The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel

Over the years, I’ve featured dozens of  travel tips and destination guides for the solo female traveler, but I wanted to put together a comprehensive female travel resource for anyone—whether you are a first-time solo traveler looking for that extra push to take their first trip, or a seasoned traveler.

Check out my ultimate guide to Solo Female Travel!

Research and Book in Advance

Research before you go—weather, local customs, dress codes. Make sure you know the basics of what to expect before you step off the plane. You’ll make better choices and get the most out of your trip.

Is it your first time traveling solo? The most important thing to take with you is common sense. Always book your first night’s stay regardless—you’ll rest easily knowing you won’t have to deal with finding a hotel while jet lagged. And always have a backup plan.

Keep the address to your hotel in a notebook and carry your passport and some extra cash in a well-concealed spot. Lastly, don’t forget your travel insurance!

Read Next: Ten Mistakes Made by Solo Female Travelers

Assure Your Loved Ones

One of the most difficult conversations that you can have in the build up to your plans to go traveling is explaining to your loved ones what you are planning to do, and dealing with their reactions to the announcement.

It’s common for those that care about us to be concerned with a solo trip. This concern is not limited to parents, but spouses, siblings and friends may all have valid reasons to be worried about you traveling solo.

Solo travel is an amazing and exciting adventure for many people and can be empowering and life changing, but if your loved ones are likely to try and talk you out of it or may be upset about your choice, it might be worth planning the conversation to try and keep things on track.

Read Next: How to Talk to Worried Parents About Traveling Solo

Face Your Fears

The world is a magical, challenging, fascinating place. Don’t be intimidated by it! Travel is all about breaking out of your comfort zone, and growing beyond your own self-set boundaries.

Don’t let your fears,  of safety, thoughts of being lonely, or concerns of getting stranded stop you from discovering yourself and the world. Go even if you aren’t sure—travel can expand your perspective and empower your sense of self.

You won’t regret it. So grab the adventure by the reigns, and ride on!

Read Next: 6 Fears You Face as a Solo Female Traveler

Pack What You Need but Avoid Overpacking

Nine times out of ten, you’ll stuff your luggage with items that end up never seeing the light of day. Avoid overpacking with a few standard tips:

• Make a checklist.
• Pack only a few shirts and pants or dresses that you can mix and match.
• Pack just two to three good pairs of shoes (they are the traveler’s ultimate essential item with all that trekking you’ll be doing).

Read Next: How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip

Pick the Right Destinations

Follow your wanderlust—just make sure it’s a safe destination, or know what to expect before you go. The first step would be to pick a city or region that has low reports of crime.

You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip better if you don’t have to worry about pickpockets or muggings. Start by knowing yourself. If you can’t handle unwanted attention from men, book tickets to places that are more female friendly.

Read Next: 10 Safest Destinations for Solo Female Travelers

Survive the Flight

Staying smart on the plane is the key to staying sane. If you’re cramped up for hours with blasting A/C, it can take a toll on your health. Pack a few refreshing items—a hairbrush, toothbrush, travel-sized deodorant, and breath mints.

It’s the little things that do wonders to pick up your mood. Stay hydrated—drink water and avoid coffee and alcohol while on the plane. Wear loose-fitting leggings and slip-on shoes to stay comfortable and to keep your circulation flowing.

Read Next: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Long-Haul Flights

Stay Healthy

Let’s face it—travel creates some obstacles to your fitness routine. Traveling with extra workout clothes and equipment isn’t always an option, and who has time for the gym when there’s a foreign cobblestone street calling your name?

But keeping fit on the go doesn’t have to be a chore. I’ve compiled some awesome exercise essentials, tips for keeping a balanced diet, and how-tos on resetting your sleep schedule after long travel days!

Read Next: How to Eat Well on Long Trips

Traveling Solo

Solo travel gives as much as you put into it. Be confident, smart, and informed—you’ll find the destination blooms right before you.

Be safe: use your basic street smarts, be assertive, and keep your valuables close and hidden. But don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

Open up, be warm and friendly, and get to know the locals. A smile can go a long way in helping you meet fascinating people and like-minded travelers.

Read Next: Ten Solo Female Travel Safety Tips

READ NEXT: 10 Tips for Taking Your First Solo Trip

 

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Where to Find the Best Food in Panama City

Panama is one of those countries that offers an incredible amount of variety and beauty, in a relatively small and easily navigable space.  

There are accessible, jaw droppingly beautiful islands in every direction.  There are stretches of jungle that go on for ages, so thick and dense that your eyes get lost in a sea of green.  There is also a city, one rich with history and stories, that is split into a flurry of modern skyscrapers on one end and Casco Viejo on the other, which itself offers quaint streets, quirky bars and stunning architecture.  

Panama exceeded my expectations, hands down.  I love cities that are on the way to being “found out” but are not quite there yet.  I love places with an effortless, tropical vibe.  I love countries with residents that live off of locally sourced food, like fish, rice and plantains and sip coconut juice right from the coconuts themselves.  I knew that I’d like it here; I just didn’t realize how much.

I spent eight days and eight nights in this Central American gem in Panama City, the San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro.  Below are some stand outs, focused on food.  There are also incredible bar and lodging options here, some of which were unique and extremely memorable.   You’ll have to head there yourself to see what I mean.  

Here are my recommendations for the best food in Panama City!

Manolo Caracol

Manolo Caracol is interesting, buzzy and creative.  While not a place I’d go running back to, it served as a nice entree into the developing Panamanian dining scene.  

It also has a $45 seafood-centric tasting menu with dishes like corn cake with shrimp and mint, and yellowfin with coconut rice and sweet potato; not an offering you’ll easily find in other cities.  

Granclement

When you’re wandering the streets in 90 degree weather with what feels like 100% humidity, French ice creams and sorbets are always a welcome retrieve. Lavender, pistachio, cinnamon are all at your disposal here; get some scoops, get it to go, and keep on exploring those magical streets of Casco Viejo.

Fish Market(s)

Apparently, as we learned, there are three different places in Panama City named Fish Market.  The reason for this we were not so sure as it did nothing but confuse us, but somehow each option, though very different, were all deserved of a visit.  

The first Fish Market we visited were the stands in front of the larger market of Mercado de Mariscos.  No frills, no fuss, literally plastic tables set up on the street.  My friend and I ordered the ceviche de pescado for $1.50 that was brought to us in a white styrofoam cup, the grilled fish seabass fillet and a Panama beer.  We loved it.

The second Fish Market was not a fish market at all, but a Mexican gone Mediterranean joint set up in some open space off of the main road in Casco Viejo.  There were food trucks used for cooking and a simple chalkboard menu posted alongside it.  Fish tacos and insanely delicious french fries doused in tzatziki sauce were our food items of choice.  

The third Fish Market was inside and upstairs in the Mercado de Mariscos, overlooking the frenzied fish buying stalls below.  Here you’ll find red checked tablecloth, a menu stocked with with ceviches (regular and Peruvian style), yuca fries, rices, fillets, lobsters, octopus and everything else you can think of that would fit into this genre.  A fun, casual experience, yet again.

Maito

Tasting menus are pretty popular in Panama City. The Panamanians seem to have a passion for their history, their culture, as well as their food, and they want you to be able to taste as much of it as you can.

Though the tasting menu here was still only a reasonable $55, Maito was actually the highest end dinner we had the whole week.

We were able to choose three starters, three entrees, and two desserts for this price, including some beet carpaccio, sea bass ceviche in a pineapple base, and tuna with wasabi and edamame.

Las Clementinas Bistro

Las Clementinas seemed to be the go-to, casual weekend brunch spot for hip, Panama City locals. The walls are adorned in old photographs and what look like newspaper cutouts from over the decades, the floor is tiled in a gray and white geometric art deco design, and the chairs are woven in a bright green and white.  

Sunday’s do an official prix-fix brunch menu, Saturday’s and all other days of the week do a lunch that still provides eggs, toasts, and the like.  

El Ultimo Refuge

If you’ve ever had an image about what a tropical, beach town restaurant might look like, this is it. Ultimo Refuge is located in Bocas Town, the main area on Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro.  There’s an American transport playing covers you’re likely to know on his guitar, fairy lights strew about the ceiling and beams, and palmtrees placed throughout.  

The setting is welcoming and casual, and the food is good.  

You’ll find on the menu things like local fish with a light sauce and rice, ceviches, tartares and coconut soups.  This place won’t rock your world but if you need a decent dinner and want to experience that island vibe we all know and love, Ultimo Refuge will hit the spot.  

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Panama City Travel Guide

 

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Reasons to Live Large This Year

Adventure is important for self-growth. When we dive into the unknown and push ourselves to explore unfamiliar territories, even in the smallest way, we open ourselves to new possibilities.

Solo travel is just one of the outlets to adventure that I frequent—not only does it teach us about ourselves, it teaches us about this wide, wonderful, exciting, and beautiful world around us.

Everyone has an adventure in mind that maybe they’ve been hesitant to do, or something that would really push their limits. And that’s why I’m here to tell you to GO BIG!

How I Chose to Live Large This Year

This year, I tested my limit by facing two of my biggest fears—depths and heights!

Diving

I’ve been diving in different destinations around the world, but each destination offers a different kind of experience—and safety risks. When I visiting the Hawaiian island of Oahu this past fall, I decided to scuba dive for the first time with sharks, shipwrecks and tropical reefs of the island.

Once I finally let go of my fear and put my trust in myself, it was amazing to look around at the dreamlike, stunning marine world below the surface.

Hiking

To face my fear of heights, I climbed the Stairway to Heaven, a beautiful hike with breathtaking, panoramic vistas. The hike was one of the most challenging I had ever done. At some points, the trail narrowed to barely a foot wide.

On both sides of my feet were steep drop-offs of more than 1,000 feet! To top it all off, the weather is unpredictable and prone to sudden gusts of wind. But I completed the hike and came back more confident and more self-assured than I have ever been.

I know what I am capable of, and I’m excited to see what self-imposed limits I’ll continue to challenge!

The #SeaThePossibilities Challenge

This year, in partnership with Chicken of the Sea, I want to push everyone to to get out of their comfort zone in any shape or form, and take that plunge you’ve been wanting to. I encourage everyone to enter the #SeaThePossibilities Challenge like I did this past year.

The challenge is pretty simple… Seize the day for a chance to win!

To Enter:

1. Choose one of three categories: In the Kitchen, Better Every Day, or Go Big.

2. Capture your story by submitting a video, photo or essay.

3. Share your story on Instagram or Twitter using the #SeaThePossibilities hashtag, and you are entered to win!

The grand prize winner receives $5,000, three winners each month receive $1,000, chosen from 9 monthly winners, and every person who enters the challenge receives a $1.00 off coupon from Chicken of the Sea.

ENTER NOW!

Now, how are you going to Live Large?

This article was written in partnership with Chicken of the Sea. As always, I would never endorse a product I did not believe in. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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The Ultimate Guide to South Beach, Miami in a Weekend

Famed for its Cuban influences, trendy nightclubs, fresh seafood, beachside hotels and resorts, and the colorful art deco buildings around town, South Beach is a glamorous paradise within Miami.

I spent a few days in South Beach after visiting the Bimini Islands, and got to experience the culture, food and beaches. I was impressed.

Here is my guide to South Beach, Miami in a weekend!

Stay at Miami Beach Edition or Stanton SOBE

The Miami Beach Edition is a sophisticated collection of boutique rooms, suites and bungalows. With a full range of dining options, ice-skating rink, nightclub, movie theatre, pools and bowling alley, you’ll never be bored here.

The hotel also boasts a beautiful spa and the largest beachfront in the city. The on-site restaurant, Matador Room, draws inspiration from Michelin-winning Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s palate.

Don’t miss cocktail hour at the Tropicale, a pool bar with tiki drinks, reggae and snacks.

If the rooms are all booked up at the Edition, head to Marriott Stanton South Beach, a luxury resort right on the water’s edge. With stylish designs and inviting suites, you’ll never want to leave.

Many of the rooms feature balconies, a must for an incredible view of Miami Beach. Dine outdoors at Deco Blue then take a late-night swim in the infinity pools.

Rent a Bike and Explore

Miami is basically one flat biking town, and there’s no better way to explore it than by grabbing a bike by the handles. The Citi Bike program offers locals and visitors a solar-powered bike at an hourly rate.

Just grab a bike and ride it until your time runs out, then dock it, hop on another and you’re good to go! This is a great way to get from place to place in the Miami sun. There are even a couple of guided bike tours by the beach, if you feel like tagging along with a group.

Brunch at The Local House

The Local House is chic seafood grill with a mouthwatering brunch that will keep you coming back for more. Try the caramelized banana pancakes with creme fraiche, braised beef skillet, or crab cake benedict.

Don’t forget to order a signature cocktail to pep you up for the day: you can’t go wrong with an Italian Bloody Mary (mozzarella cheese, anyone?), a pitcher of mimosa, or the delicate Kir Royale.

Shop at Lincoln Road Mall

The Mall at Lincoln Road is a shopper’s paradise—a pedestrians-only strip of boutiques and designer shops. Stop by for anything from Armani to Guess to Swarovski.

While you’re there, grab a tasty lunch of chicken and black beans at Havana 1957, and if it’s Sunday, be sure to check out the fresh fruits and veggies at the Farmer’s Market.

(source)

Coffee at Las Olas Cafe

You can’t visit Miami without trying some local Cuban flavour! Las Olas Cafe serves legendary cups of café in an authentic and laid-back setting.

Order the café con leche y azúcar—think it’s just a coffee with milk and sugar? Think again! Even if you just ate lunch—try a beef or pork empanada while you’re there. You won’t regret it!

Dinner at CVI.CHE

This hip Peruvian restaurant will have your mouth watering even before you take your first bite. This is arguably the best ceviche joint in town, and it’s always packed to the brim with locals and visitors alike.

Ceviche is a simple dish of fish marinated in fresh Chulucanas’ lime juice, cilantro and Arequipan onions—topped with a sauce of your choice.

When prepared right, makes all the difference—and CVI.CHE definitely succeeds in getting it right! Not in the mood for ceviche? Try the Aji de Gallina, shredded chicken topped with Peruvian cream, potatoes and rice.

Hit the Clubs

By far one of SoBe’s top LBGTQ nightclubs, Twist invites locals and tourists from everywhere with world-class DJs and pro dancers. “Never a Cover, Always a Groove,” is the motto, and with seven themed bars and three dance floors there’s no doubt about it—the Groove here is hopping!

Downstairs is all R&B and hiphop and upstairs is techno and house. Drinks start at $10—drop in early before 9pm for the daily two-for-one special.

Another hotspot, billing itself as a “Cocktail Lounge & Music Emporium,” the Electric Pickle is the place to go for that energized, electronic rhythm with a chilled vibe. Inside, it’s dark and welcoming, with an “anything goes” policy.

Named one of the best dance clubs by Rolling Stone, don’t miss this beacon of underground tunes.

Bowling & Ice Skating at Basement

Basement is SoBe’s local “multidimensional entertainment hub,” featuring a nightclub, bowling alley and ice-skating rink. The state-of-the-art soundstage and world-class lighting systems will take you on an unforgettable ride. Bowl with luminescent bowling balls or skate through dramatic lighting effects. Located in the dark cellar of Edition Miami.

Sunset at South Pointe

Top off your fun weekend getaway with a quiet moment at the beach. South Point Park is the best place in Miami to enjoy the sunset. Bring your camera for a late afternoon photoshoot. It‘s a picturesque spot, with walkways, benches, and green spaces that look out over the Gulf.

Ride your bike out on the waterfront or watch passing ships and joggers from the warm sands.

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Travel-Friendly Workouts for Girls on the Go

Let’s face it—travel creates some obstacles to your fitness routine. Who has time for the gym when there’s a foreign cobblestone street calling your name?

But keeping fit on the go doesn’t have to be a chore. You can easily incorporate videos, routines and a quick jog in the park into your daily travel schedule.

Here are my favorite travel-friendly workouts for girls on the go!

Do POUND Fitness

POUND is cardio ‘jam sesh’ inspired but the energizing and heart pumping fun of playing the drums. Using their lightly weighted drumsticks, specifically made for their exercise routines, the workouts transform drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out on the go.

So, toss a few DVDs from POUND’s Rockout Results System in your suitcase. This workout is a quick way to burn calories, strengthen muscles, and sculpt your body for a leaner physique with its yoga and pilates-inspired movements.

Each set includes nine badass workouts, more than 50 recipes, and even a fitness journal for those busy travel days!

Caley Yoga

Stream Yoga Classes

You can do Yoga anywhere by streaming videos from world-class instructors in the comfort of your hotel room. It can be a great way to unwind after a long day, stretch after a long flight, or just relax and get ready for the next day of adventure.

My favorite is Yogaworks’s online collection includes more than 800 classes available 24/7, including of my friend, Caley’s classes!

A subscription is just  $15 a month and comes with a free 14-day trial, so you can test it out!

(source)

Blogilates YouTube Channel

Step into the world of Pilates with the Blogilates YouTube channel—the #1 all-female fitness channel. Blogilates is led by certified fitness instructor Cassey Ho, and you’ll find a variety of videos such as “Wake Up with Me Workout” and “Quick Cardio Booty Blast” to keep your fitness goals on track.

There are so many videos to pick from, I’m sure you’ll find one that will challenge you!

Get Outside!

One of the best ways to explore your new city is by going for a run first thing in the morning. You’re exercising while checking out your new surroundings—all while the rest of the city sleeps. Head over to a large park if there is one, or ask the Front Desk where they would recommend!

It’s the perfect way to get a refreshing workout and explore your temporary home!

Use Free Workout Apps

Here are a few free and popular apps to help you stay fit on the go.

• Nike+ Training Club offers more than 100 workouts by Nike pro athletes and master trainers. You can also track your efforts by number of workouts, minutes, and average calories burned.
• Workout Trainer offers more than a thousand videos from hundreds of instructors. Each video has step-by-step audio instructions to keep you going.
• Get fit with Sworkit by creating your own targeted routine. Select whether you want to build strength, increase flexibility, power through some cardio, or sweat it out doing Pilates—the app will customize a routine of specific exercises designed to help you meet your goal.

READ NEXT: Exercise Essentials for Travel

 

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The Best Time to Go to Iceland

When is the best time to go to Iceland? That’s a difficult question to answer. Each season has its perks depending on what you want to see, do and experience!

Iceland is the perfect destination for a first time solo traveler to a family looking to road trip around the island. With friendly locals, stunning scenery and a lively tourism scene, you should experience Iceland at least once in your lifetime.

Here is the run down on the best time to go to Iceland!

Iceland in the Spring

• Months: April to May

In April, Iceland is deep into spring, and the snow blizzards part way to rain, wind, and the occasional sunny day. Days are getting longer, the earth is opening up with a few early blooms.

Gone are the heavy winter storms and the dangerous icy roads—instead the temperature is about 40-50 degrees. This is the season to go if you are looking for green hill slopes, fishing, and golfing.

Festivals: Aldrei for eg sudur Rock Music Festival in Isafjordur & Design March

Iceland in the Summer

• Months: June to August

In June, spring gives way to summer, the best season in terms of fine weather. Temperatures can range from 50-60 degrees and grass is lush and vibrantly green. Horses and sheep freely roam the countryside. In the summer, the midnight sun reaches its peak giving 24 hours of daylight.

On the rare hot day, Icelanders run around in shorts and fire up the barbecue. Iceland in general is more accessible during this time; shops are open later and roads in the highlands are reachable.

This is the height of the tourist season, however, so expect crowds, overbooked hotels, and higher prices.

Summer Highlights: Thjodhatid in Westman Isles & Culture Night in Reykjavik

Iceland in the Fall

• Months: September to November

October heralds the beginning of the Northern Lights season. As cooler temperatures begin to draw closer, people huddle in the cinemas and cafes.

The cities are about with film, art, and music festivals during this time—including the world-famous Iceland Airwaves. Out in the countryside, grasses turn russet and changing the landscape to an unearthly color.

Fall Highlights: Iceland Airwaves & Reykjavik International Film Festival

Iceland in the Winter

• Months: December to April

Winter in Iceland is snow and ice, but Reykjavik enjoys milder temperatures than the rest of the country—only about 31 degrees. Tours book up for the Northern Lights, glacier hiking, and other exciting snow activities.

Some roads will be closed during this time, and it’s not uncommon to hear a nationwide storm alert on the radio. If you’re looking to drive around the island in remote areas, it is best to avoid this season—most people stay indoors to avoid the weather.

Christmas time is a magical week abound with lights, candles, mulled wine, trees, and special Christmas beers brewed just for the holiday.

Winter Highlights: Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival

READ NEXT: Why Your First Solo Trip Should Be to Iceland

 

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Hiking the World’s Most Dangerous Trail

Mt. Huashan is a gorgeous mountain area in Xi’an, China, that enjoys a healthy amount of tourism because of its stunning temples, generous vistas, and notoriously dangerous hike to the summit.

For centuries, the mountain has been a point of pilgrimage for pious monks and devout Taoists. There are five peaks, each with its own attractive details: East Peak is best for the sunrise, the South for the highest altitude, North for its terrace, West for its elegance, and Middle Peak (also known as Jade Lady Peak) for its.

There are three different routes leading to the North Peak which is actually the lowest of the five peaks. The most popular, and traditional trail, is now known as “The Intelligent Take-over Route of Hua Shan”, and was reinforced in early 2000. There is also a cable car line built along this trail, with a second cable car line going up to the West Peak.

From the North Peak, a series of paths rise up more than 984 ft. on the side of the mountain. This was the only trail to go to the four other peaks—Plankwalk in the Sky— and is deemed one of the world’s deadliest hikes.

Here is what I learned hiking the world’s most dangerous trail at Mt. Huashan!

Getting There

The mountain is about 75 miles from Xi’an—catch a high-speed train, normal train, or a bus from Xi’an Railway Station. There are green minibuses that pick you up from the Huashan North Station and drive you to the mountain for free.

One entrance ticket will get you into the peaks scenic area as well as the Xiyue and Jade Spring Temples. Make sure to travel there in late spring or early fall for the best weather and views!

Hiking the Plankwalk in the Sky

The infamous Plankwalk in the Sky is one of the deadliest trails known to man. Travelers make their way through narrow walkways and crumbling staircases up nearly 7,000 feet to the summit.

This experience is not for the physically challenged or the faint of heart! You are fitted with a safety harness and two carabiners that clip you onto a thin safety wire that runs along the hike. Be prepared for narrow and wobbly paths, squeezing space, and insane heights!

So what exactly makes it dangerous? It isn’t the sheer slopes or the small wooden planks, which are the only things preventing you from falling to a violent death thousands of feet below.

The scariest part is the traffic!

Mt. Huashan is such a popular destination that there will likely be an insane amount of people crossing at the same time as you. You’re forced to keep your balance on a small path that somehow accommodates two-way traffic.

The fun just gets better when excited tourists unclip BOTH their carabiners to get around you quicker—or even when they unclip YOUR carabiners so you can pass them easier (what helpful neighbors!). Whatever you do, the important thing is to remain calm and not be pressured by other hikers.

You can try to avoid the majority of crowds by attempting a night hike. Believe it or not, this is still a popular option for those who want to catch the legendary sunrise from East Peak.

Cable Cars

If you don’t fancy a dangerous hike, catch a cable car from Wamiaogou directly to the North Peak (seven to eight minutes). You can also jump on a second car from Donggoukou to West Peak (20 min), and hike a simple 30 to 40 minutes to reach South Peak.

A shorter walk from the West Peak will lead you to a small cave—nothing much to see—and have you back in about 30 minutes.

READ NEXT: Five Things to do in Xi’an, China

 

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