Comments on: The joys of traveling solo—Part Une http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/ thoughts on black women living globally through international travel Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:16:25 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: taubabsods http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-13311 taubabsods Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:07:58 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-13311 See it here: [b][url=http://casinoval.com/casino-games/]casino bonuses[/url][/b] See it here: [b][url=http://casinoval.com/casino-games/]casino bonuses[/url][/b]

]]> By: urbantravelgirl http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-101 urbantravelgirl Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:31:34 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-101 LaShawn, AMEN, girl!!! (But we know we're preaching to the choir on this.) Rather than waiting on other folks to get their money straight, vacation days approved, significant others' OK, blah, blah, blah, you could be online booking your OWN thing. Then you can send your girls' photos of your trip while YOU'RE away, making them wish they'd gotten it goether to join you! Speaking of traveling solo, check out TangoDiva ((http://www.tangodiva.com), another cool blog/Web site written by another globe-trotting diva, Teresa Williamson Rodriguez. I interviewed her for that Chicago Tribune Travel piece and have found plenty of inspiration on her site! UrbanTravelGirl Maureen LaShawn,
AMEN, girl!!! (But we know we’re preaching to the choir on this.) Rather than waiting on other folks to get their money straight, vacation days approved, significant others’ OK, blah, blah, blah, you could be online booking your OWN thing. Then you can send your girls’ photos of your trip while YOU’RE away, making them wish they’d gotten it goether to join you!

Speaking of traveling solo, check out TangoDiva ((http://www.tangodiva.com), another cool blog/Web site written by another globe-trotting diva, Teresa Williamson Rodriguez. I interviewed her for that Chicago Tribune Travel piece and have found plenty of inspiration on her site!

UrbanTravelGirl Maureen

]]> By: LaShawn Williams http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-100 LaShawn Williams Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:22:42 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-100 I have absolutely NO problem traveling solo Having lived alone for 14 yrs. now, I'm just USED to being/doing things alone. For me, it seems like the only way to go; every time I consult one of my girls about taking a trip, they can't because of the kids, hubby, or some other reason. Not to frown at that, but it just isn't MY life, so I just keep it moving. If you wait on people, you'll never go anywhere/do anything. I have absolutely NO problem traveling solo Having lived alone for 14 yrs. now, I’m just USED to being/doing things alone. For me, it seems like the only way to go; every time I consult one of my girls about taking a trip, they can’t because of the kids, hubby, or some other reason. Not to frown at that, but it just isn’t MY life, so I just keep it moving. If you wait on people, you’ll never go anywhere/do anything.

]]> By: UrbanTravelGirl http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-99 UrbanTravelGirl Sun, 31 May 2009 14:35:53 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-99 Ciao, Kimberlee! Good for you for heading to Europe on your own... I tell you, it's the way to do it! (Although I DO love traveling with girlfriends and family -- but this is just different.) As far as tips, I could type for the next week! But just remember that common sense translates in any language -- even those you don't speak. While I'm ALL for adventure, you don't want to end up in any situations you can't get out of. Be SURE to learn at least the BASIC polite phrases in both Italian and French before you go (hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, etc.) -- and be sure to pack a good language phrasebook. I swear by the pocket-size Berlitz ones, as they have the same layout regardless of language. So you always know where to find the "Making Friends" or "Shops and Services" section in each one! Check in with someone regularly... even if just via SMS/text or a quick phone call. My parents worry a lot, but even at age 40 I'm required to do a daily "I'm-still-alive" check-in call. It's a good idea for SOMEONE -- a sibling, a friend back home -- to have an idea of what you're planning and who you're planning it with... not that you'll have any problems, but it's nice to know that someone knows what you're up to. While it's fun to travel alone, look for at least a few activities that'll give you a chance to meet and chat with others. That could be an English-language church service on Sunday morning (something I generally build into trips b/c it gives you a chance to chat with other expats about their lives in the country you're visiting). Or perhaps a walking tour of some cool 'hood in Paris, or a wine-tasting session where you're not the only person. If you're so inclined, sign up for a weeklong language class. You'll meet cool folks from around the world, some of whom might become good pals. (That's happened to me in Italian classes in Rome and Florence.) As I said, I could go on and on. If you've got other specific questions, please send them along and I'll answer! Maureen Ciao, Kimberlee! Good for you for heading to Europe on your own… I tell you, it’s the way to do it! (Although I DO love traveling with girlfriends and family — but this is just different.)
As far as tips, I could type for the next week! But just remember that common sense translates in any language — even those you don’t speak. While I’m ALL for adventure, you don’t want to end up in any situations you can’t get out of.

Be SURE to learn at least the BASIC polite phrases in both Italian and French before you go (hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry, etc.) — and be sure to pack a good language phrasebook. I swear by the pocket-size Berlitz ones, as they have the same layout regardless of language. So you always know where to find the “Making Friends” or “Shops and Services” section in each one!

Check in with someone regularly… even if just via SMS/text or a quick phone call. My parents worry a lot, but even at age 40 I’m required to do a daily “I’m-still-alive” check-in call. It’s a good idea for SOMEONE — a sibling, a friend back home — to have an idea of what you’re planning and who you’re planning it with… not that you’ll have any problems, but it’s nice to know that someone knows what you’re up to.

While it’s fun to travel alone, look for at least a few activities that’ll give you a chance to meet and chat with others. That could be an English-language church service on Sunday morning (something I generally build into trips b/c it gives you a chance to chat with other expats about their lives in the country you’re visiting). Or perhaps a walking tour of some cool ‘hood in Paris, or a wine-tasting session where you’re not the only person. If you’re so inclined, sign up for a weeklong language class. You’ll meet cool folks from around the world, some of whom might become good pals. (That’s happened to me in Italian classes in Rome and Florence.)

As I said, I could go on and on. If you’ve got other specific questions, please send them along and I’ll answer!

Maureen

]]> By: urbantravelgirl http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-98 urbantravelgirl Wed, 27 May 2009 00:05:03 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-98 Avis, So glad I've inspired you to return to "le francais!" Maybe I can get you to take a class at the Alliance Francaise de Chicago.... Yes, I plan to add more pics and more stories from my wonderful recent trip at some point soon. I'll bet the Mediabistro course Wednesday night will have me all inspired! Maureen Avis,
So glad I’ve inspired you to return to “le francais!” Maybe I can get you to take a class at the Alliance Francaise de Chicago…. Yes, I plan to add more pics and more stories from my wonderful recent trip at some point soon. I’ll bet the Mediabistro course Wednesday night will have me all inspired! Maureen

]]> By: Avis Weathersbee http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-97 Avis Weathersbee Tue, 26 May 2009 21:52:14 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-97 Waiting to see more pics! The ones you posted make me want to start boning up on my French. Cheers! (And thanks for the lovely pics of those herbs growing on the balcony there for my blog.) Waiting to see more pics! The ones you posted make me want to start boning up on my French. Cheers! (And thanks for the lovely pics of those herbs growing on the balcony there for my blog.)

]]> By: Susan Maier http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-96 Susan Maier Thu, 14 May 2009 16:20:34 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-96 Maureen, how the heck are you girl? Susan still here at The Chicago Ritz! Had a reception at the hotel the other night and met two meeting planners from Boeing and I ask how you were doing and they said you were back in Europe. I know the country would lure you back and now I can vicariously live through you via UrbanTravelGirl. I miss you and hope that you are so happy and congrats on your 40th! Much love, Susan Maureen, how the heck are you girl? Susan still here at The Chicago Ritz!

Had a reception at the hotel the other night and met two meeting planners from Boeing and I ask how you were doing and they said you were back in Europe. I know the country would lure you back and now I can vicariously live through you via UrbanTravelGirl.

I miss you and hope that you are so happy and congrats on your 40th!

Much love,

Susan

]]> By: Lisa Lenoir http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-95 Lisa Lenoir Thu, 14 May 2009 13:35:45 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-95 Yay! Maureen. Tout the good life in the South of France. Look forward to staying at that sweet inn soon. Yay! Maureen. Tout the good life in the South of France. Look forward to staying at that sweet inn soon.

]]> By: Kimberlee http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/05/08/the-joys-of-traveling-solo%e2%80%94part-une/comment-page-1/#comment-94 Kimberlee Tue, 12 May 2009 12:59:35 +0000 http://urbantravelgirl.com/?p=164#comment-94 Love it. I'm planning a travel to Italy and France in a month or so and my friend Carol told me about you. I always travel solo and find complete joy in doing so, however I have never gone to Europe solo.. but I am looking very much forward to it. Any tips? Love it. I’m planning a travel to Italy and France in a month or so and my friend Carol told me about you. I always travel solo and find complete joy in doing so, however I have never gone to Europe solo.. but I am looking very much forward to it. Any tips?

]]>