Posts tagged travel
Top Travel Tips for Solo Travelers: How to Explore the World with Confidence

Solo travel is one of the most enriching experiences and the most incredible gift you can give yourself. Whether you're embarking on your first solo journey or a seasoned solo traveler, it’s always helpful to have a few tips to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. So, let me share my top solo travel tips, favorite destinations, and essential advice for solo female travelers.

1. Pick Solo-Friendly Destinations

Choosing the right destination is crucial for a successful solo trip. Some places are naturally better suited for solo travelers due to their welcoming atmosphere, ease of navigation, and safety. So, do your research and plan something you have always wanted to do but within your comfort zone. These are a few of my top places.

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Beyond London, ExploreChristina Fordtravel, Women Travelling Solo, traveller, Toronto, Cinque Terre, Croatia, Seville, Spain, Malaga, Madrid, Essential Tips, travel tips, Google Maps, Google Translate, ChatGPT, Apple Maps, Solo TravelComment
The Tipping Point: When Generosity Turns Into Obligation

I recently experienced something that left me utterly gobsmacked and believe me, I've seen a lot in my years of globetrotting. I was checking out of a lovely hotel in Mykonos, Greece—sun, sea, and... sticker shock.

A Shocking Tipping Request in Mykonos

As I handed my credit card over to the front desk, the clerk slipped it into the card reader and handed it back to me. And there it was—like a surprise party you didn't want—an American-style tipping prompt. What percentage of my bill would I like to tip?

I was genuinely flummoxed, staring back at the two tanned, guilt-wielding staff members. "Sorry," I stammered. "Tip for what, exactly?"

"Well, you know, if you were happy with our service," one replied, referencing the dinner reservation they made for me at Scorpios. Hang on, isn’t that the concierge's job?

In utter disbelief, I clarified, "You want a tip on the entire hotel bill? Including the already-inflated high-season room rate, taxes, and the tips I’ve already left?" They did.

Of course, I didn't pay it. The sheer absurdity of it! But it got me wondering—would they ask a local Athenian for a tip? Not a chance, according to my Greek friends.

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Getting Around, ExploreChristina Fordtipping, tipping culture, travel, travel expenses, social media reactions, tipping norms, Instagram, TikTok, Mykonos, Greece Comment
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. PEOPLE WHO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT HOURS BEFORE THEIR FLIGHT, AND THOSE WHO SKATE IN BY THE SKIN OF THEIR TEETH. MAY THEY NEVER MARRY.

I have learned a few things about relationships in my collective rotations around the sun—indicators of what can contribute to crazy-making, incompatible coupling.

As example;

Morning person versus night person

Atheist versus God-fearing

iPhone versus Android

Or even the silent but deadly relationship crusher, boxers versus briefs. Ok, maybe this last one isn't high on the list and can be altered with some well thought out Christmas stocking stuffers. But this, for me, is right up there with swimming trunks versus banana hammocks. And as a North American girl, I do not have to tell you what side of the non-European ledger I fall on that one.


With that, I want to address the elephant in the airport.

Perhaps even save a few of you some unnecessary time sticking it out with the wrong person. This is more than the difference between those who travel with just a carry-on and those who check baggage. Although let's not underestimate that dilemma. I'm talking about those who want, need, require, must have at least a two-hour window at the airport before their flight, and those adrenaline junkies who like sliding into the gate as the pilot turns on the fasten seatbelt sign.

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Life Lessons, TravelChristina Fordtravel, airport, morning person, coupling, traveller, Starbuck Comments