Solo Travel Talk with Astrid

Don’t let unmet expectations steal your travel joy! If you have ever felt disappointment about a destination or a travel sight, this is the Solo Travel Talk podcast episode for you! If you find yourself saying, “That wasn’t worth it” Astrid Clements, your solo travel advisor, has some tips and coaching for you can have a positive travel mindset and manage your expectations no matter what your travel experience. Astrid has a lot of experience turning so-so experiences into winning trips. Get past over-hyped sights and supposed “must-dos” that don’t deliver and get into serendipity, openness, and hassle-free happy expectations. Mentioned on the show: - The AstridTravel Club: a place for those who want to experience affordable luxury travel or want to go solo that’s not totally solo. The AstridTravel Club is the sponsor of the Hassle-Free Travel Series. - Astrid recommends Atlas Obscura for wonderful “small gem” or off the beaten path travel experiences. - Wikitravel has lots of travel info that is not overly common or run of the mill. Some of the questions answered on this episode… What to do if I am not enjoying my trip? Are most famous travel destinations over-hyped? How can I find lesser-known travel destinations? How can I have more serendipity in my travel? What is overtourism? What is The AstridTravel Club and how do I join? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Oh, sweet irony—you leave your home to see new things only to be greeted by crowds, lines, more crowds, and people wherever you go! Over tourism, popular sights, lines, uncomfortable crowding—all of these factors can make it seem like it’s not worth it to go anywhere. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements doesn’t like crowds either and has some tips for managing crowds, lines, and overstuffed destinations. Listen to this episode of Solo Travel Talk, the Hassle-Free Travel Series if you want some tips about managing the hassle of crowds on your trips. Mentioned on the show: - The AstridTravel Club: a place for those who want to experience affordable luxury travel or want to go solo that’s not totally solo. The AstridTravel Club is the sponsor of the Hassle-Free Travel Series. - Astrid enjoyed the Responsible Travel website: tips and insights about the impact our adventures can have (and how to manage it) Some of the questions answered on this episode… When should I plan my trip to avoid crowds? What is the shoulder season? Are skip the line options worth it? Are popular travel destinations more crowded or is that only a perception? What is overtourism? What is The AstridTravel Club and how do I join? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

No fooling around: we’re diving into the dark heart of travel hassle in this episode of Solo Travel Talk. When people gripe about travel hassle, are they really just saying flying is a hassle? Flying is a hassle. We used to get dressed up to fly, but these days the flying game is all about managing the misery. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has filled this episode with tips for preparing for and managing the flight portion of your travels. This episode is part of Astrid’s series on Hassle-Free Travel. Mentioned on the show: - The AstridTravel Club: a place for those who want to experience affordable luxury travel or want to go solo that’s not totally solo. The AstridTravel Club is the sponsor of the Hassle-Free Travel Series. - From the archive, here’s an episode on 10 tips for when to book your flight: Episode 093 When to Book Your Flight – 10 Tips. Some of the questions answered on this episode… Why is flying a hassle? Should I get TSA PreCheck? What should I bring on my flight to be comfortable? How early should I get to the airport? When should I buy airline tickets? What is dwell time? What is The AstridTravel Club and how do I join? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Is hassle blocking you from pursuing the travel you want to experience? Do you get filled with a mild (to severe) sense of dread when thinking about hitting the road? Astrid Clements, founder of Astrid Solo Travel Advisor and The AstridTravel Club, brings you the new Solo Travel Talk podcast series—The Hassle-Free Travel Series. On this inaugural episode of the series, Astrid shares the key elements of making travel hassle-free plus introduces what’s coming up in the series. Mentioned on the show: - Astrid’s Marketplace (where you can find packing cubes, universal adapters, luggage scales, and more.) - The AstridTravel Club: a place for those who want to experience affordable luxury travel or want to go solo that’s not totally solo. The AstridTravel Club is the sponsor of the Hassle-Free Travel Series. Some of the questions answered on this episode… Is travel really more hassle-filled these days, or is that just a perception? What apps can help my travel be easier? How can I plan my trip to be hassle-free? How can I get a hassle-free travel mindset? What is The AstridTravel Club and how do I join? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

BONUS: The AstridTravel Club has an amazing slate of trips planned for 2020!  On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid will share the inspiration for the club, what the club offers, and how to know if membership is right for you. We also speak to Madeline Freret—the marvelous Madeline, who is a trip facilitator and the force working behind the scenes to make the ATC member experience wonderful. The AstridTravel Club brings together several elements that Solo Travel Talk listeners will appreciate. Affordable luxury, mindful travel, reconnecting, cultural appreciation, arts, gardens, time for reflection—all of these qualities come together in the AstridTravel Club, with the Astrid Clements flair (of course.) Some of the questions answered on this episode… Where did the idea for the AstridTravel club come from? How is this solo travel if it’s a tour? Who is the AstridTravel club right for? What trips are planned for 2020? What is involved in the club? How do I join the AstridTravel club? Find out all the details of The AstridTravel Club here. Take a peek at The AstridTravel Club on Instagram. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

It has happened again: Astrid is flexing her superpower of hotel selection, even in Japan. The Hotel New Otani is elegant, with traditional gardens, onsen, restaurants, concierge, beauty and thoughtful touches throughout. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is famous for getting a high-quality hotel for her travels, since in the Astrid Travel philosophy your hotel is your home base; a home away from home. On this final episode of the Japan Series, Solo Travel Talk let us sweep you away to Japan and the elegance of Hotel New Otani. Hotel New Otani official website Hotel New Otani on Wikipedia Some of the questions answered on this episode… Where should I stay in Tokyo? What gardens should I see in Tokyo? What is the story of the Hotel New Otani Tokyo? Which is more important for hotels, customer reviews or star ratings? What is an onsen and what can a visitor expect? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. The AstridTravel Club is now open! Click through to see if the Club is right for you. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Japan is famously not “religious” yet there is a sense of spirituality that permeates throughout. From cultural touchstones, to shrines and temples, talismans, even manners and customs all seem to carry a piece of the spiritual life of Japan. Our solo travel advisor Astrid Clements sensed it on her recent trip to Japan and trust us when we say the spiritual energy had its impact. Solo Travel Talk was recognized by Feedspot in Luxury Travel Podcasts! Woo hoo! Astrid mentioned a quote about the spiritual nature of Japan found here. Some of the questions answered on this episode… What are the religious traditions in Japan? What is the protocol for visiting shrines or temples in Japan? What is the modern spiritual life of Japan like? How does nature play into the spiritual life of Japan? Is Japan mostly atheist? Why? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. The AstridTravel Club is now open! Click through to see if the Club is right for you. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Japan seems to be a country and a culture that appreciates reflection and beauty. These values come together in a unique way when it comes to the gardens of Japan. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves exploring gardens on her adventures, and what a treat were the gardens she viewed in Japan. One part aesthetics; one part philosophical ideals, Astrid is going to transport us, through the magic of podcasting, to the spectacular gardens of Japan. Questions answered on this episode: What types of gardens can visitors find in Japan? Is nature part of the spiritual life in Japan? Is there a difference between Japanese gardens and shrines? What gardens does Astrid recommend in Japan? Is the Peace Garden in Hiroshima worth visiting? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. The AstridTravel Club is now open! Click through to see if the Club is right for you. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Japan may seem so different to Westerners, and there are lots of tropes and maybe even stereotypes about Japanese culture and the potential to clumsily cause offense. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is astute at acclimating herself to a culture before she travels, and her recent trip to Japan was no different. I’m producer Catherine O’Brien. What should you do? What is taboo? Astrid shares all as we explore Cultural Do’s and Don’ts – Japan. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

If you have been following your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements’ podcast series on Japan, you know how much Astrid enjoyed exploring the country; seeing all the natural beauty; dining on phenomenal foods; learning more about the culture. But—Astrid has also mentioned that Japan solo travel has some challenges, too. The language barrier is real; banking needs some planning; and if you can believe this—wifi can be hard to get! Thankfully Astrid is here with all her notes about how to navigate some of the challenges of solo travel in Japan plus Astrid has a whole batch of tips that will make Japan as wonderful for you as it was for her.  We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

We love food tours, yes we do… and your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements had a fabulous foodie time on her trip to Japan. Of course, food and culture walk hand in hand—Japan is no different. Astrid’s take was that Japan is a serious about their food as the French (the apex of food appreciation in Astrid’s opinion.) There is philosophy behind Japanese eating as well: traditionally taking an item from the land; one from the sea. (Sushi fits perfectly into this model!) Astrid shares what she learned dining in Japan, plus gets specific about some recommended food tours and restaurants. Our food episode warning is in place for this edition of our solo travel podcast: do not listen hungry! Some of the questions answered on this episode… Is there a food tour scene in Japan? What is the best way to pick a food tour? Why is Japanese food so beautiful? What restaurant should I visit in Japan? What is the best thing to eat in Japan? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. The AstridTravel Club is now open! Click through to see if the Club is right for you. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

We interrupt this Solo Travel Talk Japan Series to bring you some exciting news: your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has launched The AstridTravel Club. On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid will share the inspiration for the club, what the club offers, and how to know if membership is right for you.  The AstridTravel Club brings together several elements that Solo Travel Talk listeners will appreciate. Affordable luxury, mindful travel, reconnecting, cultural appreciation, arts, gardens, time for reflection—all of these qualities come together in the AstridTravel Club, with the Astrid Clements flair (of course.) Some of the questions answered on this episode… Where did the idea for the AstridTravel Club come from? How is this solo travel if it’s a tour? Who is the AstridTravel Club right for? What is involved in the Cub? How do I join the AstridTravel Club? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

If you heard our first show in the Solo Travel Talk Japan Series, you know that your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements had a long visit with a thorough itinerary. Japan offers so much culture, natural beauty, amazing cuisine, architecture, and much more. Astrid visited major metropolitan areas, some more traditional cities, and made sure to include Hiroshima as a destination. Since this was such a fabulous trip, Astrid had a tough time narrowing things down to a Top 10, but she did! And for our listeners who love how-to’s, we have a tip in the middle of the show about itinerary building for solo travelers. Some of the questions answered on this episode… - Where should I stay in Tokyo? - Does Japan have good food tours? - Should I visit Hiroshima? - What are the gardens like in Japan? - Is it worth visiting Mount Fuji? - How can I make a solo travel itinerary? - What is the AstridTravel Club?  We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!  

Solo Travel Talk returns!! (With a twist….) Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements spent several weeks in Japan and came back with a passion to persuade everyone to put Japan on their MUST visit list! Perhaps you haven’t considered Japan as a destination—too expensive, too hard, too far—whatever your reasons, Astrid is here to explain how Japan is more accessible than ever.  This trip had quite an impact on Astrid, and she’s here to share all her insights and new affection for the Land of the Rising Sun. Some of the questions answered on this episode… Why is Japan more accessible now? Is Japan solo travel friendly? Is Japan an expensive place to visit? Is Japan an easy place to visit? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has a whole section of resources for solo travelers on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!  

The travel industry is always trying to improve and solo travelers especially can benefit from some of the trends shaping up to take hold in 2019. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has a keen eye for what solo travelers should know, what they should ignore, and what to get in on right away! This version of “Astrid’s Solo Travel Trend Watch” is sure to get you prepared for the year ahead. Some of the questions answered on the show: - What solo travel technology is most useful? - What destinations are emerging for solo travelers? - What theme trips are popular with solos? - Are road trips good for solo travelers? One news item: Solo Travel Talk will be going on hiatus before moving to a season model. We are so grateful for our amazing listeners and your continued support. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!    

Savvy solo travelers are all about maximizing their experiences, and knowing how to use stopovers can be a seriously powerful tool at your disposal. Who better than your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements to explain it all! What a stopover is, how to use it, who offers them—all that and more on this episode of Solo Travel Talk. Some of the questions answered on this show include: - What is the difference between a layover and a stopover? - What are the limitations of a stopover? - Which airlines offer stopovers? - Are stopovers free? - Can you do a stopover in Portugal? - Do any airlines offer bonuses with their stopovers? - Which airline has the best stopover program? Mentioned on the show: Airwander.com We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Astrid Clements has revealed in many (MANY!) of her podcast episodes that one of her super powers is picking hotels. On Astrid's recent trip to Paris, this super power was on display! The Hotel Raphael, located in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris is the utmost in refinement and elegance-- all while meeting Astrid's "affordable luxury" standard! Escape to the beauty and class of this boutique hotel plus hear some of Astrid's tips for finding your gem of a hotel on your next solo travel journey. Some of the questions answered on this show include: Where should I stay in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris? Where is the best rooftop bar in Paris? What are Paris hotel suites like? How to find a great hotel for solo travel? What are the Les Hôtels Baverez like? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Solo travel has been evolving quickly in the last few years, even though your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has been going solo for some time now! As more and more people are becoming aware of all the possibilities that await the solo traveler, some of that attention can make it appear that solo travel is merely “having a moment,” making it a fad instead of a true shift in how we experience the world. On this 100th episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid is going to show how solo travel is where it’s at, coming into its own. Some of the questions answered on the episode: Why go solo? What is the biggest influence on solo travel growing as a trend? How do women solo travelers influence the travel industry? How has social media influenced solo travel? Is solo travel really growing or is it just a perception? How is the travel industry responding to solo travelers? Is part of the growth of solo travel a fad? We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Zoom in on a map of Paris and you will notice a spiral configuration of lines dividing up the city. The Arrondissement system of neighborhoods is one of the defining elements of the character of Paris. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements spent time in the 16th Arrondissement and has some advice, some stories, some recommendations… the full Astrid report. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Astrid has some amazing resources for solo travelers. Check out her RESOURCES page on her website here: https://www.astridtravel.com/resources Just go solo!

For many of us, getting a stash of small bills is part of the pre-trip planning routine since we will be tipping all the various helpers that we encounter on our travels. However, tipping is NOT universal. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has some tips and advice on how to handle gratuity with grace no matter where your solo travels may take you. How much? To whom? Where?? When to say “keep the change” and more on this episode of Solo Travel Talk. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

The whole point of traveling somewhere is to do activities that are fun or interesting or enriching or otherwise give you the experience of your destination when you get there. The queen of pre-trip planning (who also just so happens to be your solo travel advisor) Astrid Clements has some thoughts and recommendations about setting an itinerary. This episode has a lot of focus on timing, such as when to start planning; how to organize your travel time effectively, including what to plan when. Solo travel procrastinators, don't worry: Astrid has some suggestions for you, too. This episode also marks the launch of Astrid's Resource page on her website! Find the resource page here: https://www.astridtravel.com/resources/ We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

We like debunking preconceived ideas about solo travel here on Solo Travel Talk, and your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is just the person to do it. Are there cities that are truly better for solo travel than others? Is solo travel better if you are a certain age? Everyone should try solo travel? These are common ideas that surround discussions of solo travel, and Astrid has a take on all these ideas (and more!) True? False? Somewhere in the middle? Let’s find out from Astrid as we play a game we’re calling True False Solo Travel. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves to talk lodging! Hotels are a top topic for Astrid because she regards her hotel as her home away from home while on her solo adventures. On this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid shares her tips about when to book your hotel, how to book your hotel, and even how to find the hotel you are going to book! If you like lodging, this Solo Travel Talk episode is for you. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is a big proponent of familiarizing yourself with a culture before you visit a destination. How does this advice come into play for one of her very favorite places, Paris? For years, visitors to France seemingly have endless tales about so-called rudeness or other cultural faux pas. Astrid has some thoughts on this trope: first off, attitudes are a-changing plus, with a few helpful do’s/don’ts you can easily have a tres bien solo Paris adventure. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Timing is everything the adage goes, and when buying flights, this seems to be especially true. On this new episode of Solo Travel Talk, your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements shares her tips for when to book flights, her resources, suggested sites and tools. Plus, if you are a procrastinator or if you have to travel last minute, Astrid has some suggestions for you, too. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Paris! If you’ve listened to Solo Travel Talk before, then you know your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves Paris. In fact, Astrid is right on the cusp of returning to the City of Lights. On this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid not only covers Paris and some significant features, but you'll also hear themes about mood, revisiting a city (over experiencing somewhere new), and (of course) many insights about solo trip planning. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements knows what makes a city “solo friendly.” If you want some inspiration for your solo adventure, and want some suggestions of some cities to contemplate—listen on. Astrid has 20 cities she considers solo friendly for your consideration.  Be sure to stay tuned to the end when Astrid discusses a couple of major cities that folks might assume are solo friendly that don’t quite get Astrid’s recommendation and why. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Astrid is thinking about 2019 and on this episode of Solo Travel Talk, we get to hear about where she is dreaming of visiting next year. If you need some travel inspiration, if you want to think about ultimate solo travel trips, this episode is for you. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is going to profile four trips—trips she actually plans on taking: assessing why they have made the cut, what Astrid is looking forward to, and even the “solo factor.” We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

When you start dreaming of upcoming travel, Astrid often suggests assessing your mood or thinking about what you want to "accomplish" with your trip. On the new episode of her solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, Astrid takes us live into her own planning. Get real-world considerations, suggestions, and inspiration. This is part one; next week in part two, Astrid will profile exactly where she is going to go in 2019, and why. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves sharing top solo destinations. Cartagena, Colombia leaped into the Top Ten for Astrid of places to visit for solo travelers, and this is the podcast episode to find out why. On this solo travel podcast, Astrid gives all the highlights of Cartagena, sharing all her recommendations along the way. Hotels, shopping, eating—all the MUSTS of the city are detailed in this episode. We close with a (harrowing!) LOWlight of the trip, a cautionary tale for any Cartagena traveler. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

On the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, atop the continent of South America is Cartagena. Formerly the main port of the Spanish Empire, Cartagena served as a major center of political, religious, and economic activity. Today Cartagena’s walled city and fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Astrid Clements is just back from Cartagena. If you follow Astrid on Social Media (which you should) you saw the pictures, on this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid introduces Cartagena as a solo travel destination. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Astrid has implored: Don’t overlook Mexico City as a solo travel destination. She is THE solo travel advisor after all, and to encourage Mexico City as a solo travel destination, on this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid will present her Top 20 Things to Do in Mexico City. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is THE advocate, THE ambassador, THE example of PRE-trip planning, but did you know she’s got a whole post-travel process as well? When you get back home from being away, there are some specific things you can do for your mindset and your routine, beyond simply unpacking. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

This is not quite a “Christmas in August” episode, but right now is THE time to start thinking of all the end-of-year Holidays and get started if you want to enjoy your “Season’s Greetings” on a wonderful trip. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements knows a thing or two about traveling over the holidays and can get you thinking (and planning!) for Holiday travel success. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Pop the cork! Wine tourism can be a very interesting and educational way to travel… plus WINE! Talk about travel enjoyment! On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, we are joined by Beth Costa of The Wine Road Northern Sonoma County. Sonoma County is one of the most famed wine regions of California—with rolling hills, hundreds of wineries (of various sizes), it is a wonderful place to take a wine tasting trip even as a solo traveler. We turn to Beth for her insights on wine tourism, we get her ideas of what to do as a solo wine tourist, and even get some specific tips for beautiful Sonoma County. Mentioned on the show: Platypus Tours Wine Cube Tours Dry Creek General Store Healdsburg, California Savor Healdsburg Food Tours Trattore Farms Wine Road on Twitter Wine Road Podcast We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!  

There is nothing better than to hear about an amazing place from someone who knows their stuff. Joseph Toone is part storyteller, part historian, but most of all, he is your guide to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Originally from the United States, Joseph now lives in San Miguel de Allende leading tours (JosephTooneTours.com) and authoring books. San Miguel de Allende has a history that begins a thousand years before Christ all the way to a modern life as a popular artist's colony. Joseph shares stories about this special city, the religious and cultural influences, how to enjoy San Miguel de Allende, and how Joseph "danced" his way into this new career. You won't want to miss this entertaining and informative journey on this episode of Solo Travel Talk. Mentioned on the show: History and Culture Walking Tours Joseph Toone Tours Books by Joseph Toone  We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

An artist colony, a place of spiritual energy--San Miguel de Allende is a special place in Mexico and Astrid has recently returned from this dynamic and beautiful city. On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid is going to cover the top ten things to do in San Miguel de Allende. Food, water springs, museums, churches and so much more. Listeners should be cautioned: You may find yourself spontaneously booking a trip to San Miguel de Allende by the end of the episode. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!  

Even the most avid traveler needs a little inspiration from time to time, and we are currently in a social media age. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is all over social media herself and uses that medium to share what she knows about solo travel. On this episode of SOLO TRAVEL TALK, we’re going to pick Astrid’s brain about what’s available out there on social media in terms of inspiration for our solo travel. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Spotify, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Condesa Roma and Polanco are two notable neighborhoods in Mexico City. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements goes into the sights, sounds, museums, eateries, hotels… all the wonderful things to experience. This episode is not just an adventuresome travelogue—it’s also filled with strategy: how to see and do all the top things, max out your Mexico City visit in a place that is so geographically big. Astrid advises that Condesa Roma and Polanco are two definite places to be, especially for solo travelers. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!  

The historic Centro district of Mexico City gives you a foundation for understanding one of the largest cities in the Western Hemisphere. That's why your solo travel advisor wants you to know about all the sights, eats, and must-sees of this area. One part history lesson, one part travelogue, all solo travel-- this episode is a wonderful exploration of Mexico City's birthplace. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

What would you do with a real splurge of time for a solo travel adventure—like three weeks or even THREE MONTHS? Well, your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements talks on this episode about some of the practical considerations that go into longer trips. Using the backdrop of New Orleans, Astrid gets into how to get ready for a longer trip of three weeks or three months. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Is Astrid up to the challenge? You bet she is! What if you only had 3 hours in New Orleans...or what about 3 days. Could you have a solo travel adventure in these limited time frames? That's the focus of this solo travel podcast episode. Not only does this episode contain dozens of specific ideas for New Orleans, but listeners can get inspired for how to make the most traveling, no matter how much time you have. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Don't let poor health or illness ruin a solo trip! Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has some tips for you about staying healthy, fending off bugs, and even dealing with a health emergency when you are traveling. We've organized this solo travel podcast into the "good, bad, and the ugly" (pre-trip health tips; maintaining health while away; and yikes! dealing with health emergencies.) We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

“Icon” is a word that might be overused…but then one comes upon an artist whose influence ripples throughout culture. The Frida Kahlo Museum, commonly known as Casa Azul is home to a phenomenal collection and is the former home of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. This episode of the Solo Travel Talk podcast is one part biography and one part travelogue. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements had the pleasure of visiting Casa Azul and explains why this museum is a must for a solo traveler visiting Mexico City. Museo Frida Kahlo Offical Website Museo Frida Kahlo on Twitter and Instagram Casa Azul on Wikipedia  We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Travelon products have made an appearance on SOLO TRAVEL TALK before, but on this episode, we get to talk to Don Godshaw—CEO of Travelon. Don is an avid traveler and pursuer of adventure. In 2006 Don suffered an accident that made him paralyzed. He didn’t allow that circumstance to change his enthusiasm for seeing the world. If you want inspiration, education, and a better understanding of a positive mindset, this is the episode for you. Be sure to listen to Don tell about his involvement in Adaptive Adventures—a nonprofit organization which provides outdoor sports opportunities for children, adults, and Veterans with physical disabilities. Mentioned on the show: Kushall USA  wheelchairs Travelon Meet Don on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enhVOk3LAt0 Learn more about Adaptive Adventures. If you choose to donate to Adaptive Adventures, click here. Mention SOLO TRAVEL TALK in the donation comment box.  Blue Water Hotel in Cebu Wikipedia for Cebu, Philippines We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!  

Many listeners know Astrid is fresh off a visit to Mexico City and as your solo travel advisor she is always on the lookout for what to do and what to avoid, plus as many tips as she can muster so a solo traveler like you can have an amazing trip.  We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Do you need a little solo travel inspiration? Do you know someone who should be going solo, but hasn't taken the plunge? This is the episode for you. Astrid Clements, your solo travel advisor has 20 (!!!) reasons to go solo. In true solo travel podcast form-- this conversation isn't just about travel: it's about shaping your life and self-actualizing. Part fun, pat reflection-- take a listen and then get out there solo! We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Astrid used one key description to in relation the city our episode is focused on, and that is “overlooked.” Mexico City is massive; historic, culturally rich, and a good place to take a trip. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is fresh back from Mexico City and has some commentary about museums, dining, some sights, and (of course!) shopping for the solo traveler to enjoy Cuidad de Mexico. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it on her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

There is something about solo travel that can be life-affirming and joyful. But it may shock listeners of this show—Solo Travel Talk, that some people aren’t super enthusiastic about hitting the road alone. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has just the remedy for this enthusiasm gap. If you know a non-traveler or if you yourself are experiencing blocks to your own voyages, this is the podcast episode for you. In this fun take on ‘why go solo,’ we tap into Astrid’s expertise and undo all the barriers to getting out there as a solo traveler. Mentioned on the show: Blacklane Car Service We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

One of the best resources available for solo travelers who are safety minded is the US State Dept website. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has poured over all the different sections of the travel.state.gov site and is prepared to impart some of this knowledge base to you. The State Dept Travel checklist, the services offered to Americans overseas, profiles of countries and international cities, safety tips—all this and more is on the site, and Astrid gives you ideas of how to use this valuable information in your own travels.  Astrid knows that safety—concerns about safety are top of mind for our listeners and most people considering solo travel. Quick references from the show: The US State Department Travel site State Dept Overseas Emergency Contact 1-202-501-4441 State Dept Traveler Hotline 1-888-407-4747 Scam Hotline 1-855-303-9470 We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is all about planning ahead. On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid is talking planning ahead for safety. The US State Department website is a treasure trove of information for overseas travelers. While the State Dept website is geared to Americans wanting travel info, non-US based travelers can glean a ton of info as well. Get the facts, get ready, and get a plan together using the US State Dept travel website. Mentioned on the show: Emergency phone to State Dept (US and Canada): 1-888-407-4747 Emergency phone to State Dept (Overseas): 1 202-501-4444 TravelGov on Twitter Smart Traveler Enrollment Program US State Dept Travel Website We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your expert Solo Travel Advisor-- has an amazing packing list available for download. Get it at her website, AstridTravel.com. Follow Astrid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or with your favorite podcast app. Just go solo!