No, never too long. Just have to save to read for longer. That incredibly clear aqua water you’re languishing in, not to mention the water worn rocks, has to be on a Greek island. So glad you had that healing journey in beautiful places and thanks for bringing them back for us.
Hi Glenda! Thanks! yes, a Greek island ... Tinos. Was glorious! (healing journey hasn't quite helped me ...yet at least ... to overcome writer's block!)
This is a long one that I will come back to. Some very good travel tips here; Wise card used in UK last year, I had mine on phone wallet and husband had card. I was nervous I couldn’t set it up but it was easy. City mapper a life saver for public transport.. will circle back soon to continue reading. I really appreciate the travel recommendations. Any very important ones for France for non French speaking travellers?
Ah, oui Kerry! I was amazed in Paris at how many more people spoke English and were happy to do so than the last time I was there in 2020. As I said in my post, I did have the Google translate app downloaded as a backup (and in the Great Croque Monsieur Tragedy of 2025 I actually asked Google Translate how I would say, 'this is rubbish, even a silly Australian traveller knows a good Croque Monsieur when they see one; I refuse to pay for this!' ... Google Translate gave me the French words but in the end, the waitress spoke enough English, and when I said, politely, that I didn't want it because it was appalling and full of processed cheese and ham rather than the "artisanal" ingredients the menu promised and cold too she took it away, shrugging as she went and they didn't charge me so I didn't need Google Translate's assistance!) I think if you just do a lot of "Bonjour Madame/Mademoiselle/Monsieur" and "merci Madame" and "Parlez-vous l'Anglais?" you'll be right!
Welcome back! I usually travel solo. I used to feel almost guilty that I didn’t seek out connections/new friends/travel buddies while I was travelling - but for me, the joy was doing whatever the hell I wanted and reveling in my introversion. Agree about solo dinners in fancy places. I had a divine degustation in Ubud once that is a solo travel highlight. I’m off to Italy solo in a few weeks and I’m very excited! Thanks for the tips.
I’m 54, and last November I took my first solo holiday - to Fiji. My youngest graduated high school last year, and I really wanted to celebrate getting through 18 years of getting 3 kids to school!
Solo travel was something I’d dreamt about for a while, and I thought Fiji a good start. My husband and I enjoy some holidays together, but then we each have holiday ideas of our own. For him, it’s cycling or motor biking, and for me it’s tropical/relaxation-heavy holidays. He’s not a fan of London, but I haven’t been properly since 1991, and would LOVE to go back, so plan to do that solo. I also just loved making all my own decisions. No compromise, just whatever I wanted. It was so nice. (Such a rarity in my life.)
Like you, I enjoyed eating alone in Fiji, and I love good food. I wasn’t sure how I’d go eating dinner by myself (I’d eaten alone for all other meals over the years!), but it was totally fine.
3. Regarding debt: Stephanie, I'm pretty sure you will have read it but if not, I recommend "The Richest Man in Babalon" - "The Sucess Secrets of the Ancients" - by George S Clason
Penguin edition is good - not the totally "updated" attempts. You're welcome!
400 AUD a night for a London hotel!! You must be living in another world than I am. That’s probably what some people earn in a week. I’m sorry but that’s just disgusting. I’m sure there will be lots that reply and say “well that’s just the cost of living now and that’s what’s expected”. But no sorry that’s just in another realm to the reality that most people,are living in.
Great reading. Agree that it’s not too long - can come back to it especially for the linked articles. I frequently travel solo and have found that doing one of the free walking tours in a city is a good way to get oriented, see the main points of interest (can return to spend more time later) plus a lovely way to meet people to chat for a few hours. I’ve met some lovely, interesting people that way.
Glad you had a great time - I enjoyed following along on social media.
thanks so much Julie. Yes, you're absolutely right about free walking tours. I think in London where I was substantially on my own I was just so determined to tick off things on my list that I completely forgot to look them up! But great suggestion!
Hello!!!! She was très heureuse!!! But first week with her was a nightmare ... she was so unsettled, didn't sleep during the day, was needier than when she was a puppy. seems to have settled a bit now thank god!
No, never too long. Just have to save to read for longer. That incredibly clear aqua water you’re languishing in, not to mention the water worn rocks, has to be on a Greek island. So glad you had that healing journey in beautiful places and thanks for bringing them back for us.
Hi Glenda! Thanks! yes, a Greek island ... Tinos. Was glorious! (healing journey hasn't quite helped me ...yet at least ... to overcome writer's block!)
This is a long one that I will come back to. Some very good travel tips here; Wise card used in UK last year, I had mine on phone wallet and husband had card. I was nervous I couldn’t set it up but it was easy. City mapper a life saver for public transport.. will circle back soon to continue reading. I really appreciate the travel recommendations. Any very important ones for France for non French speaking travellers?
Ah, oui Kerry! I was amazed in Paris at how many more people spoke English and were happy to do so than the last time I was there in 2020. As I said in my post, I did have the Google translate app downloaded as a backup (and in the Great Croque Monsieur Tragedy of 2025 I actually asked Google Translate how I would say, 'this is rubbish, even a silly Australian traveller knows a good Croque Monsieur when they see one; I refuse to pay for this!' ... Google Translate gave me the French words but in the end, the waitress spoke enough English, and when I said, politely, that I didn't want it because it was appalling and full of processed cheese and ham rather than the "artisanal" ingredients the menu promised and cold too she took it away, shrugging as she went and they didn't charge me so I didn't need Google Translate's assistance!) I think if you just do a lot of "Bonjour Madame/Mademoiselle/Monsieur" and "merci Madame" and "Parlez-vous l'Anglais?" you'll be right!
Thankyou Stephanie.
Welcome back! I usually travel solo. I used to feel almost guilty that I didn’t seek out connections/new friends/travel buddies while I was travelling - but for me, the joy was doing whatever the hell I wanted and reveling in my introversion. Agree about solo dinners in fancy places. I had a divine degustation in Ubud once that is a solo travel highlight. I’m off to Italy solo in a few weeks and I’m very excited! Thanks for the tips.
Also - I love doing a food tour. Secret Food Tours are great, and I did some good Devour tours in Spain pre-COVID.
I’m 54, and last November I took my first solo holiday - to Fiji. My youngest graduated high school last year, and I really wanted to celebrate getting through 18 years of getting 3 kids to school!
Solo travel was something I’d dreamt about for a while, and I thought Fiji a good start. My husband and I enjoy some holidays together, but then we each have holiday ideas of our own. For him, it’s cycling or motor biking, and for me it’s tropical/relaxation-heavy holidays. He’s not a fan of London, but I haven’t been properly since 1991, and would LOVE to go back, so plan to do that solo. I also just loved making all my own decisions. No compromise, just whatever I wanted. It was so nice. (Such a rarity in my life.)
Like you, I enjoyed eating alone in Fiji, and I love good food. I wasn’t sure how I’d go eating dinner by myself (I’d eaten alone for all other meals over the years!), but it was totally fine.
So glad you had a great trip. :)
1. Vamp is never too long!
2. Please tell us more about Tinos
3. Regarding debt: Stephanie, I'm pretty sure you will have read it but if not, I recommend "The Richest Man in Babalon" - "The Sucess Secrets of the Ancients" - by George S Clason
Penguin edition is good - not the totally "updated" attempts. You're welcome!
400 AUD a night for a London hotel!! You must be living in another world than I am. That’s probably what some people earn in a week. I’m sorry but that’s just disgusting. I’m sure there will be lots that reply and say “well that’s just the cost of living now and that’s what’s expected”. But no sorry that’s just in another realm to the reality that most people,are living in.
Great reading. Agree that it’s not too long - can come back to it especially for the linked articles. I frequently travel solo and have found that doing one of the free walking tours in a city is a good way to get oriented, see the main points of interest (can return to spend more time later) plus a lovely way to meet people to chat for a few hours. I’ve met some lovely, interesting people that way.
Glad you had a great time - I enjoyed following along on social media.
thanks so much Julie. Yes, you're absolutely right about free walking tours. I think in London where I was substantially on my own I was just so determined to tick off things on my list that I completely forgot to look them up! But great suggestion!
Welcome back! It's been great to read about your trip. A question for your next edition please: how did Lola greet you when you returned?
Hello!!!! She was très heureuse!!! But first week with her was a nightmare ... she was so unsettled, didn't sleep during the day, was needier than when she was a puppy. seems to have settled a bit now thank god!