A New Year, New Tips & Destinations

Published: Mon, 01/06/20

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Best Travel Discoveries of 2019

Chosen by Guardian Writers

From fireworks in Spain to wild coastline in England, from husky hikes in Finland to ancient temples in Italy, Guardian travel writers share their favorite finds of the past year, including top places to eat and stay.

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GREAT TRAVEL LINKS

Guardian Readers Have Their Say If the article above from Guardian writers didn't provide enough travel ideas, maybe you'll find something in this list of 2019 discoveries from their readers. A volcanic lake in the Azores, a castle stay in Scotland, a hike with spectacular views in Norway, and craters and cheese in France are just a few of the interesting destinations recommended by travelers in this article.

Intoxicated on a Plane? Here's What You Need to Know About Flying Drunk Alcohol has fueled some of the most horrific in-flight incidents in recent years, including loud confrontations, bloody brawls, and sexual assaults. It’s a key ingredient in the degradation of in-flight manners. From consumer advocate Christopher Elliott, here are tips for dealing with an intoxicated fellow passenger.

Vacations: That’s What (Making) Friends Are For Work commitments, family obligations and the demands of everyday life are among the reasons that it’s hard to make new friends. But traveling — and leaving behind those demands — can stoke new connections. This New York Times Travel article looks at how and why solo travel can be a fast track to new friendships.

Breakup Tours: New Travel App Aimed at the Brokenhearted A new travel app offers experiences and services aimed at people who are dealing with heartbreak. Co-founder Stephen Chung says the company was inspired by the belief that traveling is the best way to get over heartbreak. For now, the start-up company is targeting Hong Kong's outbound travelers, but anyone with the app can book the experiences. Find out more about Breakup Tours in this article on CNN Travel.

The most clicked-on link last month:

Timeshifter – The Jet Lag App Developed by world-renowned scientists and based on the latest sleep and circadian neuroscience, this app can help optimize your performance, enjoyment, and health when traveling. You can create your own personalized jet lag plans based on your sleep pattern, chronotype, and itinerary. The first jet lag plan (one way or roundtrip) is free. After your free plan, purchase individual jet lag plans as-you-go or subscribe for unlimited plans. Available for Android and iOs, you can download the Timeshifter app at no cost here.

Here is information on the travel insurance Janice and I use and here are tips and suggestions for senior travelers 70+ looking for travel insurance.

Looking for tours with no or very low single supplements?

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You can see the current list on the Solo Traveler Deals page.

READER PHOTOS

We love to publish travel photos submitted by readers. Join our community of more than 250,000 travelers from around the world: simply "like" our Solo Travel Society Facebook page and you're in! Upload photos any time (or send them to me at tracey@solotravelerworld.com), along with a caption telling us a bit about what is in the picture.

Click on last month's photos below to get the full effect and see where they were taken.

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TOP POSTS ON SOLO TRAVELER

Here are the top new articles published on Solo Traveler in December.

Your Solo Travel Budget: It’s All About Balance

How do you ensure that you return home satisfied that you had the best possible experience without blowing your solo travel budget?

Night Safety for Solo Travelers: 17 Tips

Going out at night offers unique ways of experiencing your destination but it does require some special attention for safety. Here are 17 tips to keep you safe.

Travel Alone and Love It: 50 Tips for Successful Solo Travel

When you travel alone, you travel on your terms. Here are 50 of our best tips, plus links to additional resources to ensure solo travel success.

Pre-Travel Stress Relief: 12 Tips to Leave Relaxed and Confident

Pre-travel stress is normal. Not enjoyable, but normal. Here are 12 tips to help you turn that travel stress into travel excitement.

Congratulations to

Just You

Winners of the 2019 Solo Travel Award for

Solo Only Tours!

Just You is an escorted group tour company exclusively for solo travelers. Just You provides the opportunity to embark on a solo adventure together with other like-minded travelers. Everyone is guaranteed a private room, and is never charged a single supplement.

DESTINATIONS

In December, we featured destinations in Canada, the United States, and around the world. Have you traveled solo to a destination that you loved and would recommend to fellow travelers? Consider submitting an article and photos via our easy online form. We love to publish your stories!

Affordable Kauai Update – 32 Free and Low-Cost Tips

Is it possible to go to Kauai on a budget? It’s a challenge to be sure but you’ll save lots with these 32 free and low-cost tips.

Winter Festivals for Solo Travelers

Here are the best winter festivals for solo travelers plus lots of photos from Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur and Quebec City’s Carnaval de Québec.

Solo Trips for Women: Independent and Group Solo Travel

Solo Traveler is usually for men and women. This post is different. Here’s inspiration for independent and organized solo trips for women specifically.

This is an ad. If you click and buy we'll receive a small commission. You'll pay the same, you'll be secure when on public WiFi and you'll support Solo Traveler. ~ Janice

On public Wi-Fi, personal data is in the air for anyone to grab... unless you use a VPN.

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I use StrongVPN. Click, sign up and enter "Solotraveler" as your coupon code and you'll save 15% on the annual plan.

If you want more information about VPNs read VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide.

A New Project in the Works

Janice and I are in the early phase of developing a new project that we're excited about! Solo Traveler will continue, of course, but we have other interests as well. This project will be about grappling with and learning about issues we don't understand, on just about any topic. As with Solo Traveler, our goal will be to inform, inspire, and advocate, and community participation will be a very important component. It will take a few months to get off the ground but if you would like to be notified of the launch you can sign up here. Of course, you'll be able to unsubscribe at any time.

Going Somewhere?

If you're traveling soon, don't forget...

Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must - why I never travel without insurance, how I've used it to recover losses, and how to buy it.
Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List - our ultimate packing check list which I continue to use for every trip.
Five Top Travel Apps Plus a Few More I'd Never Travel Without - These make travel easier.
Readers chose Booking.com as their favorite travel brand in our 2017 reader survey. You can support Solo Traveler by booking your hotel, hostel, B&B or inn through Booking.com here.