Sleep Experts Shares 6 Tips on How to Fall Asleep on Any Flight

I’ve never slept longer than an hour on any flight.

Not the 15-hour flight from Sydney to Los Angeles. Not the 11-hour flight from Dubai to Phnom Penh. Not the 12-hour flight from Barcelona to Atlanta.

Personally, I’ve given up on sleeping on flights.

Instead, I avoid red-eyes and try to book my long flights as early as possible so I can work on the plane. (I’m not a workaholic, I just like writing, okay?) When I land, I resist the urge to nap and, usually, by the time night falls, I’m ready to start snoring like a little goddess at my destination.

But not all travelers are as hopeless as me. If you’re able to power down on flights, consider it a superpower—one that you can develop and hone with a few savvy tips.

After all, even if you’re someone who can sleep at 35,000 feet, you might want a few pointers on how to streamline and shorten the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep.

Don’t worry—you don’t need to take my word for it. I’ve got tips from sleep expert Martin Seeley. Though he usually spends his time selling mattresses, he knows a thing or two about catching Zs in a plane seat.

6 tips on how to fall asleep on any flight

Tip #1: Go on a 30-minute walk

According to Seeley, “Studies show that just half an hour of moderate exercise can help you sleep better, and further studies have proven that women who take more steps throughout the day experience deeper sleep. So that simple 30-minute stroll will help your body prepare for rest.”

Personally, I’d recommend cruising through the duty-free section—especially if you’re at an airport that offers great deals. If the airport includes a green space, that’s also a great choice.

Tip #2: Book seats above the engine

Usually, if you want to sleep on planes you’ll avoid seats near the bathroom and service area. They’re usually brighter and noisier than other sections, with added foot traffic.

Seeley recommends booking seats that are directly above the engine. Not only does the sound help dampen noise from the cabin, but these areas are usually prone to less turbulence.

Tip #3: Update your time zone ASAP

As soon as you step onto the plane, set your clocks to the local time at your destination. According to Seeley, “This simple act can help your body’s circadian rhythm – your internal sleep-wake cycle – start adjusting to the new time zone.”

Though this won’t give your body too much of a head start, a little psychological sorcery never hurt anyone.

Tip #4: Don’t use wireless earphones

Wireless headphones might wake you up after you’ve fallen asleep, either by running out of battery (and cutting off those noise-canceling features) or by falling out of place. Seeley recommends bringing noise-canceling headphones that use wires. Or you could always opt for a product that offers both.

One of my favorite travel products is my Sony WH-1000XM3 over-ear headphones. I can charge them for up to four hours of use (via Bluetooth) or simply use the cord that comes with them. Those noise-canceling features work either way.

Tip #5: Come with a sleep-kit

Seeley insists, “A well-prepared sleep kit can make all the difference.” But what should you include, especially now that the list of sleep aids for planes is long?

Seeley recommends wearing loose-fitting clothes and compression socks, and then bringing an eye mask to block out light and a comfortable pillow that offers proper head and neck support.

Tip #6: Avoid booze at all costs

Drinking alcohol on planes is a bad idea for many reasons. I’m most concerned with factors like dehydration, hangovers, and setting you up for a bad round of jet lag. But Seeley brings up a great point—alcohol wreaks havoc on quality sleep.

If you’re hoping to get some shut-eye, alcohol might lull you into sleep, and then wake you up throughout the flight. Avoid it if you want to catch some restorative Zs.

5 (Nearby) Alternatives for Popular Attractions in the US

When I think of overtourism, I think about Europe and Mexico.

Dozens of cities around the world are grappling with a fine-edged balance between supporting a local economy that’s travel-centric (good) and losing its identity, affordable housing, and clean air (bad) to unregulated tourist ventures (bad).

Unfortunately, the United States isn’t a stranger to this challenge. In fact, in cities like Las Vegas and Orlando, that rely heavily on tourism dollars, there’s no straightforward solution.

In reality, the responsibility to manage issues like overtourism falls back to local governance and social organizations more than tourists.

Still, there are ways that visitors can minimize their impact—while also making sure they enjoy their trip.

One of the best ways to skate around hordes of tourists and long lines is to look for alternatives to major attractions. The closer to the main action, the better.

For example, I’d recommend anyone heading into Barcelona to avoid Sagrada Familia to explore Santa Maria del Mar or the Sacred Heart Church on Tibidabo. They’re more beautiful, in my opinion, and aren’t full of gawking visitors.

But what about alternatives in the United States?

To help you get even more out of your adventures, I’m relying on advice from Emily Hart on the best alternatives to popular attractions in the US. Hart is a published travel writer and content creator who specializes in solo travel to the US’s coolest parks and attractions.

She’s got five suggestions for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds (or just an underrated attraction) in search of more impactful adventures.

5 alternatives to popular attractions in the US

Instead of going to Four Corners, head to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Monument valley in the warm glow of the setting sun with snow during wintertime (Getty)

Once upon a time, I worked in the Four Corners area of Colorado—and drove past this unique destination a few times while living in Cortez. Like Hart, I found the site to be a unique and kitschy attraction that lets you stand right where the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado meet.

That’s it.

Hart recommends heading to the nearby Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The area is dotted with grand sandstone structures that pop up on the horizon like chimneys. If you want to hike, you can get out and stretch your legs. If not, take the 17-mile loop drive around the park’s coolest landmarks.

Instead of going to Bourbon Street, head to Frenchmen Street

Dat Dog bar restaurant selling hot dogs with horse carriage guided tour buggy on Frenchmen street with people on road (Getty)

Bourbon Street is a rite of passage for anyone heading to New Orleans—but Hart recommends focusing on Frenchmen Street instead. The hustle and bustle isn’t quite as intense, and you’ll see some locals having fun instead of legions of tourists only.

It’s also home to high-profile local establishments, from the Spotted Cat to The Royal Frenchmen.

Instead of going to Mount Rushmore, head to Badlands National Park

Early morning light on the Badlands (Getty)

South Dakota’s most famous landmark is Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills region. Though Hart would revisit the landmark if she was in the region, she recommends heading to Badlands National Park and Custer State Park for the hiking trails.

I’d personally go for Badlands National Park, which has a scale that feels on par with the Grand Canyon. Not only is it one of the best alternatives to popular attractions like Rushmore, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the country, in my opinion.

(I’d also avoid Mount Rushmore altogether. The Black Hills are a sacred region for the Lakota (Sioux) Nation, that was stolen after official treaties from the mid-1800s were disregarded. In 1980, only forty years after Mount Rushmore was completed, the Supreme Court ruled that the tribe should be compensated for the stolen land. The government awarded the tribe $102 million, but the Lakota Nation has refused to accept the offer and continues to fight for the return of the Black Hills.)

Instead of the Las Vegas Strip, head to Fremont Street

Hart prefers to avoid the Las Vegas Strip because of its artificiality. But even if you enjoy the bright, neon displays of the Strip, you might find the sheer number of crowds to be overwhelming. If that’s the case, head to Fremont Street, which Hart enjoys.

Fremont Street is located in Vegas’s oldest central hub. It’s recently been renovated and designed as an outdoor mall/plaza. You’ll notice fewer crowds, but the exciting energy is still palpable.

Instead of Times Square, head to The High Line

If the Las Vegas Strip is a tough sell for you, then Times Square will also be trying. Though Hart recommends everyone visit both destinations at least once, she prefers to head to Little Island (in the Hudson River Park) or The High Line.

I recommend heading to The High Line. It’s a state-of-the-art park that weaves through West Village and is raised above street level.

You won’t see another project like it in the US. Plus, the restaurants, bars, and shops in West Village aren’t tourist traps… even if they’re still priced out the wazoo.

Hot Brown: Inside Louisville’s Weirdly Named Dish & Where to Eat It

Who doesn’t love a cheeky name for food?

From pigs in a blanket to toads in the hole to rocky mountain oysters, we’ve nailed euphemisms for dozens of delicious treats around the world.

My least favorite is hot brown, a name for an open-faced, hot sandwich that’s beloved in Kentucky. (Though delicious, it’s not the most appetizing name I’ve heard.)

Hot brown sandwiches contain turkey breast and bacon that are placed on open-faced bread and covered in a creamy mornay sauce, then broiled to perfection.

Since the first hot brown was served up at Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky in 1926, it’s spread its (cheesy) wings and expanded throughout the state, then the country.

Some variations include mushrooms, canned peaches, tomatoes, pimento peppers, and ham. Others, called a cold brown, use hard-boiled egg, lettuce, tomato, and chicken or turkey that’s topped with Thousand Island dressing. Some cities have also left their own spin on the dish, including St. Louis’s Prosperity Sandwich (why?) and Pittsburgh’s Turkey Devonshire.

But let’s not reinvent the wheel—or the hot brown, should I say.

If you’re heading to the Louisville area in the near future, including Churchill Downs, don’t miss out on your chance to taste this beloved dish in its hometown. (If you’re lucky, your visit might even coincide with Louisville’s Hot Brown Week.)

Best hot brown sandwiches in Louisville

Brown Hotel (J. Graham’s Café)

Whether you’re heading to Louisville with hot browns on your mind or want to tackle the recipe from home, your first stop should be the Brown Hotel—the birthplace of the sandwich. You can order the hot brown however you like at the hotel, including at its restaurant, bar, and via in-room orders.

Biscuit Belly (Chain)

Biscuit Belly takes its biscuit business seriously—and it’s got a delectable twist on the hot brown that Louisville locals love: the Hot Brown Biscuit. As the name suggests, this version swaps the bread for a (homemade) biscuit. It’s topped with shredded turkey, gouda, bacon, and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Goose Creek Diner

Unlike Biscuit Belly, Goose Creek Diner isn’t looking to switch up the hot brown game. Instead, they’ve perfected their take on the famous sandwich. The mornay sauce resembles the original served at Brown Hotel, while the bread is never soggy and the bacon is always crispy. No frills—just a really good hot brown.

World Famous Gorilla Bob’s

Known for its friendly service, welcome atmosphere, and experimental menu World Famous Gorilla Bob’s should be on your list of restaurants to visit in Louisville. Their hot brown is served up on Texas toast, making for a more savory and spiced flavor. They also melt cheddar cheese over the top of their mornay sauce as an ode to cheese lovers everywhere.

The Cottage Inn

Located just outside the city limits, this Louisville favorite is a shabby, casual eatery that has a gold-star menu that serves up delicious southern staples. The Cottage Inn‘s hot brown is absolutely worth the drive out of town—but the rest of the menu is pretty impressive.

From pork chops to country-fried steak to breaded chicken livers, it’s a who’s-who of comfort food.

Wagner’s Pharmacy

Similar to The Cottage Inn, Wagner’s Pharmacy doesn’t look like much from the outside—but it’s a bona fide institution that you should know about for two reasons.

One, they serve up a delicious hot brown on their weekend brunch menu. Second, they’ve been closely tied to Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby takes place since they opened their doors in 1922. It’s a bit of an institution.

The Eagle Louisville

Want an unparalleled taste of fried chicken? Head to The Eagle Louisville—but leave room for their hot brown sandwich. While this stylish, modern restaurant might not seem like your first pick given it’s a chain, this food and beer hall is a must-see for anyone looking for an award-winning menu.

Big Bad Breakfast (Chain)

Like many items on its menu, Big Bad Breakfast isn’t serving up an ordinary hot brown. Instead, this sandwich comes on a buttermilk biscuit topped with roasted turkey, roasted tomatoes, and a cheesy, Dijon-centric mornay sauce. To top it off, the sandwich is served with an egg (it’s a breakfast spot, after all) and bacon treated with Tabasco.

10 of the World’s Oldest Landmarks Are in Europe—Yes, They Predate the Pyramids

As a fan of history, I distinctly remember some of the oldest manmade landmarks and sites that I’ve visited.

The Cahokia Mounds were the first; the grand burial hills were created sometime around 1050-1350 BCE.

Then came Angkor Wat, a famous Khmer temple structure that was completed around the same time in 1150 BCE.

Last is Mahabalipuram, a Hindu site whose urns date back to the 1^st century BCE. It’s also the last resting place of Roman coins as old as 300 CE.

For Americans like me, encountering these ancient sites often feels like stepping through a threshold into the past. Because much of our national history is so recent, travel is one of the best ways for us to gain a greater appreciation of the past.

I’m sure you can name a few world-famous, manmade structures and landmarks that date back even further than those mentioned above.

There’s the Acropolis in Athens from 447 BCE, along with the Knossos of Crete from 1900 BCE. Then there’s England’s famous Stonehenge circle, which dates back to around 2500 BCE. Lastly, and most famous of all, are the Pyramids of Giza, dating back to 2600 BCE.

But what if I told you these aren’t the oldest manmade structures in the world?

If you want to delve into the past, you can find sites that date all the way back to 4500 BCE… or even 9600 BCE. And they’re all in Europe.

Ready to re-learn the past? These are the oldest manmade landmarks in Europe that you can (and should) visit today.

But wait… what about the Middle East?

If you’re a history nerd, you’re probably thinking… the oldest manmade structures in the world are in Syria… not Europe. You’re right.

Officially, the Towers of Tell Qaramel predate the oldest structure listed below by up to one thousand years. If you have the chance to visit Syria and are on the hunt for ancient sites, you should keep Tell Qaramel on your radar, along with nearby ancient sites like Jerf el-Ahmar and the structures of Mureybet.

Additionally, the Tower of Jericho in Palestine and Pakistan’s Mehrgarh predate the structures listed below. However, they aren’t easily accessible to tourists, especially not Americans, so they didn’t make the final cut.

And I want to point out that new sites are being discovered every year. What we know about history is framed by modern discoveries, and the oldest sites that you read about here might be younger than others we’ve yet to dig up.

10 oldest manmade landmarks that you can visit in Europe (youngest to oldest)

Dolmen of Menga, Spain (3700 BCE)

Dolmen de Menga, Conjunto Arqueológico Dólmenes de Antequera-Antequera Dolmens Site (Getty)

Like many other landmarks on this list, the Dolmen of Menga is a burial mound, which is called a tumulus.

While Stonehenge usually takes the cake when it comes to European monoliths, Dolmen of Menga was built with 32 megaliths that weight about 200 tons each.

Archaeologists believe the site was used as a burial mound for nobility and other ruling families from the area. It’s the oldest and largest structure in the Antequera Dolmens Site, which is located in Antequera in Andalusia, Spain.

Ggantija, Malta (3700 BCE)

Xagra, Gozo – January 16th 2023: The walkway leading into the gantija megalithic temple (Getty)

Prior to writing this article, I had hailed Malta’s Ggantija megalithic temple complex as the oldest structure in the world. In reality, it’s only the second-oldest religious manmade complex in the world (after Gobekli Tepe, below).

The temples were likely used for fertility rites and was once the abode of a giantess named Sansuna. You can visit the site on the Maltese island of Gozo.

La Hougue Bie, Jersey (4000-3500 BCE)

Wide angle image of a Neolithic tomb entrance (Getty)

Jersey, part of the UK via British Crown Dependency, is home to one of the most unique structures on this list. Legends are divided on what purpose this mound served—even the name’s origin is a mystery that might trace back to Old Norse and Norman words.

The site was used for burials and rituals during the Neolithic period and later served as a lookout point during WWII. It’s located in the Grouville parish of Jersey.

Monte d’Accoddi, Italy (4000-3650 BCE)

A beautiful shot of Prehistoric altar Monte d’Accoddi in Sassari, Sardinia (Getty)

On the island of Sardinia, you’ll find a site that predates Italy’s famous Roman rulers by thousands of years. Monte d’Accoddi revolves around a massive stone platform that archaeologists believe was used as an altar.

The altar was built by the Ozieri culture, a hunter-gatherer Neolithic group that was slowly developing agriculture and animal husbandry across the island.

Saint-Michel Tumulus, France (4500 BCE)

megalithic grave mound named Saint-Michel tumulus near Carnac (Getty)

This massive burial mound is the largest in continental Europe. Over the centuries, archaeologists have continued to discover new passages, stone chests, goods, and tools. You can visit the mound in Carnac, Brittany.

Tumulus of Bougon, France (4800 BCE)

Just further south of Brittany and the Saint-Michel Tumulus is France’s second massive, ancient burial mound. The Tumulus of Bougon contains five unique structures, including a necropolis.

I’d suggest visiting this tumulus over the Saint-Michel option above, as there’s a large museum that contains many artifacts from the site. Additionally, you can learn about the Neolithic period and some of Europe’s other notable Neolithic structures—including some mentioned in this list.

Cairn of Barnenez, France (4800 BCE)

Sometimes written just as Barnenez, this is France’s oldest tumulus burial mound—which is located in Brittany not far from the tumulus of Saint-Michel.

You can explore multiple passages that lead into the massive tumulus. I think the main appeal is the presence of Neolithic art. Several chambers include engraved symbols—a common find at many megalithic structures around Europe.

Aquae Calidae, Bulgaria (6000-5000 BCE)

The Aquae Calidae of Burgas, Bulgaria is one of the oldest manmade remnants in the world. Known as Therma or Thermopolis, this ancient Thracian town remained popular throughout the Middle Ages.

Why? Thermal baths.

Aquae Calidae was a hugely important hot spring and spa stop during ancient times and into the medieval era. Kings from Macedonia, Roman emperors, and even Ottoman sultans sought out the healing hot springs of Aquae Calidae.

Thanks to a large-scale excavation in 2008, you can visit parts of the site that are housed in a museum on the grounds.

Catalhoyuk, Turkey (7500-5700 BCE)

KONYA, TURKIYE – MARCH 1: A excavation site is seen as a 8600-year-old bread is found at Catalhoyuk. (Photo by Serhat Cetinkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Catalhoyuk is an ancient settlement that marked the peak of human civilization in the Anatolian peninsula from 7500-5600 BCE. Discovered in 1958, the site remains the focus for many archaeologists. Many believe that the settlement was solely residential, with modern restorations showcasing what life (and interior design) might have looked like for our Neolithic ancestors.

Gobekli Tepe, Turkey (9500-8000 BCE)

Gobeklitepe. Oldest temple of the world, Gobekli Tepe

Anyone waiting for me to name-drop Mesopotamia can breathe a sigh of relief.

Gobekli Tepe is located in Upper Mesopotamia, an area that would have been rich during the pre-Neolithic period from 9500-8000 BCE when it was inhabited. Its circular structures include massive megaliths that are considered the oldest in the world.

The megaliths have played an important part in uncovering information about life in Gobekli Tepe. Carvings depict clothing, animals, anthropomorphic deities, and other details. You can also explore quarries and cisterns—but, as of 2021, geophysical surveys revealed that only 10% of the entire site has actually been excavated.

How to Bring A Dog to Europe—Tips From My Chihuahua Era

Once upon a time, I was an intern working for California’s Department of Water Resources in Sacramento, California.

To soften the blow of living in Sacramento (sorry, Sactown) at an extended-stay hotel, I decided to go to the animal shelter for a little TLC.

I fell in love with a buck-toothed, sassy chihuahua-mini pinscher mix named Bolt. We’d both seen better days; it was a beautiful match.

Months later, my internship ended, and it was time to head back east. Over the next few years, Bolt lived with me in Saint Louis and New York City. He took trips to places like Saginaw, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois.

Eventually, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean with me when I moved to Spain.

By the time we took the seven-hour flight from NYC to Barcelona, he’d already been on a handful of domestic flights. The leap wasn’t too crazy for him in terms of time (and I had these kick-ass puppy chews that put him to sleep).

Before Bolt died in 2022, me and that little bruiser made the trip back and forth between Barcelona and Saint Louis together three times. No major incidents, no potty or poo breaks on the plane, no bites.

Was it easy transporting a beastly little creature across an ocean? No, but maybe not for the reasons you’re thinking about. Consider this your introductory guide.

Here’s how to bring a dog to Europe with you, including legal, veterinary, and emotional requirements.

How to bring a dog to Europe with you

Step one: make sure they’re invited

Before you fall in love with the idea of bringing your pooch with you across the pond, know that some countries don’t allow foreigners to bring pets with them.

The UK, for example, is incredibly stringent about letting you bring your dog into the country—or even into the airport for a layover. Before being allowed in, dogs must be isolated for a quarantine period.

Other countries have strict breed restrictions. France, for example, has placed restrictions on pitbull terries, bull terriers, and rottweilers; in some areas, they’re banned. Similarly, here in Barcelona, you must have a permit to walk with certain dog breeds and they must be muzzled.

Here’s my point: research your destination and make sure that your dog is welcome.

Even if it is technically allowed, you might still want to look into cultural norms—as in, will your dog be allowed to enter shops and restaurants?

Step two: time your flight perfectly

Below, I outline how to get the necessary paperwork and certifications to bring a dog to Europe with you. But that process should be done within 48 hours of your flight taking off—so do some research and make your plans before booking your flight.

There are two considerations you need to think about before buying those plane tickets:

First, you must arrive in the EU at a designated point of entry for pets. That’s because you need to visit the vet immediately upon arrival so they can verify your documents and ensure that your pet is healthy. I landed in Lisbon, Portugal both times, and easily found the vet. (It’s by baggage claim.)

Second, I don’t care how practiced your pet is at flying, you should be strategically planning your flight route. Depending on where you are, you may want to target flights with a reasonable layover so your pet can use the bathroom—or head straight to Europe if your on the East Coast.

Step three: get your papers in order

Pet travel between the US and Europe is regulated by the USDA, aka the Department of Agriculture.

There are two legal requirements that you must fulfill before you can take your dog with you to Europe from the United States.

First, you must find a USDA-accredited vet who will complete the necessary paperwork to provide you with a health certificate. This is called the EU animal health certificate. It’s a standardized form in which a vet verifies that your dog is healthy and meets all the legal requirements for travel, such as having the right vaccines. Your pet must also be microchipped.

To find a USDA-accredited vet, call ahead and ask your nearest office. If you’re in a major city, it shouldn’t be difficult to find one.

I took Bolt to a Banfield Pet Hospital (a popular nationwide chain) and didn’t have any problems finding a qualified vet. It seemed like they had handled EU animal health certificates before, too.

Second, you must take the completed form to your nearest USDA office so that they can endorse the certificate as valid. However, the EU Pet Passport and the endorsement must happen within 48 hours of your flight. That’s to ensure your pet doesn’t pick up any nasty viruses between their vet visit and their arrival in Europe.

So, the process is straightforward—but it’s labor-intensive. I had to drive five hours round-trip to get that endorsement, as the nearest USDA office was in a different city.

Step four: know where to go once your plane lands

Lastly, once you have your flight plan hammered out and all your documents in order, look into forums with advice from other travelers who regularly bring a dog to Europe. They’ll have the latest tips and insights for you.

The last thing you want is to land after a long flight with your pet stuffed into a carrier, and then panic about what to do next. (You should first clear customs and go to the vet, then take your pet outside, and then collect your luggage.)

Before I flew from New York City to Lisbon with Bolt, I made sure to dive into Reddit posts and similar forums to figure out exactly where that veterinary office was located. It was also helpful to know about the nearest grassy area where he could stretch his (tiny, tiny) legs and where to get him fresh water.

6 Mediterranean Destinations That Are Perfect for Solo Travel

There are few places as flashy, recognizable, and drool-worthy as the Mediterranean.

I mean that from just about every angle.

Looking for history and culture? From Algeria to Cyprus to Italy, you’ll find sites that date back millennia to civilizations like the Ancient Greeks, Carthaginians, and even Egyptians. You’ll also find some of the world’s most celebrated museums, from The Acropolis in Greece to The Prado in Spain.

What about gorgeous beaches and coastlines? Again, you’ve got options dotting Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, from Mallorca to Malta to the Ionian Islands.

What about more contemporary activities like culinary classes, local-led tours, and language exchanges? From rural outposts hugging the Sahara Desert to forgotten medieval villages in Croatia, you’ll find pleasant surprises in just about every Mediterranean destination.

The final coup? Hospitality.

Though I’ve encountered friendly faces in every place I’ve traveled, the Mediterranean is renowned for welcoming visitors. That bodes well for any type of trip—but it’s even more impactful for solo travelers.

After all, solo travelers take on all the responsibilities of travel on their own shoulders, from arranging transportation to finding a place to eat after a long day. A friendly host can go a long way in alleviating these types of stresses—even if it’s only with a smile and an offer of tea.

If you’re researching destinations for your next solo travel adventure, don’t cross off the Mediterranean.

Whether heading to Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa, there’s a gem waiting for you. My recommendations are based on my own travel experiences in the Mediterranean, along with my friends’ favorite destinations.

Quick list: best places in the Mediterranean for solo travel

Budget destination: Sicily, Italy
Luxury pick: Monaco
Most relaxing: Paphos, Cyprus
Great for making friends: Ibiza, Spain
Coolest views: Kotor, Montenegro
Unexpected culture: Taghazout, Morocco

Best places in the Mediterranean for solo travel

Budget bonanza: Sicily, Italy

If you’ve read my travel writing before, you’ve probably heard me rave about Sicily. It’s one of my favorite destinations to hit during the summer heat because those hiking temperatures scare off most tourists.

During the day, there’s nothing to do except sip on cold drinks by the sea or the pool. At night, it’s time to fill up with a big meal, wander around the lively towns, and enjoy the respite from the heat.

It’s the perfect place to be lazy, in other words. However, it’s also a great budget destination—no matter the time of year. Though you can find pricey villas and luxury hotels around the island, you can also find highly affordable private rentals and even hostels. The same is true for food.

If you want, you can buck up for a five-star meal… or keep it casual with a local eatery. Either way, you’ll be treated to some of the most authentic, delicious, and fresh food Italy has to offer.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Sicily.

Luxury pick: Monaco

Monaco is the image of luxury. Even if you’ve never heard of this tiny country before, you’ve likely seen pictures—it’s the crown jewel of the French Riviera and the former domain of Grace Kelly. It’s also home to the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most famous and opulent sports events in the world.

Whether you want to escape on a private yacht for a few days or simply shop in some of Europe’s most esteemed promenades, Monaco has a luxurious adventure for you.

Personally, I’d probably visit the Casino di Monte Carlo to enjoy the architecture and glamorous feel, then head off the tour the Prince’s Palace. (Yes, Monaco still adores its monarchy!)

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Monaco.

Most relaxing: Paphos, Cyprus

Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Cyprus (Getty)

Can’t figure out where to go on your solo travel adventure in the Mediterranean? I’ve found the most effortlessly relaxing (and well-rounded) destination: Paphos, Cyprus. This beachside town is home to hostels and resorts alike, letting you soak up the palm trees and sweet breeze however your budget allows.

But it’s also home to other little treasures. If Paphos sounds familiar, you might remember your Ancient Greek mythology lessons. Paphos is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. (Or Kythira, depending on who you ask.) You can visit the rock where she emerged from seafoam millennia ago.

Aside from Aphrodite’s birthplace, Paphos is also home to a major archeological park, a gorgeous blue lagoon, and an ancient necropolis.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Paphos.

Great for making friends: Ibiza, Spain

Aerial view of beach and mountains in Ibiza, Balearic Islands (Getty)

I’m a little spoiled when it comes to Ibiza, as I have two friends who live on the island. That means I have a place to stay any time I want to visit—and those spots are far from the insane crowds that flood into Ibiza Town to rave, club, and wake up in strangers’ beds. (I’ve aged out of that decibel range.)

That being said, if you’re interested in partying with some of Europe’s most experienced ravers, look no further. Not only is Ibiza a great place to get out on the town and let loose, but you’ll also make plenty of friends—even if you don’t head out to a major club.

Those same partying types who end up in Ibiza are usually some of the friendliest and most outgoing travelers you’ll find. For solo travelers, that makes it easy to make friends. Even if you don’t keep in touch for long, you’ll have a friend (or ten) to spend the day with.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Ibiza.

Coolest views: Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro, Adriatic coast, Bay of Kotor, Kotor (Getty)

This dramatic coastal city has some of the best mountain and sea views in the Mediterranean. If you’ve crisscrossed the region via cruise ship, you may have stopped in this Montenegrin city and drooled over those forested, fjord-like inclines.

If not, you’re in for an unforgettable surprise. The landscape surrounding Kotor is dramatic and gorgeous, giving you access to some of the best hiking trails in the Balkans. But the town itself is just as photographable.

Medieval architecture covers most of the old city, which is arranged in a Venetian military style and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Kotor.

Unexpected culture: Taghazout, Morocco

Surfer on the beach with camel and long board at sunset Taghazout, Morocco (Getty)

This coastal town in Southeastern Morocco has become a hotspot for many of my friends. The reason? It’s the country’s unofficial surfing capital.

Starting in the 1960s, tourists began camping out (literally, not figuratively) on the coastline to use Taghazout as a starting point for further Moroccan travels. Someone noticed a great set of waves along the way, and the rest is history.

Today, tourism is an important part of Taghazout’s economy, so solo travelers won’t have any trouble finding a hostel or hotel. Plus, there are other wellness-focused activities, like yoga, paddleboarding, and more.

Personally, I’d probably use Taghazout as a surfing spot before heading off on other Moroccan adventures, such as a trip to Paradise Valley or cities like Agadir.