakery that's about halfway between her house and mine to talk about her book, traveling, the travelsphere, and more.

On the book, I'll tell you what I told Beth: I liked the it. And also this: It's not for me because traveling to me is like breathing, I can't remember a time when I didn't know how to do it. But I DO think that the information in there is useful for women who are thinking of venturing out but just don't know how. The book is full of common sense advice, ideas, and, hey, it's a travel book, so there are inspiring stories in there too. But enough about what I think. Here's Q&A with Beth about why we're not traveling, a tale of things gone scary, and where she wants to go next.