Solo Travel Archives • Page 22 of 25 • Jessie on a Journey

My Favorite Destinations for Getting Away From Tourists

Yes, I know I am technically a tourist when traveling, as much as I hate that word and being called one. However, sometimes when traveling I like to get away from the tourists and crowds and just relax. Here have been some of my favorite destinations thus far in my travels to do this: Gimmelwald,…Read more...

13 Lessons Learned From Visiting Different Cultures and Countries

No matter where I travel to, from rural villages in Thailand to picturesque mountain-towns in Switzerland to laid-back islands like Aruba, I always seem to make some philosophical and personal revelations about travel, life, and myself. Here are some of my top lessons learned from other cultures and places during my travels. Ghana, Africa…Read more...

Language Lessons of Aruba: 15 Phrases in Papiamento

While it’s true that most locals in Aruba know how to speak English, as well as Spanish and Dutch, it’s still always appreciated when tourists know at least a few words in the local language. Here is a short tutorial to help you at least make small talk in the local language of Papiamento (spoken…Read more...

My Unwanted Paparazzi Moment on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

I’d been teaching English in rural Thailand for three weeks and had gotten used to the small villages, the wooden bungalows, the tiny market stands and children playing soccer in the dirt. Then I got to Cat Ba Island, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. Cat…Read more...

Conga Lines at Church in Ghana, Africa

Before going to Ghana, Africa, I had been told that I absolutely had to attend a church service as it is an amazing event. Moreover, all of the children at the home were very devote Christians, and I wanted to be a part of something that was special to them. Demet, another volunteer, and…Read more...

A Rough Journey in Naples, Italy

Getting off the train in Napoli Central in Naples, Italy, I feel a surge of excitement. Naples, Italy, is the place where my grandparents are from. Hell, half the population shares my last name of Festa. I already feel at home. I have been backpacking through Europe for a month and a half already and…Read more...

Backpacking Europe: Should You Get a Eurail Pass?

A Eurail Pass is something that many backpackers use in order to travel through Europe cheaply by train. When planning your trip, it can get confusing understanding all of the different passes and figuring out which one you should get, if any. Here are some tips to figuring out if you should get a railpass for…Read more...