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Have you ever sat on the side of your bed wondering where your life is headed?

Leading up to my birthday, I had been experiencing some weird feelings around my chest area. Googling “heart attack symptoms” late at night was not on my 2020 or on my 2021 to-do list. We didn’t expect a pandemic to be on that list either. But here we are. 

The typical signs and symptoms pop up. “Abnormal Heartbeat, Anxiety, Tightness in Chest.”

Some signs applied to me and others did not. 

On top of that, my days had been filled with frustration, anger, sadness around blackness in America. It hasn’t been easy coping with death upon death while in an isolated environment. 

There would be days I would sit and stare into space, have no interest in entertainment, and disconnect from social media. 

After months of remote working, isolation, health-scares, and COVID-19, I finally took a self-love getaway. Yes, even during COVID-19. Travel is Therapeutic. And, I don’t have any shame. 

Why did I need it?

“Fuck!” 

This word has so much meaning. It perfectly described my feelings the last five or six months reflecting the disgusting behavior by the U.S. government, police brutality, COVID-19 numbers, insensitive content/memes I’ve seen while on social media, and the bs happening at work.

I’m a sensitive person, who is affected by negative and sad stories. They tend to stick with me beyond when I read or hear them. Even in my time off social media is affected.

The tightness in my chest and the buildup of anxiety has been plotting against me for a while. Instead, I decided to hide in my cave of doubt, frustration, anger, and sadness for months. 

I really had no place to go, especially since working from home. 

Am I grateful that I can safely remain home and work? Hell yeah. 

I’m also acknowledging the fact that mixing business AND pleasure under my roof hasn’t been golden. And, it sure hasn’t glittered.

So, to answer the question, “Why did I need a getaway?”

A mental break is the simplest answer I can provide.

Oh, and it was about time. 

Where did I choose to go?

Note: As an Airbnb Associate, I earn if you book through the links below.

My birthday fell on a Sunday. Like most people this year, I had to reconsider my birthday plans. So, I planned to do nothing. Buuuut I didn’t want to squander such a beautiful day on pitying myself and my mood.

Instead, I hopped on the Airbnb app and searched for availability around my area. I looked at Asheville, Greenville, Nashville, Charleston, and Augusta. 

I ultimately didn’t choose where to go. Airbnb did. Here’s how. 

I knew I wanted to book a pet-friendly place near lots of trees and nature not too far from a major city. 

I also didn’t want to drive more than a couple of hours from my apartment, but I also wanted a place from which I could mentally disconnect.

After browsing for an hour, I happen upon a quaint home in Augusta, GA. It was the home’s feature that sealed the deal — the bathtub. 

Yep. A bathtub. 

Once I confirmed my reservation, I took the day to pack, clean, and organize my plans.

I was about to go on a self-love getaway. 

What did I do?

Do you remember the singer, Tweet? She sang her most famous song, “Oops (oh my)” with Missy Elliot.

If you do, then you know exactly what I’m about to talk about. This post will remain PG-13 so don’t worry. Ha!

If you don’t know the song or singer, then take a moment to watch the following video. 

Because if you learn anything from this video, then you know the singer isn’t talking about self-pleasure but rather self-love. Mmhmm…

So, how exactly did I engage in self-love during my getaway? 

I reconnected with my body using four out of the five senses. 

Hear: 

As I stood at the sink with the bubble bath going and candle light flickering, I pondered over the right playlist to set the mood. I had to get this right because I was trying to impress myself. Or, at least my mind, body, and soul that had been disconnected for months.

I browsed through several Youtube playlists, but they didn’t fit the mood. Either the tempo too fast or the words didn’t match the moment.  

Then, I decided to re-download Spotify, while I checked on the temperature of my bubble bath. Not too hot, and not too cold. But, just right. (Or, so I thought — read below)

Finally, I found a 90s R&B playlist that had loads of slow jams that included artists like Brandy, Monica, Jon B, and more. 

It’s something about those 90s artists. 

This is all I did. Eat, Relax, Watch TV, Bath and repeat.  

Smell:

Thanks to my best friend, Nelda, who suggested taking a candle for my self-love getaway. 

I lit my candle and placed it on the floor. It danced about as the music was playing. 

One of the benefits of having a candle, the pleasant aroma that filled the bathroom. To breathe deeply and relieve the tension in my chest and body. 

Before hopping into my long-awaited bath, I switched off the lights. I*n my Kevin Hart’s voice*, it was about to go down. 

Touch:

I eased my foot into the water like a pool or beach-goer would dipping their toes in to get the feel for the water temperature. Unlike the pool or beach, my foot submerged into a tub of what felt like lava. Without hesitation I switched on the cold water and watched it splash into the bath turning the water from lava-like to a warm, sudsy spa. When the water became more bearable, I slowly dunked my entire body down allowing the water to cover my legs and mid-torso.    

That bathtub played a significant part in choosing that specific Airbnb. It had been ages since I soaked in the bathtub. And, finally, I could give my body the love and attention it needed.

Enveloped in the warmth filled with Dr. Teal’s Eucalyptus and Spearmint soap, a teaspoon of rosemary oil, and a helluva lot of Epsom salt, my skin relaxed and soaked up these nutrients. 

I wanted my skin and spirit to glow. 

Ten minutes into my self-love bath, I caressed my arms. Inch-by-inch, I introduced the aromatic water to every bump, pore, and fine hair on my body.  

Sight:

The dimly lit room kept my thoughts focused on me. 

You know how it is when you’re looking around a room and get distracted by the things you see. Having such a dim room, I focused on the only thing I could see at the moment: my thoughts. 

How do I feel now?

This trip wasn’t about reliving the travel life that COVID snatched away from us. Don’t get it twisted!

This was more about my mental capacity and my ability to take control over MY feelings. So, it’s amazing how much difference a new scenery could make. 

Now that I’ve been back for a couple of weeks I think the greatest benefit has been that I feel more purposeful, focused, and clear-headed. 

I connected to a piece of me that was forgotten and hidden away for months. 

All I can think about now is: “I like the me that feels free and to just be.”

Also, my mind is just more clear.

What will you do with a clearer headspace and rejuvenated purpose?

If I may make a suggestion . . .you could find a way to get to a more freer and focused you (details right here), or you can get started with my Reset & Refocus mini-trainings–90 minutes dedicated to reframing your mindset so that you can operate in your boldness and achieve your goals (details here!).

So . . . if the travel part applies to you . . . and you’re desperate for a getaway, here’s your sign. 

Since we’re limited in where we can go, your bucket list location might not be an option right now. Just remember, however, that self care and self-love are the grand prize. 

In November, I will share how to plan a safe weekend getaway during COVID-19. Click here if you want to be immediately notified.

The post Travel is Therapeutic. I Will Not Be Shamed For My Self-Love Getaway. appeared first on Travepreneur.

Africa.

Update September 29, 2020:

If you’re hoping to repatriate to any country in Africa and/or see the stunning views and locations in The Continent, please enjoy this interview with Adeola from AdeAfrica! We want to combat the controlling negative images of Africa and share that beauty with you.

Check out more of Adeola’s adventures in Africa at www.adeafrica.com.

What comes to mind when you say, read, and hear the word??

What do you know about the second largest, yet richest continent filled with natural and mineral resources?

To be honest, I didn’t know much about the continent either. Growing up in the U.S., you learn very little about its people, cultures, and history. All but slavery. But, there’s so much more to this massive country that consists of 54 countries.

And, Adeola from AdeAfrica agrees that Africa is special and we just have to explore it to discover its uniqueness and beauty.

In this post, I interview Adeola of AdeAfrica about her life, background, and why she believes we all should travel to Africa.

Tell us: “Who is Adeola?” And what has been your journey?

I am a 24-year-old world traveller who’s devoted my life to sharing knowledge about Africa. I never started off like this and in fact I started off as the complete opposite. 

Growing up in England, I struggled a lot as I didn’t see any positive representation of people who looked like me in British media. I began to internalize and perpetuate behaviors of self-hatred. 

I’m ashamed to say it but I have been colorist, xenophobic, and ignorant to so many things. But in a weird way I believe that’s what pushes me to share the information I do now. To help young black people in particular realize their beauty and sense of heritage.

Speaking of heritage, can you share more about your background and what was growing up like in England?

I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and moved to London when I was 7. Growing up in England was quite difficult for me at first as it was a completely different culture. Though I was I raised in a prominently black area, my immediate neighborhood was very white. 

I remember in primary school other children would make fun of me for my Nigerian accent or my use of Yoruba words when I didn’t know the English words. I learned to quickly change this about myself and to hide this part of myself. I created 2 versions of myself; my public watered down persona and my authentic home persona which I carried into later life.  

My earliest memories of interacting with white British people weren’t so pleasant. My area was heavily racist and it was common to get racial slurs, chased home and graffiti on our house when I was in primary school. 

As a child, I didn’t understand this behavior. My family were the typical immigrant story; they kept their heads down and mouths shut in order to survive here. As a teenager, it’s hard trying to figure out who you are, especially because black teenage girls have extra hurdles to jump. 

My time in secondary school was when I really started noticing these extra hurdles such as hair politics – texturism, colorism, featurism and the oversexualization of our bodies. 

This was a tough time for me as I hated nearly everything about myself from my African name to my African features. I Internalized self hate and distancing myself from being associated with Africa.

Wow. Based on your personal experience and the hurdles you faced growing up. Why is it important for travelers to visit Africa?

The western media has done a good job of painting the whole continent as war torn, and impoverished, which in turn has removed tourism for a lot of African countries as a viable source of income. 

I know first-hand how traveling across the world has opened my eyes and mind, and urge people who can do the same. 

Traveling is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. 

Tourism in Africa can greatly benefit African countries as so many people will be impacted. From hotels, restaurants, local craftsmen etc. 

My favorite thing about traveling across Africa is the feeling of being home. It’s hard to describe, but no matter the African country I went to, I was always welcomed. People saw me as their African sister and I felt very safe knowing there was a community of locals who were happy to see a fellow African explore their country. 

Experiencing African countries was the best decision I ever made and I’m sure you won’t regret it either.

So, tell us about what led you to travel to Africa as an adult? Where did you go and for how long?

At university, I took an interest in languages and learned Swahili. 

I won a grant to travel to any country that spoke Swahili and went to Tanzania. I fell in love with the country as it was the first African country (outside Nigeria) that I had been to alone. 

I felt comfortable and a weird sense of being at home. Being there really opened my eyes as, I wanted to experience as many different African cultures as possible and share this with the world. 

So at the end of 2018, I decided to solo travel around Africa. I went to 9 countries (Morocco, Cape Verde, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, Tanzania and Tunisia) living in both Cape Verde and Tanzania.

This is amazing! How often are you home in England?

I’m usually only in the country for about 3 months a year.

For the past 2 years, I have been traveling, living, and working abroad. I enjoy the freedom of traveling and like immersing myself into new cultures and languages.

So let’s talk about what inspired you to start AdeAfrica?

AdeAfrica began as a creative outlet to share my stories across the continent. I also wanted people to travel and experience the continent the way I did during my time there and what better way to get to know the real Africa than a whole website dedicated to knowledge about the continent. 

The goal of AdeAfrica is to serve as a basic travel guide for people wanting to travel around the continent. 

I aim to educate people on the different countries and also share my own stories as a solo female traveller across Africa. I plan to curate my own tours around the continent so people can see how diverse the continent is. 

These tours will be sustainable and beneficial to the communities visited. AdeAfrica shop will also be open soon selling African themed accessories and more.

What do you hope to accomplish with your platform? And, what do you see happening for black travelers because of this resource?

I hope my platform bridges the gap of knowledge about Africa and I hope that people get a better understanding of African cultures a little more and start seeing the continent as rich. 

I hope tourism increases across the continent providing income to the country and specifically to local communities. 

I hope black travelers also reconnect to the continent and feel the same way I did with some deciding to move back and/or invest in the continent.

Youtube: Why Black People Don’t Travel to Africa

Since you’ve traveled to a number of countries in Africa, what would you recommend for travelers as they embark on their first trip to a country in Africa?

I recommend using my site to know more about the country and its attractions. and to also look at the tips left about the country. 

I also recommend thoroughly researching the area you plan to stay in and ask your hotel before you get there about some hidden attractions, best modes of transport, places they’d recommend to eat etc.

I’m curious what event or moment occurred that led you towards your passion? 

COVID. I launched my website during Covid which honestly was a little bit of a blessing for me. 

I had time to reflect on the direction I wanted my life to take and I also became a bit more active on my YouTube channel when Covid hit and started to receive a lot of messages about my experiences across Africa and I thought what better way to share my experiences and knowledge about the continent than a website dedicated to such thing.

Before we end, I want to know the quote you live by and how has it played out in your life now?

I love the African proverb saying, ‘to go back to tradition is the first step forward’. 

It is evident that many countries (African in particular) are still scarred by European colonialism with many countries only being around 60 years old. The only way African countries and black/African people can truly move forward is by learning about the histories and cultures of our ancestors. 

Only then can we understand our greatness and move forward. And what better way to reconnect to your past than visiting the continent?

So let people know where they can connect and reach out to you.

Website: www.adeafrica.com  

Instagram: adeafrica_  

Twitter: adeafricatravel  

Facebook: adeola_travel  

Youtube: AdeolaSpeaks

Are you making plans to travel to a country in Africa? Where and When? Share below!

The post Coming to Africa: An Interview with Adeola of AdeAfrica appeared first on Travepreneur.

In the past year, I’ve come to embrace two identities (Woman & Black) that I regarded very separately. I ranked them in an order that reflected my own experiences and difficulties with each. I’m happy to say that I am not one without the other. I am proudly a Black Woman.

I dedicate this post to my Queens.

Exploring travel opportunities with your squad is always a fun experience but nothing beats a well thought out solo trip. Little wonder a solo trip is on most people’s bucket list, black women are no exception.

With the increasing discrimination against black women daily in our contemporary world, however, you could be totally unsure about your solo travel. The question of whether to go at all, alone or who to go with always pops up.

Needless to say, there’s absolutely no need to panic. You are an empowered explorer with your sights on the world and there are many thrilling places that’ll meet your satisfaction. Here are a few:

BRAZIL

If you’re culturally inclined and share a deep connection with your roots then Brazil might just be perfect for you.

In terms of travel, it is one of the most diverse and home to a number of cultures. Brazil is an amazing place with lots of fun activities, great for solo travelers.

Don’t mistake solo for being “alone” or bored. You can enjoy an amazing array of wildlife to colorful carnivals in Río de Janeiro.

If you’re anything like me then you’d enjoy walking tours at the national parks outside Rio or Sao Paulo. For my adventure-seeking ladies, you can go hang gliding and paragliding at the notable Pedro Bonita, whitewater Rafting at different rivers and cocktail partying on the Copacabana beach.

ITALY

Ciao! A pure magical destination. Known for its rich tasting wines coupled with its impressive fashion, it is also famed for its well known and popular tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain. Note: Take some coins to throw into the fountain as you make a wish. 

The city of Rome has a sense of energy and character. It’s a city of history, artifacts, and arts. It’s a live version of a history book, especially of stories we’ve read while in school.

Don’t forget the cuisine. Italian food is exactly how you would imagine it. You could literally make a trip of taste testing every gelato in the country. It is irresistible and nothing compares to authentic pasta and bolognese sauce that melts in your mouth.

Italy has unique activities like the gondola ride in Venice, hiking at Cinque Terre, exploring the temples of Paestum and ruins in Pompeii, or bike tour at the island of Sardinia. As a solo black woman, this is a safe, beautiful place you’d most definitely enjoy.

Pssst…and you would be loved for your melanin and roots too! Aye!

JAPAN

A delightful wonder, this Asian country is rich in culture and renowned for modern technology as well as stunning infrastructures like skyscrapers, parks, and temples.

Besides these, it is packed with islands like Kyushu, Okinawa, and Hokkaido. So day trips are possible as you explore Japan.

Even, Japan has mountains sparsely distributed. Book a group tour to view Mount Fuji, Mount Kita, Mount Yari, or Mount Aino. 

Significantly notable are its shopping malls, enlarged libraries, and its ancient palaces. Basically, you’ll have plenty to see and do in this country.

FRANCE

This is a great place to make your debut into the world of solo travel. I bet you know at least one person who has traveled here. 

The noteworthy Paris is known as the city of love. Are you single? If yes, this is could be an amazing place to meet people.

Yet, you might be too busy taking pictures of all the sites you’ve seen online to even have time to mingle.

From the beautiful sights to the fancy coffee shops, classy stores, the exquisite meals, art, and language, you can never go wrong.  Touring the major cities of Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Cannes, and Porquerolles would leave you thrilled.

HAWAII 

Lastly, you’re probably going to get hooked on this destination. Hawaii is a paradise and dream location.

This US state houses a lot of relaxable islands. It is known for about 19 islands, one of which extends to the North Pacific ocean.

In Hawaii, you could visit islands like Oahu, the Manoa Valley, and Maui. The weather is soft and humid and the beaches just make it easy to relax. Like Brazil, Hawaii is your go-to place if you’re looking to have a vast knowledge of cultures around the world.

The post 5 Top Destinations Perfect For The Solo Black Woman appeared first on Travepreneur.

Solo traveling is pure bliss. If you’re new to the idea, this may sound uncomfortable and a bit risky, especially during these times.

Imagine, however, planning a trip to your favorite destination according to your own schedule, budget, and interests without having to string your family or friends along. No disappointment, no restrictions, no boundaries! Just you, ready to experience nature, sites, and the world at its finest. What could be more exciting?

While traveling alone comes with sweet perks, the thought of it might scare you a little as a black woman. It can become rather overwhelming because there’s so much to consider. The good news is, you don’t need to stress because I’ve got you. No more missing out on travel opportunities simply because you’re unsure of how to plan. Now is the best time to plan your first solo trip.

Here are my personal tips and faves that’ll guide you through everything you’d need to plan and experience your solo trip.

PRE-TRIP

As a beginner, the first step before setting out on any solo trip is to get the essentials ready. Your flight tickets, accommodation, rental car and restaurant reservations are some of the essentials you should sort out before getting to your destination. You sure don’t want to arrive at your destination and end up without a roof over your head for the night. Your pre-trip essentials should include:

1. Picking a country

Naturally, before you embark on a trip you need to have an idea of your destination spot. Luckily, there’s a wealth of resources online that can help you pick a cool spot within your budget that works best for your personality. Here’s a few:

A World To Travel – Sustainable and Unique Experiences – Destinations

Traveling Black Spinster – 12 Cities for Black Women to Travel Alone

Thought Card – Best Winter Destinations for Black Female Solo Travel

Essence – The Best-Budget Friendly Solo Travel Destinations for Black Women

Solo Traveler World – Destinations for First-Time Solo Travelers

Travel Noire – Best Solo Travel Destinations For Black Women

Solo Travel – Information and Inspiration

But don’t forget to check if you need a visa:

Travisa

2. Flight Fares

Flight fares will snatch a huge chunk of your budget. You must make the most of it by frequenting websites that offer great deals prior to your trip. But before you go anywhere to book your trip, see which travel site is the best:

Travel Reviews

The following will also help you get the best flight deals:

Google Flights

Wakanow

Edreams

Fare Compare

Travelocity

Skyscanner

Momondo  

3. Travel Insurance

Sometimes, black people get nonchalant about certain things such as insurance. Don’t take chances. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. A few travel insurance vendors you can check out to select which works best for you include:

Travel Insurance Master (Recommended)

International Life 360

AXA

AIICO

4. Accommodation

Usually when we think of travel accommodation, what comes to mind is hotels. While this is a cool option, there are equally more affordable options for those with a slimmer budget. Try these:

booking.com

Kayak

Hostels

Couchsurfing

Airbnb*

Check out my guide on How to Survive Your Airbnb Stay

Alternatively, you can opt for solo vacation packages that have all your essentials catered to in a single package at a subsidized price. Save some money with less stress, easy peasy. Find them here:

Goway

Travelzoo

Travelocity

Solo Traveler

* Watch Airbnb Nightmares on Prime Video.

5. Restaurant reservations

If you’re big on luxury or you have unique preferences, then you might want to have this settled before you get to your destination. Otherwise, you can just dine with the locals and get accustomed to their way of life. Finding the right restaurant shouldn’t be a problem using these:

Open Table

Dimmi

6. Pack your bags

By now, you know where you want to go and you’ve made all the necessary reservations. Next up is to jump right into backpacking. You don’t want to forget something that will end up making your trip a disaster. Ensure that all the documents required are complete. Also, pack outfits that suit your pre-planned activities such as hiking boots, swimwear, etc. It’s best to work with a checklist. The resources below will be helpful:

Ten Essentials for Camping

Travel Checklist

Ultimate Travel Packing List

Smarter Travel

ON- TRIP

1.  Security

For a black woman on a solo trip, safety is one of the major issues you’ll have to keep in check always.

Trust your instincts. If your gut says something is off, it most probably is. Stay polite and kind to the locals. Ensure at least two people know your location at every point in time. The following apps can check in your location so your friends know where you are at every point:

Swarm App

Glimpse App

Whenever it’s getting late or you feel like you have had a little too much alcohol, hail a cab to take you to your destination. Popular cab-hailing platforms available which can be downloaded on your mobile phone are:

Uber

Lyft

OLA Cabs

Juno

2. Make new friends

Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be by yourself all the time, it’s going to get lonely. Good thing is, it doesn’t have to be. There are apps that can help you meet new people and make friends while traveling. These apps can also link you with a local that can serve as a travel guide:

Meetup

Show Around

Flip The Trip

Nearify

You can also join travel groups on Facebook. Here are some of them:

Traveling Black Women

Nomadness Travel Tribe

Sisters Traveling Solo

Black Girls Traveling Too

Black Travel Movement

Up In The Air Life (UITAL)

Girls Love Travel

Girls Vs Globe

3. Book a tour

Solo traveling in unfamiliar territory can be confusing. You may need to book a tour to relieve you from the burden of having to discover everything by yourself. There’s really no point in reinventing the wheel. Simply book a tour where you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience without any worries. Here are a few tour sites for your perusal:

Free Tours By Foot

GPS My City

Show Around

Rent A Guide

Viator

Tours By Locals

*If you participate in a walking tour, be sure to download the Charity Miles app. It pays to move.

4. Document your travel experience

One beautiful thing about traveling is that it gives you stories to tell and we know that stories shouldn’t be hoarded, they should be shared. Asides the commonly used social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, there are many platforms that are specially designed to allow for travel journaling. You don’t have to wait till you’re back because you might miss out on some juicy details.  Here are a few examples you should check out:

Journi App

BonJournal

Day One App

5. Give back

We all travel for different reasons, but one common factor is that we don’t leave the same. We amass memories and friends that can last a lifetime. This is why you should strive to make a positive impact and give back in some way. Join the sustainable travel movement.

Unsure about how to travel sustainably? These should help:

GivingWay

Catalyst

Charity Miles app

Responsible Travel

Intentional Travelers

We Are Travel Girls

Global Citizen

Adventurous Kate

There are also organizations that support and work on making travel more sustainable. You can join in and see how you can be a part of the movement here:

Impact Travel Alliance

Still skeptical about traveling solo?

You are not alone. Some fellow black girls have become experts in traveling solo and willingly share their experiences to motivate other girls to savor the experience of solo travel. Feel free to look through this list of black women travel blogs and communities:

Sisters Traveling Solo

Traveling Black Women

Black Girls Travel Too

Black Women Travel Podcast

The Ufuoma

Pink Pangea

Oneika The Traveler

Wanderful

Travel Noire

Here’s to an amazing solo trip!

The post The Black Woman’s Guide to Solo Traveling appeared first on Travepreneur.

from Rashi Jain from Desigal Around The World

Solo traveling has a certain allure to it, doesn’t it? Being in a different city or country, away from the usual chaos of life, sitting in a random cozy coffee shop, reading your favorite novel, or biking on gorgeous narrow cobbled streets in Europe, your hair blowing away in the wind or sleeping under the stars somewhere in the Pacific. Just You, without having to accommodate anyone. Eating what you want, sleeping where you want, going to sights you want to go to, completely free, living your dream. Well yes, Solo travel is all that…

But it does get lonely at times!

While growing up, I was fascinated by traveling movies and stories. I still vividly remember watching Julia Roberts in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, going on a solo adventure, leaving her life in the USA behind for a new life in Italy, Bali, and India. It was everything I could ever dream of but still, it was only a fond illusion. As I grew up, I realized it was not my job, money or time that was holding me back. But the fear of being alone. 

I am an introvert turned extrovert, thanks to solo travel. I understand how hard, awkward, and frankly, scary it could be to make new friends. Striking up a conversation with a random stranger in a foreign land is exciting but can also be daunting for some people. 

If one thing my solo travels have taught me is that it’s not that difficult. Trust me, it’s far easier to make friends while traveling alone than it would be if you are traveling with someone. I shouldn’t have been so worried if only I knew how easy it was. 

I usually use the below tricks whenever I am in a new city or country traveling by myself:

Staying In A Hostel!

This is my number one piece of advice to anyone reading this article. Hostels don’t necessarily have to be a dormitory. Depending on your budget and the kind of comfort you prefer, choose a private or a shared room. Regardless, hostels are the easiest and probably the best way to meet new people.

A decent hostel will usually organize meetups, group activities and events which are perfect icebreakers and a great way to meet fellow travelers. If you are sharing a room, talk to your roommate. You might find your new BFF. If not, chances are you will make a good friend. 

Hang out in common areas like kitchen, bar or a lounge. Too shy to start a conversation? It’s okay! Just smile and say Hi. You never know what a simple ‘Hi’ can lead to. 

Sign Up For Free Walking Tours!

I love walking tours. Not only are they a great way to learn about a new place but give an opportunity to meet like-minded people. During my Europe travel, I took so many walking tours. Sometimes hostels organize them, or you can check online for companies. Usually, they are in English making it easy to chat with other people as you walk from place to place. 

PS. don’t be scared to accept invites, you get from other travelers. Check with your tour guide for suggestions to hang out later. Maybe invite them for coffee or a drink.

Read More: Best Travel Inspirational Quotes

Social Media Apps!

I have used Tinder (yes, it’s more than a dating app) and Bumble BFF. While my experience with tinder was okay, I met two of my closest friends in Prague through Bumble. Download the app, sign up, and start swiping. It’s that simple. They use GPS tracking to find other people who are also looking to make new friends. 

Apart from that, you can also use couch-surfing. Personally, I have never used it but a lot of solo travelers I know have and they recommend it.

Airbnb Experience!

Airbnb is more than a lodging platform. You can find tons of activities like live music, photography, cooking and more here. Almost all cities you visit will have this. Conducted by locals, usually in a group setting, thus offering an opportunity to bond with other people. I really enjoy these experiences, not only is it an excellent way to meet new people but a chance to dive into new cultures and learn new skills. 

Pub Crawls!

If this is something you are into, I advise doing it in the first few days of your trip. You will meet tons of solo travelers and make few friends very early in your journey. Even if you don’t hit it off with any traveler, talk to your pub crawl leader. He/she can advise cool places to hang out at, as most likely they will be living in the same town. Ask them about good spots for solo travelers. 

Sign Up For Events and Meet Up!

Whether you are an adventurous person who likes bungee jumping or paragliding, or something completely different like sipping a glass of wine while discussing your favorite book. No matter your interest, you will always find something you are into. Look for such events and sign up.

I went for a language exchange event while in Rome. Although I still can’t speak Italian but made some really cool friends.

Use MeetUp app to look for local meetup groups depending on your preferred genre, from art and culture, games, LGBTQ, photography or anything else. 

Have A Meal With a Local!

Nothing could be a better way to experience the local culture than sharing a meal with locals. If you are lucky you might get invited for dinner by your Airbnb host or random people you happened to develop a connect with during your trip. I feel chances for these are thin but fortunately, there are apps you can use for such experience. Eat With and BonAppetour is popular ones in Europe. PlateCulture is good if traveling within southeast Asia. 

If you have any dietary restrictions, communicate with the host and most likely they will provide as per your preference. 

During Transit!

Not a typical way but I have met interesting people while flying. Say if you are traveling to a popular destination, chances are you will meet some other traveler. I mean people from all walks of life travel and you never know who might be sitting next to you. The same thing applies for buses, trains or any other local transport. 

Few General tips:- 

Ask Questions: If you are struggling to start a conversation, ask travel-related questions like where you are from? where have you been? where are you going? 

Invite/Accept invite: Say ‘Yes’ if someone invites you or ask them if you can tag along? Just follow your instinct. If it feels safe and okay, go for it. I get it, not everyone is an extrovert but saying yes can open a possibility to amazing connections and experiences. 

Go out Alone: It’s okay to go out by yourself. Chat with strangers. Obviously keep basic safety in mind like don’t get hammered, avoid dark secluded alleyways but have a good time. Remember, when you are abroad, you are already a cool and exotic person to them, if you have a friendly vibe, people will want to get to know you. 

– Smile: Just keep an open mind and a sweet smile. SMILE DOESN’T COST A DIME after all.

Just like trying new things, traveling alone looks daunting. Plus having to make new friends feels like another ball game. But it’s easier than it looks. You are living the life which most people only dream of. Make the best of it…

I hope you meet some amazing people on the way and have great memories for life! Don’t let your fear hold you back!!

Read Next: Travel Guide To Budapest

About the Author

Rashi is a face behind desigalaroundtheworld, a travel blog dedicated to people who like to explore new places without a tour guide and a pickup service at the airport. To know more about her journey follow her. Instagram | Pinterest

The post How To Make Friends While Traveling Alone? Guest Post appeared first on Travepreneur.

The day of your trip comes and you’re waiting at the gate full of wonder and butterflies. The nervousness of the moment is making your legs shake and your palms clammy. You’re finally going solo and you’re anxious and certainly second-guessing yourself. 

“I can’t seem to do it.”

“Who do I laugh with?”

“Make memories with?”

“WHO’S GOING TO TAKE ALL MY PICS?!!”

You’re questioning how you are going to fight the fear of loneliness while traveling solo. But, hold up, there’s a tendency to equate being alone with loneliness. Don’t do that!

There is also skepticism when it comes to traveling alone. Whether it’s from your family, friends, significant other, strangers or even yourself. If you took the opportunity to face your fears, smack the buy button, and book that solo trip, then you’d be able to overcome the skepticism and fear of loneliness.

The fear of not having a tribe and the protection of friendship can add to the feeling of loneliness. Especially if you’re an extrovert and feed off of being around others. 

If you need a new perspective, let me give you peace of mind, help you muster up the courage to finally go without hesitation, and just be. 

Let’s dig deeper into how you can fight the fear of loneliness while traveling solo.

Loneliness is just a State of Mind

It’s just you and the beautiful view outside of your hotel window. The waves are crashing softly on the beach and the other guests are having the time of their lives. The bathing suit you picked out to wear for the day is calling your name from your bag. But, the fear of loneliness is calling you at the same time. 

You wonder, what is this feeling that is trying to dampen the mood of your big solo adventure. Maybe your FIRST solo adventure at that. 

Is it really loneliness? “Loneliness typically includes anxious feelings about a lack of connection or communication with other beings, both in the present and extending into the future.” 

If you’re in this space, then take a deep breath. Yes, you may not be around your friends or family to share these moments with you. But remember you can do whatever the hell you want. 

Think about it, would you go anywhere or see anything if you waited on people to live your life? No! So live in the moment and take advantage of the time and space you have to yourself. Get out of your own way!

By doing this, you can take the time to really understand the difference between feeling lonely and being alone. 

If you truly want to be connected to your friends and family, then share your memories and moments via social media. Your solace may only be a direct message or a video call away. Even in a far off place, you’re still with the people you care about the most.

A few more ideas:

• Jenny Kotlyar, from Campsite Vibes, says “I listen to podcasts when traveling solo and that’s helped me fight loneliness…Typically I hike solo, so I chat with other hikers.” 
• Video blogging (vlogging) – You can vlog to keep yourself engaged with your family, friends, and followers. 
• Carry a journal – Write journal entries to yourself or send a postcard to family members. Your imagination will be your sidekick.

Be Alone, But Liberated

Once you’ve accepted the fact that you’re by yourself and experiencing these emotions and views, you can relax. 

I get it, you’re ALONE! But the fun doesn’t stop because you are alone. This is the perfect chance to make new friends. 

Priyanka Gupta, from On My Canvas, suggests “hanging out more with local people than other travelers.” Meeting new people from the local destination helped her find places in the area and warn her about some localities, etc. It “gives a feeling of home away from home,” she says. 

Whether you tag along with locals (obviously with safety in mind) or book a tour guide, you get to absorb and take in the local culture without any distractions or compromising. It’s magical.

Take a look at your bucket list and check off all the things that YOU want to do. You can decide the WHEN, WHAT, WHERE, WHY and HOW!

Be alone but also be liberated. Discover the ends of the Earth and bury yourself in the various cultures that make everyone unique. 

Your solo trip could be used to unwind or explore your introverted or extroverted side. Think about all of the things that you could be doing and the experiences you can have.

Your growing confidence is enough to beat the fear of loneliness.

Be an Explorer

Don’t forget the reason for your solo trip in the first place. Your solo trip is meant to be fun but it is also a learning experience. Maybe your reason for being there is to learn about the culture, listen to the beautiful accents, taste the local cuisine, get out of your comfort zone, and/or learn more about yourself.

Despite the downsides, be an explorer of human connection. Whether you’re an introvert, you can engage as much or as little as you want. If you’re seeking to explore more about the local culture, then locals are your “best friends” for the time being. 

These are the people you will look to for help when you need it most. Note: Take precautions as you engage with strangers. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t do it home, don’t do it abroad.  

“Even though there are a lot of advantages to [solo traveling], there are also some downsides like feeling lonely while moving around, especially if you are used to being around your friends and family all the time and now you all alone in a big world seeing groups of people everywhere,” shares Melissa Giroux from A Broken Backpack. 

After being on the road for more than 5 years, [Melissa] met many travelers. She continues “there is a really small chance that you will stay on your own while traveling since there are so many opportunities to make new friends. Wherever you go, there are always places where you can get to know people and avoid feeling lonely.”

So as Melissa suggests, get to know people Visit local shops and restaurants. Talk to the owners, employees, and patrons. Show real interest in the local culture and invest in the local community. If possible, have dinner with a local family to learn more about their home and country.

Note: If you want to log your memory with the locals, ask permission to take a photo or video of them. 

Another idea:

Melissa states, “Some of the best spots to meet new people are joining meetups or local events that you can find on Facebook…If you’re a digital nomad, co-working spaces or co-living spaces are [also] places to be! Meet like-minded people who you can talk to and plan something together…Last but not least are hostels. Hostels are full of solo travelers meaning people will either start talking to you or you talk to them. Either way, it’s all about networking!

Meditation Is Medication

Even as an extrovert, you need some time to wind down alone. To be honest, the need for self-care is greater than ever. 

This trip is your form of meditation. Dancing with the handsome fellow you noticed when you walked into the bar is meditation. Soaking up the sun rays while overlooking the ocean is a form of meditation. 

Find ways to maintain your sanity even when you may be worried about feeling lonely. 

Putting yourself first should always be your priority. And, a solo vacation is a great opportunity and a perfect getaway to break the cycle of fear, anxiety, and loneliness. Solo Travel Queen, you are a breaker of cycles and mother of self-care.

So, what is your meditation?

The post How To Fight the Fear of Loneliness While Traveling Solo appeared first on Travepreneur.

Is this you?

One day you put a message in the group text that says, “Hey, we should take a trip together!” Your group of friends that you’ve known for yearsss are all for it and begin to throw out possible destinations. 

They get enthusiastic about the places y’all could visit and how fun it would be to go together. 

Miami!

Bali!

Jamaica!

Paris!

Or, Barcelona!

And, finally, y’all decide on a destination and everyone enthusiastically agrees. Now, the day comes to either purchase the plane ticket (a ticket for the low low) or put some money down for the trip. 

One by one, people begin to drop out. Enthusiasm becomes excuses. Eagerness becomes procrastination. But you’re determined to take this trip. If only you can convince at least one person…

Is this you?

Is solo traveling scary? Hell yes, but travelers like me have done it anyway. 

You can think of all the things that can go wrong but imagine the beauty of discovering a place you’ve never been to before. Even though the butterflies in your stomach are fluttering so much, take a deep breath and read what I have to say.

Scared as Sh*t? Just Breathe

If your friends drop out and your group trip turns to a solo trip, don’t worry. Go solo! 

You’ve already put in the effort to corral your friends, choose a destination, look for flights, and create a preliminary itinerary. So, before you think about the actual trip, check-in with yourself and find out why you’re fearful of this experience.

• Are you afraid of being alone? [Check out my new post next week, “How to Fight the Fear of Loneliness while Traveling solo”]

• Do you fear for your safety? Check out my safety tips here.

• Are you new to traveling or traveling solo? Find more travel tips here.

Once you’re aware of what is holding you back, you can address them. Tackle your fear with information, resources, and support from fellow travelers. Don’t isolate yourself and create a bubble of fear, anxiety, and misinformation. And, definitely don’t over-exaggerate what can happen (or not) or make yourself think that you won’t enjoy yourself. Reach out to others who are and have been in your situation. Like me.

Ready for takeoff? I’m ready!

Now, if you followed my advice above then you’ve self-reflected and reached out regarding your fear. If not, please re-read the previous section. I encourage you to take the steps to overcome your fear.

If you’re ready to stroll into 2020 not fearful of traveling solo, then read below.

Don’t carry any extra baggage of worries, anxiety, and fear with you. Dump those emotions and instead plan out your outfits and all of your travel essentials. Redirect your negative thoughts on positive ones. Hype yourself up so you can to enjoy the moment and your upcoming adventure.

A mini solo travel checklist:

• Pack your bags (don’t forget your passport and travel documents)
• Head to the airport.
• Slide through security and take a seat at your gate. 
• Breathe when the gate agents start pre-boarding

Meditation is a great way of centering yourself and putting your nerves at ease. Create a playlist of your favorite songs that help you calm down. Or, ”Netflix and chill” with yourself, by tapping the download feature on the app and binge-watch those shows that you have been meaning to catch up on. You’re ready for takeoff!

Now that you’ve Landed

The plane begins its descent. It’s all becoming real and it’s only you and the bags you packed.

If you look around, you’ll notice a few other people who are traveling alone too. Maybe this will comfort you to see others traveling solo just like you. When you exit the airport, the warm or cold air hits you as you walk out of the airport and onto your solo adventure. 

Can you imagine making it this far? Yes, you can do it! 

Upon your arrival to your hotel, ask questions especially if you’re in a foreign country. It is always good to learn a few words or phrases to communicate what you need, want, and desire.

I challenge you to go straight to your hotel room, change into your bathing suit or fresh clothes, and scope out a spot on the beach or stroll the streets to take in the new city. 

Personally, this moment is special because I get to look around and appreciate where I am. I remind myself that I’m somewhere different than I ever expected and my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation. You’d also look inwardly and pat yourself on the back from preserving and overcoming the mental barriers that could’ve stopped you from taking such a trip. 

If your greatest fear now is to meet people, then don’t miss my new post next week. 

Your Solo Adventure

Whatever your interests are, it is a good idea to create an itinerary for your trip. Note: For the purpose of this post, I will not discuss how to create your perfect itinerary.

But, basically, plan out your days in advance and loosen the grip on your fears. Whether you’re spontaneous or a planner, your trip should be just fine. 

It’s best to consider your safety, and should always be a priority, but don’t get so caught up in the details that you miss out on an adventure. Your adventure. 

I’m not saying do something crazy or extreme, but maybe you can try something different like ziplining, skydiving, snorkeling, skiing, snowboarding or trying new foods and new dance moves. 

Some destinations offer excursions, cooking lessons, and of course tours to popular tourist sceneries. Each of the offers above is usually done in groups so it could be an opportunity to meet new people. If this idea scares, don’t worry about chatting it up with strangers. You can be off in your own world.

Solo Travel, Queen

After your first trip, you’ll be itching to find another adventure and less fearful of traveling alone. I’m not saying that you’ll be completely cured of your fear of traveling solo, but you will have experience under your belt. One solo trip becomes two, two becomes three, and three becomes a lifelong adventure of traveling solo. 

You have to break the ice somewhere.  

Even if you plan another trip with the same group of friends and they pull the same stunt, it wouldn’t even phase you. In fact, you might prefer going solo once you’ve gotten a taste of traveling alone. Regardless if your friends come through or not, check off the many boxes on your bucket list one trip at a time. 

Crown yourself now as a Solo Travel Queen (yess!!). And, an inspirational guide to another Queen who is met with the same situation. A good idea would be to document and share your experiences. Prove why fear will be a thing of the past once you get over the nervousness of your first solo trip. 

Regardless if you’re contemplating whether to go solo or not or sitting at the gate solo and you’re double checking if you need to pick up any more necessities make sure you have your crown, Queen.

Are you ready to walk in your best life in 2020?

The post Tips to Help You Move From Scared As Sh*t to Travel to a Solo Travel Queen appeared first on Travepreneur.

Update:

The family post on October 27th with this update:

“In an effort to keep this case moving, we ask that anyone who has a tip, please call our family hotline. You may call the police also, but please make sure we know about it too, so we can assure they follow up on it. Family tip line is 808-757-5102. Thank you for your continued support and prayers it has truly been uplifting. Take care and please stay safe. Much love to all, The Henry family.”

Posted from: Find Khiara Henry Facebook Page

Where is Khiara Henry? The 23-year-old woman from San Diego who decided to vacation in Maui this summer.

Since then, it’s been over a year since her disappearance, and not a single lead to her safe return. Where are you, Khiara? And, why hasn’t there been major media coverage of your disappearance?

So, who is Khiara Henry?

I learned about Khiara’s story while browsing my tv for something good and entertaining last Sunday. Unfortunately, I happen upon a CBS Sunday Morning news story about Kyle Brittain, a tourist in Hawaii, that’s gone missing too. Now going on 16 days.

At that moment, Kyle’s story captured my attention. It’s a tale that no one ever wants to be true. Yet, there wasn’t just one person missing, but two travelers missing. In the same segment, the host mentioned Khiara’s disappearance and case, which shocked and concerned me. I began to think:

“Where’s the media coverage for her story?”

“Did I miss something?”

“Was this a sign that there wasn’t any hope for her safe return?“

A knot formed in my stomach.

I discovered the details surrounding her disappearance and the lack of insight into where she’s actually been for this long. Here’s a traveler of color with so much life ahead of her, missing for almost over two months. And, no one I know seems to know about it.

But, who is she?

“She’s a helpful person and likes to lend a hand,” describes Khiara’s Family in a Facebook post written on August 5th. They further provide details about their missing loved one as a person who loves “hiking and anything outdoors. [Khiara] prefers the outdoors to the indoors.”

In fact, Khiara takes interest in group adventures, animals and volunteering, even previously participating in beach cleanups.

So, it’s no surprise as to why this 23-year old would visit and travel to Hawaii for a quick getaway. Hawaii has the ideal outdoor adventures fit for groups or solo travelers.

The question is: did she go on an adventure alone or with one or more strangers that led to her disappearance?

What do we know about the disappearance of Khiara Henry?

Here’s the timeline that chronicles the before and after of Khiara’s disappearance.

Timeline:

• Khiara:
  • Traveled to Maui for vacation
  • Checked into the Aston Maui Hill Hotel on July 18th
    • She made the reservation with this hotel until the 21st
    • And, attempted to book a different hotel in Kihei for July 22nd through 29th
    • She booked her return flight for July 29th
  • Took a tour during the first few days of her trip
    • One of them included a tour of Wainapanapa Park on July 19th
    • The next day (July 20th), she also took a tour with Hike Maui to Wailele Farms
  • Rented a black Nissan Sentra from Hertz Rent-A-Car at Kahului Airport on July 21st
    • Rented car for one night
  • Drove to Waianapanapa State Park
    • The mileage indicated that she drove from the rental company to the park. Possibly stopping on the way but not veering off of her route.
    • Believed to have gone hiking (not confirmed)
  • Last seen on July 21st at 2 pm renting the car from Hertz
    • Her banking activity also ended on this day
  • Authorities found Khiara’s car rental on July 25th in Waianapanapa State Park in Hana
    • Vehicle contained Khiara’s luggage, credit card, and ID
    • Did not find the rental car keys and Khiara’s cellphone and a small backpack
    • They found the outfit shown in the videos below in the rental car.
  • Reported missing on July 26th by her sister
  • Missed her flight on July 29th

Below, are three videos that show Khiara on the day she went missing.

Video Footage

You can see Khiara walking into the rental car agency, the day she was last seen.

She speaks with a representative, books her rental, and in the video below, leaves the garage to never been seen again.

It is now more than a year since Khiara’s disappearance.

In an effort to garner more attention to her story and hopefully helpful leads to her discovery, Khiara’s Family started a Facebook Page that has provided updates, videos, public statements and information about the ongoing case. The latest post is dated from October 27th.

The family routinely detail the searches that have been and are conducted to find Khiara (see below).

How to help

The family has started a Go Fund Me account to help with the costs of helicopter rentals, drones, flyers and more. “We need to raise funds to do so. We have not paid MSAR or STAT, they both search[ed] for free,” the family stated in a post from September 10th. The family made clear though that they “hesitated to promote the Go Fund Me because [Khiara] is missing and we don’t want anybody questioning that.”

There’s so much work to be done, so here’s how you can help with the efforts.

• The family has organized a reward of $10,000 for the first tip leading to Khiara’s safe return or arrest of the person(s) involved in her disappearance. If you are in and around Maui, and spot Khiara or have information about her whereabouts, please contact the Family Tip Line at 808-757-5102. 

• Also, call police at (808)-270-6516 or (808)-244-6400 if you have any more information.

• Share Khiara’s story on social media, among your network, and anyone going or living in Hawaii.

Major Networks/Publications that have written about this case thus far:

• NY Post

• Maui Now

• People

• CNN

The post Khiara Henry Missing over a year in Hawaii, Family Searching for Answers appeared first on Travepreneur.

Disclosure: Alios Tours hosted me on this trip in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions are my own.

Athena, Zeus, and Aphrodite. Names you recognize, eh? When you think of Greece, you think of Greek Gods and Goddesses. The mythology that has illustrated centuries of good stories, folktales, and lessons on sex, love, and life. Yet, there’s one name that you should also know when you think of Greece—Chios. Chios Island. Of the most popular Greek Islands you visit, Chios Island should be added to the top of your list. What do you say? Here’s why you should visit Chios Island (especially) with Alios Tours.

Review of Tour of Chios Island with Alios Tours

Culture, Culture, and more culture!! Overall, I loved my two-day experience in Chios Island. I’m not saying this because I was hosted by Alios Tours. Rather, I loved it because it gave me a sense of culture, love, and spirit that was missing when I visited Santorini (no shade, Santorini). I ended up loving the tour, although short, and enjoyed my time with Alios Tours and Danai, my host.

Find out what I loved, and loved even more during my travels to the magical Greek Island, Chios.

Should I book a tour to Chios Island?

Simply, yes! If you’ve never been to Greece, let alone Chios Island, then you should definitely book a tour NOW with Alios!

What are some reasons we travel? We:

• Immerse ourselves in the culture
• Visit the touristy areas and plaster them over social media
• Taste foods from all over the world (hey, foodies!)
• Connect with the local people & and meet like-minded travelers
• Escape normalcy and enjoy seeing something different

Well, whichever your reasons are, Alios Tours captures the above list quite nicely. There is no food or culture without the local people and language. And, Alios Tours brings all of that together and more.

And, honestly, Chios Island is such a unique place to visit while in Greece.

Why Alios Tours

Alios Tours caters to Chios Island. Unlike small travel companies that plan tours around the world, Alios Tours specializes in tourism and hospitality on the island. If you want to know anything related to Chios Island, Alios Tours is your source.

Are you “different”?

The tour company, Alios, which stands for “Difference”, inspires travelers “to travel differently than the ordinary, to do different things, to accept, respect and try to understand the difference.” So this isn’t your typical guided tour. Alios Tours is about connecting over difference, traveling differently, and paying attention to difference across cultures. (And, Danai embodies this mission effortlessly. More about her later.)

This is why I loved my experience with Alios Tours, including the following.

It’s big, yet small

Chios Island is the fifth largest Greek Island. You couldn’t tell compared to its more popular Greek sisters like Santorini, Crete or Naxos. It, however, has a uniqueness that sets it apart from the other islands. Chios is a big island with only about 50,000 tourists visiting each year (Santorini has two million a year). This seems unexciting until you walk down the street freely, and notice you’re not bumping elbows with another tourist. It becomes much more pleasant when you can enjoy the true essence of Chios Island.

Packed with Culture

Did I mention culture? Nah? Well, just because Chios is relatively unknown, it has lots of interesting and clever history. Walking around in the fortresses in Chios Town, Mesta, Vessa, and Pyrgi, you’d learned about how the local people work together to protect their village. Roaming the labyrinth, also considered streets, you’ll discover the beauty and horror that lived centuries ago.

Sustainable Tourism

Alios Tours is for the local people and businesses. On one of the stops during my tour, we stopped at a local shop where I witnessed the owner shoveling out sheets of homemade pasta. Local ingredients sourced from local gardens to produce organic local products. Isn’t that the best way?

Love of Nature

Hypnotized by the jasmine-filled aroma, I relaxed in Danai’s car on our way back to Chios Town. Pure bliss. Watch the clip below of our drive along the southern and curvy roads. This. Is. Chios.

Danai from Alios Tours

I also want to highlight Danai, the founder of Alios Tours. She welcomed me with open arms, kisses on both cheeks, and a Kalimera (‘hello’ in Greek)!

The difference between a good tour and a great one is the experience created by the tour guide. But, an impactful tour is one where the guide seeks to leave a lasting impression throughout and after the tour. Some of the tour’s elements, as explained by the tour guide, teach you to be a better version of yourself. That’s what sets Danai from Alios Tours apart from anyone else.

Connecting with Alios Tours

In various conversations, we connected through our love of travel, culture, and language. We even discussed the fate of humanity at the hands of our current governments and policies. While it’s taboo to discuss politics in certain cultures, I felt at ease with Danai, who openly informed me about Greece and its troubles.

Danai made the experience less of a “tour”, and more like a two-day adventure planned by friends.

What to do in Chios Island

Chios Island, the fifth largest Greek Island, has so much to offer⁠—food, history, culture, fun, adventure, ecotourism, and more. Whether you’re seeking half-day, full-day or night time fun, Alios Tours has you covered.

Peek above at all of the tours offered by Alios. With a quick scroll of their tour page, you’ll discover the many exciting options. Choose a tour based on your budget, allotted time of travel, and things you like to do. For a two-day trip, I got a taste of these tours:

Chios Medieval Tour

For history lovers, this tour is for you. If you want to know what it’s like to step into a time machine, then take the Chios Medieval Tour.

Duration: 6 hours

Some Places Visited: Vessa, Pyrgi, Mesta, Chios Mastic Museuem

Tour Style: Private Group (up to 7 guests)

Price: ~$272 (based on group of 1-2)

Be A Bartender Cocktail Class

For the cocktail connoisseurs, lovers of tasty alcoholic beverages, and the social travelers, this is for you. After an explorative day in either Northern or Southern Chios, relax and socialize at a world-class local bar with the bartender for the Be A Bartender Cocktail Class.

Duration: 90 minutes

Places Visited: OZ Cocktail Bar

Tour Style: Private

Price: ~$30

Keep reading to learn more about my two-day tour experience with Alios Tours.

Where to Stay in Chios Island

The most desirable location to stay in Chios is around the port. Everything you need, such as shops, restaurants, and bars, is within walking distance from the hotels in this area. You can’t go wrong staying at a hotel with a view of the water, right?

Just take a look at this view.

Cute, right? City Point Chios became my temporary lodging during my trip to Chios Island. This clean, simple hotel was perfect for a two-day trip. Upon walking into the room, the most noticeable and satisfying feature was the painted text on the wall left of the full-size bed.

“Have Faith & Believe in Yourself”

Such a positive way to greet your morning.

Amenities & Features:

• Free WiFi
• Balcony with View
• Rooftop Lounge
• Minutes from cafes, market, shops, and port

Island Hopping? 2-day itinerary with Alios Tours

Arrival: How to get to Chios Island?

Fly to Chios Island either from Athens, Izmir (Turkey), or Thessaloniki for a flight time of less than an hour. If you’re island hopping, you can get to Chios Island very easily and reasonably. I booked my flight with Olympic Airlines, after originally booking it with another airline (see my costly mistake below).

Likewise, you can take a 9-hour ferry from Athens and bask in the beauty of the Greek Islands. If I had the time, I would’ve opted to spend the day “ferrying” through the Mediterranean.

Costly Airline Mistake – Don’t let this be you

Note: I made the mistake of booking my flight to Izmir, Turkey instead of Chios Town, which cost me an extra $200. Learn from my expensive mistake by paying attention to the airport code.

Day 1:

Boarding & Landing

Boarding my twenty-minute flight, I became weary of the small regional airplane and sat quietly until the propeller began spinning. This was new, I thought.

Regional planes became a nice alternate to the gigantic international planes that take up space and time.

Once landed, I hurried to the quaint airport to collect my luggage. There I met Danai as I rushed past the door, then meeting her warm smile.

The Tour Begins

Around 8 p.m, after checking in and unloading my stuff, we began walking the streets of Chios Town. I always say, “The best way to learn a place, is to walk by foot.”

Danai introduced to me the largest city on the island through its distinctive architecture and lively stories and history. As it was turning dark, we roamed through the streets as if to find hidden and mysterious secrets.

Even, you could see the lights from Izmir over the dark waters.

Strolling through the plaza, which reminded me of Lisbon and other European cities, Danai continued divulging Greek and Chios history.

To end the night and to settle our hungry tummies, we stopped at a restaurant to have a feast.

Stuffed and satisfied, I walked back to my hotel. Alone and safe as a solo woman. See how that works?

Day 2:

The second, and my last full day in Chios Island with Alios Tours, we took a trip down south, where Danai showed me around several villages.

Vessa

In the morning, we headed south to visit our first stop: Vessa, a medieval village built around the 10-11th century. Upon arriving, I noticed something very odd, yet calming. No tourists (well except for me). The quiet air made the experience even more real and a capsule for traveling back in time.

Danai led me through the narrow, windy streets that either led to someone’s home or to a dead end (which served a specific purpose). She continued sharing the stories of the local people and their village, mentioning the Earthquake of 1881. You could see the effects of the earthquake on the stone buildings as each had a metal brace to hold them together.

Mastic Heaven

We then headed to the mastical magical Chios Mastic Museum, spending time learning about the number one product on the island.

To understand the importance of mastic, you’d have to visit Chios. The photos don’t do it justice nor capture the impact the mastic resin and exportation of this product has on the economy. It’s been part of Chios for 4,000 years, and you can smell just how much it is.

Mesta

Next, we arrived at the next village, Mesta, that has preserved its uniqueness and medieval appearance over time. A little more vibrant and tourist-friendly than Vessa, Mesta brought the feel of “Greekiness” to the tour.

It’s also where we stopped for lunch.

On the menu (for the foodies), was a chicken gyro with potatoes and feta cheese, tomato and cucumber salad, and cheese pie. Mmm, Mmm good.

Pyrgi

Our last village, Pyrgi, was the most interesting. It tested my knowledge of history and called into question a controversial historical figure’s birthplace. Christopher Columbus may have been born in Chios Island, specifically in Pyrgi. Ooohh…

Easy distinguishable from the other southern villages, Pyrgi’s boldness can be seen through its black and white geometrical patterns displayed on most buildings.

After a day in history, I was ready to explore a little night out in Chios Island with Alios Tours.

Oz Cocktail Bar

If you love trying new alcohol, then you’d love the Bartending Class at Oz Cocktail Bar. The journey throughout the day led me from the small pellets of mastic in the first picture to the drink on the bottom right. Isn’t it mastical?

For 90 minutes, Giannis (my bartender teacher) led me through the production, creation, branding, and development of a cocktail made with mastic liquor. I, at first, didn’t expect to get behind the bar OR make my own drink. But, for my first bartending experience, I did pretty good.

Giannis (pictured in the third photo in the upper right corner) was a very patient teacher. We practiced using water first because, of course, why waste alcohol while teaching a novice.

After getting the shake, the pour, and the splash down, I pulled off this sweet cocktail (like a boss, or rather a bartender).

Overall, the experience was MASTICally delicious!

If you’re ever in Greece, please hit up Alios Tours for an adventure around Chios Island. You won’t regret it!

Check out my last post about Chios Island, it reminds me of someone very famous yet always overlooked.

Don’t forget to pin me!

More Summer Travel Planning Resources:

The Black Woman’s Guide to Solo Travel

Can’t Figure Out Where to Begin Your Travel Plans

The Best Places to Vacation Solo This Summer

The post Why You Should Visit Chios Island with Alios Tours appeared first on Travepreneur.

Last April, I traveled to Germany to visit three partner study abroad institutions. On my first business trip abroad, I planned to absorb as much of the environment and academic culture as possible to further encourage my students to take the step. It also mirrored as a much-needed solo trip and adventure.

On my itinerary was Cologne, Augsburg, and Bamberg, cities I had never been, but absolutely enjoyed.

My solo trip also became synonymous to “everything that could go wrong.” But, here’s how my business trip to Germany became my much-needed solo adventure.

Mishaps and All

My first stop was Cologne, about an hour outside of Frankfurt. In the midst of my travels, however, my luggage broke. My handle wouldn’t come up as I deplaned.  I yanked the handle a little harder. It didn’t move. I tried again and nothing. Desperate for a quick repair, I pulled everything out (luckily most in packing cubes) in the middle of the airport. I repeat, in the MIDDLE of the airport. I tried once after first exiting the plane. The second time in the restroom. And, my last and final attempt near the customs agents desk.

My only solution at the time was to drag it along by the strap that felt like a grater against my hand (but now I have a Kensie).

Great start, I thought.

Three hours after I landed, I finally made it to Cologne. I had forgotten sometimes the difficulty of traveling to another country and having to operate in another language. Confused and exhausted I checked into my hotel (only after entering the wrong one).

Naps have become my saving grace. As a youngin (young child), I disliked naps. They were the biggest enemy to my youthful energy and playtime. Now, it’s the turbo boost to my day. After two hours of reenergizing, I finally went out to find food.

I wouldn’t say that I’m a picky eater, but I’m definitely particular about the foods I eat. Mainly for nutritional and health purposes. I walked about the nearby streets, just about half a mile before I settled on a restaurant.

Dinner was so-so. I order the goat cheese “hamburger” with a salad and sweet potato fries. *In Kel’s voice* Who loves sweet potato fries. I love sweet potato fries (shout out to my 90s babies who get the reference).

There was a miscommunication between the food I thought I ordered and the food that actually came to my table. Displeased even by the service, I just allowed my brain to wonder while sitting on the rooftop and gazing at the ongoing traffic and the sea of pedestrians crowding the street.

Like any solo adventure, while traveling alone you’re bound to have some challenges and mishaps that can either ruin or enhance your travel experience. I was just grateful to be able to travel to Germany once again.

But I’m reminded, regardless of the nature of the trip, the following keys to preparation:

Either hit the banks really early or exchange your cash at the airport. While roaming the streets, I was also looking for a bank to exchange dollars to euros. But, either the banks closed by the late afternoon or they charged too much to convert. So, I kept the dollars and used my credit card instead.

Be flexible with food options. Enjoy vacation OR your business trip as much as you can. Because of my rigidity, sometimes I miss out on some fun and delicious food. Eh, we’ll see what my next trips bring.

Am I an Adult, Adult?

This trip served as a solo vacation too. As I made my way through the country mostly via train, I saw Germany in a new light; as a true adult. My first time traveling there, I was a young, fearful 23-year-old graduate student in Madrid.

Sidenote: I appear to be lost in my thoughts in the photo above, but really I was thinking about food. Good food!

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I’ve grown in several years. Germany was a reminder that even going to the same places, you can have different experiences. That’s growth y’all!

While visiting the colleges, I met colleagues for the first time, learned more about the history of the German language, and gained firsthand experience of the schools abroad.

My students are counting on me to give them the best advice as to what each study abroad program offers and which is the best fit for them.

Additionally, my personal experiences are just as helpful. Sometimes the hardest part to sell to students is how to manage to live abroad and navigate an unfamiliar place.

I was essentially stepping back into the shoes of a student for this week-long trip.

F.U.N.

How do I make my business trip fun?

Well, in the words of my good friend, Spongebob:

“F” is for Free. Find free time to do something fun. I purposely planned some free time between meetings and campus visits because traveling can be very exhausting.

“U” is for You and Me. Ha, just kidding. U is for you (I couldn’t find a word). But, really, fun is subjective. I prefer to stroll through a town and stumble upon an adventure. Or, a chocolate museum. 

“N” is for New Adventures. While I was so close to the Austrian border, I decided to hop on a five-hour train to Salzburg. Doing business doesn’t mean 24/7. I had an entire day to myself, so I opted for a new country.

If you’re looking for a solo adventure or wonder if you should travel solo, check out my Summer Guide to Solo Travel. Find the best solo vacation ideas there!

And, if you’re wondering, as a black woman, some solo tips, head here to my Black Woman’s Guide to Solo Travel!

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