First, why is this important? As a solo female traveler, especially if you like going “off the grid” to explore on your own, you’re less conspicuous. Pickpockets are a factor in every large city, here and abroad. Also, there are cultural norms which, as a woman traveling in a different country, merit your attention. Here […]
My Simple, Practical Tips on How Not to Look Like a Tourist Abroad Read More »
A rich travel experience is like a great jazz performance; master the basics first and then improvise. With that in mind, I’ve planned my trips for 2023, taking advantage of discounts, flash sale promos and end of the year savings. I’ve managed to save a bundle by looking 12 months out, comparing travel insurance pricing,
See the World’s Most Exotic, Chaotic, Exciting Destinations Read More »
With travel to Russia prohibited for the foreseeable future, I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences in this most culturally diverse, complex, fascinating and unique collection of countries. Russia is just that: a collection of regions, towns and cities. Each with its own language, foods, traditions and sadly united under another despot. With singular devotion
Remembering Russia’s Most Beautiful and Majestic Monastery Read More »
Meet my friend Natasha. She hosted a lunch at her dacha for me a few years ago. This was formerly her great grandparents’ vacation home but is now permanent residence for her family… her husband and son. What is a Dacha? The noun “dacha”, coming from verb “davat” (to give), originally referred to land allotted
Welcome to My Dacha: Lunch With a Russian Friend Read More »
Cooking classes are a top tier option for the solo, female senior traveler. I heartily recommend this as an easy (lots of online options) safe (read the reviews) entertaining and eye-opening way to explore the cuisine of a new country. Food preparation offers a unique and yummy peek into a national culture I took my
Wok Your World with a Cooking Class! Read More »
Here are my ten best tips to make hotel check-ins, here and abroad, simple and safe. First, you’re at the Registration Desk. Take two keys. If they’re not offered, ask for the extra. Take a quick pic with your phone of the room key folder and room #. Easy memory trick. After a recent twelve
All The Single Ladies: Ten Tips for Safe Hotel Check-Ins Read More »
Here are my favorite, travel-tested tips culled from my own experience as a senior solo female managing her own luggage challenges with a few borrowed from my fav travel companions. Do your homework. Sounds simple, right? Check seasonal temperatures and precipitation for the region where you are traveling. A week or so in advance, add
Seven Ways to Pack Lighter, Smarter, Faster Read More »
I’m always asked if I liked Vietnam so for the record, yes, I LOVED visiting Vietnam. Even though my trip coincided with the moment that Covid was silently enveloping the world in March of 2020, I was experiencing my first solo trip to Southeast Asia with a tour group whittled from its original twenty-four to
Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (Part 1) Read More »
For the first time since the Covid situation interrupted the travel plans of those of us hopelessly addicted to the exploration of other cultures, this summer is almost like the summer of 2019 but without the crowds and with a very appreciative group of Schengen countries who are open for business! You can travel solo,
Ten Places to Travel Solo Right Now Read More »