What happens if I get LONELY while SOLO TRAVELLING? + Dealing with it

Why Iceland is good for Solo Travelers

When Your Family is Worried - Solo Adventures

Travelita Travel Wishlist

The coolest travel items we found so far and you need to know!

No, we are not coming up every week with one new item, because we only want to present to you the best, the hottest and most amazing things we found and thing – wow. This is it.

So this time, we come up with a travel bag. Not fancy you might say, but this is only as you have not been introduced to the Osprey Sojourn 80 Bag.

Why is it amazing? Because it is a 3 in 1 bag, you can use it as a Trolley, you can check it in as a regular suitcase, and it comes along with straps, to use it as a backpack.

To be honest: I was looking for this thing ever since I was starting to travel with my backpack, and even though I loved my backpack, I have to admit that more then once, it would have been nice if it would have had wheels, so it would not be on my back and make me carry all the weight at all the times. This concern with the Osprey Sojourn 80 is gone forever.

So if you are like me, and you would – at least once in a while like to take the weight off your shoulders,

THIS IS FOR YOU:

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3f5zqQF

Stay Safe Traveling Solo

The 10 BIGGEST Travel Mistakes TO NOT MAKE

With only $2000... I started traveling full time!!

Solo travel NOT for you if... (6 reasons!)

HOW TO TELL YOUR FAMILY YOU'RE SOLO TRAVELING (AND NOT FREAK THEM OUT!)

St. Petersburg – crazy styles, freaking mixes and really unreal

In St. Petersburg, unless you come from Russia, things will feel like crazy to you. The first thing that is impressive: the metro. It is huge, traditional style, the illuminated escalators…

And as well as in East-Germany, you will find testimonials of the communist regime – extensive facilities, monuments, and impressive buildings. But nevertheless, St. Petersburg has a fascinating mix of styles in architecture, style, and shapes. The church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is the best example. All around it, the city seems to be historical, lots of tradition, the monuments, the buildings… then you come by this church and one feels like diving into a crazy fairy tale.

And this is not the only place. We recommend walking along the river, taking a break on its side in the shadow of a tree in the beautiful parc. Just discover it walking as much as you can. You will love it.

For food, if you want to go traditional, try Bortsch. Red beet soup is the most traditional Russian food, and even though we did not think so, it was quite delicious. And – although you are on the main streets in the center, you can find local food outlets with delicious Russian food. But – you will have to stand in line to get some. Plus, be aware that it is only open specific hours.

Outside of St. Petersburg, located in the Catherine Palace, you can visit the famous Amber Room. Be aware – you have to book the ticket in advance, or you won’t have a chance to enter. And even though bought in advance (online is fine) there will be a huuuuuuge line. So bring some time.

Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2CS8B56

MY TRAVEL SCRATCH MAP ���� Scratching 43 countries from 25 years

8 Quick Tips for Solo Travelers

Our Top Travel Items & Gadgets After 4 YEARS OF TRAVEL! - 2019 Travel Pa...

Top 10 Best Cities and Regions to Visit if You're Traveling Alone

10 Awesome Travel Products | Must Have Travel Gear & Accessories In 2019

Interview Marinela Yule

1. Okay, Miss Marinella, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?

Someone from your organization posted in a Facebook group I was apart of looking for travel adventure stories and I wanted to share my own!

2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?

Well, “earned the right” is strong phrasing, but: I have traveled to over 40 countries before the age of 30. I have been to 48 out of 50 states in the US and to 6 provinces and 1 territory of Canada. I speak 3 languages and have lived in multiple places that are not my home town such as Prague, Buenos Aires, and Montreal.

3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about?

My brand is a very loaded question! As a marketing professional, I help entrepreneurs with their marketing in outside the box ways- looking for new paths to explore. As a travel blogger, it is pretty much the same. I write content that gives an inside look or gives different perspectives to a location or travel idea.

4. Why is it important?

Being outside the box and being unique is important because the world is too similar nowadays. Many people want to fit in and follow trends. There is a famous quote that says something that if everyone is the same, it makes a boring world.

5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when travelling?

I always try to do unexpected things. Such as bicycling across the United States through 3 months over 4k miles. I don’t have a particular process when traveling. I just go with my gut and see what opportunities lies in the potential next place (what friends to see, what things to see, etc.)

6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?

My biggest tip is to JUST GO. Basically, just weighs the pros and cons. Usually, the worse case for traveling is that you return home. What will happen is that you will travel. There will be scary moments for sure, but if we always stay in our safe zone, we would never do anything.

7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:

(if not answered before) – When did you start traveling?

I was born into a traveling family. I believe my very first traveling trip was I was 3. My first time traveling alone was at 18.

– Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?

I felt scared yes, but super excited!

– How did you, or do you deal with fears?

I just know that what I will learn from traveling, from the people I will meet, is worth more than being scared. Those moments missed will be more regrettable than the feeling of fear.

– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?

As of now, I don’t have a place to NOT recommend to women traveling alone. I would say more Muslim countries such as Malaysia to be aware of cultural norms with clothing (wear sleeves and pants, etc). But, basically in any place, go with your gut and common sense. Don’t go down dark alleys, etc.

– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?

ALL THE TIME! Even if it just is a day trip or weekend adventure.

– what are your top 5 destinations and why?

Valparaiso, Chile: This small town on the coast of Chile has amazing street art!

Belgrade, Serbia: This capital is amazing! There are so many different things to do and see.

Montreal, Canada: The summer is amazing since there are so many festivals to partake in and outdoor seating for restaurants and bars.

Naples, Italy: The ruins like Pompeii and Paestum will transport you back in time.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: This capital is a mix between Paris and New York. You have the beauty of Europe, but the liveliness of the Americas.

– Funniest story that happened to you when traveling?

Hm….a funny story….Not one comes to mind, but an INTERESTING story is:

I once met a local in Macedonia. He was nice and showed me around. At the end, he basically implied that I was fat and out of shape. Which was wrong because I ran a lot and I watch what I eat. At the time, I didn’t find it funny, but quite rude. However, looking back on it, I find it funny in the sense of, just another travel story!

8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?

Travel! And connect with me on social media Let’s explore together!

I am the founder of myopenpassport.net travel blog. Currently, I speak English, Spanish, and French. In addition to traveling, I do pole dancing as well, an outside the box thing to do for sure! I am now a marketing consultant at marinellayule.com helping other entrepreneurs promote their brand voice. Connect with me via Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2CbsdAZ

Interview Marinela Yule

1. Okay, Miss Marinella, what was the specific incident that got you to this interview?

Someone from your organization posted in a Facebook group I was apart of looking for travel adventure stories and I wanted to share my own!

2. What has earned you the right to be an authority on this topic?

Well, “earned the right” is strong phrasing, but: I have traveled to over 40 countries before the age of 30. I have been to 48 out of 50 states in the US and to 6 provinces and 1 territory of Canada. I speak 3 languages and have lived in multiple places that are not my home town such as Prague, Buenos Aires, and Montreal.

3. What is your brand, your topic exactly about?

My brand is a very loaded question! As a marketing professional, I help entrepreneurs with their marketing in outside the box ways- looking for new paths to explore. As a travel blogger, it is pretty much the same. I write content that gives an inside look or gives different perspectives to a location or travel idea.

4. Why is it important?

Being outside the box and being unique is important because the world is too similar nowadays. Many people want to fit in and follow trends. There is a famous quote that says something that if everyone is the same, it makes a boring world.

5. Now that I know what it is, now that I know why it’s important and relevant, how are you implementing this on your travels? I mean like, is there a process, that you follow when travelling?

I always try to do unexpected things. Such as bicycling across the United States through 3 months over 4k miles. I don’t have a particular process when traveling. I just go with my gut and see what opportunities lies in the potential next place (what friends to see, what things to see, etc.)

6. What if people took advantage of your tips and steps you are providing? What will happen, how will their travels change?

My biggest tip is to JUST GO. Basically, just weighs the pros and cons. Usually, the worse case for traveling is that you return home. What will happen is that you will travel. There will be scary moments for sure, but if we always stay in our safe zone, we would never do anything.

7. Now we would like to get just some general information about you and your travels:

(if not answered before) – When did you start traveling?

I was born into a traveling family. I believe my very first traveling trip was I was 3. My first time traveling alone was at 18.

– Do you remember how you felt when you traveled alone for the first time?

I felt scared yes, but super excited!

– How did you, or do you deal with fears?

I just know that what I will learn from traveling, from the people I will meet, is worth more than being scared. Those moments missed will be more regrettable than the feeling of fear.

– Is there a place where you have been and you would definitely not recommend it for women on their own and why?

As of now, I don’t have a place to NOT recommend to women traveling alone. I would say more Muslim countries such as Malaysia to be aware of cultural norms with clothing (wear sleeves and pants, etc). But, basically in any place, go with your gut and common sense. Don’t go down dark alleys, etc.

– Do you still have this excitement, when you go for a trip?

ALL THE TIME! Even if it just is a day trip or weekend adventure.

– what are your top 5 destinations and why?

Valparaiso, Chile: This small town on the coast of Chile has amazing street art!

Belgrade, Serbia: This capital is amazing! There are so many different things to do and see.

Montreal, Canada: The summer is amazing since there are so many festivals to partake in and outdoor seating for restaurants and bars.

Naples, Italy: The ruins like Pompeii and Paestum will transport you back in time.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: This capital is a mix between Paris and New York. You have the beauty of Europe, but the liveliness of the Americas.

– Funniest story that happened to you when traveling?

Hm….a funny story….Not one comes to mind, but an INTERESTING story is:

I once met a local in Macedonia. He was nice and showed me around. At the end, he basically implied that I was fat and out of shape. Which was wrong because I ran a lot and I watch what I eat. At the time, I didn’t find it funny, but quite rude. However, looking back on it, I find it funny in the sense of, just another travel story!

8. Call to action – what do you want people to do?

Travel! And connect with me on social media Let’s explore together!

I am the founder of myopenpassport.net travel blog. Currently, I speak English, Spanish, and French. In addition to traveling, I do pole dancing as well, an outside the box thing to do for sure! I am now a marketing consultant at marinellayule.com helping other entrepreneurs promote their brand voice. Connect with me via Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2CbsdAZ

How We Survive LONG HAUL FLIGHTS! - 11 Hour Flight From Seattle To France ��

7 Simple Tips for Having the Best Flight Ever

22 Free Things You Can Take from a Hotel Room

DO's and DON'Ts of Cuba

5 AMAZINGLY Compact Ways to Fold Clothes for Packing

TRAVEL INSURANCE: TRAVEL TIPS, TRICKS & HACKS

Your Guide to Making Friends on the Road

Guest article by Jen Nilsson

As you plan for your solo trip, you may feel a nagging worry. One that you try to suppress while you focus on the excitement of what’s to come, but a worry that needles at you none the less. That worry is loneliness.

It’s an understandable concern. When I packed my bags for my first solo adventure, I also packed a whole lot of worries with me. I was newly alone after my partner died of a swift and brutal cancer and, though I was looking forward to escaping my life for a while, I was also fretting about being lonely.

One of the most surprising lessons that I learned on the road was that solo travel does not necessarily mean traveling alone. You will meet many other like-minded travelers and welcoming locals.

Here are some of the ways that I learned to leave my concerns about loneliness behind while making friends on the road:

Embrace Communal Space

I don’t mean staying in a hostel, necessarily. Hostels were certainly a great option for me for a while, but as an introverted extrovert who enjoys alone time and does not enjoy bunk beds, I usually don’t do the hostel thing.

However, there are so many other ways to enjoy communal space!

• Consider renting a room with a local host using Airbnb. This provides you with your own space but allows for an opportunity to make a new friend of your local host.
• Another option that I love is TrustedHousesitters. Using this arrangement, no money is exchanged between house sitter and homeowner, and you will have your own space. However, you will be responsible for caring for the home and, often, the homeowner’s animals. I love this option because it is very budget friendly in that there is no cost for the accommodation, but you will also meet and spend time with the homeowner. I have made many new friends (both human and puppy!) this way.
• Using TrustedHousesitters also necessitates trips to another communal space: dog parks!
• If you do not want to walk a dog, look for restaurants with communal tables. While it can be a little intimidating to sit down alone at a communal table, you will get over this quickly as the people next to you will often include you in their conversation immediately.

Choose a Neighborhood to Love

When searching for accommodations, research neighborhood with a vibe that you love. I’m a writer, so I often search for neighborhoods with a writing or artist community. Then I really get to know the neighborhood using some of these methods:

• Spend your first night at the local pub and sit at the bar. Ask the bartender about places to visit in the neighborhood. Since this is a local pub, everyone seated at the bar will have an opinion and will likely chime in. I made many new friends this way while traveling solo.
  • Pro tip: Don’t want to drink? Order a non-alcoholic ginger beer in a pint glass.
• Do your grocery shopping at the local farmers market.
• Look for a neighborhood website or a neighborhood blog that features upcoming events in the area.
• Find a local coffee shop and read the local paper there every morning of your trip. You will get to know the locals and the local news this way.

Entertain Spontaneity

You’ve heard of the old throw the dart at the map trick, right? Personally, I’m too Type-A to randomly pick my next travel destination from a tossed dart, but why not pick an event for one night randomly?

That same local coffee shop that you’ve been visiting will likely have a community board with upcoming events. Randomly select one that catches your eye and go to that local book reading, poetry slam or volunteer opportunity.

Checkout Groups and Local Meetups

You’ve probably already scanned your social media contacts for anybody who might live in the area, but what about posting a message to your favorite groups to see if anybody lives nearby?

• Girls Love Travel is a huge network for female travelers.
• Meetup.com features local events within specific categories like “outdoors & adventure” or “arts” or “sports”.
• Travelita’s Travel Community is also a great way for solo female travelers to connect.

Go on a Group Food Tour with a Local

Booking a group food tour is one of the things that I love to do immediately upon arriving in a new destination. Getting to know the way that people eat in any given destination is getting to know the culture of the place. Doing a group tour also allows you to meet new people, including the local guide.

Go on a Multi-Day Group Trip

I like to stay in a place for an extended period of time, really getting to know the neighborhood. But, when I’m not housesitting, I also book overnight group trips during my extended stay, so that I can explore the surrounding area with a group of people and a local guide. This makes for a good balance between group time and alone time, and provides an opportunity to meet other like-minded travelers.

Take a Class

Cooking, wine tasting, painting, coffee brewing, the list goes on and on. Look at Airbnb Experiences for group classes that will have you learning and laughing in no time.

Travel for a Specific Reason & Stay a Bit Longer

Into books or music or yoga? Travel for a festival or event but stay on longer after the event is over. You will meet new friends at the event who live in the area or who are traveling in the area.

I discovered this guaranteed way to make like-minded friends after attending the Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud. I only attended the festival for one day, but I stayed in Ubud for a month, meeting many fellow yogis like me.

Use an App

I don’t mean dating apps, necessarily, though both Bumble and Tinder have the ability to filter for a friend search.

Travello is an app for meeting other travelers, Tourlina is an app for female travelers seeking to meet other female travelers, and Travel Buddies is an app for meeting travelers with similar itineraries or even local guides.

Also, check out Reddit and your destination’s subreddit to discover events or attractions in the area that locals are talking about. 

Travel with a Small Offering

I learned this tip while walking the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage across Spain. One of the women that I walked with brought stickers that read “no vino, no Camino”. She gave these stickers out to fellow pilgrims and, more often than not, those pilgrims asked us where we would be having a drink that evening. We met so many people just by giving away something small that represented who we were and what we liked to do.

I saw another traveler who brought a portable printer with him. He then immediately printed out the pictures that he took and handed his new friends the small, but precious gift of a photograph. Small gifts are excellent ways to meet people and to maintain an ongoing friendship.

Many times, people, especially travelers, are craving that kind of contact.

A fellow solo traveler – who is now a friend – taught me a very simple lesson when I met him on a rooftop in Kuala Lumpur. He said that meeting another traveler on the road is just like the moment when two children meet. There are no expectations. There is only an authentic curiosity about the soul of another.

About the Lens of Jen (lensofjen.org)

Jen Nilsson is a full-time travel blogger who changed everything about her life when her fiancé died of cancer at the age of 40.

After learning the hard way that life is too short to delay our dreams, Jen quit her corporate job, ditched high-heels for a backpack, and set out to see the world.

She now believes that life-changing moments exist outside the comfort zone. She has walked 500 miles across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, learned to surf in Bali, tried (and failed) to learn to scuba dive on a Thailand island, and finally, at the age of 37,  learned to ride a bike while cycling through the vineyards of France.

The Lens of Jen is all about embracing a new “lens” on life when things don’t shake out quite the way you planned.

YouTube: youtube.com/thelensofjen

Instagram/Twitter/Medium – @lensofjen

Free your travels, be a Travelita! #travelita #iamatravelita

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3gxMuiJ

10 Stress Free Tips For A Road Trip

12 ABSOLUTE BEST DESTINATIONS for FIRST TIME Travellers

How I Plan My Solo Trips | Instagram, Flights, and more!

Healthy Airplane Travel Snack Ideas!

foods allowed on a plane | Osi Talks

TRAVEL TO REYKJAVIK ICELAND | TRAVEL VLOG