“I am always ready to learn although
I do not always like being taught.”
Winston Churchill
Blog
Avoiding Scammers as a Solo Traveller
Create a Personal Mantra for Positivism
Sip Safely: Drink Spiking Prevention Tips
Solo travel is liberating, fun and great for our confidence and personal growth. To ensure we keep it that way, safety, security and wellbeing always need to remain a priority. Unfortunately there are many scammers trying to defraud or take advantage of us everywhere in the world, so we need to be vigilant.
Here are some useful tips to avoid scammers and their bad intentions:.
Research and Plan Ahead: Research your destinations, accommodations, and activities thoroughly. Use reputable sources and read reviews from other travellers.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your valuables secure. Use anti-theft bags, lock your belongings, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
Use Official and Trusted Services: Book accommodations, transportation, and tours through reputable companies and websites. Avoid unsolicited offers from strangers.
Be Cautious with Money: Avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Use ATMs inside banks or secure locations. Be cautious of people asking for money or offering deals that require upfront payments.
Stay Informed About Common Scams: Familiarise yourself with common scams in your destination. Knowledge is power, and being aware of potential threats can help you avoid falling victim to them.
Have Backup Plans: Always have a backup plan and emergency contacts. Know the location of your country's embassy or consulate in case you need assistance.
Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires a heightened awareness of personal safety and security. By verifying the authenticity of people you meet online and in person and taking proactive measures to avoid scammers, you can enjoy your travels with greater peace of mind. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and prioritise your safety to make the most of your solo adventures. Your adventure awaits!
Let’s talk about something simple but powerful - a personal mantra! It’s a short, positive phrase you repeat to yourself, helping you stay focused, motivated, and upbeat when life gets challenging. Think of it as a little mental pick-me-up when you need it.
What is a Personal Mantra?
A personal mantra is a phrase that reflects your mindset or goals. It’s your verbal reminder to stay strong and positive. Whether you’re pushing through a tough day or chasing a big goal, it keeps you centred and confident.
Why Have One?
Life can throw curveballs, and a mantra helps you refocus on what’s important. It’s a tool for staying positive, reminding yourself of your worth, and staying on track when things feel chaotic.
How to Create Your Mantra:
Think about what matters: What’s important to you? Choose a phrase that aligns with your goals or mindset.
Keep it short: Simple mantras like “I am enough” or “I trust my journey” work best.
Make it positive: Focus on what you want, not what you’re avoiding. For example, “I am strong” is better than “I won’t be afraid.”
Make it in the present tense: “I am successful” is better than “I will be successful”
Use it regularly: Repeat your mantra several times daily or when you need a confidence boost. The more you use it, the more it works!
Life can get heavy, but your mantra is there to remind you of your inner power. It’s a tool for reframing negative thoughts, staying focused on the positives, and building resilience. You deserve to feel confident and grounded and a personal mantra can help you get there.
What will your mantra be today? Take a deep breath, reflect on what you need most, and create one that makes you feel strong, empowered, and ready for anything! You’ve got this!
Travel is all about adventure and fun but safety needs to be a priority. Drink spiking—where someone secretly adds drugs or alcohol to your drink - can turn a fun night into a dangerous situation and leave you vulnerable to theft, assault, or worse. But don’t worry; staying alert can keep you fun and secure.
Here’s how:
🍹 Guard Your Glass: Treat your glass like your passport - never let your glass out of sight! Hold onto it or finish it before you leave it behind.
🚫 No Thanks, Stranger: Tempting as it may be, avoid accepting drinks from strangers unless you see the bartender pour it or its in a sealed bottle. If you didn’t see it being made, don’t take the risk.
🤚Safety First: Always travel with an anti-spike drinks cover and remember to use it. They are available to cover glasses and bottles to protect your drink from unwanted interference.
👯 Buddy System: Keep your travel squad close. Friends are your best defence—look out for each other and make sure everyone stays safe. If journeying solo be extra vigilant and try to seat yourself near people you may have met on your travels and people you trust.
⚡ Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t hesitate to leave a situation that feels off. Better safe than sorry!
🚨 Know the Red Flags: Feeling unusually woozy after a drink? Symptoms of drink spiking can include dizziness, confusion, and feeling overly intoxicated. If you experience any of these, get help immediately. Tell someone you trust and seek help right away.
Adventure is out there, but so is the importance of staying safe. Sip smart, travel wise, and enjoy every moment without worry! ✈️✨
Want more confidence?
Perfect solo destinations
Why solo travel can be daunting
Μost of us would like to be more confident.
Here are 5 tips for "faking it till you make it" when it comes to confidence:
1. Stand Tall and Use Good Posture
Your body language says a lot before you even speak. Standing tall, with your shoulders back and head held high, can instantly make you appear more confident. Even if you’re nervous inside, good posture can trick your brain (and others) into believing you’ve got it all together!
2. Make Eye Contact
Confident people look others in the eye. It shows you're engaged and comfortable. Practise maintaining eye contact during conversations—don’t stare, but aim for a steady, relaxed gaze to show you're sure of yourself.
3. Speak Clearly and Avoid Filler Words
When you're nervous, it’s easy to start using fillers like "um" or "uh." Try to speak slowly and clearly, even if it feels like you’re forcing it. Pausing instead of using fillers makes you sound more thoughtful and self-assured.
4. Smile (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
A genuine smile can go a long way in making you appear approachable and confident. It signals positivity and ease. Plus, smiling can actually help reduce stress, making you feel a little more at ease in the moment.
5. Dress the Part
When you look good, you feel good. Wearing something that makes you feel polished and put-together can give you that extra boost of confidence. It doesn’t have to be fancy - just something that makes you feel comfortable and powerful in your own skin.
These small tricks can help you project confidence, even if you're still working on it internally. And over time, you'll find that "faking it" turns into the real thing!
Ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace your inner explorer? Whether you're looking for the next quiet beach to escape or a bustling city for solo discoveries, these destinations are perfect for you!
Luang Prabang, Laos 🇱🇦 – Hidden temples, waterfalls, and a spiritual vibe that even your yoga instructor would envy.
Zadar, Croatia 🇭🇷 – Move over Dubrovnik! Zadar offers sunsets to swoon over... without the crowds.
Salento, Colombia 🇨🇴 – Coffee, mountains, and the kind of peace only a solo adventurer knows how to savour.
Lecce, Italy 🇮🇹 – Baroque architecture meets beach town charm. Perfect for a low-key but high-adventure getaway.
Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵 – Ancient temples, geishas, and serene tea houses. Solo travel never felt so zen.
Chefchaouen, Morocco 🇲🇦 – Get lost in the blue-washed streets and colorful souks. Solo travel eye-candy at every corner.
Utrecht, Netherlands 🇳🇱 – Like Amsterdam but without the chaos. Cute canals, bike paths, and so much cheese 🧀
Folegandros, Greece 🇬🇷 – Santorini who? This island is for the soul-searching sun-chaser in you.
Cartagena, Spain 🇪🇸 – A historic city by the sea. Ancient ruins? Check. Secret beaches? Double-check. 💯Watch out though - there is also a city called Cartagena in Columbia! 🇨🇴
Matera, Italy 🇮🇹 – Wander ancient caves in the world's most underrated European city. Think fewer tourists, more Instagram moments.
👉 Solo travel isn’t a dream, and it’s up to you to make this dream a reality! Remember - the world is waiting!
There are many reasons why solo travel can be daunting in midlife. At 35+ we are often used to having control and familiarity in our lives and stepping out of our comfort zone can be scary!
Work on these key areas to help you overcome your fears.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - confidence is essentially faith in ourselves to deal with problems that life throws at us. Write a list of your biggest challenges in life, how you dealt with them and what you learned.
Write down the skills and strengths you have shown and developed during those times. Look at this list several times a day to remind yourself how AMAZING YOU ARE!
𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 - having a positive mindset means that you have an optimistic view of the world, believe that good things will happen. Research on what solo travel really is: Groups and Forums, web searches, blogs, books, courses.
Write a detailed list of all your concerns and solutions for each. If you don’t know the solution, write down ‘Needs research’. Be present in the moment and take time to notice when life goes well.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - you should now have a lot of info about solo travel and have developed and learned a lot of solutions to possible challengesSpend time deciding what you need and want from your trip and what you don't want. Be honest.
Research destinations, locations, accommodations, transports, health, safety; etc updating your concerns/solutions/ list as you go. Prioritise safety at all times. Then go to your list of ‘Needs research’ and work through it with confidence that you can handle any situation and keeping a positive mindset that all challenges have solutions.
You’ve got this!
Don't give up!
It's not American Werewolf!
Don't be like Spongebob!
Today is the day you worried about yesterday. Don’t give up!
I recently saw an interview with Sir Anthony Hopkins in which he said these words. I think they are useful to remember when we are experiencing tough days. Just focus on today to make goals less overwhelming and easier to achieve!
🌟 10 Quick Tips for Changing Habits (Whatever they may be)
Start Small: Focus on one habit at a time. Small, consistent changes lead to lasting results.
🧘♀️Find New Routines: Replace old habits with healthier alternatives—whether it’s a walk, workout, or new hobby. 🚶♀️✨Set Clear Goals: Know your “why” and remind yourself daily of what you're working toward.
💪Find a Trigger: Tie your new habit to something you already do daily, like after your morning coffee or before bed.
☕⏰Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use an app to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come!
📈Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive people—friends, family, or online communities. You’re not alone!
🤝Find Connection: Connect with people who have been in the same position as you for advice and connectionBe Patient: Real change takes time—lasting change doesn’t happen overnight.
🌸Be Kind to Yourself: Progress is progress, no matter how slow. Celebrate every victory, big or small.
🎉Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones along the way! Positive reinforcement keeps you going.
Eating and drinking solo: It's not American Werewolf in London!
When contemplating solo travel, one of the things that stresses wannabe solo travellers is the thought of eating and drinking out alone.
They are worried that they will feel awkward and uncomfortable or begin to imagine that it will be like the scene in American Werewolf in London 🐺where the whole pub stops talking and stares at them when they enter.
People start to overthink these new adventures and it is easy to dramatise or catastrophise new situations. They think everyone will think they are friendless, or a weirdo. 😱
My advice is to first practice going out to eat or drink solo on home ground. Go somewhere local and familiar to yourself. Somewhere you know what to expect and where you feel safe. Start at quiet times at first until your confidence builds.
As you feel more comfortable you can venture further afield and at busier times. You will find the experience so much easier than your expectations. And remember that it gets easier as you practise.
The truth is that no-one is really going to notice you or make any judgements about you, because they all have too much going on in their own lives. And if they do have a thought about you? So what?
You will soon discover how little that matters or bothers you. 💪
Don’t be like Spongebob!
Setting Boundaries as a Solo Traveller: The Ultimate Self-Care!
Exploring the world on your own? While solo travel can be exhilerating, exciting and empowering, it’s also essential to set healthy boundaries along the way to ensure the trip stays safe and enjoyable.
Here’s why:
Ensure Safety First: Set clear boundaries on where you go, who you share details with, and how you interact with others to stay safe and aware in unfamiliar places.
Protect Your Energy: Solo travel can be exhilarating yet draining. Setting time and space boundaries ensures you stay recharged and ready for new adventures.
Stay True to Your Needs: Knowing what makes you comfortable allows you to say yes to what aligns and no to what doesn’t. Trust your gut!
Build Self-Respect: Honouring your boundaries builds self-respect, which is essential for every interaction—from new friendships to local encounters.
Boundaries empower you to enjoy solo travel with confidence, safety, and freedom! ✈️✨ How do you set boundaries while exploring solo?🤔
More tips on boundary setting and solo travel to follow! 🫶
Luggage Storage Solutions
Did you know...?
Practical tips to set boundaries
Storing your luggage can make a big difference to your enjoyment during a short break.
Your hotel or Airb&b Host may let you drop off your luggage earlier in the day of check-in so it is always worth making a polite request when booking. It is also possible to leave luggage at train stations and airports.
Here are a few baggage storage solutions available. Ensure you check their insurance cover for your luggage whilst in their care:
Stasher - Store your luggage in 5800+ trusted hotels and shops in cities worldwide. Storage reviews. From £2.99 per bag per day.
Bounce - Store luggage in 10,000+ locations in towns and cities. Storage reviews. From £3.40 per day.
Nannybag - Store your luggage in 10000 locations worldwide. Has an App. From £4.50 per day.
Radical Storage - Store luggage in 8000 locations worldwide. Accepts bike cases. Advertises 24/7 instant support, exclusive discounts on urban mobility and special offers on attractions and activities. Has an App. No review system
🌍✈️ Ever travelled abroad and realised you’ve committed a cultural faux pas? 😂 Did you know…?:
Thumbs Up in Greece 👍: Did you know a thumbs up in Greece can be as rude as the middle finger? Be careful with your hand gestures! 😂
Tipping in Japan 💸: Leaving a tip in Japan can actually be seen as insulting! Many travellers are left puzzled when their money is politely returned.Handshake Fumbles in the Middle East
🤝: Offering your left hand for a handshake? In many Middle Eastern countries, that’s a big no-no. Oops!Shoes On in an Asian Home
🏠: Walking into someone’s home with your shoes on in countries like Japan and Korea is a major faux pas. Don’t forget to slip them off!Personal Space in Latin America
💃: Used to your personal bubble? In many Latin American countries, people stand much closer when chatting. Awkward shuffling ensues!Peace Sign in the UK
✌️: Flashing a peace sign with the back of your hand facing out? In the UK, that’s quite offensive! Watch those fingers.Eating with Hands in Italy
🍕: Picking up your pasta with your hands might get you some bewildered looks in Italy. Save the hand-eating for pizza!Slurping Noodles in China
🍜: Think slurping is rude? In China, slurping your noodles loudly shows you’re enjoying the meal. Slurp away!Talking Loudly in Scandinavia
🔊: Used to chatting loudly? In Scandinavian countries, people speak softly. Tone it down to blend in!Blowing Your Nose at the Table in France
🤧: Need to blow your nose? Step away from the table in France to avoid some seriously dirty looks.
Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries While Solo Travelling
Solo travel is an adventure, but setting boundaries can help you stay safe and make the most of every moment. Here’s how to establish and maintain boundaries on your journey:
1️⃣ Trust Your Gut Instincts: Your intuition is your best guide. If something or someone feels “off,” listen to that feeling. Walk away, change your plans, or say no—your comfort and safety come first.
2️⃣ Personal Information: Keep details like your accommodation or travel schedule private. Share only as much as you feel comfortable, even with fellow travellers, and consider waiting until after you’ve left a location to post on social media.
3️⃣ Set Physical and Emotional Limits: Feeling pressured to join every event or plan? Stick to what feels right for you. Time to recharge and a healthy dose of personal space will make your travel experience far more fulfilling.
4️⃣ Tech for Extra Safety: Use real-time location sharing with someone you trust, and check in regularly. It adds a safety layer and peace of mind.
5️⃣ Remember, Boundaries Are Flexible: As you experience different cultures and new situations, some boundaries may need adjusting. Regularly check in with yourself and feel free to review and change boundaries to suit where you are and how you feel. Boundaries are there to support a safe and enriching journey. Make them your ally for a balanced and empowering solo adventure! ✨✈️
What People Are Saying About Our Courses:
"I loved the small day to day tips that have made a difference to me. They have been something that I have been able to put into practice when I have stepped out of my comfort zone."
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"It's really user friendly, easy to access when you have time to yourself and can concentrate. Lots of insights, information and advice, together with exercises and challenges so that you can work towards your goal."
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