Are you dreaming of traveling alone at least once in your life? Solo travel is one of the most magical experiences you can have. Traveling alone means being in charge of your schedule, doing activities YOU want to do, and not waiting on others to decide whether to book the ticket!
With that said, traveling alone can come with unique challenges. If you’re thinking of making a solo trip and wondering whether to go ahead and book the flight or not, keep reading!
Pros of Traveling Alone
You’re in charge
One of the biggest pros of traveling solo is that you can do whatever you want. If you feel like sleeping in, go ahead! You can do that if you feel like soaking in the local scenery rather than hitting the clubs. When you travel with other people, everyone has to compromise and do things other people want to do. This means you’ll have to spend time doing things you’re not super excited about, but it can also lead to arguments that can ruin the trip for everyone (and even hurt relationships).
You can go for as long as you’d like
Another huge pro of traveling alone is that you can leave when you want and return home when you feel like it (and your schedule allows). You know your vacation time, and you can use it. You set the time clock, and you don’t have to arrange your travels around other people’s vacation time.
Cons of Traveling Alone
Loneliness can be an issue.
This might not be the case for everyone, especially if you’re an introvert like me. It can get tricky for extroverts who thrive on social interactions to travel solo. Moreover, some destinations are best to travel to with friends (i.e., Las Vegas!).
If you think loneliness might be an issue, you can opt to stay at a social hostel where you can make new friends and go out. If you’re not keen on sharing a dorm with other people, many hostels offer private rooms to have your own space to sleep while still socializing and meeting people in the common areas.
Another option is to join Facebook groups to see if another solo traveler is hitting up the same destination or download apps like Bumble BFF, where you can meet locals and travelers alike to share your travels with!
You have to be careful.
One of the most significant downsides of traveling solo, especially as a woman, is to be extra careful. With that said, though, as long as you keep your wits about (just like you would at home – i.e., don’t walk in a dark alley at midnight and don’t accept drinks from strangers), you’ll be totally fine!
So there you have it! Despite the apparent cons, traveling alone is an incredible experience that you should not miss out on. If you’re unsure whether or not solo travel is for you, why not try a short trip close to home to test the waters before going on a more significant trip yourself?
Are you thinking of traveling solo? Let me know all about it in the comment section below!
Many people visit the West Coast to explore the culture and enjoy the flourishing art scene.
The art scene in these three particular cities is a massive draw for tourists worldwide. The beauty of these cities is found in their architecture and the museums, galleries, and outdoor sculptures that can be found around every corner.
Each city has its own unique culture, but they all share similar opportunities for artists to produce great work. Here’s why these cities thrive above the rest.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a vibrant art and music scene, so it is the perfect place to live for creative people who want to pursue their passion.
LA is not only home to the world-renowned entertainment industry but also an international art and music hub. This city has been a popular destination for artists since the late 1800s.
This city’s culture of creativity has made it one of the top places in the world for artists and musicians due to the high number of galleries, museums, performance venues, recording studios, and other places where artists can exhibit their work. The arts also attract tourists from all over the world.
Seattle
Seattle is a city that has been attracting artists and musicians for decades. The city has a diverse and creative culture that allows artists to flourish.
Seattle’s music scene is so strong because of its independent spirit, reflected in the local music industry. There are many venues for live shows, and the city’s cultural institutions have helped create a thriving local art community.
Seattle also has a vibrant arts scene with museums like the Seattle Art Museum and the Frye Art Museum. These make Seattle an international destination for art lovers.
The vibrant cultural scene in Seattle attracts people from all over the world. Seattle apartments for rent are some of the most sought-after in America because of its reputation as one of the best cities to live in.
San Francisco
San Francisco has always been a hub of creativity and innovation. From the Gold Rush era to the present day, this city has always been at the forefront of art movements. Artists and musicians flock to San Francisco because it supports their work with various organizations like SF Arts Commission and SFMOMA.
San Francisco is an excellent place for artists and musicians because it has an abundance of art galleries, museums, theaters, festivals, clubs, and street performers. It also has a large population of people who are creative and open-minded.
The diversity in San Francisco makes it so appealing to artists and musicians. They can find inspiration from worldwide while living in this city.
Why the West Coast is the Best Coast for Artists
The West Coast has always been known as a place rich in culture and creativity where people have been able to thrive and create amazing things.
The West Coast is the best coast for artists, and the reason why is because of all the fantastic opportunities available to them. There are so many places to live, work, and study in this region that it’s hard to find a place that can compare.
Traveling seems to be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. And rightfully so! Traveling opens so many doors to the other avenues of the world. Here are 5 Tips For Budget Travel.
Think of all the things you’d be missing out on if you were forever sitting on your couch watching TV, letting the world pass you by. Don’t let that happen to you.
Instead of sitting and staring out the window and daydreaming of all the places you want to visit, why not make it happen? Traveling is possible for anyone to do! While most people will state that the valid reason that holds them back from traveling is the cost, that doesn’t make it an excuse. If you want to travel, there are ways to make it happen.
Yes, this is a thing. People do this all day, every day, and some people treat this as their way of life. Can you imagine being able to go to a different city to house sit for someone who is on vacation? If you can imagine it, it’s time to make it happen.
While house-sitting is technically considered a “job,” it’s usually minimal. Make sure the house appears lived in to deter burglars (no parties!), take care of any plants or animals that they may have, or possibly even do a bit of light-cleaning in the downtime, but for free accommodations and the chance to travel to a new city or town? Sign me up!
Travel with friends.
If you aren’t keen on traveling alone in the first place, why not see about getting a group together for those traveling plans? You know what they say… the larger the group, the cheaper the bill. When you travel together, you can cut the costs of just about everything!
Lodging, hotel, gas, food… you name it, especially if you go somewhere like Las Vegas! Grab your girls and have some fun! If you split the cost of everything, you’ll be able to splurge on something unique.
Book your trips during the non-tourist times of the year.
Traveling in primetime is expensive! If you don’t honestly care about the time of the year, why not book during the seasons when the costs are less? Head to the beach during the winter (it’ll still be warm, right?) or take a trip to Disney during one of their down months. You’ll still get to travel and save some major dough!
Research hotel prices before you book.
Many different travel sites offer ways to save money on hotel bookings. Priceline offers “express deals,” like flash sales that discount certain hotels and have their famous “name your own price” for varying hotels.
If you plan accordingly and do your research, you can save up to 40% off the listed hotel prices! I love to stay at IHG Properties, and their prices aren’t too high either! There’s also Expedia, Kayak, and Hotwire… to name a few. Budget travel is easier than you think!
Make it a workcation.
If you have a job that allows you to work from home, why not do a bit of work wherever you travel? You will still earn money, which will help make your trip cost less money. The more you work, the more you technically save. Remember that it’s supposed to be a fun traveling trip, so having the separation between the two is vital.
Don’t let the initial heavy price tag of traveling worry you. If you want to travel, find a way to make it happen. When you are looking to book your travels, don’t ever book the first price that you are shown! Do your research and search around to find the best possible deals.
Also, try to incorporate a few of the suggestions above to see if it can help you save even more!
The more money you save, the more traveling that you can do! And the more traveling that you can do, the happier you’ll be. Work on visiting all those destinations on your bucket list at the most affordable price possible. Be patient, plan and then enjoy once your feet hit the pavement and start to explore.
Packing a suitcase can seem daunting, especially if you’re doing it last minute (like I did earlier this month). I was stressing out all week only to procrastinate, but I wanted to share the tips I’ve learned about how to pack a suitcase correctly.
Usually, I pack several times before leaving for the airport because I tend to overpack and change my mind about what I am bringing. However, with the help of my friends, here are some steps to pack like a pro!
Pack that suitcase early. It will save you from the last-minute stress of packing. It will give you time to make sure everything you’re supposed to take with you is there. And you’ll be able to organize your items neatly and efficiently.
I am speaking from experience on this one. On the last trip I went on, I had to repack several times less than 12 hours before my trip. I clearly overpacked and definitely learned my lesson.
Does the suitcase work?
Make sure that suitcase works. Are there any rips or tears in the materials? Does the handle work, and the wheels turn? Start by checking everything out before loading up the suitcase with all of your stuff. If you find that your suitcase isn’t in good condition, it’s fine! Going shopping last minute for a new suitcase is also an option!
Be mindful of the weight.
Before you even start packing, make a list of the things you cannot live without on your trip. Get realistic and make sure you ONLY carry what you will need. You probably don’t need three pairs of heels if you’re going on a vacation to the beach! Trust me on this one… I always bring more shoes than I need.
Not only will carrying more than you need mean that you’ll have a hard time managing and carrying your luggage, but it can also wind up costing you money as you might have to pay for excess weight. Make sure you have some space to carry any cute things and souvenirs you might want to bring home!
EXPERT TIP: Once your list is made, make a pile of items to pack and go through it. Have a pile for “absolutely coming” and another for “would like to have it.” Once you have your two piles separated, pack the “absolutely coming” pile and see how much space is left.
If it helps, think about this quote when you’re packing, “if you pack it, you carry it.” My friends always tell me this is their rule when they pack. They learned the hard way when they were on their 3-month trip to Europe.
And, of course, I learned that myself during my trip to Las Vegas to see BTS. *LOL* It was a struggle.
Guard your liquids
Any items that contain liquids should be stored in a zipped-up pouch to prevent them from leaking. If your trip is short, I recommend putting more oversized products like shampoo and body gels into smaller containers to make them easier to carry. Instead, you can always put them in a small quart-sized bag in your carry-on.
Place essential things at the top.
Medicines, toiletries, underwear, and things you’ll need daily should be super accessible to avoid scrambling through your bag and re-organizing going through security.
Carry fragile items separately.
Computers, cameras, and anything that can break should be carried in a separate bag (i.e., a day bag you carry with you at all times). If there’s something you must pack and cannot carry with you, wrap it up in bubble wrap to keep it from breaking. If you’re traveling by plane, you have no control over how it will be handled once you drop it off at check-in.
Add a protective layer of plastic.
Once you’ve double-checked everything in there, zip up the suitcase and wrap it up with a protective layer of plastic for extra protection!
Canada is a large and diverse country with vast swaths of natural beauty in its purest form, making it a pleasure for any travel enthusiast. Many people dream of taking a trans-Canadian road trip to see the pristine snow-capped mountains, dazzling glacial lakes, flawless beaches, massive national parks, and incredible historical landmarks.
The people of the country are extremely warm and hospitable, and they welcome visitors from all over the world with open arms. Because Canada is the world’s second-largest country, traveling around can be difficult if you don’t know where to begin. Continue reading to learn about Canada’s largest cities.
How To Explore Canada’s Largest Cities:
Toronto
The city is densely packed with tall buildings, which pale compared to the renowned CN Tower. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Tommy Thompson Park, and High Park are just a few of Toronto’s beautiful green parks with paths and recreational facilities. Visitors may satiate their hunger at award-winning restaurants such as Buca, Dandylion, and Alo, all located in Toronto.
Montreal
Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is France’s home away from home. The French are also responsible for the city’s relaxed, laid-back vibe. It is a cultural hotspot with a diverse range of international influences, hosting more than 100 festivals each year.
Montreal is a vibrant, exciting city with award-winning restaurants, internationally famous institutions and sites, and upscale retail boutiques. In addition, the city is the epicenter of French-language cinema, theater, radio, television, print publishing, and multimedia in Canada.
Calgary
Unlike other Canadian cities, the weather in Vancouver is sunny and pleasant practically all year. There are a few dreary and rainy days, but more than 300 days of sunshine. Calgary’s air is extremely dry, and the weather is constantly changing.
The Chinook, a well-known warm wind, raises the temperature, allowing you to shovel snow in one moment and then lounge in the sun in a t-shirt the next. Several skyscrapers, lovely parks, fascinating landmarks and museums, and fantastic restaurants can be found in the city. Calgary is noted for its erratic weather at a mile above sea level.
Ottawa
Ottawa is a modest, pleasant capital city that is nowhere near the scale of its equivalents, Toronto and Montreal. The city is charming and bike-friendly, tranquil and civilized, and a fantastic base for exploring the Canadian wilderness in Ontario, which is just on its doorstep.
In the summer, the city’s park-lined Rideau Canal is bustling with boats, and in the winter, ice skaters. If you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa, you’ll find it challenging to find Ottawa homes for sale. In Ottawa’s real estate market, inventory is low, yet prices are still out of reach for many.
Edmonton
Edmonton boasts a vibrant cultural and arts scene, with opportunities to see live theater, visit various art galleries, and participate in various festivals. Elk Island National Park and William Hawrelak Park will appeal to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Edmonton is nestled in a verdant river valley, with the North Saskatchewan River running straight through the heart of the city.
In addition, the city is kept green by a great network of open spaces and parks designed to safeguard the natural environment. One of this location’s best qualities is its friendliness. Unlike residents of some larger cities, Edmontonians have a slower-paced, community-oriented attitude. The friendly locals welcome newcomers and guests. This positive outlook will go a long way toward assisting you in settling in and making new acquaintances after relocating to Edmonton.
I am a 30-something lifestyle blogger who loves sweatpants, shopping, and self-care.
I created this blog to find my voice, share my knowledge, and help other women find the balance that they’ve been looking for and craving all their life.
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