This is a great question. I have always had a passion for traveling to new places and being immersed in new cultures. It all started when I was young - My mom left Ukraine and moved us to Canada in search of a better life for us filled with more opportunity. I got on the plane all by myself at 5 years old, after living with my grandparents for an entire year in Ukraine. I guess that’s where my courage came from. I had a great life growing up in Canada, but I remember every time I got asked by the school teachers what I wanted to be, I would say I want to find a job where I can travel the world. I had such a fascination with traveling. I would draw pictures of different places, but the recurring theme was drawing a sunny beach with Kangaroos. At some point in elementary school I became fascinated with Australia and had a dream to go travel and live there one day. As soon as I graduated from college, I couldn’t think of anything worse than staying in Toronto and living a cookie-cutter life. I had my entire life planned out for me - graduate, become a teacher, marry my high school sweetheart, and buy a house in the suburbs. But my heart was aching for something more. I needed to find a way to get to Australia, and I found an exchange program for a year teaching degree on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. This felt like it was a sign from the universe, and I did everything in my power to make it happen and move my life overseas. As soon as I moved to Australia in 2014 and finished my first-semester teaching, I began planning where I could go on my break. Meeting so many new people overseas got me extremely excited about the sea of people out in the world that I could potentially meet. So I planned a trip to Bali with some girls in my teaching program, and then I decided to book a one-way ticket to Thailand for my first ever solo trip. I wanted to push outside my comfort zone, and go completely alone this time. After that trip, my entire life changed and I have been solo traveling around the world for the past 5 years.
7. Can you share how fear has shaped your travels/plans?
I never really had the fear to travel solo. Of course I had some anxious thoughts right before I got on the plane, but who doesn’t the first time they travel alone? Or do anything for that matter? I was always really independent growing up, so doing things alone didn’t really feel like a big deal to me. I guess the biggest fear that shaped my travels and my plans was disappointing my family. I was raised in a conservative family, by Russian/Ukrainian parents and grandparents who always controlled my life. This is just how they expressed their love and care - through wanting to plan out exactly what my life would look like - from my university degree to my career, to who I would marry and where I would live. Deciding to move overseas to study in Australia was a big shock for my family, especially my mom. She didn’t want to let me go. She did everything in her power to try to convince me to stay in Toronto and study teaching at one of the local universities. Getting into arguments with her and seeing how much I was disappointing her because I would leave her and stray away from the traditional path of life really took a toll on me. Convincing her to let me go live and study in Australia was hard enough. I didn’t even want to tell her about the first solo trip that I planned to SE Asia - I knew she would just worry about my safety. But this time I was already on the opposite side of the world, and she couldn’t really do anything to stop me. So I got over that fear, and told her my plans, knowing that finally, I had full control of my life.
8. Can you share a bit about your past solo travel plans and which destinations you’ve been to?
In my first year of living abroad in Australia at the age of 22, I traveled to Thailand and Laos all by myself for 6 weeks during my university semester break. After that first solo trip, I had become absolutely fearless. I returned to Australia to finish my last semester and couldn’t wait for the next time I could travel solo again. After my year student visa was about to expire, I had been offered a full-time teaching contract for 6 months on the Sunshine Coast in Australia starting in July 2015. It was literally the day that my return flight to Canada was due to depart. I had accepted the offer and decided to ditch my return ticket. During a two week September break, I had to take an impromptu visa run out of Australia to apply for my working holiday visa in order to return to Australia to complete my teaching contract and come back to my new life. I decided to book a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand. It was the end of the winter season, and the perfect time for a cheap last minute snowboarding trip. During those two weeks I fell in love with solo travel again - staying in hostels, going snowboarding with new friends, and hiking the peaks in the South Island. The next trip I did alone was to Western Australia during my second year living in Australia, although I did meet some friends there and we went on a kiteboarding road trip. After my second year in Australia was up, I decided to move my life to New Zealand and do a working holiday visa there. I moved my entire life over to a new country, completely alone this time. I didn’t know anybody there. I flew to Auckland, and spent 3 months there working in hospitality/teaching and kiteboarding. I bought myself a huge SUV, that I turned into a campervan, and I embarked on a 3-month road trip across the entire North and South Island of New Zealand. I then arrived in Queenstown just before the winter season was beginning, to find an apartment, a job, and buy my winter ski pass for the upcoming 2017 winter season. Before the winter season began, I had the opportunity to go on another solo trip to Aitutaki in The Cook Islands for 10 days. It was a kiteboarding camp that was all-inclusive, and I found it online as a last-minute deal for half price! At this point I had worked a few weeks, and had some savings, and couldn’t pass it up. I went on that trip, and it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Kiteboarding became my passion when I learned it in Australia, so money was no object to me when it came to my passions and traveling experiences. After that winter spent snowboarding in Queenstown, I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for two months during the shoulder season (the few months between winter and summer). I went all alone to go chase the wind for kiteboarding, to study and take some courses at yachting school, and do a two-week volunteer program at a Safari. My next plan after living in NZ for two years was to enter the yachting industry as a deckhand. I had become so obsessed with traveling and living in beautiful destinations that I knew this would be the perfect next career and chapter for me. After completing my courses in Cape Town, I rented a car and drove down the Garden Route and went to volunteer alone at a conservation safari called Shamwari. When I returned to Queenstown, I finished off that year and stayed for another winter season because I had made such good friends there and wanted to stay until the end of my second-year visa. When I had to say goodbye to my NZ life and family, I went to Fiji all alone for a month to recharge and reflect on all the experiences I had those past four amazing years living, working, and traveling abroad. I was so excited for my next chapter after Fiji. I flew home to see my family in Canada, and then prepared for my next move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to get my foot in the door and enter the yachting industry. Since working in this industry for almost two years now, I have traveled to the West Coast of the States, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and the Philippines just to name a few solo trips on my time off from working on yachts.
9. Where do you live now?
Currently, I am back in Toronto with my family. I haven’t lived at home for almost 10 years since University - apart from visits here for a few weeks to a month at a time. Due to COVID, and getting laid off from my last yacht job, that is the reason I am back in Canada. Although I am hoping to get back on another yacht soon and get back to traveling and working abroad. Or else, I may move somewhere to work remotely and begin my new online coaching business venture.
10. What types of job(s) have you had while traveling abroad?
I worked as a high school teacher (mainly freelancing) in Australia and New Zealand. I did some tutoring as well. I also worked in hospitality as a bartender and waitress. Both of these jobs provided me with a good income and the ability to save and be able to travel freely.
11. Tell us about your newly launched travel business.
So this travel business has been launched very recently. Losing my yacht job because of COVID has honestly been a blessing in disguise. As much as I dreaded coming back home to live with my parents at 28, I always had this project in the back of my mind, and now this was the perfect time to start laying the foundation. I started working with an online business coach, who is actually a friend I have known since high school. I told her about my idea to start a blog, but I didn’t want it to be like a regular travel blog. She helped me to create a business plan and helped me come up with the idea to start coaching women who want to find the confidence to travel solo. I have been an expert in my field of solo traveling now for 6 years, so I thought that this would be a brilliant angle to take with my blog. I have started coaching clients since the beginning of May 2020 - I now have 4 clients, and I am looking to recruit more soon.
12. What is your biggest goal with The Black Sheep Travels?
My biggest goal is to help as many women as I can. My goal is to make it a really successful blog and community, where women can come and read my blogs and use them as free tools to help them before they decide to embark on their first solo adventures. I have already started offering coaching packages as I mentioned, and my goal is to work with more clients and eventually create digital courses that will help women have the tools to prepare them for solo travel. I would love to be able to work remotely while doing this and eventually create workshops and retreats to bring a community of women who have a passion for solo travel together.
13. How did you come up with the idea?
I have always had a passion for helping and inspiring others. I am a natural leader - I am an Aries after all. I have been told by many over the years that I have a way with words and people. Many of my friends have told me that I should create a business and help women to travel. I didn’t want to be a travel agent or a travel guide, I wanted to stand out. Knowing that travel is a supersaturated industry, I decided to really niche down and think of a creative way to help others. I also have a passion for writing. I love sharing my stories, and have already treated my Instagram as a mini-blog over the years. I decided to take it to the next level and finally create a blog, but think of how I can eventually monetize with it.
14. What type of courses are you planning to offer?
This past month I have conducted a lot of market research, spending entire days sending DMs to women that I found on traveling Facebook groups or through hashtags on Instagram. I had about 50 of them respond to a questionnaire and I have been able to list about 60 different fears/obstacles that hold women back from traveling solo. Working with my four clients this month has also helped to give me an idea of what kind of courses I can offer in the future. The first course that I am planning will cover all the basics of safety while traveling, as this has been one of the top concerns for women who are thinking about traveling solo. The second course will be about overcoming various fears/obstacles such as: dealing with anxious thoughts, loneliness, and disappointing friends/family just to name a few. A third course will be about planning and traveling with a purpose such as: how to book flights, hostels, etc, and how to plan a more spiritually mindful trip. I have a few other ideas such as courses on how to move your life overseas and the logistics involved.
15. How do you plan to grow your business?
I plan to grow my business by using Pinterest mainly. I have just bought my first digital course called Pinfinite Growth by Melyssa Griffin. She has been a huge inspiration to me - started off as a teacher and now has a 7 figure online business generated mainly from passive income with these digital courses. You can say I want to learn from the best and work extremely hard to get to her level one day. I am also using Instagram to engage with women, but 80% of my focus will be going toward Pinterest.
16. What do you think holds most girls back from traveling/traveling solo?
There are many things, and different pertaining to each person. From the market research I have conducted thus far, safety is the number 1 concern. Then there are all the fears: not having the confidence to do it alone, being lonely, not making friends, not having enough money/running out of money, getting lost/having a bad sense of direction, not knowing where to start with planning, disappointing friends/family and so many more.
17. What have been some of the most exciting parts of your travels?
One of the most exciting parts of my travels has been the opportunity to meet so many like-minded people. I wouldn’t be where I am today with all of these memories, experiences and life long friendships that I have formed. I wouldn’t have this new business venture if I didn’t get on that flight to Australia 6 years ago. That is a crazy thought to me! Another exciting part of my travels has been the spontaneity that has come from all my trips. I rarely plan things when I travel, so a lot of exciting things tend to unfold. The best memories are the days where I didn’t plan anything, and amazing opportunities and experiences would just come my way. For instance, when I traveled to Fiji alone, I met a local woman on the ferry ride over to Taveuni who invited myself and a Dutch girl that I had been traveling with for a couple of days to come to stay at her village. Being open to change and new opportunities are what allowed me to have such beautiful memories and experiences to look back on.
18. Do you have any bucket list travel goals?
So many. I feel like I have just scratched the surface of seeing the world. I want to travel through all of South America, I want to do a van trip through Canada and the States. I would love to travel more in Europe and see Portugal, Ireland, Scotland and Scandinavia. I want to start my digital nomad journey where I can help women every day and be able to live in a new country each month, preferably ticking off all the windy locations where I can kiteboard and explore.
19. How old were you when you started traveling?
I have always traveled while I was growing up, but I guess the day I moved to Australia and began solo traveling was when this really took off. I was 22.
20. How do you pay for your trips?
Like I mentioned earlier, I have always had a work hard and save approach. Since I was 15 and I started working as a swim instructor and lifeguard, I would put away 80% of my money every paycheck. I earned higher wages than the average minimum wage job working in this industry for 7 years. When I turned 20, I started bartending and waitressing during the 4-month summer university breaks in Canada. I earned really good tips and continued to work as a full-time swim instructor/lifeguard during the days, and part-time throughout the school years and managed to save almost 20 grand before moving to Australia. As I said before, I worked as a teacher and in hospitality while living in Australia and New Zealand. Recently working in the yachting industry, I have been able to save a lot of money quickly as I don’t have any expenses when I am working on board. This has funded my most recent travels.
21. How far in advance did you plan for this solo trip?
My very first trip to Thailand I planned months in advance and had my entire itinerary planned down to the minute. Now, most of the trips that I plan are very spontaneous. I get off the yacht, I go just go somewhere new and make the itinerary up as I go. Of course if I have a place in mind, I will book that one way flight a month or few in advance, but that’s about it.
22. Favorite travel destination?
That’s a hard question. I have fallen in love with so many different places. So far, probably Cape Town, South Africa. The mountains and the sea are two of my favourite things combined. The fact that I could kiteboard there and hike made for the ultimate travel lifestyle and destination for me.
23. How did you prepare for your solo travel?
The very first trip to Thailand I prepared months in advance. I booked all the flights, hostels, and even ferries which I later regretted. Once I arrived, I ended up canceling everything I had pre-planned that I could. I realized that traveling spontaneously was the way to go. I ended up meeting so many people and getting tips and advice on where to go, that my itinerary changed daily.
24. Do you ever feel lonely while solo traveling and if so what do to alleviate those feelings?
When I was 22 and arrived in Thailand the very first day, yes I did. I never ate alone at a restaurant before, and the first time I had to do it I was dreading it. I hated the idea of people staring at me and judging me. But after that moment, I got over it. I realized how liberating it felt to be on my own, happy in my own company. I don’t ever feel lonely anymore. I crave that time to myself, but also put myself out there to meet people when I feel like being social.
25. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced with solo traveling?
I have faced many challenges. The biggest one is having no one to fall back on - being completely responsible for everything. I’ve made a lot of rookie mistakes - missing flights and having expensive repercussions in the end. But I always got over the hurdles and the adversities have made me much more resilient. It’s always a learning and growing process.
26. What items do you travel with at all times? Do you have any packing tips for long trips?
I always travel with my DSLR camera, my favourite bikini, my reusable water bottle, my fanny pack, and my kiteboarding gear if I am going to a kiting destination. I used to have a GoPro, but it died on a diving trip in the Philippines recently.
Packing tips - I have always overpacked - and recently I have downsized to a 45 L backpack that I can travel with as a carryon - This would be my biggest suggestion. Pack only necessary things - one or two things of everything - bikini, workout gear, shoes. Don’t bring entire luggage or overpack your entire wardrobe - you will NOT want to lug it around, especially if you are planning to backpack. I end up wearing the same outfit, and honestly nobody notices. You can wash it often, especially if you are traveling in tropical destinations. If I travel with kite gear, well there is really no way around packing less with that.
27. What is the best piece of advice you can give to female travelers in terms of safety?
Have your wits about you. This means looking confident where ever you go. Always wear a fanny pack, don’t flash your nice things (like phone, jewelry, and cameras). Leave those nice important things (passport and expensive jewelery/laptop) locked away in a safe back at your hostel. Some countries will be safer than others, but I believe you can feel safe anywhere you go if you take these precautions. Obviously don’t walk alone at night, and always tell someone where you are going. Especially if you are an avid hiker who likes to do long treks like me - just tell the hostel staff that you are going to climb a huge peak that day if you going at it all alone.
28. What are your favorite and/or recommended countries to solo travel as a female in?
My favorite countries to travel solo as a woman has been: any countries in South East Asia - mainly Thailand and the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
29. Do you have any specific tips for booking hotels, Airbnbs, and/or hostels?
Yes, I always compare 3 main apps: booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld. Hostelworld I find a bit more expensive sometimes. I tend to travel to places during their off-season as well - normally all the hotels will be half the price. I’ve used Airbnb in the Philippines when I wanted more privacy and found some private places the same price as a dorm. I like to mix it up and do dorms when I am feeling more social, and private when I need to recharge.
30. How do you typically keep your friends and family back home updated on your travels?
Normally I message my mom weekly, or she messages me because she loves to check-in. The world we live in today is great for that - Whatsapp Group texts and video chats go a long way!
31. What types of things should travelers research before visiting new countries?
The top things would be a one-way flight, or round trip if you are going on a shorter trip and knowing when you will return. The second thing is booking your first hostel for the first couple of nights, I wouldn’t book anything past this unless you are planning a strict and short itinerary. The next thing I would research is the weather so you know what to pack, the culture so you pack appropriate attire, and the currency so you convert a bit of cash to have on you for when you arrive. I would also find good travel insurance that would cover you in that country. I would also research how to get around - any type of transportation you could take from flights to buses to trains to ferries. I always like to research what types of activities I could do there too.
32. What do you miss most from back home when you’re traveling for long periods abroad?
Honestly I don’t miss home at all. I love Canada, but Toronto was never going to be home for me. One day I can see myself settling down out West near Vancouver in Squamish or Banff, but I want to see so much more of the world before that day comes. I have never gotten homesick, and I am lucky that my family visits me overseas sometimes. I guess the thing I miss the most is having a base - it’s hard to be on the road for long periods of time without wanting to have your own space for a bit. That’s why I book myself in private rooms from time to time.
33. Do you have any funny/interesting stories you can share about past trips?
Oh yes - so many. Probably the funniest story that I definitely didn’t think was funny at the time is an unfortunate event that happened on my very first day on my first solo trip. I arrived to Phuket in Thailand and checked into a party hostel. I was so exhausted and had a 7 am ferry booked the next morning to the Phi Phi Islands. I was staying in a 4-bed dorm with another guy. I tried to go to sleep, and the loud music at this hostel was keeping me wide awake. Rookie mistake #1 - booking a party hostel the first night you were planning to relax. I remember hearing this American guy stumble into the dorm around 1 am in the dark and all of a sudden I heard a familiar and daunting sound. He started peeing in the corner of the room, and in that corner happened to sit my entire 60L backpack. I was traumatized, I yelled at him and screamed: “What are you doing?” He was so drunk that he thought he was in the bathroom. I had to catch a ferry in about 6 hours. At this moment a girl came into the dorm and saw what happened, she immediately told him that he had to give me some money for my troubles. He drunkenly stumbled to the ATM and paid me 100 American dollars for peeing all over my bag. I woke up that morning having to lug this heavy bag covered in his pee onto the ferry. It has extremely hot that day, and I almost got sick from smelling the bag on my back. As soon as I arrived at my new hostel in the Phi Phi Islands I asked the staff to wash my entire bag. I explained the situation and they weren’t impressed but did it for a few bucks. I gave them double just for their troubles. I guess I can now laugh about this experience. Thanks to that American guy, he funded my first week in Thailand!
34. Other tips/advice you’d like to share?
If you’re thinking about traveling solo, then just do it. Don’t overthink it and book your one-way ticket. I promise you will never look back and the memories you will have will be priceless.
]]>"I’m obsessed with reading; whether I’m home and dreaming of travel, or on the road itself. Each time I plan a trip, I research endlessly for books to read before and during my adventure. Throughout my travels I always seek out the best bookshops, libraries and cozy corners for reading. Frustrated by the lack of quality, non-subscription resources for this niche, I created Tale Away as a place to share my own book and travel finds."
How many have you read? Comment below!
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Name: Kira Budai
Instagram: @kirabudai
Age: 19 (birthday: January 30, 2000)
What inspired you to begin a solo traveling journey?
I’m a very curious person so I want to know as much about everything as possible. I’d also define myself as extremely independent and I love to travel so it was almost a no brainer to start travelling solo. I didn’t want to wait for other people in order to see things that interest me. And sometimes travelling with other people you have to compromise on what to do or what to see and I don’t want to compromise. So if I go by myself I get to see everything I want to and nothing that I don’t want to. It also helps me learn more about myself and what I’m capable of. Travelling by myself I push my own boundaries.
Can you share a bit about your solo travel plans and which destinations you are headed to?
Well I just got back from my month long trip through South America and Antarctica. My next big adventure is Australia in 2020. I will be moving there to work for 6 months which is unlike anything I’ve ever done before so I can’t wait! And on my way over there I’m going to backpack through Europe. Last time I was in Europe I was only 8 years old so I can’t wait to revisit things I wasn’t able to fully appreciate at such a young age.
After Australia I plan on heading to Southeast Asia and taking my sweet time exploring those beautiful countries before coming home.
How do you plan to visit all seven continents? What inspired you to create this bucket list goal?
My parents inspired me the most. They raised me and my brother to be curious. To question the world around us and to learn new things. So with that mindset I grew up always wanting to know more about the world. Our family motto is to seize every opportunity. And I believe that’s what I’ve done. There were opportunities to travel through school and I took them. Because of those opportunities I was able to check off two more continents. (Asia in 2017 and Africa in 2018).
My goal was inspired after my trip to Europe with my family when I was 8. We went for 6 weeks and we saw so much it was crazy. I learned how to travel on that trip. I learned about different cultures and important moments in history and I was left wanting more. The older I got the more I researched the world. And I couldn’t believe that all these countries and their different cultures and religions and ecosystems exist within 6 of the 7 continents. Knowing this only made me more curious and I knew I needed to see all 7. It also made me more curious about Antarctica. There’s an entire continent that has never been civilized. That’s not owned by any country. And that’s almost completely covered in ice. I knew I had to see this place for myself.
Is there anything you have to do to prepare to travel to Antarctica? Can you share more about this experience/or what you anticipate or plan for Antarctica?
Well I had never been on a cruise before so I had to sort of prepare for a different form of traveling than I’m used to. Especially since I’d be going through the Drake passage which is known to be the roughest waters in the world. So I had to be prepared with medication in case of sea sickness. Antarctica is also such a different ecosystem than anywhere else I had to be prepared for all sorts of weather conditions because you never know what you’re going to get down there. Antarctica has been described as the place where Mother Nature shows off but also shows no mercy. So making sure I had enough layers and extra gloves and hand warmers and such while also staying within the weight limit of my luggage took some planning.
Anticipation wise I tried not to research too deeply into what most of the tours do down there. I didn’t want to have any expectations. And even so I was still blown away. I can barely form words that are worthy enough to describe that place. All I can really say is that it was life changing. Everything I thought I knew changed and I learned more about myself than I thought possible.
How old were you when you started traveling?
I was 5 years old when I went on my first plane ride. My grandpa bought my family a trip to Disneyland. It is one of the most special moments in my life to date.
When I was 8 my family went to Europe for 6 weeks and I ended up meeting relatives over there I never knew existed. Those two trips really sparked my love for travel.
How do you pay for your trips?
Well I’ve had a part time job since I was 15 at McDonald’s and thanks to parents I’ve learned how to save my money. 5 years later I’m still at McDonalds but full time and as a manager. But when I booked my trip to Antarctica I knew I’d need to get a second job in order to pay for it. Just to be clear I paid for my entire trip on my own without any financial help from anyone.
So I took time off from college to work full time at two jobs in order to pay for my trip. Basically my schedule was 16 hour days working 7 days a week. Even though it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done it was worth every last cent.
Do you work while traveling abroad?
I haven’t yet but when I move to Australia next year I will be for the first time! I’m going to be an au pair for an amazing family with two adorable kids. So in order to do this I had to get a special work visa.
How far in advance did you plan for this solo trip?
I booked my trip to Antarctica in August of 2018 and the trip itself wasn’t until November of 2019. I booked it over a year in advance and it took me just under the one year mark to pay it off. And for Australia I’ve had it arranged since June of 2019 and I don’t start there until September 2020. I might be a little too organized but I like planning so far in advance it gives me something to work towards.
Favorite travel destination?
Well Antarctica is definitely incredible but I’d have to say it’s tied for first place with Senegal. By no means were either of these trips relaxing vacations but they taught me the biggest life lessons. And for that I am forever grateful.
For Antarctica, I went to answer my curiosity and find peace within myself.
For Senegal, I gained perspective I didn’t know I was missing. My view of the world has never been the same since. I know for a fact that I will go back one day and when I do it will feel like coming home.
How did you prepare for your solo travel?
To be honest I don’t think I did. At least mentally. Financially I worked twice a day every day for a year to afford it but mentally I didn’t do a thing. I just kept reassuring myself that I got this and that I’m independent and can do it. I think I felt like I needed to prove something to myself. And in the end I feel like I’ve done that.
Do you ever feel lonely while solo traveling and if so what do to alleviate those feelings?
Well I met so many amazing people along the way so I am incredibly grateful for all of them. But there were moments where I was a bit lonely but I saw it as a good thing. It really made me learn to be okay with myself. I’ve been through a lot of hard times in my life so to be alone with myself gave me a chance to process everything. It sounds dumb but it’s like I re met myself. The person I was and the person I am now had a lot of catching up to do.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced with solo traveling?
Honestly I didn’t really have any problems. I’m very outgoing to I had no issues meeting new people and forming friendships. The only problem I faced on this trip was actually the customs agent in my own airport. I had just said goodbye to my parents and my best friend and I’m going through security and then when I went up to the agent and he asked me where I was going I told him Antarctica! And I was all excited until I spent the next 20 minutes answering all his questions and showing him all my documents because he couldn’t believe I was going on this trip all alone at my age and that I had paid for it all by myself.
What items do you travel with at all times? Do you have any packing tips for long trips?
I always bring my headphones, hand sanitizer and tissues! I’ve learned the hard way to always make sure I have those items on my at all times while travelling. My tip for packing for long trips is that you don’t need as much as you think you do. Even for this trip I was slightly overpacked. I think it’s a girl thing but we usually pack like double the amount of socks and underwear than the amount of days we’re actually gone. So yeah if you’re going to be gone for a month pack only as much as the amount of days you’ll be away. And pack clothes you can wear with anything and would be comfortable wearing more than once. It’ll change your life.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to female travelers in terms of safety?
I think as long as you have good instincts and are aware of your surroundings you’ll be totally fine! You have to trust yourself and be confident in what you’re doing. Little things that help keep you safer is making sure your purse/ bag is tight against your body and not easily accessible to other passing by on the street. I have a little purse I put across my body and I always rest one hand on the side of the strap so that it’s kind of protected. Also just in general for any traveller, depending on your destination you want to dress accordingly. By that I mean don’t flaunt all your nice name brands. It makes you a target. But other than that if your bag is by your side and you’re walking with confidence you’re good to go.
What are your favorite and/or recommended countries to solo travel as a female in?
Well I think we can go anywhere. I’d like to think we should plan our trips based on the places we want to see and that interest us and not just places we know are safe. There’s danger anywhere you go in the world. So to be afraid of it only in certain areas because you’re not accustom to that country and it’s people can hold you back. There’s places in the world where you might have to travel differently than you’re used to or be a little extra careful but that’s part of the experience. A lot of the popular destinations for female solo travellers are places like Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia. But there’s still news stories every now and then of something happening in those places. So I say go wherever you want. Girl power!
Do you have any specific tips for booking hotels, Airbnbs, and/or hostels?
Well hotels are nice but not for everyone’s budget so I think hostels are awesome. I use hostelworld to book and research hostels so I think it’s pretty great. Airbnb’s are good too but like I said earlier you have to be careful anywhere you go and just make sure to always do your research. Don’t look and two things and pick the one with the better deal. Booking and researching trips should be time consuming and hard sometimes. I like to make sure I have the best deal possible or at least the one that’s going to work best for me. Everyone’s needs and wants are different so you just have to make sure your booking according to your needs.
How do you typically keep your friends and family back home updated on your travels?
Depending on the strength of the wifi I usually talk to everyone through regular phone messaging or WhatsApp. I find if the wifi is pretty weak whatsapp will usually work better than other apps. But I don’t spend too much time on my phone while I’m away since I just don’t have time to talk to everyone like I would if I was at home so I tell all my friends and family to watch my Instagram stories regularly since I usually post stories everyday keeping everyone updated on where I am and what I’m doing.
What types of things should travelers research before visiting new countries?
Depends on the person really. I mean I don’t really research restaurants to eat at or stores to shop. I research things like the highlights of the places I’m visiting and currency exchange rates, cultural customs, the forecast for while I’m there. Those sorts of things.
What do you miss most from back home when you’re traveling for long periods abroad?
My bed. There’s nothing better than my bed. But living in Canada we have some of the earths cleanest drinking water so I’m very grateful that our tap water is safe to drink. That’s one thing I miss sometimes when I’m abroad and I have to pay for water everywhere I go. Because in Canada any restaurant you go to the water is free. And any hotel you stay in the tap water is safe.
Do you have any funny/interesting stories you can share about this trip or past trips?
Haha I’m sure I have hours worth of stories but it’d take too long to write out. Usually the best memories and stories from my trips are from the things that weren’t planned or expected. For example when I was in Senegal, we went to a private beach for the afternoon and it was pretty far from where we were staying so we had a long ride back and where I was in Senegal there aren’t a lot of roads and there very rough and bumpy so one of the tires actually popped on the bus on the way back from the beach. So we pulled over to the side of the road in this little village. It was going to take a while for the driver to change the tire so we all got off the bus and we’re greeted by the residents of this little village. I was one of the last ones off the bus so I walk around to the other side and see everyone gathering around in a big circle. I finally get over there to see what’s going on and there’s a bunch of little kids greeting us and wanting to play. Next thing I know there’s a little boy pulling on the button of my dress. I look down and smile and wave at him and he lifts his hands up to be picked up. I pick him up and ended up holding him for close to an hour. This little boy would not let me put him down. Every time I’d try to lower him down he’d bend his legs so he couldn’t touch the ground. It was the cutest thing ever. Me and this boy shared a beautiful moment together and I’ll never forget him. That entire experience was unexpected and only happened because our busses tire blew. It was serendipity at its finest.
Other tips/advice you’d like to share?
Go in to any adventure with an open mind and no expectations and that’s when you’ll get the most out of any trip you do. Have confidence in yourself and remember why you are where you are and how you got there. And words of advice from my family to anyone reading this: seize every opportunity.
Looking for outfits for your next big trip? We've got you covered!
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Looking for outfits for your next big trip? We've got you covered!
]]>The golden hour only lasts so long. Not every travel buddy is willing to spend hours of their vacation time scouting the most picturesque spot to match your outfit and then spend hours finding the best angel for your hairdo. You leave with an okay shot with okay lighting that you know won’t break triple digits on the gram.
Well, I’m here to tell you it is 2019, and there is an app for that, and I tried it out.
As the owner of a travel clothing store, I knew I had to take some stellar photos in our latest collection on my next trip abroad. I also knew my fiance’ wasn’t going to have it if I dedicated a full day to this activity. Let’s say he’s still in Instagram husband in training (just kidding Michael). A friend of mine mentioned an ad she saw on Instagram for a service that finds you local photographers in destination cities. Before she had finished her sentence, I was already grabbing my phone to Google this godsend. As a matter of fact, I found three different sites that offer this service, and I was able to do some price shopping.
I chose Shoot My Travel to shoot our engagement photos because I liked the photographers available, and they were a bit cheaper than Flytographer. I was able to email my photographer shortly after booking, and he suggested a few different areas we could hold the session. He also chose the meeting spot and was waiting for us when we arrived right on time. He immediately began advising us on where to stand and how to pose. The photographer brought us to many spots in the small Italian coastal town that we would have never known existed. He must have taken hundreds of pictures in a very efficient manner and had a well thought out vision. He was polite, professional, yet still amiable, and we enjoyed our experience. We received the edited photos about three days later. I ended up paying for more pictures than my package offered because there were so many great ones I could not narrow them down!
Pros:
Cons:
The only con worth mentioning would be the cost. Hiring a photographer abroad is not going to be as cheap as asking your travel companion to snap all of your pictures. There is a set number of images you will receive for the package you select. You will not receive all of the pictures that the photographer took without paying a fortune. A paid photoshoot may cut down on other vacation activities you can include in your trip.
Despite the cost, I still highly recommend booking a professional photographer on your next trip if you can swing it. You will cherish the pictures you walk away with for life, especially if you never end up returning to that particular destination. The once in a lifetime, photos will set you on your way to becoming an Instafamous traveler.
Looking for travel outfits to wear on your next adventure? Check out our travel clothing collection now!
Looking for travel outfits to wear on your next big trip? Check out our travel fashion clothing collection now!
If you still haven't found the perfect name consider a shortened version like the following:
Milani - rather than Milan
Roma- rather than Rome
Veni - rather than Venice
Rona- rather than Verona
A cute baby name that means something near to your wandering soul can be found from inspiration all over the world. Think back to your favorite trip and some of the places you visited along the way.
A little Greek mythology: Adiona is Abeona's partner in Roman mythology, referred to as the Goddess of Safe Return. Together, these two travel deities watch over travelers, Abeona on the departure, and Adiona on the return.
Looking for travel outfits for your next big trip? Shop our travel lifestyle clothing collection now!
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I want to make memories all over the world, and if you're like me, you might want something unique to bring home with us to help us remember further.
The best way to do this is by collecting souvenirs from every special place you visit. Rather than purchase expensive gift store merchandise, we've compiled a list of souvenirs girls have collected from countries far and wide that might spark interest in an item you can enjoy collecting on your next journey.
Find something that feels right for you and keeps an eye out for it in every country you visit. Create a memory box or display your souvenir for all your guests to see. One day you'll be able to look back on all of the memories you've collected and been thankful for the adventurous life you have lived.
Looking for travel dresses to wear on your next trip? Check out our travel clothing collection now!
]]>If you're feeling a little nervous about taking the plunge and traveling solo, you might consider a trip on your own that doesn't make you feel alone. Join a group of yogis in the same situation as you and you embrace on your first yoga retreat.
Yoga retreats take place all over the world. From tropical beaches to ancient cities. They include daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mindfulness exercises. You'll meet a group of like minded individuals who you will create memories with that will last a lifetime.
Take out the worry and stress of dining alone, stress of planning out every activity, and lonely hotel.
My local yoga studio holds multiple yoga retreats every year but a quick Google search will yield numerous results that will fit your own interests and lifestyle.
ABOUT
Check Greece your bucket list and join the HYtribe for a 8-day/7-night summer getaway to the beautiful island of Amorgos on July 4-11, 2019! We will be offering two yoga classes daily, workshops, guided meditation, excursions, and so much more - all while overlooking the Aegean Sea and the Aegiali beach. The unique Amorgian hospitality in combination with the Cycladic beauty promises memories you will always treasure and a trip you will never forget.
DATES
Thursday, July 4 through Thursday, July 11, 2019
LODGING
Aegialis Hotel & Spa is only 5-Star hotel in Amorgos Island with minimal yet luxurious room design, comforts and exceptional room service to provide you ultimate indulgence. All Superior rooms have a private balcony and sea view.
PRICING
Depending on occupancy, pricing begins at $1600/person.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
8 day/7 night stay at Aegialis Hotel & Spa
Breakfast and dinner daily
Transfers upon arrival and departure on Amorgos
2 daily yoga classes, led by Elsie & Caron
Workshops
Guided meditation
One 30 minute relaxing massage
10% discount on additional face and body treatments at Lalon Indoor Spa
Use of spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor heated seawater swimming pool, fitness center)
Use of yoga shalas and equipment
Wi-Fi
ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS & AMENITIES
Hiking, boat, and shuttle tours
Organic gardens and herbal tours
Wine tasting and cooking demonstrations
Greek night and dancing lessons
Scuba diving
Helicopter services
Donkey rides
Every girl has their own travel style. If you feel the need to pack more, don’t stress about it. Do what makes the most sense for you and your travel plans. Consider where you will be traveling to, the season, whether you will be switching hotels/Airbnb, what type of places you will be visiting, etc.
YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE Clothing Boutique selects every clothing item with travel in mind. Check out our favorite fashion travel collections and plan your next minimalist or non-minimalist vacation!
Light Sundresses Perfect for Traveling
Have any of your own tips? Comment below!
]]>Don't forget to get some cute shots for the gram while you're at it! Check out some of our cutest pretty little outfits for inspiration.
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Inspired to plan a trip? Click here to check out our travel babes collection!
]]>YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE Clothing Store is an online boutique dedicated to helping young women travel the world and achieve their Pinterest worthy vacations.
Owned by Elle Gee, YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE supports travel bloggers and all the wanderlust dreamers out there. Travel tips, tricks, inspiration, and guides are posted frequently to help those who are only one click away from booking their dream vacation.
New and more established travel bloggers are promoted weekly to encourage young girls that they too can follow their passion and begin travel blogging.
YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE aspires to promote good vibes and positivity. Numerous campaigns inspired by giving are run throughout the year. These include $500 flight voucher contests, donating to the rainforest campaigns, $200 gift card giveaways, and more. Giving back is the highest priority for Elle.
YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE aims to help travel bloggers achieve the perfect Insta style look with various travel outfits including cute dresses, stylish tops, vacation-ready jumpsuits and rompers, fashionable skirts and more. The feeling resort wear brings to all who wear YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE clothing brings immediate feelings of relaxation, positivity, and good vibes.
View our vacation lookbook and travel babes collection now!
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Is your dream vacation draining any chance of savings for the future? Budgeting is hard, but it doesn't have to be. Take these easy steps to start planning for your Instaworthy vacay.
Acorns is a new investment app that lets people automatically invest spare change from debit and credit card purchases. This allows you to begin saving money on auto-pilot without worrying about over-drafting your account.
1. Create an account at www.acorns.com
2. Link your credit or debit card you wish to invest your spare change. If you have multiple cards, you can choose just one to try it out or register all of them. When you make a purchase using your linked card Acorns will invest your spare change. Acorns will wait until you have $5 in round-ups before transferring from your account.
3. Set your multiplier. Acorns will double your Round-Up transactions to help you invest more.
4. Set up a recurring investment to be withdrawn from each week. This step is optional. I wanted to get my travel fund to where it needed to be fast, so I set mine up to withdraw $35 a week but you can start with $5 weekly to get things going. Investing on a regular basis is one of the best ways to grow your wealth.
5. Deposit a one-time investment to get you started. This step is also optional. The one-time investment can also be as little or as high as you want. Jumpstart your travel fund with an amount you feel comfortable with to ensure your vacay vibes come sooner than you imagined.
Keep in mind the price tag of your dream vacation. It may seem like investing $200 a month on your travel fund is high and causing a dent in your food or fun budget but think about where you could go with $2,400 to spend each year. Or two $1,200 vacations a year! The world is your oyster, and you can choose the destination. Pick a price that feels right to you, and you will be well on your way budgeting for your dream vacation.
I recommend checking out our travel babes collection, but I'm biased of course :)
Here are a few additional tips for finding the perfect outfit:
1. Sign up for your favorite online store's email subscription list. Subscribing allows you to be the first to know when any major sales occur. YOU ARE THE PINEAPPLE offers 10% off of your first purchase to all who. subscribe.
2. Sign up for Poshmark and search for your favorite brands at discount prices. I love buying Show Me Your MuMu pieces on Poshmark perfect for all tropical island trips!
3. Keep a lookout on Instagram for your favorite travel blogger posting a discount code to their favorite store. You can also go one step further and reach out to small online stores and offer posts/tags/shoutouts of you wearing their clothing on your next vacay. Small stores are always looking for more opportunities to get their clothing out there in front of new audiences at low costs. You can become the Instafamous Travel Blogger you always dreamed of and travel the world.
]]>Travel because money returns. Time doesn't.