Welcome To Solo Travel

Speaker 2 0:01

Hi, and welcome to my mini series on Solo Traveling. I'm Z Michelson and this travel podcast is a Zm Max travel radio production presented by Collage Travel Media Network. And this is your space for inspiration, confidence, and a little bit of luxury, whether you're traveling across the world or simply dreaming about your next escape. And of course, I'm Z Michelson. I'm a travel advisor, a media host, and an advocate for all those solo travelers who refuse to wait to see the world. And today's episode is for anyone who has ever thought, I wanna travel, but I don't wanna wait for someone else. But where should I start? Where should I look to go? Where do I wanna go? Well, where do I go first? Is that big question. So today I am sharing with you 10 best destinations to begin your solo travel journey. Places that are safe, that are welcoming. Easy to navigate, which you've heard me talk about before, and incredibly rewarding. I know I've talked about some of these places before, but today we're gonna go with a little bit of a deeper dive. So let's start with this. What makes a great first solo destination? Let's talk about what makes a destination ideal for the first time. Solo traveler. Alright. Easy transportation. That's very, very important. Friendly locales. Friendly locals, walkability. Is it easy to walk strong Tourism infrastructure and that feeling of comfort meets adventure. So those are some of the things that we wanna look at. You don't want your first solo trip to feel overwhelming. You wanna feel empowered. You want it to feel empowering. Okay, so let's get right to it. Let's talk about number one on my list. Now I've been to this location. It's Dublin, Ireland. If you want to ease into solo travel, Dublin is like being wrapped in a warm hug. The people are incredibly friendly. Conversations start easily, whether you're in a cafe or in a pub. Some of the major things in Dublin is it's a walkable city. There's live music everywhere, and of course, rich history without feeling overwhelmed. Now, why is it perfect? Well, you'll never feel alone here. There's always a conversation waiting. That's right. There's always a conversation waiting. Dublin is one of those rare cities where being alone never actually feels like you're alone. From the moment you arrive, there's a rhythm to the city that invites you in. It might start with something simple, checking into a charming boutique hotel, tucked along the cobblestone street, and within minutes you're stepping out into a neighborhood filled with music, drifting from open doors, laughter, spilling outta the pubs and locals who seem genuinely curious about your story. For a solo traveler that matters. It really does matter. You don't have to force connection. Here it finds you spend your first morning easing into the city with a guided walking tour. Perhaps it gives you an orientation confidence, and often your first friendly conversations by afternoon wander through historic streets, stopping for tea or a quiet moment in a park. Stopping fatigue. Oh, I'm gonna jump back a little bit about my trip to Dublin. I brought my husband there. He doesn't have an Irish heritage. I of course had Irish heritage. I says, oh, we're gonna have to take you for a cup of tea, a sc, and some clotted cream. And we went into one of the local tea shops and it, it was buzzing just like I've been talking about. And we sat down at one of the tables. And the waiter comes up to us and the waiter was from the United States. He was going to college over there, so we had a fun conversation, but there is so much to do there. You can find a traditional pub with live music, sit at the bar instead of the table. It's a small shift, but it opens the door to conversation. Before long, you'll be sharing stories, laughing and realizing something really important. You didn't come here alone. You came here open. Yeah, you came here open. So that's number one on my list of where you should go for your first trip. Now if you are wondering, you know, talk to your travel advisor and let them know that you want to go to Dublin, and also I can recommend Celtic tours. They'll make sure that you're never alone, even if you're solo traveling.

5:39

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Tokyo For Safe Independence

Vancouver For Nature And Calm

Florence For Art And Time

Charleston For A First US Trip

Amsterdam For Effortless Navigation

Sydney For Social Adventure

Barcelona On Your Own Terms

Iceland For Transformation

First Step And Closing Message

Speaker 3 5:40

So think about this, Lisbon, Portugal, stunning viewpoints, affordable, luxury, delicious food. Why? It's perfect. It's one of Europe's most budget friendly capitals, and it feels safe and welcoming. Here's a solo moment to enjoy. Ride the iconic tram through the hills and just watch life unfold. Lisbon feels like a reward. It's the kind of destination where everything slows down just enough for you to actually enjoy it. How many times have you gone on vacation and you're running, running, running, running here, running there, and you always think, gee, I wish I could slow down just a little bit to enjoy it. Portugal. Picture this, you wake up in a sunlit room, you open your windows and see terracotta rooftop stretching toward the water. There's no rush, no agenda, just possibility. For solo travelers, Lisbon offers that perfect balance. It's safe and easy, yet still filled with discovery. Start your day with a ride on the iconic tram. Yes, it is very popular, but for a reason. It winds through the city's hills giving you a sense of place without effort. From there, explore neighborhoods like Alama, where narrow streets lead to unexpected views and quiet cafes. And then there were viewpoints. Lisbon's signature. Find one at sunset. Order a glass of wine, sit with yourself and take it all in. This is where solo travel shifts from something you're trying to, something you're fully enjoying. That's Lisbon, Portugal. Doesn't that sound exciting? It also sounds very relaxing. Now, number three on my list. A lot of people wanna go here, but they're a little bit concerned about going here, and I don't know why we are talking. Tokyo, Japan, yes, it really is big and it's incredibly organized, but it's also safe. Some of what you'll see is efficient public transportation, solo dining is completely normal and it's clean and a respectful environment. So why is it perfect? Well, you can be completely alone, but never feel unsafe. I know a lot of people that say, well, I wanna go by myself and I wanna make sure I feel safe. Well, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo changes your perception of solo travel entirely because here, being alone isn't unusual. It's kind of the norm. It's pretty normal over there. That alone removes one of the biggest barriers for first time solo travelers, the fear of standing out. How many times have you gone to a restaurant by yourself and you say, I feel like I'm standing out. I feel like everybody's watching me. Not here in Tokyo. In Tokyo, you blend in beautifully. The city is vast, but incredibly organized. Trains run on time. Streets are clean, people are respectful. And that creates something very, very powerful. A sense of safety that allows you to relax and explore. I would say start simple. Choose a neighborhood, and I apologize'cause my pronunciation is terrible, but choose a neighborhood like Zuku or The Ginza and spend your first day just observing. Step into a cafe, visit a small shop. Let the curiosity in you guide you. One of the most informative and transformative experiences in Tokyo is dining alone. Sit at a sushi counter or a ramen bar. There's no distractions, no pressure to talk, just you. The experience and the moment. It's not lonely, it's intentional. And that's what Tokyo teaches you. How to be fully present with yourself, fully present with yourself. You gotta learn to love yourself again when you're solo traveling,'cause you are your best friend, believe it or not. Okay? So you wanna stay a little closer to home? Let's pull you back over here into the North American area. And here I've also been here. I loved this city, Vancouver, Canada. If you love nature, but want city comfort, Vancouver is your place. And boy oh boy, it really is. I'm a city girl, and when I went to Vancouver, I felt extremely comfortable there. They have mountains and oceans. You can see it. The mountains are on one side, the ocean is on the other. The neighborhoods are walkable'cause it is a city, it does have a relaxed vibe. And why is it perfect? Because it's peaceful, it's scenic and easy. And it's ideal for reflection and gentle adventure. Gentle adventure. Vancouver is where solo travel becomes peaceful. If your goal isn't just to go somewhere, but to breathe, reset and reconnect, this is your place. Like I said, I've been to Vancouver. I thought it was one of the best cities going in all of my travels. The beauty of Vancouver is its balance. You have a modern, easy to navigate city, which it really is. And it's paired with some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. You can see the mountains, you can see the water from certain areas. Start your morning with a walk along the sea wall. It's quiet, it's scenic and grounding. You'll see locals biking, jogging, or just simply enjoying the view, and it naturally pulls you into that same relaxed rhythm. This is not a city where you feel rushed. And there are a lot of cities where you feel like you have to rush, rush, rush, rush, rush, not in Vancouver, spend your afternoons exploring neighborhoods, grabbing fresh, healthy meals, or taking a short excursion into the mountains. Now I've eaten in a lot of the restaurants and there are quite a few restaurants there that they can be very healthy and very delicious. And again, the mountains are right there and the best part. You can do all of this at your own pace without ever feeling outta place. What do you think of that? Yep. That's Vancouver, Canada. Almost in our backyard, eh? All right, so where shall we go next? Well, I know a lot of people love Italian food and they've always wanted to see Italy. So how about we start in Florence? Florence, Italy. Florence is for the soul. It's art, beauty, it's history. It's all compact and it's all walkable. Now, you've heard me many times over say this, make sure you have good walking shoes, because a lot of these places you're gonna be wanting to walk. Some have cobblestone streets. Make sure you have a good walkable shoe. Now, some of the highlights in Florence are their museums and their architecture cafe culture. You can sit down, order yourself a little cup of coffee watch the people. And of course, what does everybody go to Italy for? The incredible food. And why is it perfect? Well, you can wander without pressure and feel inspired every moment. Florence invites you to slow down and feel everything. This isn't a destination you rush through. It's one you absorb. For a solo traveler, that's a gift. You can spend an entire morning sitting in the Piazza with a cappuccino, watching the city wake up around you. No one is asking where you wanna go next. No one is pulling you in another direction. It's just you and the experience. I love to sit there and have a cup of coffee or a cup of cappuccino and just watch the people. I love to people watch. Florence is compact, which makes it ideal for the first time, solo traveler. You can walk everywhere. You can get lost and still find your way back easily. How many times have you gone to a big city and you've walked around and you turned left when you should have turned right, and you found yourself extremely lost? Well, here you can find your way back very easy. And everywhere you turn, there's beauty, there's art, there's architecture, and of course, food. But the real luxury here is time. Time to linger over your meal. Don't rush through your meal. Relax, enjoy it. Save the flavors. And it is time to step into a museum and stay as long or as little as you want. How many times have you gone into a museum and you look at a picture and walk and look at a picture and walk off? You can just sit there and enjoy that one picture that you're staring at, something that inspires you, gives you some sort of feeling. Florence, Italy. Well, I'm closing in on number six on our destinations, and again, some people are a little skeptical about traveling overseas and they wanna stay here in the United States, and I can understand that if this is your first time traveling, you might not want to travel overseas yet. So how about we stay here in the US and we go to one of our states, South Carolina? Let's take a look at Charleston. And this is a US based solo trip, and Charleston is a dream. Now here, think about this. You got southern hospitality, you have fantastic historic charm and coastal beauty. So why is it perfect? Well, it feels safe, it feels welcoming, and it really is easy to navigate. And you know what? You don't need a passport. Not, not if you're an American citizen. You don't need a passport to travel right here in our own country. You know, one time I met a couple of people from overseas and they asked if we needed passports to go from state to state.'cause they found that funny that, you know, we can go from New Jersey down to Florida and not have to show a passport in every state or get it stamped. Because when you're overseas and you go from Germany to Italy or to France. You'll need to show your passport, but not here. We have a bunch of states that you can travel to without having to worry about a passport. Now, Charleston is comfortable. If you are hesitant about traveling solo internationally. Like I said, this is a good place for you to start. It's good beginning. It's familiar, but it still feels like you're getting away. It still feels like a little bit of an escape. Cobblestone streets, historic homes. And a pace that encourages you to slow down, and you can add in that genuine southern hospitality, and you have a destination where solo travelers feel instantly welcomed. You can start with a guided walking tour. It's the easiest way to connect with the city and with the travelers. Then give yourself permission to enjoy simple moments, perhaps a long lunch or maybe a quiet stroll. Or maybe a sunset by the water Charleston doesn't overwhelm you. It reassures you. And sometimes that's exactly what you need for your very first solo trip. Easy peasy, isn't it? Right here in the US we have so many things in the United States. You should try Rediscovering America. It's an amazing place and there's so much out there for you to see. From train trips to river cruises in the us. Okay, destination number seven, oh boy. We're going back overseas again. Now. This is a place that I wanna go to. I haven't been there yet. It's Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is really made for the solo traveler. So why? Bikes everywhere. Canals and cafes. English is widely spoken. That's something that you should think about when you go overseas. Where to go if you don't speak another language or if you're afraid to speak another language. Start with countries that can speak your language. My first time overseas, I went to England. They speak English and I went to Ireland and Scotland and Wales and they all spoke English. Yeah, they did have, you know, some of their, some of their accents or brogue, should I say, were a little, a little rough, but you were able to communicate. And if you're gonna go to Italy and you don't speak any words in Italian, learn a few, learn a few of the. Slogans, like, please thank you. Where is, you know, where's the bathroom? Where's the hotel? You know I'm lost. Can you direct me? Small slogans and thank you is always welcome in any of the languages. Or please. So let's get back to Amsterdam. Now it's social without being overwhelming. You can blend in instantly. Amsterdam is independence in motion. It's one of the easiest cities in the world to navigate, and that builds confidence quickly. For solo travelers. You can rent a bike even if you're hesitant at first. It becomes part of the experience within hours, you're moving through the city like a local. Bicycling is very popular over there. That's the magic here. You can adapt very quickly. The canals, the cafes, the museums, they all feel accessible. Nothing feels out of reach. And because English is spoken widely there, communication is effortless. You can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying yourself. Hmm. Sounds like fun to me. And if everybody's riding a bicycle, you can too. Now number eight on my list here is Sydney, Australia. Now, I'm not gonna lie, getting to Australia is a bit of a long ride on the airplane. Absolutely. But it's gonna be so worth it if Australia is on your bucket list, and this is something you've always wanted to see. Sydney offers a balance of adventure and comfort. Think of this beaches. I know I always love a good beach, iconic landmarks. They have an outdoor lifestyle there as well. And why is it so perfect? Well, you'll meet people easily, especially in group tours or beach settings. Sydney is energy. It is where solo travel feels active, social and alive. You have iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a culture that naturally brings people together. You can start your day with a coastal walk. Bondi to GOGI is a favorite. I probably pronounced that wrong and I do apologize, Australia. I haven't been there yet. It is very scenic. It is safe and filled with other travelers. That's right, travel solo, but not alone. By the time you finish, you won't feel like a solo traveler anymore. Sydney makes connection easy, whether it's a group tour, a beach setting, or a casual cafe. Conversations happen naturally Now. I haven't gone to Sydney, but I've been to Wales. And my husband and I just went to Wales, and I'm sure you've heard me tell this story. Before we decided not to do one of the group tours, we decided just to go stroll the town. We popped into the pub for a pint, and as soon as they heard that the Americans were in the pub, oh boy, that pub got very active. We had a lot of people coming in just to talk to us, people that didn't know about the United States. We were from Florida. Yeah, they wanted to know if we had alligators on every street corner. They wanted to know what it was like. Did we ever go to Disney? We had such a good time just chatting about everything. They were so inquisitive and so friendly. So when you're traveling alone and you do these things, the casual cafe, the conversations that can happen just naturally is exciting. It's fun now. I am winding down. This is my ninth destination. Barcelona, Spain, Barcelona brings energy and creativity, art and architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, beach and city combos. Huh? Can't ask for more than that, but why is it so perfect? You can design your day exactly how you want. Relaxed or lively. Barcelona is expression. It's where you get to decide what your solo travel experience looks like. Art, food, beach culture. You can have it all. It's all on your terms. Spend your mornings exploring the architecture. What about your afternoons? Do that by the water and your evening. Well go and enjoy some tappas in a lively setting. There's no right way to do Barcelona, and that's what makes it perfect. You make the calls. Okay, well here's my 10th destination. Now, I just had some family go there not too long ago. We're talking about Iceland. If you are craving something transformational, Iceland is it. It really is. Think about this, waterfalls, glaciers, and wide open landscapes. And why is it so perfect? Believe it or not, it's one of the safest countries in the world. And incredibly empowering to explore solo. If you feel safe, it makes you feel like you can go out and explore. Iceland is transformation. This isn't just a trip, it's an experience that really does stay with you. The landscapes are vast. They're dramatic, and it's almost surreal. When you're looking at a waterfall or a glacier, black sand, beaches, it feels like you're in another world. Maybe you are, and yet it is one of the safest places you can travel. I, I, how unique is this country and for solo travelers, that creates something powerful. It creates freedom Without fear, you can explore. You can reflect and you can disconnect. Yes, disconnect. Sometimes we Americans have trouble disconnecting and somewhere along the way you realize you're not the same person who booked a trip. Yeah. Iceland. I am not a big fan of the cold weather, but I'll get to Iceland soon. Now, those are my top tens, where to begin solo travel journeys. But here's what I really want you to remember. Your first solo trip doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. You don't need to go far as you've seen, I said Charleston. You don't need to spend a fortune. You just need to take that very first step. Yeah, baby steps because once you do, everything changes, you begin to trust yourself. You begin to enjoy your own company, and you realize the world is much more welcoming than you imagined, and it really is. I love exploring. I'm a travel advisor and a typical tourist. Well, you've been listening to my podcast today. I am z Michelson and it has been brought to you by zm Max Travel Radio. We are part of the Collage Travel Media Network, and if this episode inspired you, share it with someone who's been waiting to take their first solo trip. And if you're ready to plan your own journey, I'd love to help guide you. I am a travel advisor, and feel free to contact me or contact your own travel advisor that you've been using in the past. And like I said, tell your travel advisor everything that you wanna do, everything you wanna accomplish. Travel advisors are excellent, but most of the travelers I know, they don't read minds. So you gotta tell'em what you want and be realistic about your budgets. And again, I'm reminding you, you deserve the journey, especially the one you take on your own. Go boldly. Go beautifully. And don't wait. So travel solo, but not alone. Thanks for listening today and like I always say, shoot for the stars and if you only get to the moon, at least you made the trip. Have a great adventure.