Special Guest
Rosalind Cummings-Yeates – Travel Journalist, Blogger, Author
Website:
www.RosalindCummingsYeates.com
http://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com
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Colleen & Catie’s Picks for Solo Travel
Colleen
Destination: Italy
Capri – An island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals.
Tuscany – Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Its capital, Florence, is home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s “David” statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo basilica.
Why it’s great for Solo Travel:
An enriching experience – Think Under the Tuscan Sun
Maybe even meet the love of your life – Think Only You
It’s safe and busy, so it’s great for meeting new people
Accommodations:
Capri: Orsa Maggiore is a luxury boutique hotel on the island of Capri, located on the road leading to the Grotta Azzurra, in Anacapri. Sea view rooms with private terrace, Panoramic swimming pool, Spa corner for exclusive use, Free shuttle service to and from the port. From $169/night
Tuscany: Borgo Pignano – A centuries-old villa turned boho-chic country house hotel on 750 acres, set on a hilltop overlooking the Tuscan hills. Saltwater infinity pool is, gardens and stables (where yoga, bocce, and horseback riding are offered). From $300/night.
Restaurants:
Capri: Bagni Tiberio’s Restaurant – Can be reached either by foot or gozzo, a common boat used by fishermen. The dining area is on a terrace facing the sea, ideal for a quiet meal overlooking the islands and anglers nearby. We recommended stuffed squid ink ravioli and the seafood risotto.
Tuscany: Ristorante Arnolfo – Gourmet, Michelin Star Restaurant in the countryside. Pays homage to the earth and sea of Tuscany, run by two brothers. We recommend advance reservations.
Activities: If you don’t want to travel alone, there are plenty of tours for solo travelers to join:
Chianti Walking & Wine by Exodus Travels – From Pisa to San Gimignano. Up to 16 people. $1549 for 8 days.
Cycle Tuscany – From Florence to Pisa. $2025 for 8 days.
Gourmet Tuscany with Florence – From Montecatini to Florence. Ages 13 and up. $2505 for 11 days.
Tips:
To avoid crowds, make it a point to see the most popular attractions early in the day (like 6am!)
Most hotels and restaurants won’t even serve a cooked savoury breakfast. Most people have a cappuccino and a pastry.
Don’t visit in the summer! It’s overcrowded with tourists.
Catie
Destination: Sedona, Arizona
Why it’s great for Solo Travel: Red Rock country is a perfect spot to travel solo because there are the perks of city life (good bars and restaurants, etc.) and natural spectacles people travel from halfway around the world to see. If you’re looking to stay within the continental U.S. for budget or time-saving reasons, it’s even a possibility to do a long weekend here when you want to escape real life just to spend time with yourself.
Accommodations: El Portal Sedona Hotel – Conveniently located in the heart of Sedona, this pet-friendly boutique hotel offers unpretentious luxury in twelve uniquely appointed suites that reflect a traditional “hacienda” style. Starts around $199/night – https://www.elportalsedona.com
Restaurants: Creekside American Bistro – Perches on the edge of Oak Creek with views of Snoopy Rock and the surrounding cliffs.
Activities:
Explore/hike Red Rock State Park
Hike the famous Cathedral Rock at sunset.
Check out Uptown – An area packed with a diverse array of boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a charming plaza of cobblestone paths and Spanish architecture along the banks of Oak Creek
Yoga, meditation, aura readings, and spa retreats
Tips:
Sedona is generally considered very safe, so solo travelers can expect worry-free exploration of the city.
Sedona is known as a major center of spirituality and New Age thinking. Take your time to relax and get in touch with nature and yourself.
“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”
What’s in Your Suitcase?
Wearable Personal Safety Alarm Watch – $29.99 at www.thegrommet.com
This small wrist watch style alarm but sounds a powerful call for help. Push the button for an ear-splitting 130-decibel alarm that is as loud as a jet taking off. Push the button again to stop the sound. TSA-approved and airport friendly!
What’s on your phone?
Eatwith – Free on iOS and Android
Eatwith is a favorite app of food and travel lovers. From dinner parties to food tours to cooking classes, join Eatwith’s hand-selected locals in 130+ countries for immersive experiences.
What’s the tip?
Tips for Visiting Arizona
Choose your destination with Intent – Understand what’s drawing you to the destination, and you’ll have a more enriching travel experience.
Visualize the necessities but no more – Traveling solo does require attention to details. Visualizing how the practical aspects of your trip fit together, from departure to transfers to accommodation, help you travel with less stress. But stop imagining what the trip will be like at that point. Be open to opportunities as they arise.
Pack light – Choose a base color (black, brown, beige, navy), a contrast color (white, beige…) and a color or two to accessorize
Keep your accommodation to yourself – Your accommodation is your safe haven. Don’t tell people where you’re staying.
You do not have to eat alone – From cooking classes to day tours to themed dinners, there are so many ways to have company over dinner if that’s what you want. Read Solo Travel: You Don’t Have to Eat Alone
Keep your passport and other important documents secure – Have backup copies on you and at home with your trusted contact.
Meet other women travelers – You can build friendships with women around the world. My favorite way is by staying at hostels. Read Sleeping with Strangers: The Hostel Experience and Women Welcoming Women: A Gateway to International Friendships
Take a break from technology – Women lead busy lives. To really relax you may want to back off social media for a while. A break from screens and technology, both of which can be incredibly addictive, will help you discover yourself more fully. Read Transformed on The Ghan
Stay local, buy local, meet locals – By planning well you will have a better understanding of how to be supportive of the local economy. Buy local crafts, eat local food, stay in locally-owned accommodation so that the profits don’t leave the country. And as you do all of this, connect with locals. This will give you much on which to reflect.
