Taking a Solo Road Trip During Coronavirus

By Chizoba Anyaoha

Have an awesome road trip story to share with us? Share it with us @travsolo or submit your story above today!

From Trusting a Stranger in Uzbekistan to Challenging your Preconceptions – Sebastian Modak

Posted on August 26, 2020April 5, 2021 by Chizoba

TravSolo aims to inspire through authentic storytelling, by sharing real travel experiences

Tell me a little bit about yourself: What do you do for a living?

I’m a travel writer and multimedia journalist based in New York. In 2019, I was the 52 Places Traveler for the New York Times, which had me traveling to and reporting from all the places on the Times’ “52 Places to Go” list. Before that, I spent some time as an editor and staff writer at Condé Nast Traveler. Even before I was writing about travel full-time, I was always most interested in being on the move and telling stories that connect people with the world around them. I think a lot of that has to do with how I was raised: my mom is from Colombia, my dad is from India and we moved every 4 years or so. “Home” is a complicated subject for me.

Solo Travel: What do these two words mean to you?

It means taking a risk, but also creating the space and silence you don’t get when traveling with friends or loved ones (which is also great). It means not being bound to anyone else’s schedule and allowing more space for the serendipity and chance encounters that I think lead to the most rewarding travel experiences.

What inspired you to take your first solo trip?

I did a lot of traveling with my family as a kid, but I think — like many — my first true “solo traveling” experience came in the form of choosing to study abroad in college. In my case, I chose to spend a semester in Botswana, largely because I knew there wouldn’t be that many other American students there that I could rely on for company. And, fortunately, I was right! While I was technically “living” in Gaborone, it felt like an extended solo trip because every day was a little different and it was entirely up to me how I spent my free time. And it was also up to me to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there if I wanted to make any meaningful connections. The same is true on any solo trip.

Favorite International Meal?

A hot bowl of noodle soup — phở, mì quảng or bún bò Huế, depending what city I’m in — while sitting on a plastic stool on a Vietnamese street corner. Glass of beer (with ice) compulsory.

What was the most memorable and/or let down travel experience you have while traveling?

I don’t really believe in “let down” travel experiences. Of course there are things that can go *really* wrong – like life-threatening stuff – but that’s a bit more dire than just a “let down.” In terms of the minor inconveniences or the stuff that doesn’t measure up to big expectations, in the long-run I think those are still valuable experiences and opportunities to ask important questions. What can you learn from the experience? What does it tell you about your potentially misplaced expectations? What preconceptions were you coming into a trip with that you can (and should) throw out the window?

What is the most memorable moment you had with a traveler or local?

In terms of most memorable moments… Whew.. There are too many to name. Focusing on last year, where I traveled for the whole year (a memorable experience on its own, to say the least), I highlighted some of my most life-changing encounters for the New York Times here. One that always comes to mind is the time I trusted a stranger in Uzbekistan; I got in his car, not knowing exactly where we were headed, and ended up witness to a game of kopkari. It’s a sport in which horseback riders compete over the carcass of a goat in an intense game of keepaway. I felt so lucky to be seeing the tradition at play and so lucky to have made a new friend, who I’m still in regular touch with today, in the process.

“It was also up to me to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there if I wanted to make any meaningful connections. The same is true on any solo trip.“

What is biggest risk you have ever taken on a trip?

Traveling alone is, on its own, a risk. Even having done it for a full year, getting on a different flight every week, I would still get a bit of the jitters every now and then. It’s intimidating, and that’s because of the little risks you take along the way. What an “appropriate risk” is comes down to the individual traveler though. It’s important to find your own threshold for risk. For me, some of the biggest risks I’ve taken have involved solo road trips; like driving for 12 hours through a blizzard in Michigan and Ontario. Or getting off a 40+-hour plane journey and then driving through the night in Chile, on no sleep, just because I was in a rush to get to my destination. Both those decisions were beyond my risk threshold — stupid impulse moves I made that taught me valuable lessons about what I am and am not comfortable risking.

What inspires you to travel more alone?

It’s the people. I love sightseeing and hiking and eating and drinking around the world. But at the end of the day, I travel for the people I meet along the way. And when you’re traveling alone it’s so much easier to meet people. If you put yourself out there a little bit, I think you’d be surprised how much people will open up to you — and how excited they’ll be to show you a little slice of what makes their home special.

What advice might you give people afraid of being on their own or thinking of taking their first solo trip?

If you’re nervous, start closer to home. Not to mention, the current Covid-19 crisis makes that basically the only responsible option. You don’t have to be going to Siberia to justify a solo journey (though I do recommend it). But why not try a city nearby that you’ve never been to? Or even just a day hike or long solo bike ride? By starting small, you’ll understand yourself better. You’ll figure out what you like about traveling alone; and the parts that you maybe don’t like as much. From those starting points, you’ll be better equipped to design a bigger trip that is tailor-made for you. You don’t know what resonates with you until you at least dip your toe in it.

If you were writing a book about personal solo travel story, what three words would you use for the title? (Similar to Eat. Pray. Love)

“Learn, Learn, Learn.” A rewarding travel experience starts with you admitting and embracing your own ignorance. There’s so much to learn about the rest of the world and it starts with realizing that, in comparison to someone who has lived in a place their whole life, you know nothing about that place. Ask questions, and be prepared for the answers to counter whatever preconceptions you might have once had.

You can check out Sebastians’s many solo travel trips on Instagram @sebmodak.

Thanks for reading!

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By Chizoba Anyaoha

What travel type are you? Tag us on IG @travsolo on your solo adventure.

Different Ways Other Countries Celebrate Their Independence Day

Posted on July 4, 2020 by Chizoba

As we are all aware of, there has been a strong display of racial tensions and police brutality that continues to divide the United States. We have now landed on a particular day to commemorate our independence from the British, the same day we traditionally celebrate every year – whether it be with our family, friends or loved ones. This year is quite different in our opinion, the holiday joys aren’t what it used to be and people’s spirits have been tainted and battle tested. It begs one to ask one of the most fundamental questions “Are we actually, as a country, truly free?”

As a way to help people get back into the spirit of things and understand how travel helps us to appreciate our many differences as human beings, here are a couple of countries we can learn from their many different ways of celebrating their Independence Day and how they fought to liberate their people.

Singapore

When: August 9th

National Day of Singapore is celebrated in commemoration of Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965.

Celebrations: Features a National Day Parade, an address by the Prime Minister of Singapore, followed by fireworks and celebrations. The entire city dresses for the occasion with flags lining the buildings, patriotic songs blasting on the radio, people decked out in red and white, and a huge National Day Parade. To top off the night, there is a giant fireworks show that sets off from Marina Bay.

India

When: August 15th

Independence Day, one of the three National holidays in India; The other two holidays are Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, January 26th and October 2nd respectively. Independence Day is observed in all Indian states and union territories where everyone has the day “off”. .

Celebrations: On August 15th the Prime Minister raises the Indian flag and twenty-one gunshots are fired off in honor of the solemn occasion. The Prime Minister gives a speech that highlights the country’s achievements over the past year, along with raising important issues and discussing the upcoming year. He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. In state capitals, Chief Ministers of individual states unroll the national flag and celebrate with parades and historical-themed pageants. Kite flying is also an Independence Day tradition, with a multitude of different sized and shaped kites coloring the sky.

Mexico

When: September 16th

Día de la Independencia is a Mexican holiday celebrating the “Cry of Independence” from the Spaniards, which started a revolt that kicked off the country’s independence on September 16, 1810.

Celebrations: Independence Day is celebrated with festivals, fireworks, bell-ringing, tons of parties, traditional Mexican food, dance and music. Flags, flowers and decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag – red, white and green – cover the public areas of cities and towns throughout Mexico. “Viva Mexico” or “Viva la independencia” is shouted with pride among the crowds and fiestas.

Ghana

When: March 6th

Ghana gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1957 and became the first colonized sub-Saharan African nation to do so.

Celebrations: The country commemorates its independence with fireworks, parades, and marches. Ghanaian music is a very integral part of their celebrations. The coastal regions celebrate Independence Day on the beach with music and dances that marry the elements of West African tradition with hip hop music.

Ukraine

When: August 24th

Ukraine was part of the Union of the U.S.S.R. up until December 1, 1991, when around 90 percent of Ukrainians voted for their country’s independence.

Celebrations: Citizens of Ukraine get dressed up in traditional clothing and join the crowd on the streets of Lviv, Ukraine’s cultural capital. There is an annual international folklore festival called Etnovyr that showcases a variety of performing arts programs, exhibitions, and a variety of traditional street foods. Buildings across the country are adorned in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag to commemorate the country’s Independence.

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By Aimee Kuge

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Experiencing Death to Understand Life – Conscious DeMi

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Chizoba

TravSolo aims to inspire through authentic storytelling, by sharing real travel experiences

“Are you ready?” asked the mortician.

He was about to reveal my fiancé’s body for the first time since it happened. Since we were not married yet, I couldn’t see him in the hospital. I knew that if I didn’t do this, I was going to lose my last chance to see him physically.

We were donors…

There we were, in 2011, at the dinner table talking about what we wanted to do with our bodies after we died. I mean, we thought it was bizarre to talk about this now, especially since we were both only 30 years old. But because we had just gotten engaged, our lawyer thought it would be a good idea for us to sort out all the paperwork before we got hitched.

Did we want to be donors or not? Did we want to be buried or cremated? Where was the service going to take place, in Los Angeles, where we both lived or in our native states? How much money would we need to set aside to pay for all of this? Yada, yada, yada.

And just a few years later after we had this discussion, I found myself standing in front of his covered body holding his favorite suit. The day I bought him that suit, I never thought in a million years that, this suit was going to be the one I was going to dress him in for his funeral.

I took a deep breath as the mortician uncovered his body. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I mean it was him, but it wasn’t.

We had to lift him up, hold him and dress him, but we were having so much difficulty because he hardly had no base left. He had no eyes to see, no legs to walk, no hands to touch, no lungs to breathe, and no heart to beat.

And in that very moment, I had an epiphany.

I realized that I was wearing an earthly suit simply so I could actually experience earth – to hear earthly harmonies through my ears, to speak motivational and meaningful sounds through my mouth, to feel warmth and love through my heart, to touch and experiment through my hands, to see beautiful sights through my eyes, to taste deliciousness through my tongue, and to smell bliss through my nose. At that moment, I realized what our body’s purpose was. We were not born with this specific “suit”, so we could live in a square, work in an unfulfilling job, pay bills, and die.

No.

And at that moment, I knew exactly what I needed to do.

On the day of love, February 14^th, 2014, I took a plane out to Kerala, India to unlearn everything that I had learned from the day I was born. I wanted to go back to zero. I figured I would go there to heal (do some yoga and meditate) and then I would figure out what I was going to do with the rest of my life moving forward.

And well long story short, I am now healed and I never went back to LA. I have been traveling the world since then, non-stop. I guess it’s true, “time does fly when you’re having fun”. So far, I have experienced over 60 countries and its people and their culture in six continents.

Below are just a few examples of how I have used this human suit to experience my time here on earth.

I have eaten tasty couscous with the Berber’s in Morocco, I have drank foamy Ayran with the Kurdish people from East turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. I have enjoyed sizzling Saltah with Yeminis, I have ingested injera & wat with Ethiopians. I have gnawed at tort tulik mal with Kazakhstans. I have enjoyed the warm filling lablabi with Tunisians, I have forcefully swallowed baluts with Filipinos, I have held my nose while eating durians with Malaysians, I have swallowed sushi & saki with Japanese, I have eaten hot spicy pho with Vietnamese, I have eaten spitted on chowmein in the night markets with the Chinese, I have eaten crunchy fried tarantulas with special sauce with the Cambodians, I have eaten Shish–kebab with Turks, I have eaten scrumptious empanadas with Argentineans, I have devoured wine and cheese with French, I have eaten goulash with the Hungarians, I have eaten paella & Sangria with the Spaniards, and I have even unawaringly tasted cuy with Peruvians.

I have smoked shisha with middle easterners in small tiny souks, I have gotten drunk off Glühwein at the Christmas markets with Europeans, I have experienced coffee readings from gypsies, I have consumed mushrooms with the hippies on the islands, I have danced with the Aborigines of Australia, I have drank ayahuasca from shamans in Peru, I have had extensive sloughing experiences from Greeks and Turks in their Hamams, I have karaoke’d with the Koreans, I have danced bangra with the Punjabi’s, I have practiced Ramadan with the Muslims, I have enjoyed Nyepi with the Hindu’s, I have meditated with the monks in Asia, I have learned to whirl from dancing dervishes from Konya and I have even dabbled my hands a bit as a snake charmer in India.

I have slept in 1,2,3,4, & 5 star hotels, sand hotels, ice hotels, hostels, hostals, airbnb’s, local’s homes, deserts, jungles, forests, airports, train stations & trains, bus stations & buses, taxi’s, tuk-tuk’s, coffee shops, and strangers homes (lol).

I am constantly scammed. I have almost been robbed, raped, and killed. I have gotten a few different types of malaria, food & water poisoning, fungi, and other kinds of bacteria that I cannot even pronounce, and I have even had a few near death experiences.

BUT if you were to ask me, would I change my life?

Hell. To. The. No.

Hi, my name is Conscious DeMi and I am a soulo-female traveler.

Sometimes when we think something “bad” has happened to us, in time, we actually realize it was a blessing in disguise. If I would have never experienced Death, I would have never had the nerve to live my dreams and travel the world soulo. So the next time you think something “’bad” has happened to you, I would take a good look at that situation and see what it actually is trying to teach you. Experiencing Death has actually taught me to live. And because Death motivated me and keeps motivating me, I have realized that while uncovering the world, I have actually uncovered my Self, all at the same time. I am currently writing a book about my Self-uncovery journey called, ‘Uncover The Hidden You’. I am writing this book with the hopes to inspire you to take that first step to soulo-travel or keep traveling the world, so you too can uncover the hidden you.

Sending you light, love, and life!

Thanks for reading!

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By Chizoba Anyaoha

Thinking about solo traveling for the very first time? See others who have @travsolo for more inspiration.

How to Plan Your Perfect Solo Adventure Based on Your Travel Style

Posted on February 6, 2020May 3, 2021 by Chizoba

You finally found the courage to plan a solo trip, but then you realize you have no idea what you’re doing (we’ve all been there on our first solo trip). You realize that without having to negotiate with other people for what to do, you have no idea what you want out of trip. What do I even want to do with my time? What would be my ideal trip?

Don’t worry, we got you.

We break down how to plan and get the most out of your solo trip based on your solo travel style

The Spontaneous Traveler

Do you shy away from committing to plans?

Do you like to the fly by the seat of your pants and see where the day takes you?

Do your friends know you as the person that would jump on the train to Philly to see a concert?

Do you love to wander into small shops and local restaurants without checking them out on Yelp first?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you are a spontaneous traveler.

Here’s how to plan your ideal trip:

Go to Cities

Especially major cities in Asia and Europe, you can get away with planning less because there are so many options at your disposal. You’ll have countless restaurants, nightlife, museums, and art galleries that you can bop in and out of at your leisure. You can also spend your days wandering the streets and seeing what you run into — Tokyo is one of the best cities for this.

Take Advantage of Last Minute Deals

Travel Zoo and Travel Pirates, two companies specializing in flash sales {think a getaway to Punta Cana for $168}, are a gold mine for spontaneous travelers. Also keep an eye out for JetBlue flight flash sales that often feature one-way domestic flights for under $100.

Another great tool if you’re looking to explore all your flight options is Skyscanner. You can search for the cheapest flights for an entire month or for the entire year. You can also enter a specific location or search the entire world for the cheapest flights for the time period of your choosing. For the spontaneous traveler, this may be your new travel addiction.

Invest in Renting a WIFI Hotspot or SIM Cards

Although I always recommend not relying on WIFI when traveling abroad, if you intend to do little planning for a trip it is crucial to have access to the internet both for looking up things to do as well as keeping yourself safe. While traveling to a new country without a plan can be exciting, without as much research, you aren’t as informed about the safety and culture so it’s crucial to have a working phone in case you get into a dangerous situation.

Stay in Hostels

Even if you can afford to stay in nicer accommodations, I would recommend staying in a hostel to meet other travelers. Find a hostel that has a large communal area to hang out in or that serves food onsite so you can easily make new friends. Other travelers are great resources for ideas for things to do that you may not have thought of or places to avoid. You may end up meeting people to travel with on your journey and without set plans, you are free to pivot and join them.

The Travel Planner

Do you make detailed itineraries for trips {maybe down to the hour}?

Do you research everything you want to see and do in advance?

Do you book everything possible before you land and leave nothing up to chance?

Do you watch an extensive amount of videos and look up images of everything you want to see and do?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you are a travel planner.

Here’s How To Make the Most of Your Trip:

Figure Out What Style of Trip You Want Before You Start Researching

Do you want a relaxing vacation laying on the beach or do you want to be trekking through the rainforest? Do you want to be in the heart of a bustling city or relaxing in a hammock enjoying the view on top of a mountain?

Figuring out the style of the trip you want before you start planning allows you to narrow your focus to find activities that will create that style of trip. If you start randomly researching whatever you find interesting, you may end up creating a trip where you are running around a city site-seeing when you really wanted to also spend time in nature.

Make Your Own Pre-Vetted Yelp With Google Maps

Google Maps has the fun feature called MyMaps, where you can create specific points of interest on a map and add in descriptions, color-coded icons for different categories, and even add multiple layers (just in case you want to make a Plan B itinerary). It’s a great way to have all the possible things you want to do that you’ve pre-researched at your fingertips. That way if you get to a location and are hungry, you can pull out your pre-created map and see if any of the places you researched are nearby.

Start with Booking Hotels/Flights First

I always feel committed to a trip and less stressed once I book my flights and hotels. These are the two major anchors of any trip and once you have them secured, you can breathe easy that the hardest part is over. As the trip gets closer, then you can start planning out specific things you want to do and tours/activities that you want to book.

Research People That Took a Similar Solo Trip

Hearing first hand-accounts from people that have already taken the trip that you are planning will give you more insight into what you are getting yourself into. It will help flesh out a mental picture of what your trip will be like. Oftentimes these travelers will have ideas about what not to miss, what to avoid, and any other relevant information that will help you get the most of out of your experience.

The Experimental Traveler

Do you love trying new things?

Do you crave experiences within a new surrounding?

Do you have no preference on what you do, you just want do it all?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you are an experimental traveler.

Here’s How To Make the Most of Your Trip:

Seek Out Major Cities

Major cities have a constant stream of fun and interesting things to do to satisfy the dynamic city dwellers. Whether you want to go to a museum, see an improv show, go to an art gallery, or go bar hopping, you can find it all in a city. Not only will you find more new and unique experiences in a city, you’ll also find there is a never-ending supply of new things to do.

Research Travel Guides Made by Locals

To get the most out of your trip and have the most new experiences, look into guides made my locals. They will have an insider perspective on what things are worth going to and what are worth skipping so you can make the most out of your limited time.

Blend Elements of Planning and Spontaneity

With your goal of getting the most new experiences, there needs to be elements of planning and elements of seeing where the wind takes you.

Book your flight in advance and the first hotel you plan to stay at, but leave the rest of the lodging until you get to your destination. This will allow you to get a feel for your first destination and adjust accordingly if you find another location where there is more to do. You can easily get last minute lodging at hostelworld or booking.com.

Research what things you absolutely must do and book them in advance. Also have a list of things that you may want to do depending on time but that you don’t book in advance. This allows you to prioritize the experiences that are most important to you while also giving you the ability to be flexible with your future plans.

Thanks for reading!

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By Cait Saizan Chizoba Anyaoha

What travel type are you? Tag us on IG @travsolo on your solo adventure.

How to Keep Your Solo Travel Vacation Glow When You Return From a Trip

Posted on January 24, 2020May 3, 2021 by Chizoba

Apply your “New City” mindset

While in a new city or country, everything around me excites me – the street food, children playing soccer, the smell of the air, local traffic, crowds of people going about their day and the feel of cobblestoned streets underneath my feet. My senses take in almost everything and feel much alive.

A good way to stay excited is to bring your traveling “New City” mindset back home. Think of the things you enjoyed experiencing while abroad, like long walks around the city, and try to do the same when you’re back home. Try to look at everything around you in the eyes of a tourist. Revisit activities you previously assumed were only for travelers. They might come off as “cheesy” but you’ll surprise yourself with how much fun you’ll have.

I love when my friends come into town because it is an opportunity for me to see my city through their eyes and try out things I probably would not have normally done. As a New York Native I try to avoid Times Square at all costs. When one of my friends came into town, she wanted to explore places in this area & I actually enjoyed myself that day.

Re-discover Cultural Dishes

We all experience new dishes while traveling. Some of us remember our first and last bites of amazing food. Unfortunately there is no guarantee they will be available back home. If you live in a city like New York City, it is a bit easier to find certain foods you discovered in another country. If you came back from Spain, try their other Spanish dishes and try to be mindful when eating – taking in every bite slowly to really enjoy it. I promise you will never look at food the same way.

If you live outside of the city, making a new cuisine right at home can be an adventure you’ll surely enjoy! Every time I have an urge to drop everything to travel back to Italy, I open up my book full of recipes I gathered from locals while I lived in Florence and get busy in the kitchen.

Give yourself an extra day to readjust

As tempting as it is to use every minute of your vacation days off (you deserve to right?), going back to work the following day does not do your mental health any favors. Give yourself a day or two before going back to the office. This gives you ample time to adjust your mindset and re-visualize your life back home or at work – catch up on emails, tackle some chores, do some grocery shopping and meal prep, get over your jet lag, deal with personal matters, and to unpack. You’ll also have time to realize your vacation is actually over and that it’s time to get back to your life.

Journaling

Start a journal to help you log your solo travels and take a trip down memory lane when you feel like it. Remembering all the life lessons learned on your journey, especially during the bad times, will make you feel more empowered in life. From there, write down what you are grateful to have newly experienced, how you have grown from it, and find more appreciation for what you already have in your life.

Start thinking about your next adventure

Start planning your next trip. Even if feels unrealistic – with a demanding job, a new baby, or no one to go with – day dream of places you want to go to. Visualizing in a new destination will help you to keep thinking about solo traveling again, in the next few months.

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By Chizoba Anyaoha

What travel type are you? Tag us on IG @travsolo on your solo adventure.

9 Reasons Why Solo Traveling in 2020 Will Change Your Life

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Chizoba

This is going to be the best thing you do for yourself in 2020.

Do whatever you want

Your time during your solo travel is yours to use however you want to use it.

Meet New Friends

You will meet people who you can open up to and be yourself, if you are open to it. You’ll create great memories with new friends.

Only worry about satisfying yourself

While it is noble to make sure others are having fun, sometimes we forget to have fun ourselves. This is the perfect opportunity to be selfish and to focus on YOU.

Get out your comfort zone

Similar to meeting strangers, you’ll find yourself trying new things like paragliding or hiking up a mountain on your solo trip.

Eat whatever you want

Do you ever find yourself spending half an hour figuring out where to go to eat? You don’t truly realize how long it takes to make plans until you don’t have to anymore; solo traveling teaches you this. You can literally eat anything you want at any time of the day.

Spend as much money as you want

We all have our own budgets while others want to spend as much as they want without compromising. Now you can, by traveling solo. You’ll never have to feel bad or worry if your travel partner can also afford things you want. It is nice to spend money on what excites you.

Learn something new about yourself

Life lessons can come either way, whether they’re good, bad, or in between. Either way, it is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and improve from this point on. You’ll learn things you didn’t know you liked and things you forgot you loved doing while solo traveling.

Your new experiences last a lifetime

You’ll thank us later. No matter what you have experienced in your adventure, you’ll be able to reflect on the good, the bad, and the lessons learned from them. You’ll be proud of the risk you took solo while traveling and how strong you are as a person.

Being comfortable being alone

Where to start? You’ll realize solo traveling does not mean you don’t have friends or family to travel with, it means you took the courage to live the life you wanted. Once you solo travel for the first time, you will understand how much more confident you become and how more open you are to new experiences and the people around you.

Make the decision to solo travel in 2020 today!

For more, find us on:

By Chizoba Anyaoha

What travel type are you? Tag us on IG @travsolo on your solo adventure.

Exploring the World on My Terms – DeAnna Taylor

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Chizoba

TravSolo aims to inspire through authentic storytelling, by sharing real travel experiences

Tell me a little bit about yourself: What do you do for a living?

I’m DeAnna, a criminal defense attorney who now works as a freelance writer. While I’m technically still a licensed attorney, writing is my current love. I write for Travel Noire, CharlotteFive, and I’ve done a few pieces for XONecole and even Medium.

Solo Travel: What do these two words mean to you?

To me, solo travel means freedom. It means letting go of anything that holds you back and simply living. It also means courage to step into the unknown.

What inspired you to take your first solo trip?

My first solo international trip was to Cuba in early 2017. It was on my bucket list before the restrictions got too crazy and I didn’t really have any friends that could go when I wanted to. So, I made the decision to do it on my own. Best decision ever. I read tons of blogs befor hand to get a feel of what to expect and how to prepare. Luckily they were all very accurate and to this day Cuba is still my favorite destination.

“When I’m alone I can truly take in the sights and sounds of a place in my own way.“

Favorite International Meal?

Hmmm that’s a tough one. I would have to say the pad thai in the streets of Khao San Road in Bangkok. You can get a plate for less than a dollar and cooked to order at a tiny little street cart. It’s delicious.

What was the most memorable and/or let down travel experience you have while traveling?

I think my biggest let down happened recently in Amsterdam. I was solo and I ended up booking an Airbnb out in the suburbs to save money. But, I didn’t do my research on transportation prior to and I ended up wasting/spending so much money on trains and buses to get into central Amsterdam during my short stay. Next time I will just spend the money to stay in a more central area.

What is the most memorable moment you had with a traveler or local?

One of my most memorable experiences was riding the train in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I was heading to see the Batu Caves and I heard the girl next to me listening to my church’s worship CD. She was a local and I was amazed that my church’s music had reached so far across the world. We struck up a conversation and she was amazed that I go to attend Elevation Church in person.

What is biggest risk you have ever taken on a trip?

That would definitely be in Cuba. I randomly met two young Cuban guys and they asked me to come hang out with them. They didn’t speak much English and my Spanish is only intermediate. Also, the wifi in Cuba is very limited. Yet, something about them didn’t make me feel afraid so I actually hung out with them and had an amazing time. We went to this random rooftop spot where they taught me how to dance salsa.

What inspires you to travel more alone?

I enjoy the ability to move at my own pace and explore on my terms. I’m somewhat of an introvert so I need time alone to recharge and operate and my highest level. When I’m on group trips sometimes I start to get really agitated and I shut down. When I’m alone I can truly take in the sights and sounds of a place in my own way. This helps me to appreciate the trip even more.

What advice might you give people afraid of being on their own or thinking of taking their first solo trip?

My advice is to do your research on your destination prior to going. Have a general idea of things you want to do and see and then try to stay in an area that’s close by to the majority of them. Also, don’t count out the locals. Sometimes they give the best recommendations.

If you were writing a book about personal solo travel story, what three words would you use for the title? (Similar to Eat. Pray. Love)

Release (your fears) Grow (as a person). Enjoy (the freedom and time alone).

You can check out DeAnna’s many solo travel trips on Instagram @brokeandabroadlife.

Thanks for reading!

For more, find us on:

By Chizoba Anyaoha

What travel type are you? Tag us on IG @travsolo on your solo adventure.

Learning To Focus And Put Myself First – Lotte Huijsman

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Chizoba

TravSolo aims to inspire through authentic storytelling, by sharing real travel experiences

Tell me a little bit about yourself: What do you do for a living?

Before I left home in January of 2018, I used to work for the Dutch government as a business consultant in HR and procurement. It was a comfortable life and I had a great time with my colleagues. However, I felt that there was more to life than that. Now I am a full-time solo traveler! I do take on freelance writing and editing assignments from time to time. On top of that I write for myself While traveling I also try to make myself useful by doing work exchanges by teaching yoga.

Solo Travel: What do these two words mean to you?

More than anything else, solo travel is a journey of personal growth for me. Especially when it is long-term. I have been on the road for about 15 months now. Over that period of time, I have experienced, learned and grown more than I could have ever done while living a more traditional life, in my home country. Solo travel has taught me to let go, get to know myself better, to live more in the present moment, connect to others and to take care of myself.

What inspired you to take your first solo trip?

For many years, I used to travel with my ex-boyfriend. When we broke up, I found it a bit of a challenge to match my interests, budget and availability with that of my friends. Eventually I decided to book a retreat at an ayurvedic center in Sri Lanka. From past experience I already knew most people attend these kind of retreats alone. That made it a more suitable destination for my first solo trip. In the end, retreats are all about focusing on yourself anyway. Something inside of me, assured me that I would be fine. My inner voice was right: it turned out to be an amazing experience that sparked my love for solo travel.

“I have come to realize that the people that I have met have made my journey more memorable, than any destination out there ever could.”

Favorite International Meal?

I am obsessed with Indian food. In a few months I will be back in India and I cannot wait to have good dahl (lentil curry), palak paneer (spinach curry with cheese) and butter chicken again.

What was the most memorable and/or let down travel experience you have while traveling?

After so many months of solo travel, it is hard to pick just one experience. Some of the highlights are definitely the first yoga class I took in India, seeing orangutans on a jungle trek in Indonesia, getting my massage certificate in Thailand, learning salsa in Cuba and watching the pros surf Hawaii’s gigantic waves.

Solo travel is not just all highlights. Like that time I ended up in an Indonesian hospital with a bad stomach infection (barely anyone spoke English) or when my suitcase got lost at an Indian airport. I have also felt lost and homesick plenty of times. But that is okay, solo travel has taught me that these moments always pass and that I am capable of taking good care of myself.

What is the most memorable moment you had with a traveler or local?

Solo travel keeps surprising me by introducing me to the most amazing people. Somehow, I usually tend to meet people the very moment when I find myself wishing for someone to hang out with. I am currently in New Zealand and I have learned a Moari proverb – “What is the most important thing in the world? The people, the people, the people.” I have come to realize that the people that I have met have made my journey more memorable, than any destination out there ever could.

I have shared good (and bad) times with many people from all over the world. However, I have never befriended so many locals as I did in the south of India. People there are so curious and hospitable and have never felt alone. After several days I was already invited to an engagement party. It was quite the experience: me as a tall, blond girl in a saree and everyone wanting to take a selfie with me. I cannot wait to see my Indian friends again later this year.

What is biggest risk you have ever taken on a trip?

Solo travel is a bit of a risk in itself. I believe in the good in people – without being naive or reckless. That has worked out pretty well so far. Looking back, some situations might sound risky. Like when I got on a motorbike (no helmets in India) with a guy I had only met once, going horse-back riding through the mud in Cuba right after a cyclone and going out by myself to dance salsa in Colombia. I trust my gut feeling in situations like these. It has never let me down.

What inspires you to travel more alone?

My own curiosity keeps on leading me to new travel destinations. I am intrigued by other cultures and nature never ceases to amaze me. The world is soo big and there is so much to explore! So far, solo travel has been such a rewarding experience. It inspires me to keep on going.

What advice might you give people afraid of being on their own or thinking of taking their first solo trip?

It is better to have regrets about what you did do than about what you did not do. If solo travel is on your mind: go for it! There is only one way to find out if it suits you. I have never met a single person who went on a solo trip and hated it. If it makes you nervous to book anything; pretend to be booking it for a person that is dear to you. Arrange the bare necessities such as a visa, vaccinations and your first accommodation. Outside of that, I would recommend leaving as much room as possible for chance encounters and unexpected adventures. You will be positively surprised.

If you were writing a book about personal solo travel story, what three words would you use for the tittle? (Similar to Eat. Pray. Love)

Meditate. Meet. Move.

Thanks for reading!

For more, find us on:

By Chizoba Anyaoha

What travel type are you? Tag us on IG @travsolo on your solo adventure.

7 Reasons to Travel Alone After a Breakup

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Chizoba

We all meet that one person who creates butterflies in our stomach. You spend every waking moment together, talking on the phone, texting or sharing funny GIFs to laugh together. It gets to the point where you see yourself living a long full life together, believing this person may be the one. You eventually make plans to travel, taking your relationship to the next level. Weeks before leaving, things take a sour turn — leading to a break up. But plans were already made to travel together, so you start asking yourself “What do I do?”, “Do I cancel?”, “Should I just go?”.

You can already guess what may we may say but if you need anymore convincing, here are seven (7) reasons why you should solo travel after a break up…

You get to spend time with yourself

Sometimes we put so much time to our relationship, forgetting our own individuality. This is your chance to re-learn how to be by yourself again. Solo traveling will help you re-discover things you used to enjoy, like to do, hobbies you forgot about and who you were before getting into the relationship.

You get to distract yourself a bit

Breakups are painful, intense and it sometimes can feel like the world is crashing down on you. You’ll be surrounded by new culture, cuisines and interesting people to keep you busy until you are ready to deal with the aftermath of your break up.

You get to take the trip you wanted

When traveling as a couple, you feel you have to factor your partner in every decision and compromise for the sake of the relationship. You may have wanted to go Amafi Coast in Italy but settled for London because your partner has already been there or just did not want to go. Being single now, you get to make your own decisions and travel the way you like.

You have time to refocus & grow

You have more time to channel your energy and mind to personal projects you are passionate about, ones you may have put aside to make time for your partner and for the good of the relationship. You can now figure out your priorities, goals, professional development and what you want next in your life — making plans to achieve them.

You will make new friends

Meeting people is one of the best reasons to solo travel. You will connect with people, like you, who are going through a breakup themselves and are using solo traveling to pick up the pieces. If the opportunity presents itself and you’re opened enough to share your story, you’ll feel better and can support each other — forming a strong bond.

Have time to emotionally heal

Solo traveling offers the opportunity to reflect on your former relationship, without the influence of other people’s opinions. Give yourself time to process your emotions clearly and open-heartedly. Be truthful to how the breakup made you feel and you’ll feel much better in the end.

Teaches you to love yourself again and to move forward

After processing the good, bad, and ugly of your former relationship, you can truly move on and start to live your best life. You’ll realize how important inner happiness is. You will be in a better position to figure what you want in your next relationship and how it fits the life you want or if you even want to be in one and decide to stay single for some time. There is nothing wrong with choosing yourself as a priority and being a little selfish. Only you can make decisions that make you happy in the end and live life at your own pace.

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