Can I Drive? How to Rent a Car in Europe

Is the question a little daunting? Understandably yes. Of course you can drive a car in Europe but whether or not you should, based on your travel plans, is another question. More on that in a minute. First, having the freedom to go where you want, when you want is an attractive option for the solo female traveler. Let’s assume you want to explore this option. What’s the process? Is …

The Portuguese Riviera: What to See in a Day

Leave Lisbon and drive or take the train (for about 5 euros round trip ) along the coast to Cascais, considered by every guidebook of merit to be one of Portugal’s most chic resorts. “Known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and non-pareil beaches. But it is the tranquil atmosphere of luxury and ease, along with its stunning seaside esplanade that makes it one of …

Secrets of France: Jewels and Lingerie

The French know jewelry. With an historical pedigree from Cartier · Chaumet · Boucheron · Chanel · Dior · De Grace · Breguet, yessir, France has a lock on luxury baubles. On a recent Louvre excursion I spent time in rapt appreciation of the magisterial collection of Crown Jewels enthroned in three showcases in the 17th century gallery of Apollo. From the crown of Louis XV to the Le Régent …

Five Tips for Better Solo Travel Pics

Traveling solo to distant lands and want to make sure you capture your adventure with some great pictures with you in them? Here are my five top tips : What’s Your Share Method? How are you going to show off your images? Facebook? Instagram? Your Blog? None of the above, you’re just going to text randomly to friends or put them in a Shutterfly book when you get home? You’ll …

Wok Your World with a Cooking Class!

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 first class on a trip to Southeast Asia, stopping in a small village for the …

All The Single Ladies: Ten Tips for Safe Hotel Check-Ins

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 hotel odyssey in France over three weeks, I was in “detail overload” and this helped! …