Are you sick of reading about other people’s New Year’s resolutions yet? Well, don’t worry, I don’t believe in resolutions. But I do believe in planning out my travel for the year in January, because otherwise, it wouldn’t happen. After all, I’ve got to get the time off from work, coordinate my vacation schedule with those of my coworkers, save the money for my trips, research destinations, etc.

This year, I reviewed my travel bucket list and decided to go to the places at or near the top–the places I most want to visit. Unfortunately, that means I’ve got two very expensive destinations planned this year. Gulp. How do I plan to pay for these very expensive trips? That’s a subject best left for a future blog post. The question of today is: Where am I going?

Honolulu, Hawaii

I had to postpone this trip from 2011, so I decided to make it a priority for 2012. It will never be a cheap trip for me, since I have to fly from Vermont, but it’s much cheaper to go there any week except Christmas. (For example, airfare was almost exactly 50% of what it would have cost to fly there Christmas week.) So at the end of February, I’ll be winging my way to Waikiki. God help me, I’m not looking forward to the long flying days to and from (roughly 20 hours each way, including sitting around in airports), but I think it will be worth it. On my itinerary are things like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, the North Shore, the Dole Plantation, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and more. I want to sample some local beers from the Kona Brewing Company. I want to try Hawaiian specialty foods like shave ice and the Dole Whip. I want to learn a few words and phrases in Hawaiian, see how leis are made and maybe take a ukelele lesson. Will I have time for all these things? Who knows. But since Hawaii is one of the most culturally unique states in the US, I can’t wait to learn more about its history and culture in person.

The Norwegian Epic in the Port of Barcelona

The Mediterranean

In early May, I’ll be headed to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise aboard my old friend, the Norwegian Epic. Squee! I have already booked my Studio Stateroom. This is the trip I considered taking last year, but one thing held me back: I just didn’t know how I could possibly stand only having one day in Rome (can you imagine trying to see Rome in one day?) and having to choose spending time in Naples, Pompeii, or the Amalfi Coast during my one port day in Naples. Seems unfair, doesn’t it?

Well, this year, the schedule has changed enough to work for me. In addition to the Sunday-Sunday cruises that sail out of Barcelona, Spain, the Epic is now offering the opportunity to sail Wednesday-Wednesday out of Civitavecchia, Italy (near Rome). This means I can fly in early and spend a couple of days exploring Rome before my cruise, and another day after. I’ll still only have the one day in the port of Naples, so I’ve decided I’m going to have to throw Naples under the bus (or the boat, as the case may be) and go on a combination Pompeii/Amalfi Coast shore excursion during that day. And now that I’m getting the days I want in Rome, I’m okay with that. Other ports of call are Livorno, Italy (from which I can get to Florence); Nice, France (from which I could also go to Monte Carlo if I prefer); Provence (Marseilles), France; and my favorite Spanish city, Barcelona.

Would I prefer to travel slowly across Italy? Sure. But I honestly don’t have the time for that right now. And there’s no law that says I can’t go back to any of these places if I find I like them so much I’d like to experience them on a deeper level later on.

Mountains around Las Vegas

Las Vegas

I’ll be making my annual sojourn to my favorite city during Labor Day week in the fall, same as always. I’ve already started collecting a list of “new things” to do while I’m there. But I really, really have got to make it a priority this year to get out and see Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire—or maybe even take a couple of days to visit the Grand Canyon, which I’ve only seen via helicopter, never on foot. I’ll also be hosting the 2^nd Annual Vegas Solo Meetup that week, if anyone is thinking they’d like to come. During the summer, I’ll post details about that meetup at The Vegas Solo.

Road Trips and Miscellaneous Travel Daydreaming

Those are the major trips I’m taking in 2012, and they are plenty expensive enough that from a practical standpoint, I should stop there. But. . .but. . .but I can’t. Because I’m also considering a Thanksgiving weekend trip (if I can identify a place that’s inexpensive at that time!), a possible weekend in New York City (if I can get cheap airfare), and 2-3 weekend road trips as well. I don’t know if I can squeeze it all in, but I’d sure like to.

So in 2012, you’ll have those trips dominating the pages of this blog–along with my backlog of material I still haven’t written about my trips to San Diego and Orlando. I’m also reviewing my old journals for stories of people I’ve met from my travels. I have some I’d love to share, as soon as I can figure out how to write them up so that they’re as meaningful for you as they were to me. As always, I’ll try to insert some posts that address various aspects of solo travel as much as possible. If you have topics you’d be interested in reading more about here at SoloFriendly, please shoot me an email at gray[at]solofriendly[dot]com.

How about you? Do you know where you’re going in 2012 yet? What are your travel plans for the new year? I love living vicariously through others’ travels, so please share your own travel excitement for the year!

2012 Travel Sneak Peek is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Crystal Palace, Madrid

The trouble with setting travel goals at the beginning of the year is that you have to then review your progress at the end of the year to see how you did. Thankfully, I didn’t do so bad this year. Of the six destination goals I set for myself in 2011, I achieved five of them. Hawaii during the holidays was just too expensive to be attainable, especially after a hefty car repair bill and some unavoidable home renovation expenses came up. I’ll still make it to Hawaii; just not in 2011.

Since my only international travel was to Spain it was a fairly easy travel year. I think I must have been psychic when plotting out my 2011 travels, because “easy” was exactly what I needed this year. Thanks to a frantically busy and emotionally turbulent year at work, my real life was plenty challenging enough. Having to navigate new cultures and languages and landscapes too might have sent me over the edge. There’s something to be said for going on vacation to just, you know, “relax.”

Here are the highlights of of my 2011 travels, in words, photos and videos:

Madrid

It was noisy, loud, and dirty. And it was right outside my hotel room window. I didn’t sleep well here. But it was fascinating to be in Spain during the youth protests (the “Spanish revolution“) that swept the continent last spring. It’s always nice to see young people showing passion about something larger than themselves. Say what you will about the youth protests that have now spread around the world, they’re historic.

Click here to view the embedded video.

While I found Madrid to be a bit formal compared to Barcelona, it still has much to recommend it–including some beautiful public spaces and architecture. Where else can you get a great view of the city from an authentic Egyptian temple and also visit a crystal palace?

Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple in Madrid

Barcelona

I immediately fell in love with Barcelona. This city has it all–weather, beaches, architecture, history, a wildly popular football (soccer) team, and incredible vistas. From here, I saw the Mediterranean Sea for the first time.

View of the Mediterranean and port of Barcelona

In Barcelona, I saw my greatest success speaking a foreign language. It was a small triumph, but a triumph nonetheless. It made me eager to try more.

I became a huge fan of Antoni Gaudi during my 3 days in Barcelona. Gaudi’s architecture, beautifully demonstrated in Parc Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and the spectacular La Sagrada Familia, is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I enjoyed people-watching on La Rambla, the rich history of the Barri Gotic neighborhood (the oldest part of the city), and the beautiful views from Montjuic. There is no doubt in my mind, I’m going back to Barcelona.

Interior of Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, the most unique cathedral I've ever seen

San Diego

Over drinks at the Top of the Hyatt, San Diegan Kristen Elise said to me “San Diego doesn’t have weather.” I was aghast at this statement. I had just been gushing about how the weather in San Diego was perfect–sunny and in the 70s all the time. I am told that when every day looks like that, it gets boring. I’d be willing to find out in person some day. I’m scouting out potential winter retreats for my snowbird years, and San Diego is right at the top of the list.

Botanical Building, Balboa Park

Palm trees and sunny days and mild ocean breezes are my version of meditation. Wandering the waterfront of San Diego, I drank in the views of the Pacific Ocean for the first time in 27 years. I explored Balboa Park and the USS Midway, and was transported to the past in my imagination watching the classic sailing ships in the harbor. It was soothing.

Sailing ships in San Diego Harbor

Las Vegas

I’ve been to Las Vegas many times, and I know a fair number of people there now. So when I go to Las Vegas, I get to be social–without having to try so hard. I met up with friends I’ve made on previous trips, and hosted the first ever Vegas Solo Meetup at the Cosmopolitan, where I met two readers of my Vegas Solo blog, Nate and Janice.

Janice, Nate and me - photo by Janice Miller

During this trip, I stayed in the nicest hotel room–make that suite–I’ve ever had (at the Palazzo), sat outside by the pool and read, had a blast pretending to be a mob initiate at the Las Vegas Mob Experience (which has since closed–boo hoo!), ate my way through a slew of restaurants I’d never tried before, indulged my passion for photography, and grooved with my animal friends at the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat and the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay.

White Tiger

Disney World

My primary reason for this trip was to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival, which I’d never done before. Here, you can sample foods, wines and beers from around the world, while walking around World Showcase at Epcot. The food and beverages were hit and miss, as you would expect, but fun to try. My favorite was the escargots in little brioche bread pockets in France. Yum! The Festival was a bit too overpriced and crowded for my tastes, but I’m glad I tried it once.

The crowd in World Showcase for Disney's Food & Wine Festival

While I didn’t get to check parasailing off my bucket list here as intended (they cancelled my appointment twice), I made up for it by trying all sorts of other things for the first time, such as Space Mountain, Mission Space, the refurbished Star Tours–and my very first Dole Whip. This time around, I toured the parks slowly instead of taking them by storm like I usually do. I felt no urgency to go on rides I’d been on before. I strolled through the parks and took lots of photos. I spent some time with my friend Sha and her mom. I got to see the parks decked out in their holiday best and saw one of my favorite 80s bands, Night Ranger, in concert.

This is the perk of revisiting a place you’ve been before: Being able to slow down instead of feeling the need to cram in as much as possible in a short period of time. I liked it.

A very relaxed me at Animal Kingdom

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

My brother and sister-in-law go to Universal Orlando several times a year. I’ve never been. This is a park that is primarily for thrill-seekers–with tens of roller coasters and rides that drench you before you reach the end–and that’s not really me. But when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened here, I knew I had to go! Mission accomplished. Universal will never replace Disney in my heart, but the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is definitely worth going to see. It was like walking through a movie screen and into the world of the movies and books.

Hogwarts at Universal's Islands of Adventure

At the beginning of 2011, I was a stressed out mess, desperately unhappy with my life and seriously considering running away from home. Now? I’m happy. I don’t dread going to work any more. I just refinanced my home from a 30 year mortgage to a 15 year mortgage, which means yes, I’ll be staying in Vermont for awhile longer. I can’t give travel all the credit for this change in my attitude, but I do think going on relaxing trips for most of the year contributed greatly to my current mellow mood. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, and that carried over to every aspect of my life–work, blogging, relationships, travel. This year, I learned to relax and stop worrying about “keeping up with the traveling Joneses”. What a difference a year makes.

My Solo Travels of 2011: The Word is “Relax” is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Would you give up a traditional Christmas to travel?

Just when I started to love the opportunity to travel during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s going buh-bye. For several years now, the university where I work has given us the week off between Christmas and New Year’s as a holiday. It started because we got no raises that year. No raise = grumpy employees. Free week off = happy employees. Well played, UVM; well played. It went over so well, it became an annual thing. (Getting the week off, that is; getting no raises is just a semi-annual thing.)

The first year, I stayed home. For ten long days. I was bored out of my freaking mind. Unless you like being outside in below freezing temperatures (in which case you’re probably part polar bear), there is not a hell of a lot to do for singles in Vermont between Christmas and New Year’s. All my married friends are busy doing family stuff. My family who lives locally gets together for a meal, and then we go our separate ways. I kill about four hours on that, max.

In 2008, I decided to save my sanity and take advantage of the free time off to travel. It was a stroke of genius!

St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

I booked a flight to New Orleans for some ridiculously cheap price that I’ll never see again in my lifetime and spent five nights in the Big Easy. It wasn’t pool weather, but I didn’t need to wear a jacket, I saw palm trees, and I even got to wear shorts one day. You skiers can have your subzero winds on the mountain, I’ll take palm trees any day.

I dug into the muffulettas and gumbo and cheesy grits; savored the live jazz and blues music everywhere; soaked up the sight of the mighty Mississippi; hung out in Jackson Square and watched little birds playing in fountains; and felt the pure bliss of exploring a brand new city. I went on a ghost tour of the French Quarter. There was enough signs of Christmas around so I didn’t miss it entirely, but the museums and other tourist attractions were open for business. And of course, every night was a party on Bourbon Street. It was so much more fun than staying home between the holidays!

I tried grilled oysters for the first time in New Orleans

Las Vegas, as I learned last year, can also be cheap during Christmas week. . .as long as you get out of town before New Year’s, when you practically have to take out a second mortgage to afford a hotel room. I had a great time during the early part of my trip. I got to enjoy just enough Christmas cheer to put me in the holiday mood—via Christmas displays in places like the Bellagio, the Palazzo, and Sam’s Town’s Mystic Falls atrium—but it was still Las Vegas. I still got to enjoy shows and sightseeing and gambling and everything that I usually do on a trip to Vegas (except hang out by the pool—it was freezing!).

I even faced my fear of heights by going ziplining on Christmas night:

Santa won't let anything happen to me, right?

I had lunch with some Burlington friends who happened to also be in Vegas for the holiday and got to meet up with some fellow travel bloggers who live in Las Vegas. That would have been a perfect holiday trip if my flight home hadn’t gotten cancelled and stranded me in town an extra four nights—over New Year’s. It took me awhile to pay that trip off.

But aside from those two places, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that travel during Christmas week isn’t cheap.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

In 2010, I wanted to go to Hawaii for Christmas week. I nearly had a stroke when I realized how expensive it would be. So I tried pricing San Juan, Puerto Rico ; it, too, cost double what it would two weeks later, in January. I feverishly searched the Internet, pricing trips to all sorts of warm weather destinations, and came up with the same result every time: Too damn expensive.

I went to Puerto Rico in January.

This year, I had hoped to be in Waikiki during Christmas week, because it’s the last year I’ll be getting the time off for “free” (my job is moving outside UVM). But a hefty car repair bill and some home renovation expenses dashed those hopes. I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t meet all my travel goals for the year, but 4 out of 5 isn’t bad. I can’t be unhappy about a travel year that included Madrid, Barcelona, San Diego, Las Vegas, Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

So I’ve got to get creative and figure out some fun things to do this coming week here at home so I don’t spend the whole time working on my blogs (which could easily happen). In the meantime, I’m curious about what all of you are doing for the holidays!

Have you ever spent the holiday season away from home and family? Did you enjoy it? Where will you be this year? Go ahead, make me jealous.

Christmas Week Travel. . .Or Not is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Manchester Christmas markets

Living in Manchester, something has to make up for the dark nights and dreary rain that blights us come December. Luckily for me, my city has earned a well-deserved reputation for having some of the world’s best Christmas markets, which have won several tourism awards.

Their existence means the cold weather is worthwhile – because without the need to warm up, steaming mugs of Glühwein (German mulled wine) would be completely unnecessary. And this is my favourite part of a visit to the Manchester Christmas Markets. That and the fact that for a mere £2 of deposit forfeited, I can keep my mug as a souvenir (their design changes each year).

There are several markets scattered throughout the centre (for example, the French Market on King Street, the Arts & Crafts Market on Exchange Street, and the World Market on Brazennose Street) but the main one is the Manchester European Christmas Market on Albert Square, where the huge, lighted Santa looks down on the crowds below from his prime position on the Town Hall.

I find myself here often, weaving from stall to stall for hours, tasting delicious samples offered by owners hoping for a sale (usually successful).

Cheeses

Eat, drink and be merry

It has to be said, the temptations are certainly very, um, tempting. I’ve been on a vegan diet for two months, yet last week I couldn’t help but nibble on and buy some Dutch wasabi-flavoured cheese from a stall selling immense wheels of Goudas and Edams. The pesto flavour wasn’t half bad, either.

Then it was on to the van cooking up traditional Lancashire foods, where there was a big pan of cheesy Lancashire potatoes crying out to be eaten, their aroma reaching parts of my nostrils I never knew existed. Here also, £2 buys a tray of good old-fashioned, local bonfire food – mushy black peas, generously covered in salt and vinegar.

It would be very silly, of course, to not save room for something sweet, because the scent of pancakes, waffles and crepes will creep over and hound you into submission. Smothered in cream, strawberries, chocolate, nut spread, bananas or jam – the glory of these concoctions cannot be overstated.

It’s easy to be a solo traveller here. There are a few bars in which you can sit yourself down with a German beer in hand and feel comfortable soaking up the atmosphere. Chatting to people shouldn’t be too difficult either, with everyone feeling giddy and cheerful, in a festive frame of mind. And though I say so myself, northerners are renowned for being more friendly and approachable than their southern counterparts, so if you’re visiting, give it a go and strike up a conversation with a Mancunian.

Chocolate stall

Shopping at the markets

Being in the middle of a rugby scrum is not my bag, so I avoid visiting on the weekend. I love Monday evening at the Albert Square market, but can barely breathe if I get sucked in on a Saturday. I’m not the best of people in a crowd, and feeling like a sardine is not my idea of fun.

Dare I say it though? Many of the crafts and handiworks, as lovely as they are, seem fairly over-priced. The markets are not the place to come bargain-hunting, but some wonderful and unusual knick-knacks can be found if you want unique gifts. One stall I especially love sells beautiful, handmade blown glass ornaments and tree decorations, and while I haven’t bought any (let’s call it a cash flow situation), I have spent ages looking at them, and at the market lights twinkling off them.

The toys on sale around the markets are also pretty cool. I’m always looking for something other than plastic rubbish to buy for my nephews at Christmas, and I found some really funky puppets at the markets. I also spotted one stall with some very cute baby vests emblazoned with “The Beatles,” the famous fab four.

It’s easy to leave the markets with my purse a lot lighter than when I arrived, but each year I find it as much fun as the last.

Decoration stall

Tips for visiting the Manchester Christmas Markets

• Wrap up warm! You’re in the north of England in winter, enough said? But do layer up, because the market pubs can get quite cosy on a packed night, and you might want to strip down a little while drinking under cover.

• Alcoholic drinks stop being sold 45 minutes before the market closes, which is 9pm for the Albert Square market. Keep it in mind if you want to enjoy a tipple at the end of your visit, or if you arrive at the market late and think you have plenty of time for a drink.

• If you want to shop and meander, come early in the week rather than at the weekend, which is hellish for the claustrophobic. If you’re here purely to drink and don’t mind waiting a while at the bar, then weekends have the most atmosphere. The periphery markets are usually less busy than the Albert Square one.

• If time is short or you’re looking for the best overall experience, visit the Albert Square market.

• If you’re planning to see a few markets, check opening times as some close earlier than others. Manchester City Council have produced a handy map of all the Christmas markets, which can be downloaded via their website.

The Manchester Christmas Markets will run this year until 21st December.

Have you ever visited the Christmas Markets in Europe? What was your experience like?

Andrea is a freelance journalist and travel writer based in the UK. As well as writing for the British national press, her site Butterflyist.com aims to inspire people to have the confidence to push their comfort zones, whether through travel or other means. While loving adventure, Andrea is a self-proclaimed hater of camping – though will suffer it if absolutely necessary. You can find her on Twitter @thebutterflyist.

Photo credit: All photos in this post belong to Andrea.

Going Solo to the Manchester Christmas Markets is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Self portrait at Horseshoe Bay

I originally chose to cruise solo simply because it was the least expensive way to see Bermuda.  You see, a few weeks ago I stumbled upon a really great fare for a last-minute sailing from New York  to Bermuda.  It was much too last-minute to find anyone to accompany me; everyone I know works full time (which is actually quite surprising in this economy).  But it was too good to pass up–and I’ve always wanted to go to Bermuda–so I booked it anyway.  One cruise for one, please!  Nine short days after clicking ‘book this trip’ I found myself on the sun deck of the Norwegian Gem sailing out of New York City towards Bermuda.  And a few hours later, I found myself not just looking forward to the destination, but really enjoying the journey.

When I announced that I’d be taking this trip I was met with apprehension on the part of many of my friends and relatives.  Some even went so far as to feel badly for me.  Their mouths would say “have fun” but their eyes would say “good luck!”  After experiencing the trip myself, I can honestly say that now I feel badly.  I feel badly for anyone who doesn’t have the opportunity to experience cruising–and Bermuda–on their own.

Sailing out of NYC

First, let me tell you that if you are considering cruising anywhere solo, I have some bad news.  It simply isn’t possible.  You see, cruise ships are more than just huge, floating hotels.  They are huge, floating hotels filled with thousands of possible friends.  You just haven’t met them yet–but if you want to, you will.  Actually, to be honest, you’ll make friends even if you don’t want to.

My biggest concern with taking this cruise was the three days at sea.  I feared I might be bored, but armed with my Kindle full of books, I set out anyway.  The reality was that at times I actually thought, “If only I could have some alone time!” and that poor Kindle spent most of its time at sea safely tucked in my bag.

Even the most die-hard introvert need only leave her cabin to find a plethora of on-board activities–and people participating in those activities.  I was adopted by two sisters traveling together, and then the three of us befriended another solo traveler.  Over the course of a seven-night cruise, I only spent one dinner alone in the main dining room–though I typically dined alone for lunch and breakfast.

My new cruise friends

In addition, anywhere I went on my own–to wine tastings, on ferries, to in-port bars–people talked to me.  Couples, kids, retirees, 20-somethings from New Jersey (exit 3), one very interesting older man who’d been in the Swiss Army in the 1950s (I didn’t ask him if he had a multi-function knife), two ex-Marines and one very personable bartender.  My companionship cup was overflowing.

If all of this socialization sounds overwhelming, fear not!  You see, cruising solo really offers the best of both worlds.  You have the option of companionship but the freedom of independence.  Because eventually you will reach the port, and all of those friends you made will head out to windsurf, jetski, shop, or horseback ride.  If you want, you can join them; I was invited along on several excursions.  I didn’t go on any of them, choosing instead to tour on my own.  Because Bermuda is a wonderful–and safe and easy–place to enjoy solo.

Approaching St. George on the ferry

The Bermudian public transportation system is cheap, safe, and easy to use.  Heck, it’s even color coded.  A pink bus stop pole indicates that the stop is for a bus going towards Hamilton (Bermuda’s only true city), and a blue pole indicates that the bus is driving away from Hamilton.  Additionally, several ferry lines make getting around even easier.  For $28 USD, I purchased a three-day transportation pass and rode the ferry to and from St. George as well as to Hamilton. I also used the bus system to get from Hamilton to the Botanical Gardens and back, and then from Hamilton to Horseshoe Bay Beach and from the beach back to my ship docked at King’s Wharf.  Did I mention that all of those things cost me a total of $28?  Bermuda is not just a great destination for solo travelers, it is a great destination for independent travelers–those of us who would rather not spend upwards of $75 on one cruise excursion (though there was no lack of quality excursions, so if that’s your thing, you won’t be disappointed either).

Traveling solo–and purchasing that transportation pass–literally gave me the run of the island.  I could do whatever I wanted–and so I did!  Day one was spent touring the charming little town of St. George–a UNESCO World Heritage site–and bonding with parrot fish among the rocks and coves of Tobacco Bay.  The $10 snorkel rental fee was the best $10–and best one hour–I’ve ever spent.

Botanical Garden

On day two I traveled to Hamilton and, finding it a bit more city-like than I would prefer, was free to continue on and spend the afternoon touring the Botanical Gardens and walking the pink sand of Horseshoe Bay Beach.  At the beach, I found a man who was kite surfing and spent a good half hour watching him–and taking photos.  Had I been traveling with anyone else, I’m sure they would have tired of this activity long before I did.  But being solo, I was free to click away!

Another thing solo travel provides is the ability to do things more efficiently.  Because of this, I found myself on port day three–my final day in Bermuda–with almost everything that I really wanted to do crossed off my list.  And so, after a leisurely breakfast overlooking the dockyard, I ventured off the ship and hopped on to a very last-second snorkel cruise that was being offered at the ticket and tour information booth.  It ended up being the highlight of my trip (and yes, you guessed it, I made friends with several people on board).

Kite surfer

Traveling solo provided me with the flexibility to spend time with others–or not.  It provided me with the ability to make last minute decisions–including the decision to take the trip in the first place.  And, most importantly, it gave me a great sense of accomplishment.  If I can hop onto a cruise ship and find myself in Bermuda in just over a week, well, just imagine where I may go next!

Tracy Antonioli is currently enjoying a year-long leave of absence from her teaching job in order to travel and write. To read about her adventures, visit her travel blog, The Suitcase Scholar. For musings on her year off and some career break inspiration, check out her newest blog, Existential Midlife Twitch. And please feel free to comment here, there, or anywhere–Tracy would love to hear from you!

Photo credit: All photos in this article were taken by Tracy.

Cruising to Bermuda Solo: The Journey and the Destination is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Las Vegas at Night

Whether you are new to solo travel or a veteran at it, there is something we all have in common: Nighttime can bring its own special set of challenges for the solo traveler. When all the daytime attractions, museums and tours are done, and you find yourself facing a night on your own, it can be daunting. Some people feel a bit lonelier when night falls. Depending on your travel destination, you may find yourself with few options for evening activities, or you may find yourself with an abundance of them. You may wonder how safe it is to venture forth from your hotel to the theater once it’s dark out, or whether or not your chosen activity is “solo-friendly”.

Last May, I asked the gang on the SoloFriendly Facebook page: What is your favorite evening activity when you travel solo? Do you go out to do something (and what), or stay in your hotel/hostel? Here are some of the responses I got:

Elizabeth: I go to a local bar and find a bite to eat then head back to room.

Tracy: I go back to my room and write…with wine. Not because I have nothing better to do but because I love ending all days that way!

Marsha: Usually go to a show or a museum or something.

Yolanda: Out for eve stroll, grab a cappuccino and a little dessert and catch the sights at night – people watch.

Michelle: I like to check out the nightlife whether it’s at a club, bar, cafe or outdoors… or try to catch some live performances…. as I meet local people during my stay I sometimes meet up with them to experience the local flavor.

Eager Existence: I’m doing my entire trip solo. So it varies. Fav in a new location is to stroll around late at night, find a bar or cafe, and attempt some conversations with locals my age.

Heidi: I do both. Prob 50% going out for dinner or to socialize and the rest staying in and writing, reading, surfing, movie watching. Also depends on place.

Live music at the Funky Pirate, New Orleans

So you see, there is no right or wrong way of spending your solo evenings. I’ve done pretty much all of the above during my travels. I prefer to go out at night after dinner for some kind of entertainment–live music, a show, etc.–but it also depends on how exhausted I am if I’ve been walking around all day. Curling up in bed on a full stomach after dinner and processing (in my journal) everything I did during the day is, as Tracy notes, not a bad way to end the day.

A few helpful hints to remember:

• Research nighttime activities before your trip. Figure out how close they are to your hotel/hostel/B&B and how safe the neighborhoods are in between; you may want to take a cab to and from, just to be safe.
• If you know you’re prone to loneliness in the evenings, look for group tours that take place at night–ghost tours, tapas tours, nighttime city tours, etc. This will give you a built-in opportunity to mingle with others.
• Museums and other attractions in some cities can be open until 9pm or later, depending on the night of the week. That gives you another option. Many museums also have cafes on-site, so you could have dinner there, or a coffee and dessert to wrap up your day.
• If you’re feeling lonely, dining at a bar can be a good way to meet other people…but there’s also a fair chance a solo female may get hit on, so use good judgment about whether or not you sit at the bar and who you choose to chat with. It’s never a bad idea to make friends with the bartender, because you can then turn to them if you need help warding off unwelcome advances from someone else at the bar.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol when you’re alone or with people you’ve just met. When you’re traveling alone, you need to keep your wits about you at all times. Better sober and safe than drunk and sorry.

How would you spend a solo evening alone when traveling? Please share in the comments below!

Nightlife for the Solo Traveler is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Burlington, Vermont

Do you have an interest in solo travel–or a desire to learn more about it–but nobody else in your life does? How would you like to meet up with other solo travelers?

If you’re in Vermont (or a number of other cities around the world), you’re about to have the opportunity. My colleague Janice Waugh of the Solo Travel Society has gathered together a group of solo travelers to host meetups around the world, fashioned after Meet Plan Go, the multi-city meetups promoting career breaks. I have signed up to be the Solo Traveler City Host for Burlington, Vermont. What are our goals?

To help solo travelers connect with one another–in person, off-line. It’s often quite easy to connect with others online via social media, but nothing compares to the connections you forge when you meet face-to-face.

To share stories, tips and advice with one another.

To grow the community of solo travelers worldwide. We may all travel solo, but for some things, there is strength in numbers:  The more people see us traveling alone, the more we talk about it, the more mainstream solo travel becomes. The larger our numbers, the better we can advocate with the travel and tourism industry for more solo-friendly pricing.

There are millions of solos out there traveling by ourselves every year. I’m not sure how many of us there are in Vermont, but let’s find out!  Mark your calendars for the first official meetup:

Solo Traveler Meetup

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm (or until we’re done)

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill downstairs “parlor”

160 Bank Street

Please RSVP at EventBrite so I have a general idea of how many to expect. And look for me that night:

Me

This meetup will be very casual–like a happy hour for solo travelers (don’t worry if you’re a teetotaler–no consumption of alcohol is necessary). How often we meet and what future meetups look like will depend on you. At the very least, you’ll be able to swap advice and stories once or twice a year with people who share your passion for solo travel. But if people are interested, perhaps we can arrange for a more educational component in the future.

Here’s how you can stay up-to-date with plans for future solo travel meetups. For Vermont:

• Here at SoloFriendly.com
• At the SoloFriendly Facebook Page
• By following me on Twitter
• By following me on Google+

For cities around the world:

• The Solo Travel Society on Facebook
• The Solo Traveler Newsletter – sign up at http://solotravelerblog.com/
• By following SoloTraveler on Twitter and hashtag #STCH in conjunction with city codes (Burlington, Vermont would be #STCH #BTV)

If you happen to be in a city that has a solo traveler meetup, why not consider attending? It’s a great way to meet other solo travelers! Got any questions? Please ask in the comments section below.

Meet Other Solo Travelers in Vermont is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Her Packing List

This one’s (primarily) for the ladies: Have you ever agonized about where to keep your money and credit cards while traveling to keep them safe from pickpockets? Have you ever wondered how money belts or other under-your-clothing security wallets work?

I just wrote a guest review for Brooke Schoenman at Her Packing List describing my experience with the Bra Stash Personal Security Wallet. I was driven to try this product on my trip to Spain after reading countless reviews of rampant pickpocketing there. Let’s just say it didn’t quite work out as I’d imagined. You can read the article here. And while you’re over there, poke around a bit. At Her Packing List, Brooke reviews all sorts of travel gear for women, so if you are planning for long-terms travels and wonder which products are absolutely essential and which you can do without, you may find the answer there.

Stash it in your Bra? is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

The Solo Traveler's Handbook

I am thrilled with the interest in solo travel shown by each and every one of you who read this blog. I think it’s a great sign that you’re seeking out information about solo travel online–either so you can learn how to do it or to reinforce to yourself and others that your love for solo travel isn’t unusual. But if you find yourself wishing you could find a traditional sort of paperback guidebook that served the same purpose–something that you slip into your bag and bring with you on the bus or the train, to the pool or beach, or to a restaurant to read while relaxing over a fine solo meal, you’re in luck: The Solo Traveler’s Handbook by Janice Waugh (of the Solo Travel Society) is your guide to solo travel in paperback form.

I knew before I read this book that it would be well-written. If you’ve read Janice’s blog, you already know this, too. It is also very well organized. The book is split into four sections: the first discusses solo travel motivation and reasons, the second outlines the preparation and planning process, the third the kinds of adventures you might have while traveling solo, and the fourth–and perhaps most important–section discusses safety on the road. But don’t think this is a dry “how to”; it isn’t.

This guide fulfills its purpose as a guide by being full of great advice for solo travelers–things like practical advice on saving money for travel and how to deal with money on the road, types of lodging to consider, how to pack light (something I still haven’t managed to embrace–sorry, Janice!), and of course, safety. The guide includes links to other useful resources and includes colorful photos from Janice’s travels. What makes this book stand out as more than just a travel guide, though, are the personal stories that Janice tells, starting with how she started traveling solo again late in life after the death of her husband. Her stories are warm and funny and illustrative of how she has learned what to do while traveling solo, and also show just how much fun one can have traveling solo. I’ve read most of these stories at her blog, but they’ve been reworked for the book, so it felt like reading new stories. In any case, Janice allows us glimpses into her life here, which I feel makes the book that much more readable.

But my favorite part of this book has to be Janice’s “5 Principles of Safety”. Despite my many years of solo travel, I learned something new in #2: “Proactive is better than reactive.” Aha! FINALLY, I now know why I am so often a freak magnet when I travel solo! (Note to self: Be more proactive.)

I love the Internet and all the useful information it provides, but sometimes, it’s nice to have a paperback book, something light and portable, something you can feel between your hands and flip through as needed. This book is just the right size and weight to make it easy to carry with you wherever you choose to take it. (I recommend a lounge chair on a beach or by a pool, in the shade of palm trees. Just sayin’.)

Thin, lightweight and very portable

Disclaimer: Janice graciously sent me a copy of her book for free. I reviewed it because I wanted to. As always, my opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Solo Traveler’s Handbook is a post from: SoloFriendly.com

Brooke on Indian Pacific Train

Out of necessity, I started traveling solo, as many of us do. After several jaunts and jumps to different parts of the world, I knew what I liked about solo travel – the freedom and the ability to do what pleases me without having to worry about another person’s preferences.

That said, I also know what I dislike, at times, by being a solo traveler – the loneliness, the lack of comforting companionship in awkward situations, and just someone to share the adventure with. It’s a fine line between being comfortable and being thrown into the deep end with no paddle (or companion) to latch onto for help. Because of this, there are some situations I’m actually a bit apprehensive about entering into for fear of it being unbearable for a solo traveler like myself – someone who loves their space and yet craves a bit of interaction every now and then.

Just a few months ago, I traversed the entire country of Australia by riding on the Indian Pacific Train, a solo journey I was originally a little nervous about doing alone. Luckily, I discovered that you can get the best of both worlds riding a long-distance train. The ride gave me what my solo-savvy and my sociable sides of the brain both needed to make it enjoyable.

Indian Pacific Train

Sociable: You get to meet new people from around the country and globe.

Whether they are your carriage mates, your seat neighbor or just acquaintances you met in the dining car, there are plenty of other people to meet, chat with or just simply “be” around. It makes those lonesome solo travel moments seem less of an issue, and who knows? You might meet a new best friend or two.

Solo: When you need your space, you can get up and leave.

The beauty of train travel is the ability to get up and walk around to other sections of the train. You aren’t confined to your seat as you are on a bus or a plane; there is no seatbelt sign that becomes illuminated at the most random and worst times, like when you’re bursting to use the lavatory. On a train, you can explore by heading into different environments, such as the food carriage or the lounge carriage. Find a spot, and enjoy your peace.

Sociable: You might be able to find dining partners instead of dining alone.

As a solo traveler, one of the hardest things for me to do is dine alone. I have succeeded in getting it to a point of manageability, but if I had the option, I would most likely not want to be spending my time eating alone, especially when I am surrounded by tables of people jovially getting along during their dinner.

Solo: On the other hand, eating alone was quite common.

There is no need to feel awkward sitting there eating your dinner alone because chances are that several other people are doing the same. It’s comforting to look around and see that you are not the odd one out.

Inside the Indian Pacific Train

Sociable: You can meet short-term travel companions.

Most of the people on a long-distance train ride, like the Indian Pacific in Australia, are doing it for the same reason – the travel. They will most likely be wanting to explore and learn about the journey and hop out when possible for an overnight or whistle stop tour. These are great people to befriend so that you have a bit of that social interaction now and then.

Solo: When the trip ends, you can go your separate ways.

You know when you take up traveling with a friend, only to realize half-way through the trip that you really just want to be alone? Oh, yes, it can be a bit awkward trying to explain to someone that you just need a bit of time to do your own thing. That’s why taking up friends in short-term situations, such as when riding on a long-distance train is so great–you know there is an end in sight and there is no awkwardness when that end comes along.

I’m generally an introvert, so I have a tendency to get lost in my own mind and ideas, which is perfect for long stretches involving transport. On the train, I found it especially nice as I had hours and hours on end to let my mind wander as my eyes gazed upon the passing landscape out the window. If you have a book, a laptop, a pen and paper, you can let your solo self have at it.

Although it is nice to know you probably won’t have to be completely alone if you don’t want to be.

Brooke Schoenman is an expat in Australia that spends about 80% of the time traveling solo even though she would prefer to travel 100% with her boyfriend. She dreams about riding long-distance trains, like the Indian Pacific and the Trans-Siberian, and is hoping to complete the latter next year. You can follow Brooke on both Facebook and Twitter @WhyGoAustralia.

Solo Travel and the Long-distance Train is a post from: SoloFriendly.com