solo travel

You've got somewhere to go, but no one to go with; solo travel is the nexus of independence and opportunity.

American Motels vs. Hotels
If you ask most Americans today what the difference is between a motel and a hotel, you’ll likely get a shrug. “They’re the same thing, right? One is just cheaper?” No, not quite. The difference between a motel and a hotel isn’t just about price or star ratings. It’s about how America moved, how it paused, and how it learned to travel.
By The Iron Lighthouseabout 3 hours ago in Wander
10 Countries You Probably Didn’t Know Existed (But Absolutely Should!)
We all dream about visiting iconic destinations like France, Italy, or tropical paradises like Hawaii and Bali. But what if I told you there are countries and territories most people have never even heard of?
By Areeba Umairabout 7 hours ago in Wander
10 Times Tourists Completely Ruined Priceless History
There’s something magnetic about ancient architecture and historic artifacts. Whether it’s a crumbling amphitheater, a sacred temple high in the mountains, or a centuries-old painting in a quiet chapel, we’re drawn to these places. Maybe it’s the mystery. Maybe it’s the legends. Maybe it’s the simple realization that these structures have survived hundreds, sometimes thousands of years.
By Areeba Umairabout 7 hours ago in Wander
5 Overhyped Budapest Experiences
Budapest is bold, beautiful and full of contrasts — but not every famous experience lives up to the hype. After multiple visits to Budapest, here are five popular things I’d personally skip (or rethink) to make your trip smoother, calmer and more authentic.
By NGPNTNabout 17 hours ago in Wander
What to Do in Lisbon When It Rains
Rain in Lisbon doesn’t have to ruin your trip. In fact, after three winter visits — and more than a few umbrellas sacrificed to sudden Atlantic downpours — I’ve learned that the showers here are usually fast, dramatic, and intense. The trick is simple: duck inside somewhere beautiful, wait it out with a coffee or a slow wander, then head back to the cobbled streets once the sky clears and everything smells freshly washed.
By NGPNTNabout 17 hours ago in Wander
8 Incredible Places You Must Visit Before They Disappear Forever
Vacations are the perfect excuse to explore, relax, and witness the beauty of the world. But some places are vanishing due to climate change, rising sea levels, or human activity, and if you don’t visit them soon, you might miss your chance. Here’s a list of eight phenomenal destinations that belong on every traveler’s bucket list.
By Areeba Umaira day ago in Wander
Sicily’s Public Mourning and the Quiet Life of Smaller Towns
During my trip to Ragusa, Modica, and Pozzallo, one of the first things that caught my eye was the posters plastered on walls and noticeboards announcing deaths. Known locally as avvisi funebri, these public notices are Sicily’s way of informing the community about a passing and providing funeral details. Each one features a photo of the deceased, their full name, and messages from family members, often adorned with religious iconography, including angels, saints, or delicate floral motifs. Unlike other countries, where obituaries are tucked away in newspapers or buried in digital archives, in Sicily, death is public, shared, and intimately woven into the rhythm of daily life. You might see a poster as you walk past a corner café or near a bakery, a gentle reminder of mortality interlaced with the everyday sounds of scooters and church bells.
By NGPNTN4 days ago in Wander
Venice: The City I Loved but Couldn’t Recognize
Venice has always held a special place in my heart. I spent two years there completing my master’s studies, and it was where my extrovert side truly emerged. I went from shy to connecting with over 800 people in my first year alone. Days were filled with endless pasta and fine wine, nights spent exploring hidden gems, and the kind of immersive experiences that only living in the city can offer.
By NGPNTN4 days ago in Wander
Teaching Abroad Forced Me to Unlearn the Lies I Grew Up With
Editor's Note Teaching abroad didn’t give me answers — it stripped away beliefs I didn’t know I was carrying. This essay traces how living overseas challenged my ideas of normalcy, worth, and identity, and how unlearning those ideas made room for something softer and more human.
By Restless Wanderer4 days ago in Wander
Solo Female Travel in Africa: Simple Tips to Stay Safe. AI-Generated.
Africa is rich in beauty and adventure. For women traveling alone, it can be an unforgettable experience. It is normal to think about safety and where to stay. Africa is a big continent, and every country feels unique. With good planning and a little caution, the journey can be smooth and enjoyable.
By Nishant7 days ago in Wander
Better Shopping Outside of Istanbul
My previous article was missing one thing: getting around by bus outside of Istanbul. Well, this article addresses that as well as the central gem of Turkiye (Turkey) for the modern traveller. The following is based on our trip there in September 2024 with the aim to help future travellers...navigate.
By Richard Soulliere10 days ago in Wander
Our Journey to Merzouga’s Golden Dunes by Morocco Family Vacation
Before traveling to Morocco, the Sahara Desert felt like something meant for postcards or adventurous backpackers not families with kids. I worried about long drives, extreme heat, and whether the experience would be overwhelming for my children. But our family trip to Merzouga, deep in the golden dunes of the Sahara, became one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve ever shared together.
By Ariel Cohen15 days ago in Wander