#travel ideas

Hey friends, I’d like to go somewhere for 14 July weekend, any idea where I could go (in Europe, not too far!)

lilypotterr:

1. museum of modern art 
2. nyc rocky horror picture show
3. upright citizens brigade 
4. belvedere castle 
5. the metropolitan museum of art 
6. evolution store
7. dylan’s candy bar
8. strand book store
9. hidden subway station
10. see a burlesque show
11. museum of the moving image
12. babeland
13. brooklyn flea market
14. momofuku milk bar
15. go to a hookah bar
16. coney island
17. go to a spoken word/poetry reading
18. go see a free concert
19. union square green market
20. seen an independent film
21. st. paul’s chapel
22. see a show at the secret theater
23. grand central station & the whispering gallery
24. the pit improv
25. videology bar & screening room
26. the high line
27. get tickets to a tv show taping
28. central park zoo
29. cooking show & comedians
30. find a sample sale
31. new york botanical garden
32. guggenheim museum
33. sony wonder technology lab
34. american museum of natural history
35. s'mac
36. cipriani le specialita
37. nbc studio tour
38. the foot hall at the plaza hotel
39. fao schwarz
40. brooklyn heights promenade
41. big gay ice cream
42. forbidden planet
43. $20 shows at lincoln center
44. free weekly events in nyc
45. jane austen dances
46. nyc dumpling tour
47. the city reliquary
48. tea demonstration at urasenke chanoyu
49. take a 40 minute power nap at a spa
50. baconery

Give this to your parents, friends, significant others, coworkers, random people, or anyone else who tries to warn you about the dangers of travel. I’ve been to post-revolutionary Cairo in 2012, Colombia, most of the pickpocketing capitals of the world, and a variety of other places where I felt more safe than I have in many neighborhoods in America. 

How to Stay Safe While Traveling

It’s worth noting that many parts of the world — including a lot of popular tourist destinations — are less dangerous than the United States. Some people have a perception that the life they know in America is quite safe, but the rate of violent crime in the U.S. is high for a developed country. In any given situation in life — getting in your car to drive to school or work every day or just crossing the street — there is a certain risk involved. Before you consider the danger of visiting a foreign country, do not discount the danger you face and mitigate successfully everyday. I like to frame it like this: Imagine you’re a parent or teacher, and think about the advice you might give a born-and-raised, sheltered suburban kid about staying safe on a trip to New York City. This is, in essence, good and solid advice for any person about to travel to most major tourist destinations around the world.

Click here to read the full article on eHow: http://bit.ly/ehowmvg18

In my recent article, The Independent Ladies’ Guide to Solo Travel, I talked about why traveling abroad as a woman can be one of the most liberating, empowering experiences you can have – and why you shouldn’t be afraid to give it a try. Now, we’re meeting women who’ve actually experienced this to find out what it’s really like – and what they’d do differently next time.

Today we’re speaking to Melissa Reece of Liberated Traveler, who recently took advantage of teaching’s #1 perk – summers off – and jetted off to Paris by herself for a month.

TheLiberated Traveler exploring the outskirts of Paris at La Défense.

Tell us about your solo travel experience.
Last summer I stayed in Paris for a month on my own. This was my 5th time returning to Paris. I wanted to see the local version rather than rushing around to see every monument, eat every crepe, or whatever typical version of Paris.

Why did you decide to take that trip?
Sometimes in life our goals don’t match up with the ideas or budgets of others. This was something I wanted to do, and I didn’t want to wait for someone else to be able to do it with me. I also wanted to prove to myself that I was independent and I could be strong on my own.

What was the most rewarding part about your solo travel experience?
I didn’t start in Paris on my own, so the first morning by myself after taking my last travel partner to the bus was a growing experience. I learned that I often reach for the flight path vs fight path, but after creating a plan and envisioning all of the experiences I would miss out on if I gave up was tragic. I knew that I just needed time to adjust and rationalize with myself. This was what I dreamed about for over a year. Perseverance was essential for this to be a success.

What was the most challenging part about your solo travel experience?
Once I knew all of the adventures I had planned, I felt better. Routine started to set in and my photography really took off. I was busy learning, seeing, and doing. I even started to think, “what will I do when I get home? Life will be so boring.”

Then, bad news came from home. My mom was on life support. I thought my anxiety level was high in the beginning, but knowing that I was needed at home and I couldn’t get there was awful. I feared that I wouldn’t make it home in time. I’ve never had to make such important decisions on my own. When is the right time to come home? How will I get home? How will I take care of all the “other” details like checking out with my landlord and getting everything done in time? I’d like to say I kept my cool the whole time, but I’d be lying.

Through this experience, I have learned a lot about myself, what I want, and what I can accomplish. This was the goal of the trip, but I didn’t realize this is how it would all happen. I love travel, but I also love my family and friends. I do need them. I don’t think I can just move across the globe, but I sure can visit as many places as my heart desires as long as I have a home waiting for me. Even as I wait for the dust to settle here, I dream of where I will be going next.

Did the experience of going abroad by yourself meet your expectations? Did it surprise you? In what way?
Solo travel was different than I originally imagined, yet it is somehow better now that I look back on it. I became stronger on my own. I had traveled with tour groups on my own before this trip, but I never felt like I was alone in those situations. I felt alone on this trip. It sucked at times, but I have more faith and appreciation for home than I’ve ever felt. Tragedy struck before, but it was always when I was home and surrounded by others. This was the first time I had to face it on my own, but I did.

Anything you wish you’d have done differently before the trip to prepare?
I’ve learned more about what kind of traveler I am. Staying in a city too long is difficult and hardens my soul. I’ve learned that a balance between day trips, country, and city are very important to me. Some of my favorite moments were not in Paris, but in little escapes. Planning an itinerary will be more successful in the future now that I know what my travel preferences are.

Anything you wish you’d done differently during the trip, to get the most out of the experience or prevent headaches?
Travel insurance would have been a good idea. I never thought I needed it. The truth is you don’t know what will come up. I lost about $2,000 because of my lack of preparation. Now I know.

How did people you met along the way react to learning that you were on the trip by yourself?
Being a young female that isn’t painful on the eyes is a different experience than an older man traveling solo. I didn’t always reveal that I was traveling alone. After being followed one night, I felt my guard was up. Just as I was starting to feel more comfortable, it was time for me to go. I’ve always been a cautious person, and it is especially present when I am alone.

Did you experience loneliness on your solo travel experience, and if so, how did you cope with it?
I felt lonely in the beginning. I found myself searching for home. I went to see Man of Steel and grabbed a cheeseburger. At night I would listen to Phil Collins. After time passed, I couldn’t imagine going back home. I would miss going to a cafe by myself for hours. There are lonely times, but you have to find what moments bring the best out of you as an independent person, and those moments outweigh any loneliness you might feel. Loneliness often strikes at night, so be busy during that time.

Do you think you’re a different person now because of your solo travel experience? In what way did this experience change you?
I am stronger than I ever was. I know that I can get through situations that face me. Solo travel encourages freedom and choice. After being followed by a man and scared for my life, I made a list of pros and cons of solo travel. The quantity of the items is greater on the cons side, but the quality of the pros side outweighs giving in.

Did you feel truly unsafe at any point? Do you think a man would have felt unsafe in the same situation, or was it gender-based? How did you manage your own personal safety during your trip?
I felt unsafe after being followed for about a mile, even with my attempt to lose his track. He could have been harmless, but with the language barrier and cultural difference, I did not know. I do think that safety is gender-based at times. I found myself avoiding going out at night. Luckily sunset was close to eleven at night, so it wasn’t like I was missing out on much, but I did act differently than when I was home. I decided that waking up early, enjoying the day, and coming home at dark was what made me feel comfortable. I may have missed out on opportunities, but I was not harmed, so it may have been worth it.

Any advice you’d like to share with other women who are considering a solo trip?
You should keep yourself busy and play it safe. Yes you want to live and have new experiences, but know that you need to follow your instinct. If something feels uncomfortable, then you are right. There are many ways to connect with others, whether they be travelers or locals. Be sure to create those opportunities for yourself.