From the Female Traveler: A solo trip is about you and what you need or want to do for yourself. The best solo vacations give you a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment and help you grow as a person. Regardless of whether or not you have done this, always remember that traveling alone can be a defining moment. The fact that you can travel alone is a gift and privilege, and you should use it to the maximum of your ability. Above all, don’t forget to have fun! Over the last few years of solo travel, I have met more and more fellow solo travelers. The common traits are: independence, confidence, inner peace, and good planning. On my last trip to Europe, I met some interesting travelers, since it was winter, and not the tourist season. ... read more

From Foodtrippers, along with my comments: url=https://www.2foodtrippers.com/best-foodie-cities-in-the-world/#Our_Picks_for_the_Best_Foodie_Cities_in_the_WorldOur Picks for the Best Foodie Cities in the World1.Bangkok (I agree, but Penang is my favorite)2. Naples (it has been too long)... read more

For those of you who are ready to get back to exploring big cities and cultural hubs but who aren't sure where you should start, Expedia has created a list of the top 10 cultural capitals to visit in 2023. The cities were selected based on the number of major cultural events occurring in each destination, as well as the level of its lodging demand and interest online. The 10 cities were some of the top trending locations on Expedia's site based on its data for booked travel from 2021 through 2023, as of September 2022. I have been to all except Dubai. Here’s the list: 1. Edinburgh-though we went mostly to play golf, the Fringe Festival (Edinburgh Tattoo) sounds like a great time. 2. Lisbon, Portugal-my second visit last month, and I become more impressed ... read more

Again, the list tends to be very short, since I do not travel as much as before covid. Cycling on the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia The famous Hotel Moskva in Belgrade, Serbia Adopted by my new Greek brothers in Athens, Greece Sipping a 2008 Quinta do Noval port in Porto Roland Garros, the French Open tennis in Paris Visit with Dirty Pat in Annapolis, MD A visit to the oldest pharmacy in the US, in New Orleans Wine tasting in the Livermore Valley Four cool days in Monterey, CA during the summer heat wave Niner game in hostile, freezing Seattle Return to UC Berkeley for Cal-UA football game A visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul Revisit to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris Walk the walls of Dubrovnik Pre-Oktoberfest celebration in Romertown, Frankfurt, Germany Short and sweet. ... read more

Does having the most coffee shops per square mile mean that you have the best coffee? Yes, there is a Starbucks, and usually one other competitor on every block. There are a few Peet's (our favorite), so there is hope for this city. But do they have really good coffee? Here is an "expert" at the Stranger: Coffee shops in Seattle function as social clubs, community forums, shared office space, and study centers. Even the most utilitarian place offers mind-boggling overheard conversation and fascinating people watching. In my opinion, Starbucks's coffee tastes burned and people look dumb walking around drinking coffee out of giant paper cups like they're constantly at a high-school kegger. Espresso is best sipped scalding hot from a ceramic cup without a weird plastic sippy-cup lid filtering it through a petroleum product. Try ... read more