Everything You Need To Know About Traveling Solo

Lifehack notes that traveling is a great way to take a break from the monotony of your routine, gain exposure to different cultures, experience new things, and broaden your perspective. But what should you do if you don't have a travel companion? Nomadic Matt recommends embarking on a solo trip!

Traveling by yourself may feel intimidating, but the rewards of vacationing solo are plentiful:

• Valuable time for introspection
• Peaceful conditions for communing with nature
• Ability to structure a trip based solely on your preferences
• No need to negotiate or make compromises
• Opportunity to travel at your own pace

If you are interested in a solo vacation but nervous about safety, it's important to realize that there are things you can do to stay safe while traveling alone. Consider these strategies from JourneyZing! to increase your sense of security and give you the confidence you need to take the plunge.

Make a Comprehensive Plan

When you travel by yourself, it's best to have a comprehensive plan before you board the plane. The first step is determining where you want to go and for how long. If you aren't sure how to decide, look online for trip suggestions and sample itineraries.

Next, arrange for your transportation. Perhaps you need to book a flight or purchase train tickets. For competitive flight prices, consider using apps that specialize in finding cheap options. You can also take advantage of train apps that offer scheduling, pricing, and real-time updates to help you throughout your journey.

If you plan to drive, you should determine how far you can safely make it in a day. It's safer to avoid long stretches of driving since you won't have another person to relieve you if fatigue sets in.

It's also wise to be strategic about your accommodations. Prioritize safety by finding a hotel in a safe neighborhood. To do this for International travel, research your destination, ask questions on travel forums, and read online reviews for any hotel you're considering. Also look into booking a vacation where you can stay onsite, like Disney World. Staying onsite is a good choice for solo travelers because it's great for safety, plus it's convenient because you don't have to travel far from the hotel to the parks, and you may even make friends while you're there. Learn how to save when visiting the park and other attractions when using MouseLifeToday.com.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

To prepare for the unexpected, have a plan in place for handling emergencies. For example, you should take photos of your passport, travel documents, drug prescriptions, and major credit cards. Keep the images on your phone in case you lose any of these critical items during your vacation. It will make it easier to find a solution if the information is readily available.

Next, give a copy of your itinerary to a trusted friend or family member and plan to stay connected throughout your journey. Having a plan to communicate regularly can help your loved ones feel more secure about your trip and provide you with a backup in case something goes wrong. Also, research the area you're visiting so you can always find the nearest bank, embassy, and hospital.

Act Prudently

Once your journey begins, it's wise to follow your instincts, use common sense, and avoid situations that could present safety issues. For example, don't stay out after dark unless the area is busy and well-lit. You should also avoid overdrinking if you're alone and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Additionally, take precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant hotel experience. Make it a point to:

• Ask for a higher floor
• Keep your luggage locked when you aren't there
• Keep your passport, credit cards, and valuables with you when you leave
• Engage the deadlock when you sleep
• Use a portable door lock or alarm for extra protection

Traveling solo, including to a fun destination like Disney, can be an exciting and enriching experience. By planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions, you can relax and enjoy every minute of your trip!

Thank you to Jason Lewis of StrongWell.org for his guest post. Whether you’d like to take photography classes or book your next getaway, JourneyZing! can help. Reach out to Victoria Herring today for more info! Victoria@ JourneyZing.com

Jason Lewis, with strongwell.org collaborated with Victoria of JourneyZing to share some places to travel to where. you can take care of your self.

[Little Island in New York City]

In the regular hustle of life, there periodically comes a time when we need to take a step back and relax. It is in times like these when a self-care trip is in order. Unlike a normal vacation, the focus of this trip will be to engage in activities that promote mental wellbeing and help overcome daily stressors. In this article presented by JourneyZing, we’ve found the best places to consider for your self-care trip. And if you find yourself in love with any of these locations, you can choose to make it your new home as well. 

Seattle, Washington

Popularly known as the Emerald City, Seattle provides the perfect blend of modernity and nature. A visit to the world-famous Space Needle is a must, which provides breath-taking views of the city surrounded by ocean on one side and wilderness on the other. Once you’re done taking in the sights, the refreshing breeze at the Seattle Seafront awaits you. Have you ever witnessed a volcano up close? Well, just an hour’s drive from Seattle you can visit the famous Mt. Rainier, which is an active volcano!

The numerous affordable apartments in Seattle Washington provide the perfect accommodation for your trip. They’ll allow you to live in prime locations, engage in its nightlife, and embrace the diversity of its food culture. Overall, you’ll get a taste of what life can be if you decide to move.

Niagara Falls, New York

A visit to Niagara Falls will be nothing less than a spiritual journey helping you disassociate from personal and professional stressors.  Plus, you have an opportunity to visit another country, Canada, while you’re in the area.  The Maid of the Mist cruise is an immersive experience like no which takes you into the heart of the waterfall, allowing you to feel the energy of the water while being completely covered in mist. Additionally, you can visit the Cave of the Winds, which involves taking an elevator 175 feet into the gorge, from where you can take walkways to get close to the waterfall according to Sightdoing. 

Along with natural beauty, Niagara Falls offers all sorts of popular amenities such as restaurants, pubs, parks, etc., and has a population of under 50,000, allowing you to experience a relaxing lifestyle which is the complete opposite of the bustle offered by major cities. Just something to keep in mind, if you plan to make this your new home.

Of course, if you enjoy the Niagara Falls area, you could consider purchasing a vacation home nearby. This way, you can escape to this house whenever you need a little break. However, it’s important to do plenty of research into what’s required when buying a vacation home; for example, you may need to put down more than 20 percent to obtain a mortgage.

New York City, New York

If the natural splendor of upstate New York isn’t your speed, instead spend a few nights being invigorated by the big city. There’s always something to do or see in the city that never sleeps. While you’ll certainly want to sight see, New York is a great place for entertainment. Be sure to check out what’s playing on Broadway or take in a Yankees game with the family. It’s hard to go wrong with everything there is to see and do in New York City.  And there are all sorts of quiet places to visit when you need to get away from the frenetic pace of New York City.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Located at the bottom of the Smoky Mountains, this city brings you as close as you can get to nature while still living in an urban setting. One of the common outdoor excursions locals and tourists participate in is immersing themselves in the numerous nature trails the city has to offer. Additionally, Knoxville is a city famous for its nearby lakes where one can engage in activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing, and in some areas, trout fishing as reported by Visit Knoxville.

Market Street is the go-to place for entertainment in Knoxville. As you walk around you’ll be surrounded by restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine. Moreover, you’re bound to witness a live concert or movie screening being broadcast in the area. If you’re looking for the feeling of having a home away from home, look no further than Knoxville.

Las Vegas, Nevada

For individuals who thrive off thrill and excitement, Las Vegas is the perfect destination. A visit to the famous Strip is a must during your time in the city where you can indulge in almost any kind of activity you like from gambling, adventure rides, visiting museums, etc. Additionally, you get a chance to visit locations that  you’ve only seen in movies such as the Bellagio Fountains or the MGM Grand. Experiencing the aura of the Strip is something you are bound to remember for the foreseeable future.

Beyond the glitz and glamor, Las Vegas is also a natural retreat as it’s located close to a number of parks, including  Red Rock Canyon. Additionally, the city offers warm weather almost throughout the year making it the perfect destination for long-term living.

Planning frequent self-care tips will help you maintain your mental wellbeing. And when looking for amazing places to visit, you now have four great destinations to choose from.

Jason Lewis, with strongwell.org collaborated with Victoria of JourneyZing to share some ways you can use to save yourself some stress and money throughout the journey.

Your life completely changes the moment your little bundle of joy is born, and you will likely spend the next 18-plus years transforming into a new person. Where does this transformational power come from? Love.

While you would never trade this love for anything, there are many other changes that come with parenthood that you might not consider ideal.   Among these is traveling. Before you have kids, traveling is relatively easy. When you travel with kids, however, everything is a little more challenging, takes a little longer, and costs a little more money. Nonetheless, as Scary Mommy notes, it can also be wonderful. Just remember that, as with any other time at home, attitude is everything when it comes to a great family vacation.

Save when you shop.

Chances are you will need to make purchases to get ready for traveling with your children. Along with clothes, toys, quality strollers, carriers, backpacks, and other kid-related items, you will also need to make sure you have everything you need for yourself to relax on vacation. Make sure to pick up a few items for yourself :  some sneakers, a new pair of leggings, and a loose-fitting T-shirt will have you feeling comfortable on your travels.

Rent a car. 

If you’re taking a road trip or going to a destination where you will be traveling around surrounding areas, Wandering Trader suggests that renting a car is your best bet. With a rental car, you have complete freedom with your schedule because it isn’t dictated by a train or bus schedule. Also, it’s a much less stressful way to get from Point A to Point B with kids in tow.

If you decide to  get a rental car, consider getting a short-term one-week insurance policy. You can usually find a short-term policy that provides the coverage you need and costs less money when compared to the insurance that rental car agencies offer.  And if you are careful when you use  your credit card to rent the car, the card may itself provide you with some protection. If youdecide to take a road trip in your own car, make sure you have a reliable mechanic inspect it before you leave. 

Go in the low season.

The whole point of a vacation is to de-stress, relax, and have fun together. However, many times this is not  possible  when traveling during the high season. The high season (also known as “peak season”) is the busiest time of the year at any given destination, which means that the weather is usually nice and there may be a few special events that don’t occur outside of the high season. Despite those perks, however, the high season can actually be more stressful than if you would have stayed at home because of the crowds, transportation and lodging issues and the difficulty of actually seeing and doing what you want.

Opt to travel during the low season (off-season) instead. No, the weather might not be at its peak, but good weather is never guaranteed anyway, and you might luck out. By going to your destination during the low season, you will have fewer tourists to deal with, which means shorter lines, less traffic, and easier reservations for hotels, flights, and restaurants. All of this can make for a much less stressful trip. Along with saving you stress, traveling in the low season is usually a lot cheaper all-around — from hotel stays to flights to amusement park tickets. Even food can be less expensive since there’s less demand during the low season.

Plan for everything to take longer. 

Every part of traveling with children, especially young children, takes longer than when you are traveling alone. From getting to the airport to going through security, from boarding the plane to traveling to the hotel, from checking in at the hotel to going to museums and restaurants — pretty much every aspect of travel requires more time. If your plans allow for extra time, however, you can avoid a whole lot of stress. With camera in hand, there will be plenty of time to capture special moments, so consider taking photography classes by Victoria Herring before vacation actually begins.

It can be tough keeping kids entertained during long days of travel, so it’s not a bad idea to bring along a tablet or laptop so your child can play some educational games or quietly watch their favorite TV shows. 

While traveling could never take away from the love a parent has for their child, it can still be pretty stressful and expensive. Look to big-box retailers for travel items, and use discount opportunities to stretch your savings. Consider renting a car and getting a one-week insurance, travel during the low season, and allow for extra time in every aspect of the trip. Tips like these will help you have a low-stress, budget-friendly trip that the whole family can enjoy. 

and . . .

A comment from Victoria:   When I was married [many years ago] we got in the habit of taking our kids with us - Kate, at about 1-2 years, had been to New Mexico, New Orleans, Jekyll Island, etc.  And, as the kids aged we even took them overseas.  The main thing with kids is that if you try to see the trip through their eyes you’ll have a blast.  We took them to Paris when they were both under 8 and made a point of going to the highest places possible - Montparnasse, Notre Dame [and the Gargoyles!], Eiffel Tower -  and they had a ball.  You don’t want to rush around and try to see and do everything.  Get the kids interested in travel and new and different places and they’ll want to go again and again, with you or later as they grow older.

An informative & helpful guest post from Jesse Clark, Soulful-Travel.com:

A family vacation is an exciting time. You may have saved up all year to discover new places or be thrilled at the opportunity to make family memories during school breaks. Make it an unforgettable experience with these tips from JourneyZing, even if you choose to spend your vacation at home.

Plan a Road Trip 

If you want to get away, why not schedule a family road trip? Instead of visiting one city, you could travel to multiple places and pick one or more noteworthy attractions to visit in each location. 

If you go this route, purchase a wireless charger so you can keep your phone charged at all times in the event of an emergency. With a fully charged phone, you can also conveniently research fascinating stops along the way. Plus, you'll always have your phone ready to capture picture-worthy moments during the trip. 

Choose Outdoor Activities 

Although visiting museums and going shopping are popular vacation activities, they're indoors, which is much riskier from a health standpoint. If you're looking for pandemic-friendly options, consider outdoor activities such as hiking or camping. Check out zoos or biking trails, or plan a visit to a lake.

Bring the Essentials

When you take a road trip, you know you need clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials. You more than likely will bring games and snacks to keep your children occupied while traveling.

Nowadays, it's also a good idea to bring masks for everyone. Some states and areas have mask mandates in effect, and you never know when a business or attraction will require them for all visitors. Another essential to bring is hand sanitizer. And nursing moms, don’t forget a comfortable nursing top!

Consider Staying Home

If you feel the conditions for travel aren't ideal right now, stay at home and spend every second you can together. Play family board games, or build a tent in your living room that the whole family can sleep in. Get everyone working as a team for the build. You could plan a movie night where everyone lounges around, eats popcorn, snuggles, and enjoys one another's company. Let everyone vote on what movies to watch. 

You can also take the kids outside in your own yard. You can research fun outdoor activities or make up your own outdoor games as a family, such as building an obstacle course in the backyard, participating in a three-legged race, or having a scavenger hunt.  

During your vacation, make a no electronics rule for everyone so your family members aren't distracted. To help you relax and enjoy your time off together, get all the housework and work-from-home tasks completed beforehand. 

Add a Fence

For safety reasons, you may want to connect with a local contractor and install a fence. You can search Angi for “local fencing companies near me” then read reviews, get a quote, and discuss your needs before you meet with contractors to save time and potential hassle. The exact price depends on the materials you choose, the size of your yard, and where it's installed. When choosing a contractor, make sure they're licensed and insured. You should also confirm that they are aware of any underground hazards, such as utility lines, in your yard.

Have Fun

Whether you decide to stay home or get away, the most important tip for a family vacation is to have fun. Don't forget to leave your worries behind! 

JourneyZing offers international travel photography that rises to the level of fine art. Feel free to contact us today.

We visited Maine in late September and were fortunate to find lodging in a cabin right on the water.  So every morning I awoke early and took as many sunrise photos as I could with the results below [and many more!]

If you're been caught by the travel bug, you might consider satisfying your wanderlust by becoming a digital nomad. This lifestyle allows you to live and work worldwide without being tied down to one place. According to research published in The Flexible Workplace, digital nomadism is on the rise, thanks to technological advances and greater workplace flexibility. However, before you pack your bags, it's critical to do your research and prepare

JourneyZing helps eager travelers like yourself figure out the practicalities of going abroad. This guide provides actionable tips for becoming a digital nomad

Figure out how you'll earn your money

One of the appeals of digital nomadism is that you can enjoy a higher standard of life in locations with a more affordable cost of living. However, you still need to earn money. If you're currently employed, consider talking to your boss about the possibility of remote work. Spaces Works explains that you need to clarify that you're planning to go abroad. Working from home is one thing. Working half-way across the world in another time zone is another.

Alternatively, you can start a freelance business. If you go this route, consider forming a limited liability company (LLC). This will help protect you personally in case of legal issues and is a streamlined alternative to more complex entities like corporations. Regulations regarding LLC formation vary between states. For example, in Iowa, you need to name a registered agent and file "articles of organization." An Iowa formation service like ZenBusiness can help you through the process, sparing you pricey lawyer fees.  [Although Victoria Herring, as a former lawyer, would advise forming a relationship with a lawyer so business issues can be promptly and efficiently handled after your business is formed]

Decide what to do with your current home — and find a new one

Some digital nomads leave home completely, selling all their possessions and property. Others prefer having a homebase to come back to. If you keep your house or apartment, you can rent it out. Guesty has a guide to listing properties on Airbnb that can be useful. Alternatively, you might ditch your place completely. Vox notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a boom in the housing market. If you sell your apartment or house now, you may be able to get a good amount of money for it.

You'll also need a place to stay in your target destination. Homelike lists popular options for digital nomads, including short-term apartment rentals, serviced apartments, and co-living spaces. When looking, make sure the property has the capacity to accommodate remote working, such as a decent Wi-Fi connection. Proximity to amenities like public transportation, grocery stores, gyms, and coworking spaces can also be useful.

Stay safe by investing in insurance and security measures

Ideally, you won't get sick or injured while abroad. However, you can't rule out the possibility completely. Make sure you have insurance wherever you are in the world. Visitors Coverage explains that if you're traveling for over a year, you should look into global medical insurance, also known as expat travel insurance. For less than one year of travel, travel medical insurance should be sufficient.

You might also consider getting insurance coverage for the tools you need to work, like your computer and phone. If these valuable goods are lost, stolen, or damaged, you won't be able to do the work you need to earn your living as a digital nomad. Allianz Travel provides tips for protecting your tech, like investing in an anti-theft backpack with a locking compartment to secure your valuables. Still, in case such precautions don't work, insurance is a plus. For example, if someone takes your entire backpack, the locked compartment won't help you!

With modern technology and greater openness toward remote working, it's easier than ever to become a digital nomad. The above guide can help you plan the transition to the nomadic lifestyle.

For more helpful travel planning tips and resources, head to JourneyZing. We are here to help you discover the world safely.

[with appreciation to our guest author, Eva Benoit, https://evabenoit.com]

Jesse Clark of Soulful Travel has some suggestions as we start to plan for travel this year which seemed quite practical and helpful -

How to Find the Pet Sitter of Your Dreams Before Your Vacation

For people who hold high-stress jobs — those who work in management tend to experience higher levels of stress than others — taking a vacation is beyond important. Getting away from the grind for a while allows you to reset your mind and get those stress and anxiety levels in order. And when you have a pet, your to-do list before heading out on vacation is a little longer than others’ lists because you’ve got another life to take care of. Finding high-quality overnight pet care is not always easy, so it’s best to start early. Here are a few tips on finding the right kind of care. 

For more travel inspiration, stay up to date with the JourneyZing blog, or through the images in her Gallery.  Or if you need help planning your next getaway, work with Victoria Herring to book a once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Define Your Expectations

When you mention pet sitting, most people probably think of someone who stops by your house occasionally while you’re out of town to give your pet food and water, let them go to the bathroom and make sure nothing major has happened. A pet sitter worth their salt, though, will go above and beyond this basic level. They will spend quality time with your pet, giving them companionship so they’re not alone. They can take your pet for a walk to give them exercise, and they can play games with them.

Good pet sitters can also perform other tasks at your home, such as bringing the mail and newspaper inside, watering the plants and turning various lights on at different times to ward off burglars. Decide ahead of time how much you expect from a pet sitter and question them accordingly when you interview them.

Benefits 

You and your pets will both benefit from a quality pet sitter. Your pet will get to stay in the environment they know best, which will cause them much less stress than going to a boarding facility. They will get to stick to their normal diet and routine, and because the sitter won’t be distracted with other animals, they will get one-on-one attention.

You will get the peace of mind that you can only find when you know you have left a situation in the hands of a professional. You will also have fewer details to take care of before vacation if you don’t have to pack up your pet and drive them to a boarding facility. Plus, you’re not just getting a pet sitter, but also you’re getting a house sitter for a few days.

Where to Look and What to Ask

The best way to start looking for a pet sitter is by asking your friends and family for recommendations. They may know of a local trusted cat sitter or dog boarder who can provide pet sitting services for you. You can also check national organizations that issue pet sitting certifications that will let you know your sitter is trained and capable of doing a great job. The two most well-known are the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. Both sites include directories that will help you locate a pet sitter near you.

When you find candidates in your area, you should ask a few questions before hiring them. Get a good general feel for how they conduct themselves - remember, they will be in your home, so you want someone trustworthy. Ask for written proof of commercial liability insurance and bonding, and ask how much training they have completed. Make sure they have a backup plan if they become sick or have car trouble, and ask how they handle pet emergencies. Before you make your final decision, ask for a written service contract that spells out the services they will provide. You should also ask for references you can call.

Here are some good ideas for a Staycation by Jesse Clark of Soulful-Travel.com - I figured they'd help with planning a positive experience as we really can't travel all that much these days:

Des Moines River in the Fall

Even though vaccinations are progressing, travel could still be off-limits for the next several months. If you love to explore new destinations, this can put a real damper on any vacation plans, but you can still find safe ways to relax and recharge. In fact, you can do so without crossing any social-distancing boundaries by planning a staycation in your own town. 

Taking a “trip” locally can also save you a small fortune, which you can put towards future travels when things are a bit safer. If you need ideas for planning the perfect staycation, these dos and don'ts can provide inspiration. 

Don’t Take Chances With Home Security 

There are plenty of ways to save money on your staycation. Cutting corners with home security shouldn’t be one of them. A home invasion could leave you with $2,000 or more in losses and priceless damage to your emotions. These costs just aren’t worth any savings. So if you plan on leaving your home, even locally, make sure it is safe and secure. 

Lucky for you, there are ways to effectively protect your home without having to spend a small fortune. Smart home devices that can help include video doorbells, automated lighting, and programmable locks. You can already pick up popular and state-of-the-art video doorbells for just around $100. 

Do Treat Yourself to Shopping Savings 

Now that you’re not stressing out about your home, you can find other ways to relieve tension during your staycation, which could include a little retail therapy. As long as you keep your purchases under budget, shopping can be good for your mental health. Unplanned shopping trips can be especially satisfying, so set aside money for these excursions. 

You can use shopping as a form of self-care without any guilt by taking advantage of coupons and promo codes. With a quick online search before checkout, you can access deals and cashback offers for stores like American Eagle, so you can indulge with less financial stress. 

Don’t Overlook Free and Safe Activities 

Staycations can mean either traveling locally or sticking to your own home. If you choose the latter, you could end up saving even more money. That’s because there are so many safe, relaxing, and completely free ways you can enjoy yourself at home, all while social-distancing. 

You could curl up on the couch for a few hours with a good book or some good music, for one. Or if you decide to get out for some fresh air during your staycation, just make sure that you are able to practice social-distancing. Spending time in nature can also be a powerful way to unwind and refresh, so you could even plan your staycation around safe outdoor activities that are budget-friendly, like going for walks or making s’mores in your own yard. 

Do Focus Your Plans on Self-Care and Fun 

Comfort is important for relaxation. But in order for your staycation to feel like a vacation, you also need to do something fun and adventurous. Finding adventure in your home may seem impossible, but it doesn’t have to be if you get creative with your plans! 

For example, while you can’t travel to far off places right now, you can still explore them online. Doing so is bound to be much friendlier to your budget too, since so many locations, attractions, and museums are offering free virtual tours to help keep people entertained during the pandemic. You can explore the Guggenheim Museum in New York or the Musée d’Orsay in Paris or even the world through JourneyZing’s gallery — all without ever having to leave your living room. 

Staycations don’t have to be boring! Plus, they can keep you safe while helping keep your budget in check. You can use those savings to fund your next real-world adventure, once travel has been declared safe once again. Until then, have fun and try to find ways to unwind at home. 

See what JourneyZing can do to help you make the world your oyster from your home. Get in touch today.

A few days ago I posted about my plan to cut down on things which land in my email Inbox.  I have done this in the past, but not as single-mindedly as this year.

First, I have my computer[s] backed up of course and I also use a program [EmailArchiverPro] to regularly back up to PDF my emails.  So I've spent the past few days basically deleting as many emails as possible from my email program since I do have a copy of them also saved in PDF and easily searchable. [I also get rid of some of these PDFs as time goes on and I realize I don't need them.]

Second, in Mail I create a Smart Folder called "unsubscribe" which collects inside it every email/newsletter which comes in with the "unsubscribe" link - as of right now I have 70 emails in that folder - am unsubbing where possible but it's slow going because I really do want to receive some of these newsletters.  But am trying to be more dedicated to unsubscribing.

Slow going, but progressing and a good way to start the new year.