The Otherworldly Salt Cathedral Of Zipaquirá, Colombia

A dazzling and otherworldly house of worship entombed just 2 hours north of Bogotá, Colombia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a breathtaking testament to faith and a modern miracle of architecture.

Inside Zipaquira's Salt Cathedral. — Jess Kraft / Shutterstock

It’s a massive Roman Catholic church constructed 600 feet underground in the belly of a salt mine. The pious miners spent their spare time constructing a place to worship out of the only materials they had: salt and rock. Today, the Salt Cathedral is a popular place of pilgrimage as well as a tourist destination.

Salt mining is a serious business, and accidents can happen, so it’s speculated that the original miners constructed the sanctuary to invoke the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary of Guasa, the patroness of salt miners. As time went on, the cathedral became far grander.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine of Krakow, Poland. — Wieliczka Salt Mine / agsaz / Shutterstock

Salt Masterpieces Around The World

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is far from the only briny treasure in the world. The Wieliczka Salt Mine of Kraków, Poland, contains multiple churches, statues, and even a replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper etched into the salt. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an incredibly popular Polish tourist destination.

Closer to home, the Salt Palace in Grand Saline, Texas, is constructed out of rock salt, and visitors are encouraged to lick the walls.

The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia’s Altiplano is the largest salt flat on the planet. It’s the perfect place to play with perspective and is considered one of the most unique and awe-inspiring naturally occurring wonders of the world.

Inside the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. — posztos / Shutterstock

Visiting The Salt Cathedral Of Zipaquirá

From Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá, you have several different options. There are tour packages available that will get you to Zipaquirá and the park, as well as back to Bogotá. You can also take a train or bus from Bogotá’s Terminal de Norte. If you opt for the local bus, be prepared to walk several blocks to the cathedral itself. Download MAPS.ME to plan out your walking route.

The best time to visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is in late spring, when the weather is warmer, but be aware that the temperature inside of the mine can be chilly. It’s best to bring a light jacket or sweater with you.

Entrance tunnel to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. — posztos / Shutterstock

The cathedral is open daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and it might be busier on Sundays and holy days. General admission costs 57,000 Colombian pesos, or just about $17, and you can spend as long as you’d like inside.

Salt sculptures inside the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. — Fotos593 / Shutterstock

The cathedral is massive, so prepare for a lot of walking. Some of the passages are smaller, and many of them head uphill or downhill, so if you’re claustrophobic or have mobility issues, you might want to reconsider visiting some of the chambers.

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá hasn’t quite hit the mainstream travel radar yet, so now is the best time to visit this iconic underground church of salt.

Considering a trip to Colombia? Here’s why you should travel to the country in 2019.

Legend Has It That Iceland’s Stunning Skógafoss Waterfall Is Home To Hidden Treasure

Iceland sometimes looks like another planet. While a fine layer of fog usually covers the country like a blanket, when the light shines through, the rainbows are sure to take your breath away.

Many travelers journey to Iceland each year to see the country’s legendary landscapes — sometimes green, sometimes rugged, but always impressive. While you’re there, you mustn’t miss the most beautiful waterfall in the country, Skógafoss.

Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland. — Maridav / Shutterstock

Where Are The Falls?

Skógafoss is located near the southern coast of Iceland, about 100 miles southeast of the capital, Reykjavík, and 11 miles east of the picturesque town of Ásólfsskáli, Iceland.

It’s easy to get from Reykjavík to the falls — simply take Highway 1, and after about 2 hours, you’ll arrive at Skógafoss.

A double rainbow at Skogafoss waterfall. — iamnuang / Shutterstock

The Mist-ical Falls

Two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull, rendezvous at the falls. You can see Skógafoss either from the water level or from above. If you don’t mind a hike, you can walk up 370 wooden steps for a bird’s-eye view of the falls and the surrounding hills.

The waterfall area is constantly misty, so if you go on a sunny day, you might see a stunning rainbow — or maybe even a double rainbow!

View of Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland. — salajean / Shutterstock

What Lies Below The Surface

According to local legend, a Viking by the name of Thrasi hid a chest of gold beneath the falls. Many have attempted to retrieve it, and one man almost succeeded by tying a rope to the handle of the chest and pulling. He was only able to obtain the ring of the chest, however; now, it’s said, the ring is attached to a church door in the small village of Skógar.

So, while you’re there, keep your eye out for the twinkle of yellow-gold beckoning to you from beneath the rushing waters!

Hiking on the Fimmvörduháls trail. — Felix Nendzig / Shutterstock

What To Know Before You Go

Even though the hike to the top of the waterfall yields spectacular views, it isn’t for everyone. If you have mobility issues or aren’t comfortable walking up long, steep sets of stairs, you might want to sit it out. Don’t worry, though — the base of the waterfall is still incredible!

Iceland has become a very popular tourist destination, so you won’t be alone at the falls. To beat the crowds, arrive very early in the day or close to nightfall. If you’re visiting during autumn and travel to the falls after dark, you might be able to see the Northern Lights hop and twirl through the night sky like fine pieces of silk ribbon.

The trek to the top of the falls takes about 30 minutes, so make sure to leave enough time to enjoy the falls in all of their beauty.

To take in more of the rugged beauty of Iceland, explore the Fimmvörduháls hiking trail, which passes very near Skógafoss. The hike is about 15 miles round-trip, so plan to set aside a day or two to complete it and camp along the way. It is only possible to complete the hike in the summer.

After exploring Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall, head over to the country’s beloved Blue Lagoon. Here’s how to visit these ethereal hot springs.

8 Reasons To Visit Ayutthaya In Thailand

A mere hour north of Bangkok’s sleek ultra-modern streets is Ayutthaya, a fascinating historic city frozen in time.

In 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital in the kingdom. The metropolis remained an influential seat of Thai power until the Burmese invaded it. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a captivating collection of antiquated chedis, pagodas, and temples.

Here are eight reasons to make time for Ayutthaya on your vacation to Thailand.

Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya, Thailand. — Ipsimus / Shutterstock

1. You Can Take A Bike Tour Back In Time

The best way to see Ayutthaya’s iconic ruins is by bicycle. There are plenty of places that will rent you a bike by the day and give you a map of the old city so that you won’t miss any highlights. Wear comfortable sneakers and plenty of sunscreen, since Ayutthaya can be scorching during April, May, and June.

Ayutthaya has a stray dog problem, and while these homeless pups may look like pets, they are often feral animals that may have had negative encounters with humans. They tend to cluster around the temples, especially at dusk. Do not approach them. If a street dog becomes aggressive, don’t run. Instead, speak to it in an authoritative voice and back slowly out of its territory. If the absolute worst-case scenario happens and a stray bites you, get to the hospital immediately for a rabies vaccination.

Stray dogs are less of an issue during the day, and exploring Ayutthaya by bicycle is a perfectly safe option if you don’t approach packs of animals. Plan to spend several hours touring the ruins. All of the ruins of Ayutthaya are phenomenal, but the highlight reel is especially remarkable.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a massive temple that contains an impressive array of Buddhas and some of the finest examples of Khmer architecture in Thailand. Wat Ratchaburana was erected in 1424 in honor of King Borommarachathirat’s brothers, who both died vying for the throne. Wat Mahathat is easily the most famous temple in Ayutthaya, due to its unique Buddha relic. Nobody knows quite how the stone Buddha head got entangled in tree branches, but it’s a beautiful and mysterious image that you won’t soon forget.

Ayutthaya's Floating Market. — Akira Kaelyn / Shutterstock

2. You Can Stroll Through A Floating Market

The Floating Market of Ayutthaya is a celebration of Thai culture and regional food. Bursting with well over 200 shops and food stalls, it’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. except on public holidays. You can get there by motorbike taxi or auto rickshaw for roughly 100 baht ($3.27), and you’ll pay 200 baht ($6.55) to enter.

The experience is well worth the fee, since you’ll spend hours wandering through the food boats and specialty shops. You might even catch a free reenactment of the Burmese sack of Ayutthaya. The reenactment is in Thai, but it’s still worth viewing for the costumes and special effects.

There’s an excellent chance that you’ll run across some elephants while strolling through the shops and stalls, and you’ll undoubtedly be able to pick up some unusual and inexpensive souvenirs as well.

A street food stall in Ayutthaya. — Shanae Ennis-Melhado / Shutterstock

3. The Street Food Is Fantastic

It’s possible to eat like a king in Ayutthaya without ever setting foot inside a brick-and-mortar restaurant. This city of ruins is home to plenty of fragrant boat-noodle stalls, sweet steamed coconut puddings, and prawns the size of your hand. You can sample authentic homemade dishes for as little as 50 baht, or less than $2.

Although you can find fabulous street food at any time of day or night in Ayutthaya, if you want to sample local favorites in one spot, you’ll need to visit the Bang Ian Night Market. Thailand’s steamy daytime heat makes night markets the ideal place to cool off, browse for souvenirs, and eat delicious food.

From bowls of noodle soup to flavorful mango and sticky rice, you can sample it all at Bang Ian Night Market. Get there right when the sun sets for the best selection.

Rama Public Park in Ayutthaya. — Phongsak Meedaenphai / Shutterstock

4. The Public Park Is Like Paradise

The center of Ayutthaya is dominated by a verdant oasis full of huge trees and beautiful structures, new and old, that give visitors a respite from the sizzling Thai sun. Rama Public Park is a rambling green space with plenty of shade and smaller temples, chedis, and pagodas.

Grab a Thai iced tea and pass a relaxing hour or two in Rama Public Park. It’s a haven for local birds and other small animals, so you might have some curious creature company on your stroll. If you visit the park at dusk, watch out for stray dogs.

Elephant organization Elephantstay. — Anna Svetlova / Shutterstock.com

5. You Can Interact With Elephants

The history of Ayutthaya has always involved elephants, and you can see many references to the majestic beasts all over the city. The Elephantstay at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village offers a way to volunteer with these animals in a controlled setting.

The Royal Elephant Kraal Village does offer elephant riding, a practice that has been criticized by humane groups. Still, it’s possible to avoid this activity altogether when volunteering at Elephantstay. Instead, you can focus on the other aspects of elephant husbandry, including feeding, watering, and interacting with the gentle giants.

Pricing information and details about how the Elephantstay operates are available online. Peak season is between November and May, so if you’re planning on visiting during that time, be sure to book several months in advance.

A tourist boat near Wat Phananchoeng. — Warut Chinsai / Shutterstock

6. You Can Enjoy An Evening Sail Around The Island

Ayutthaya is an island surrounded by three rivers — the Chao Phraya, the Pa Sak, and the Lopburi — and you can see plenty of the city’s ruins from a long-tail boat at sunset.

Even if you’ve already explored Ayutthaya by bicycle during the day, an evening boat ride will give you a whole new perspective. Temples like Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan are only accessible from the water and should not be missed. Many temples on the boat-tour route charge an entrance fee of roughly 50 baht, or a little less than $2. Be sure to carry a few hundred baht with you for fees and street-food snacks.

The boat tours end at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a fabulous place to enjoy the sunset and serenity of the ruins.

Plenty of companies offer these evening boat tours, so don’t be afraid to haggle. You shouldn’t pay more than 200 baht, or roughly $7, for the trip.

A typical Thai massage. — Bhakpong / Shutterstock

7. You Can Experience A Traditional Thai Massage

While you’re in Thailand, you’ll want to pamper yourself with a traditional Thai massage. Thai massage relies on a specific method of compression and deep-muscle massage; it might leave you sore, but it will iron out all of your knots and leave you feeling limber.

Sala Ayutthaya is a phenomenal place to get a classic Thai massage, as well as other spa services, but adventurous souls should wander off the beaten path and in the direction of the Ayutthaya Train Station. There you’ll find a nondescript row of massage parlors that specialize in Thai massage and will give you an hour-long session for between 200 and 300 baht, or less than $10.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace in Ayutthaya. — May_Lana / Shutterstock

8. It’s Near The Beautiful Bang Pa-In Palace

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace isn’t technically in Ayutthaya, but it’s a comfortable 20-minute train ride south from the old city, and you can easily stop there on your way to or from Bangkok.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the palace is a colorful celebration of Thai culture with beautiful elephant-themed topiary. For 100 baht, or a little less than $4, you can wander the grounds and pastel buildings to your heart’s content. The Bang Pa-In Palace is a charming and modern complex.

Despite its UNESCO status, Ayutthaya hasn’t hit the tourist radar just yet. Why not visit this city before its popularity skyrockets? Put this old capital city on your Thailand bucket list!

Waterfalls Join 16 Natural Lakes In Croatia’s Breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park

At first sight, Plitvice Lakes National Park materializes as a long stretch of crystal blue water terminating at a web of waterfalls.

The park is known for its lakes and wooden walkways, which make the area easy to navigate and marvel at up close.

The gorgeous water in the national park seals the deal — Plitvice Lakes is a must-stop spot in Croatia.

Aerial view of Plitvice Lakes National Park in the fall. — Fesus Robert / Shutterstock

Where Is Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia, about 75 miles northeast of the coastal city of Zadar, Croatia, and 80 miles southwest of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. The closest airport is in Zagreb, so it’s best to rent a car there and drive south to the park.

Walkway in Plitvice Lakes National Park. — mpaniti / Shutterstock

The beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park isn’t a secret. Founded in 1949, the park is one of the oldest in southeastern Europe. In 1979, the national park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The park stretches for almost 200 miles, and the avenue of lakes runs for 5 miles.

Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park. — Standret / Shutterstock

Why The Park Is A Must-See

The national park is known for its 16 lakes that are connected by a series of glorious waterfalls. The entire area is encased in deep forest teeming with life — deer, bears, wolves, boars, and birds galore have made the park their home base. Of the numerous stunning waterfalls in the park, the tallest is Veliki Slap — it’s more than 200 feet tall.

To get around the park, you’ll weave between lakes and forests on wooden walkways.

How To Visit

There are two entrances to the park: The first takes you to the lower lakes, and the second takes you to the upper lakes. While the park is open daily year-round, the second entrance is usually closed between November and April. There’s still plenty to see at that time, but to get the full experience, you might want to go during the warmer months. The park gets a bit crowded in the summer, however, so we suggest making a trip in early spring, late summer, or early fall to beat the rush.

Scenery in Plitvice Lakes National Park. — Nata-Lia / Shutterstock

Ticket prices vary by month. During the slow season, you might pay as little as 150 kuna, or $25, and during peak season, you’ll pay 250 kuna, or $40. The entrance fee goes directly toward conservation efforts. The ticket prices may be on the steeper side, but it’s worth it to see — and help preserve — the most beautiful park in Croatia.

Aerial view of Plitvice Lakes National Park. — awaywithtrex / Shutterstock

Make sure to scope out ticket prices beforehand. And if you are a fan of guided tours, you can book a 3- or 6-hour tour of the park.

Croatia is a gold mine of natural wonders and stunning city escapes. Here are 11 things to see and do in the country as well as seven places where you can enjoy the sunset.

No Cars Allowed: 7 Car-Free Places In The U.S.

In an ever-changing, constantly moving world, it’s nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There are places all around the world that take a step back from the world we know — a world where we rely heavily on cars to get around. These include at least seven cities in the U.S. that are completely car-free.

Read on to learn about cities around the country that provide a fun and serene getaway.

1. Halibut Cove, Alaska

Halibut Cove, Alaska, is one of the world’s only floating towns. The small village is located in Alaska’s first state park, Kachemak Bay State Park. You can access the area by water taxi from Homer, Alaska, which is about 6 miles away.

During your time in Halibut Cove, you can soak up the untamed beauty of Alaska on a guided tour through the state park. The guides work with hikers of various skill and fitness levels, so the tours are fun for all ages.

Or, if you want to experience the scenic area while sitting down (and who doesn’t?), book a boat tour around the bay.

Best of all, Halibut Cove is completely car-free. There are only two ways to get around: by foot and by water.

The Supai village in Arizona. — joojoob27 / Shutterstock

2. Supai, Arizona

Supai, Arizona, is known as the most remote community in the lower 48 states. The nearest road is 8 miles away. If you want to visit, you’ll have to travel by foot, mule, or helicopter — even the mail is delivered by mule!

The area is inhabited by the Havasupai people, known as “the People of the Blue-Green Water.”

If you plan to visit by foot, you’re in for a tough — but rewarding! — adventure. You’ll hike 8 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop to Supai, and once you’ve completed the hike, you’ll be greeted by the massive waterfalls that made the area famous.

Since the village is so far from civilization, when the sun falls, you won’t see a single light for miles. Stargazers will adore the night sky of Supai.

3. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island, Michigan, is a popular resort island that thrives without cars. To get around, you’ll need your feet, a bike, or a horse.

You can get to the island by driving to Mackinaw City, Michigan, or Saint Ignace, Michigan, and then taking a ferry from either town. The nearest airports are Pellston Regional Airport in Pellston, Michigan; Mackinac County Airport in Saint Ignace; and Chippewa County International Airport in Kincheloe, Michigan.

In addition to being without cars, the island has no chain hotels. While there, you can enjoy breathtaking natural features like Arch Rock and Crack in the Island Trail or take a boat tour to a nearby lighthouse.

Mackinac Island is known for its scrumptious fudge — there are 13 fudge shops on the tiny island!

A lighthouse on Fire Island. — Nancy Brennan / Shutterstock

4. Fire Island, New York

A ferry to New York’s Fire Island departs from three cities on Long Island: Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Sayville. The island is only accessible by ferry, and once there, you can only get around on foot, on a bicycle, or on a wagon.

The island offers fun beach activities for people of all ages. If you like to hike, explore the Sunken Forest, an old maritime forest with dunes that isolate the park from the outside word. If you like to bike, follow the trail by the water. The island’s picturesque beaches are perfect for exploring on foot or viewing from above by parasail.

Aerial view of Bald Head Island. — iofoto / Shutterstock

5. Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Bald Head Island in North Carolina is a paradise for golfers. The car-free island offers an expansive golf course — Bald Head Island Club — as well as croquet, tennis, swimming, spas, and beaches. There’s also a fun ghost tour, and ocean lovers can rent a kayak, sailboat, or stand-up paddleboard. Who needs cars?

Every November, there’s a Roast & Toast on the Coast event that celebrates life in the South. The event includes an oyster roast and other yummy food.

Visitors typically fly into Wilmington International Airport in Wilmington, North Carolina, about 30 miles away from the island. From there, you can take a ferry the rest of the way.

6. Tangier Island, Virginia

On Virginia’s car-free Tangier Island, you can learn about the soft-shell crabbing industry that is central to the community.

While there, enjoy fresh seafood straight from the surrounding Chesapeake Bay. If you want to get out on the water, borrow a kayak or canoe from the dock (for free!) and explore the water trails around Tangier and the neighboring marshes.

To see the island for yourself, take a ferry from Reedville, Virginia; Onancock, Virginia; Chincoteague, Virginia; or Crisfield, Maryland.

Aerial view of Governors Island, New York. — V_E / Shutterstock

7. Governors Island, New York

Escape the hustle and bustle of life on a day trip to lovely Governors Island right outside New York City. The 172-acre paradise is located right in the heart of New York Harbor near Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

On the island, you can experience a 300-foot-long zip line with unparalleled views of Manhattan, get lost in a 3,600-square-foot maze, go rock climbing, go kayaking, and more. This small car-free oasis is lots of fun for all.

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands and love a car-free vacation, you must put Giethoorn, a charming village without roads or cars, on your bucket list.

6 Key Life Lessons I’ve Learned While Traveling

It was a long day navigating the Road to Hana with my family. Torrential, never-ending rain was our constant companion as we drove. “Thank goodness,” I declared, “that we don’t have to drive back tonight!” I had wisely booked a room in Hana. However, it wasn’t one of the well-known resorts in town; I’d opted for a smaller, “charming” property that didn’t have much of an online presence but did boast a private beach and plenty of space to spread out in “individually decorated rooms.”

I was pretty impressed with my planning skills and couldn’t wait to humble brag about my discovery when I got home. However, when we arrived, we discovered piles of garbage on the beach and bugs crawling up the not-so-charming walls.

This is just one example of a travel experience that taught me a few life lessons. Here are my takeaways.

1. It’s Best To Be Flexible

The first life lesson I’ve learned while traveling during the last three decades of my adult life: Be flexible, and know when to pivot to save a plan. There were two courses to follow in Hana: Stay put and put my pride first, or admit I made a mistake (gulp) and make a new plan. I did the latter, heading to the fancy resort where an incredibly kind front-desk clerk found us a room at an affordable price and even handed us fresh banana bread to make up for our soggy misadventures, saving our vacation in one easy gesture.

Flexibility, and the ability to change course when things don’t go your way, is one important lesson I’ve learned while looping the globe. A little pride is a small price to pay to salvage a vacation, or — back in the real world — save a business deal when things start to go south. Bonus lesson: If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

A selfie in Hawaii from the writer. — Melissa Klurman

2. Step Away From The Device

On a trip to Norway to see the Northern Lights, I spent a full evening under the glowing aurora borealis trying to work my new fancy digital camera. I never stopped to look up, let alone absorb the atmosphere of being far above the Arctic Circle under a pollution-free sky on a star-filled night. “Worst of all” — I thought at the time — “my pictures aren’t even clear enough to show to people!” Oh, the irony. Luckily, a few nights later, on the back of a snowmobile with my eyelashes coated in a layer of ice and my fingers so numb I had left my expensive camera back in the car, I witnessed a magical sky of shifting lights and glowing helixes in almost complete silence. With no clicking of my camera to interrupt my mystical viewing, I was able to fully absorb the moment. I relish sharing my story with friends and learned one of my most important travel and life lessons: Pay attention to where you are in the moment, look up, savor the sights, and put down the camera and your phone.

3. Listen To Your Intuition

A room that’s too far away from the main lobby, down a long dark corridor when I’m traveling by myself? If a warning bell sounds in my head, I’m going to say “No thank you,” which may sound easy, but took me a long time to master. The same now goes for unlit streets at night, taxis that look but don’t feel safe, and subway stations that have an odd look. If something doesn’t seem right, anywhere at any time, I trust my well-honed instincts and remove myself from the situation, always listening to my intuition as my best guide.

The writer holding a giant crab. — Melissa Klurman

4. Try Something New

I often joke that I’ll do things when I’m traveling that I’d never do in real life. As I get older, I realize that while a vacation filled with beaches, books, and cocktails is lovely and relaxing, what I remember is the new experiences. For example, this past summer I visited Puerto Rico for the sixth time, but it was made completely new thanks to an e-bike tour around the streets of Old San Juan. Revving my bike up the steep hills was both liberating and exciting and let me see things up steep streets I’d miss on my regular cruiser.

5. Focus On The Journey

To travel in the modern age of flying is to deal with delays. Some of my worst have involved weather stoppages with my then-young son in tow, three planes that took off and had to return to the airport because of mechanical trouble, and so many tarmac waits and airport sojourns that I don’t have enough digits to count them all. Instead of getting stressed, like I once did, I now focus on the journey at hand.

Every moment I’m on the road is a chance for discovery. I search out the best local eats in the airport, which led to an especially memorable meal in Munich, where the airport has its own brewery; talk to fellow passengers, which led to meeting an Athens resident on my way to Greece who revealed the best transportation app to use when I arrived (Beat for Apple and Android, in case you’re wondering); and even enjoy free time to shop and read books, which can be a great way to start an adventure.

The writer and her husband on a bike tour. — Melissa Klurman

6. Be Prepared

As a frequent traveler, I carry a bag Mary Poppins would be proud of; I can handle most situations from a well-packed travel toiletries case, with everything from aspirin to Cipro, bug repellent wipes to antihistamine at my disposal. I also take a picture of my passport with my phone and make sure to travel with local currency so I can hit the road and hail a cab if I need to get going when I land. The ability to rely on myself to get where I need to go and take care of myself when I get there is an empowering life lesson.

Want to read more from seasoned travelers? Here’s what it’s really like to travel solo in an RV, plus what traveling with her in-laws has taught one globetrotter about life.