Author: Inquisitive Society

As a traveler who loves to explore the areas surrounding the popular tourist spots, it’s important to know which neighborhoods are safe and which should be avoided. Being a tourist often makes you a target for criminals, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the areas that may not be as safe.

There are several tools and techniques you can use to identify the ‘bad’ neighborhoods in each city. Hotels are often willing to provide a map of the city, marked with areas that should be avoided. Additionally, Strava Global Heatmap is a useful resource for identifying areas that may be dangerous. It shows where people are exercising outside, such as jogging or biking. While it’s not perfect, it can provide some insight into areas that may be safe or unsafe.

It’s important to remember that oftentimes, ‘nice’ parts of cities are right next to ‘bad’ parts of town. This means that it’s important to use a variety of tools and techniques to identify unsafe areas. It’s also important to use your judgment; if a place looks off, it probably is.

Finally, it’s important to remember that the people who live or work in the areas that you are avoiding are fully worthy of respect. This is not about passing judgment on the worthiness or humanity of the people who live in those areas. It’s about being a smart traveler and avoiding places that may put you at risk.

As a fellow traveller, I understand all too well the struggle of living with, and sometimes even just being around, other people in a hostel dorm. I recently checked into a dorm with 5 other people and when I came in at 10 pm, they were already sleeping. I left my stuff, brushed my teeth, and went to bed. In the morning, I woke up at 8:30 and they were still sleeping. Again, I brushed my teeth in the dark and quietly got dressed, then left for the day. When I returned at 10:30 pm they were still sleeping, so I went to bed. The next morning when I woke up at 9, they were still “sleeping” and when I turned my light on by the bed to get my stuff for the day, one of them looked at me as if I was being rude. This got me wondering: am I being rude by making some noise while getting ready for the day, or should they expect absolute peace and quiet in a shared dorm at any hour?

Living in a shared dorm means that you can’t always expect it to be quiet, especially from 8am to 10pm. Personally, I think the people in my dorm are perfect; they’re not so loud that I can’t sleep but they’re not so quiet that I’m constantly worried about making too much noise. I’m sure that many of you have had similar experiences, so I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts.

Traveling full-time can be an amazing experience, but it’s not always perfect. Recently, I’ve been having a lot of problems with Airbnb. I’ve been on the road for six years, and in the last few months, I’ve noticed that Airbnb listings have been increasingly inaccurate. It would be great if Airbnb allowed customers to post photos in their reviews, but I’m sure that would hurt their business. Plus, even when I pay a cleaning fee of $140, I still have to take out the trash and strip the beds. After all the hassle, I just gave up on Airbnb.

Hotels are much easier. I know what I’m getting, I don’t have to worry about bad mattresses, and someone else cleans. The extra chores that came with Airbnbs just got too much. It feels like some people have started buying properties with the sole purpose of turning them into Airbnbs, with no experience in the hospitality business and no regulation from the government or the platform itself. It’s become a heartless system, where the goal is to make the listing look as attractive as possible on paper while spending the least amount of money and investing as little time and resources as possible.

It’s a shame that this is what Airbnb has become. The original idea was that if you had a spare room in your home, you could rent it out to travelers and make some extra money. This was a great way to meet people from all over the world and share your culture with them. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case anymore.

That being said, there are still plenty of great Airbnb hosts out there who are passionate about providing a wonderful experience to their guests. If you do your research and read the reviews thoroughly, you can usually find a great place to stay. Don’t give up on Airbnb just yet!

My first solo trip to Romania was an eye-opening experience that shattered all of my expectations. In the weeks leading up to the trip, I was excited but not nervous. However, two days before the departure, some anxiety crept in. What if things didn’t go according to plan? What if there wasn’t enough to do? What if the weather was bad? What if I felt lonely? I love spending time alone, but being in a new place without anyone I knew for an extended period was a new concept and a bit daunting. But the day before the trip, my worries faded and I was excited to embark on this journey.

And what an incredible journey it was. The beauty of Romania exceeded my expectations. Perhaps it was the newfound freedom of solo traveling, but I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I have been.

Throughout my trip, I learned the importance of being prepared and having an open mind. Before I arrived, I did some research about the country and its customs, so that I was aware of the cultural norms and could better navigate the area. I also made sure to have a list of places I wanted to visit and activities that I wanted to do, so that I had a plan of action.

In addition, I learned the importance of being flexible. There were times when my plans didn’t go as expected or when I stumbled upon something unexpected. Instead of getting frustrated, I took it all in stride and used it as an opportunity to explore and experience something new.

I also learned the importance of talking to locals. I found that local people were more than willing to share their stories and knowledge about the area. I was amazed at how much I could learn about a place and its culture by simply talking to the people who lived there.

Finally, I learned the importance of being present in the moment. It was easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities of the trip, but I made sure to take a few moments here and there to appreciate the beauty around me. By being present in the moment, I was able to truly appreciate the culture and the people of Romania.

My first solo trip to Romania was an unforgettable experience. It opened my eyes to the world of solo travel and the beauty that exists in the world. It taught me the importance of being prepared, being flexible, talking to locals, and being present in the moment. I’m now more confident than ever to explore new cultures and countries on my own.

It’s finally time to turn my NYC dreams into reality! I’m a 26-year-old from Scandinavia and I’m planning a solo trip to the Big Apple this July. I’ve been to the city twice before and fell in love with it, so I’m very excited to finally go back. I’m estimating a budget of 3-4K€ for the trip and I’ve already done a bit of research on flights and accommodation. It looks like flights would cost around 800-1000€ and lodging would be about $200 per night. That leaves me with a daily budget of \~$100. I’m wondering if this is realistic and if I should stay for a full week, or if I should cut down to 5 or 6 days to have a bit more money to do things. I’m also nervous because this would be my first solo travel experience, so I’d prefer to stay in a safe and comfortable area.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, try to figure out what kind of experience you want to have – do you want to stay for a full week and explore the city, or just a few days to take it all in? The length of your trip will determine your budget, so plan accordingly. Secondly, do your research on flights and accommodation – you don’t want to overspend on travel or lodging costs. Thirdly, it’s important to stay in an area that you feel comfortable in – especially if you’re traveling alone.

New York City is a huge and vibrant place with so much to see and do. There are endless possibilities for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for the iconic sites like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge, or you want to explore the city’s diverse culture and neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. You can also find lots of great deals on food, entertainment, and attractions.

So if you’re dreaming of a solo trip to NYC, plan it out carefully and make sure to stay within your budget. Do your research, choose a safe and comfortable place to stay, and enjoy all that the city has to offer. With a bit of planning, you can have an unforgettable experience in the Big Apple.

Exploring Eastern Europe has been a dream of mine for some time. From the stories I can tell there is something special about visiting Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Estonia. However, with the majority of posts being shared by male and non-black travelers, it’s been difficult to get a clear and concise understanding of what a solo-traveling experience is like for someone like me.

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience Romania solo as a Black woman. I stayed at a hotel in Bucharest and while I was waiting my turn at the concierge, another guest cut in front of me. To my surprise, the person went to a different hotel employee after their conversation was finished. While this was irritating, I was relieved to find that my experience in Bucharest wasn’t all bad.

My first time to the city was exciting and filled with new experiences. I spent my days exploring the city and its attractions like the Palace of the Parliament and the Village Museum. The architecture was stunning and the culture was so rich. I was able to sample traditional Romanian foods like sarmale, mititei, and zacusca. The locals were friendly and welcoming, always eager to help me find my way around.

At night, I found myself drawn to the lively nightlife. I was able to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife from rooftop bars to night clubs. One of the best parts was attending concerts and live music events. The atmosphere was always festive and welcoming.

I also had the chance to explore smaller cities like Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Brasov. These cities had their own unique charm and I was able to experience the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and the stunning landscapes in Transylvania.

Overall, I found Romania to be an amazing place to explore solo as a Black woman. I felt safe and welcomed, and I was able to have an incredible and memorable experience. While there were some moments that were unpleasant, I urge other travelers of color to not let fear hinder them from exploring this amazing country. Romania is an incredible place to explore solo and I’m so glad I was able to experience it.

Planning a solo trip can be daunting, especially for first-timers. To be safe, many travelers opt to book tours and experiences through companies like Viator and Get Your Guide. While this can be an easier option than renting a car or navigating a large national park or remote location, there is often a two or three person minimum for group tours. This can be confusing for those who are new to solo travel.

So why is there a limit on group sizes? In short, it is for financial reasons. Tour operators need to hire people and gear and that costs money. If one person is on the tour, the operator will not make as much money and it may not be worth the guide’s time. I experienced this firsthand while on a tour in Argentina. I was the sole traveler, which was not ideal. I got along with the guide, but it would have been better with a group.

If you are a solo traveler who wants to book a tour with a particular company, you can still do so. Most operators are happy to arrange it if you are willing to pay for the minimum number of people. This way, the operator will still make a profit and you will get the experience that you desire.

Ultimately, solo travelers should know that there are options out there for them. Even though there may be a two or three person minimum for group tours, operators are often willing to accommodate solo travelers if they are willing to pay the minimum cost. Before you book your next tour, contact the operator and see what they can do for you.

Travelling alone can be an exciting and liberating experience, but there are so many different ways to do it. Many people immediately think of backpacking and staying in hostels when they hear about travelling solo, but there is more to it than that. Solo travelling with a bigger budget is possible and can be just as enjoyable.

With a bigger budget, you can stay in hotels in good locations, rent a car, and have other conveniences. Solo travelling with a bigger budget means that you can tailor your experience to your preference while still having a great time. After all, the only right way to travel is the way that you enjoy the most.

I know from personal experience that solo travelling with a bigger budget can be incredibly enjoyable. I used to do the whole backpacking and hostel thing when I was younger, but now I prefer to stay in a funky BnB or nicer hotel. This way, I don’t have to worry about socialising as much, and I get more sleep. Plus, as an introvert, I don’t get overwhelmed as quickly.

Group tours are a great option for socialisation opportunities, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to travel in this way. If you’re on a tighter budget, hostels can still be a great choice, but it’s important to remember that there are other ways to go about solo travelling as well.

Overall, solo travelling can be a great experience no matter what your budget is. You can tailor it to your own personal preferences and find the best way to enjoy the journey. Whether you prefer backpacking, staying in hotels, or something inbetween, it’s all up to you. Find what works for you and have fun!

Travelling can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to find the best deals on flights. It’s even more difficult when you’re looking for something like Skyscanner but in reverse, such as finding the cheapest flight to a specific location from anywhere. While there isn’t a service that offers this directly, Kiwi.com comes close to achieving this. On the site, you can enter a region or a radius around a city and it will show you the best deals in that area. I’ve tested out a lot of different options and found it to be quite useful. However, I recommend not buying the ticket from Kiwi.com as it may include extra fees and you won’t have any chance of getting your money back if your flight gets cancelled or changed.

If you need help finding flights, Flightconnections.com is a great resource as it offers a variety of options for flights to Minneapolis, MSP.

If you’re looking for a workaround for finding the cheapest flights from anywhere to a specific destination, I have a technique that I usually use. I search the other way around, and then back-check the prices. So if I’m looking for the cheapest flights to London from anywhere, I search for the cheapest flights from London to anywhere (which Google Flights can do) and then back-check each of the cheap flights to see if the pricing is still good when searched the other way. This usually works for me and can save you a lot of time.

Traveling can be expensive, especially during these times. I’ve been monitoring flights prices for the past five months and the costs have doubled since my previous trips. For example, my trip to Barcelona used to cost around $600 and my trip to Belize only cost $300. With prices now up to $1400 for Barcelona and almost $700 for Belize, it’s hard to get anywhere without breaking the bank.

I’m fortunate and grateful for the privilege to travel and if something were to happen tomorrow and I’d never travel again, I can live knowing I got to see some of the world. But now I have a significant other and some teenagers that I want to share my love of travel with, and it’s just so expensive. I’m thankful that I have my credit card points to help me out. I have a Capital One Venture and just received a Capital One Venture X (even with the $400 annual fee). This has allowed me to use my points for flights and it’s been a real help. This year, my credit card points allowed for a ticket to Jamaica, Arizona, Cancun, and South Florida.

If you’re looking for ways to make travel more affordable, consider using credit card points and miles. They can really make a difference when it comes to the cost of flights. Another thing to consider is to look at flights to other European cities and then catching a cheap flight to Barcelona from there. This can help to save some money and make your trip more affordable.

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s important to be mindful of the cost. Credit card points and miles can be a great way to make travel more affordable. Additionally, looking at flights to other cities and then catching a cheap flight can be a great way to save some money. At the end of the day, travel can be an amazing experience and if you’re mindful of the cost, you can make it happen.