Republicans compose a new way of campaigning

The Alaska governor's introduction to the national stage has moved slowly -- two network interviews, no news conferences, no access for the reporters who travel with her. But her impact on the campaign trail has been immediate: bigger crowds, more women -- and more protests. (May need to register) Click here for full story

BOOK REVIEW: Women traveling solo are never lonely

Most books I've read on travel fail to tantalize or even inspire me beyond thumbing through the introduction and a page or two. You know the routine you dogear a few pages and later stash the book away for future reference. In your heart of hearts, you know one day, some day, you'll take that dream trip.

Well, that day has arrived, inspired by a little, encouraging guidebook titled, "Wanderlust and Lipstick."

"Wanderlust and Lipstick" provides a unique look at travel. It's a travel guide written by a woman, especially for women traveling alone. Author Beth Whitman's travel diaries began with a solo motorcycle ride from Seattle to Panama. She takes a leap of faith (or insanity) and experiences the trip of a lifetime!

U.S. women to play Germany in October

The U.S. women's national team will play at Germany on Oct. 29 at the newly constructed Impuls Arena in the first meeting between the two women's powers since January of 2007.

The stadium in Augsburg, which seats almost 31,000 fans, is one of nine venues that will host matches during the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The match will mark the 25th meeting between the two countries (counting two matches against the former West Germany) with the USA having won 16 matches, lost four and tied four.

Travel Briefs | Hard Rock goes pink; American adds flights

THEME PARKS

HARD ROCK GOES PINK

The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal is getting ready to kick off its annual ``Pinktober'' campaign to raise money for breast-cancer research.

A few safety tips for women traveling alone

Here are a few safety tips for women traveling alone from Kathleen Ameche, author of "The Woman Road Warrior."

-- If you go out by yourself, leave a note in the hotel room saying where you are going and what time you left.

-- If you want to go jogging and are worried about exercising alone, ask the concierge about a good jogging trail. Or call a high-end sporting-goods store to see if there is a running club, which is a good way to make friends, too.