15 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

15 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. About a month before my solo trip to Puerto Rico I began to get really anxious. We’re talking, “What the heck am I thinking? Should I cancel this trip?” Then I reminded myself that women do this every day and as long as I plan ahead, stay alert, and remain level-headed, I could do this. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for your own safety, and it’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential dangers. Here are 15 safety tips for solo travelers.

Research Your Destination

 Before you leave, research your destination thoroughly. Look up any safety concerns and read about any recent incidents or crime reports. Are there areas you should avoid?

Stay in a Safe Area

 Choose accommodation in a safe area, preferably with good reviews from other travelers. Avoid areas that are known for crime or that have a high rate of theft. Once I’ve decided on a hotel, I looked on blogs and TripAdvisor and emailed people with safety questions I had. As for the hotel, is there a 24-hour front desk? Is there a doorman or security on duty all night? I like to bring a door lock and alarm.

Avoid Walking Alone, Especially at Night

 If possible, avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar to you. If you want to explore an area, take a peek HERE to find a reputable tour.

Use Trusted Transportation

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40 Useful Items for a Cruise

The items I packed for a cruise were so different from the things I usually pack for a trip.  It was exciting getting to research and shop for items I don’t usually buy.  You know me…I asked everyone’s opinions and read lots of blogs to see what I would need. I bought some and borrowed some, and am so thankful for all the recommendations. Here are 40 useful items for a cruise:

Luggage Tag Holders

You check your luggage when you get to the ship so these are a must since you have to attach the paper luggage tag they make you print out.

Lanyard

When you get on the boat, they give you a card with your name/picture on it.  You have to pull it out all the time because it’s your room key. It is also used whenever you get a drink or get on/off the boat at ports.

Magnetic Cabin Hooks

Who knew the walls and door were magnetic? You can use the clip to hand your lanyard so you don’t forget it when you leave the room. You can also use them to organize cruise daily schedules.

Non Surge Protector Power Strips

My room had 2 outlets so it was nice to have more spots to charge my hair straightener, phone and computer chargers, and blow dryer.

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To Cruise…or Not To Cruise?

cruise

 

I love travel so much that there are not many places I wouldn’t go.  However, one form of travel has always made me nervous… a cruise.  People love cruises and the cheap prices you can get should make it a no-brainer.  Each time I consider it something holds me back.  I feel like I have so many unanswered questions about cruises that I’ve stayed away from them.  I decided to ask five friends to give me their honest opinions about cruises.  I thought I’d share some of their responses in case anyone has the same questions.  Enjoy! (And thanks girls for sharing!!)

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10 Tips for a Fun Day at an Amusement Park

Rides at a Amusement park

Amusement parks can be a great way to spend the day as a family.  With a little planning, you can have a stress-free day that everyone can enjoy.  Here are 10 tips for a fun day at an amusement park:

CHECK OUT THE MAP

 Before you go, look at the park map online.  Decide if there are areas you all really want to do and if there are areas you can skip. Give the kids a say in the day.   

NO PRESSURE

Kids will do scary rides when they are ready.  Let them know there is no pressure for them to go on any rides they don’t feel comfortable with. 

 MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT

 Nothing is worse than having your kid wait in line only to find out they are an inch too short to ride.  Save the tears and have them check the height requirement and measure them before they go. 

ride at an Amusement park

Riding roller coasters at Storyland, NH

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10 Tips For Traveling to St. Lucia

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Although St. Lucia is often thought of as a honeymoon destination, it is a wonderful island to bring kids.  With a little planning, the entire family can spend a fun-filled vacation doing things that everyone can enjoy.

 Here are 10 tips for traveling to St. Lucia:

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort (UVF)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

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7 Ways to Entertain Kids at Museums

 

mytravelingkids.com

I love going to museums and have always wanted my kids to be just as excited about them as me. Their first museum was visited in a stroller, and when they were finally able to walk it was time to explore the Museum of Natural History in NYC.  Some of my friends think it’s pointless to bring their kids because they don’t get anything out of it.  Seriously?  How can you possibly stand next to the statue of David and not get anything out of it? However, how do you entertain kids at museums?

Now don’t get me wrong, my kids and I don’t stand at a painting and discuss the contrasting and muted tones or the use of negative space.  It usually sounded more like, “Hahaha…look Mom…BOOBS!”

My girls have been to museums in NYC, Boston, Portugal, London, and Greece and have never once told me they were bored.  When they were young, they treated a museum as a place to use their imagination and they come up with some pretty cool ideas.  Now that they’re teens they still love going to museums. I asked the girls to share in their own words some tips on how they’d entertain themselves at museums when they were younger. Take it away ladies…

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Tips for Nervous Flyers

Confession…I’m a travel blogger that doesn’t love flying.  I can’t sleep on a plane, am never fully relaxed, and squeeze the heck out of the hand of the person next to me during takeoff.  Kids learn from your behavior and I want mine to love flying so I’ve learned to keep it together during flights.  I’ve developed some coping strategies that really help me while flying.  Here are my top tips for nervous flyers:

GET DISTRACTED

Some of my tips for nervous flyers happen before they even get on a plane. Make sure you have plenty of things to do that will keep your mind off your worries.  I love to get lost in a good movie, so I always download some onto my electronics. Don’t count on the plane to provide good movies; it’s always better to bring your own and not use them.  I also load new music onto my phone.   

PLAN ON NO ELECTRONICS

 Ironically, takeoff and landing are the times when I’m most nervous and that’s when you can’t use electronics! I always plan things to do like a new book, a magazine, or a crossword puzzle. Here are some great books. 

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To-Do List for a Trip

suitcase

If you know me then you know I LOVE LISTS!! I get so nervous about forgetting things that a list helps calm my anxiety.  Getting ready for a trip can be really stressful because there are so many little things to remember.  I thought I would share with you my to-do list for a trip …it’s a lifesaver!

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Travel Like a Local: 15 Ways to Plan the Perfect Trip

Vacations are the perfect time to immerse yourself into a new culture.  Many people like to feel like they are part of a new community and experience what everyday life is like there.  So how can you feel like a local when you are a tourist?  Sounds impossible?  Here are 15 ways to travel like a local:

STAY IN A CONDO OVER A HOTEL

 If you want to travel like a local, a condo/townhouse/house will surround you in everyday life.  Staying at your own place lets you immerse yourself into the community.  Enjoy some coffee in your backyard, people-watch from your front stoop, and say hello to your new neighbors.  Check out my article on how to choose the perfect rental. 

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Tips for Staying in a Hotel During COVID-19

After not traveled for six months, I was finally ready to step out of my comfort bubble, kiss the kids goodbye, and peel out of my driveway head to one of my favorite states…Maine.  I base my travels on risk vs. reward and for a while I felt safer at home with my family during this pandemic. I had to come to the realization that travel would not be the same right now.  However, it was doable.   I knew that one day I would feel comfortable packing my bags and heading off on an adventure, but I also knew I would have to put new safety measures on my agenda.

Here are 10 tips I learned from my first trip during COVID-19.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

I decided that the first place I would go to would be somewhere I’ve previously stayed so I’d know exactly what it is like. Ask yourself the following questions: Is the hotel in an area that has a high amount of positive cases? Does the state have any requirements for quarantining before you go? Are attractions open, like beaches, state parks, or hiking trails.  I chose Maine because they were so strict with self-quarantining, and I knew I’d feel safe. Is there enough to do on the grounds of the hotel or will you just be confined to your room?

RESEARCH HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES

Does the hotel stress what they’ve been doing to sanitize rooms? Have they changed the amount of people they allow to book? Does the hotel offer contactless check-in? Do they provide sanitation stations throughout the hotel? The hotel may have closed many amenities, so make sure you research before you book.

SANITIZE YOUR ROOM

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