10 Colorful Cities From Around The World

by Jessica Festa on

When many people think of cities, they picture concrete, skyscrapers, road work and steel. The truth is, however, there are many cities around the world with a more vibrant and colorful atmosphere. In fact, some of these places are so creative and beautiful, they are a work of art in themselves.

Deep blue structures reside next to loud pink and sunflower yellow houses, as hot orange and rich spring purple buildings sit across the street. Being able to see this fusion of colors in one place is reason enough to visit each of these unique cities.

For a more visual idea of colorful cities around the world, check out the gallery. Have a favorite colorful destination of your own? Tell us in the comments.

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[Images via Big Stock]

Mastering The Art Of Solo Travel

by Jessica Festa on

It was my senior year of college. My friends and I would soon be giving up math classes and research papers for 9-to-5 jobs and business suits. I knew that before that happened, I wanted to do something memorable; see the world for an extended period of time before entering a world of one-week-per-year vacations.

I had always heard Europe was a fun destination, as well as easy to navigate thanks to their efficient train system. Living with five other girls, I proposed the idea in October, many months before May graduation, so we would have time to prepare. Everyone excitedly said “yes,” shouting out all the cities they wanted to include on the itinerary.

By January, I was down to only two girls who still wanted to go, and come the end of March, I was completely on my own. Inside, I panicked. Do I give up a trip I had been mentally planning for over a year? Or, do I go solo and open myself up to new adventures?

With shaky fingers, I pulled up the Delta website on my laptop, typing in a flight itinerary that would have me flying into Dublin and out of Athens. Without thinking I grabbed my credit card out of my purse, as if a force stronger than myself was moving me. I chose the cheapest flight, entered in my personal details and clicked “pay now.” Oddly, my nervousness vanished completely, and I was left with a sense of pure excitement. I was spending the summer in Europe, solo.After that first trip going to Europe on my own, I realized I actually loved traveling solo. It’s hard for many people to understand, but the trip style has many benefits. Don’t ever let having to travel on your own stop you from going to a destination you really want to see. Instead, master the art of solo travel.

If It’s Your First Time, Create A Detailed Itinerary Before You Go

I am not joking when I say I pre-booked every hostel for an entire summer through Europe before even leaving the United States. While this is something I wouldn’t do now, I do think it can relieve a lot of stress for first time solo travelers. You’ll know you won’t be frantically searching for accommodation in an unknown place, and it ensures you’ll always have a retreat to run back to in case you start feeling nervous. Moreover, if you’re traveling on your own for the first time – or even your 50th – it’s likely your family and friends will have concerns. Creating a detailed itinerary you can type and print out for them will help assuage their fears.

Know That Traveling “Solo” Doesn’t Mean You’re Traveling “Alone”

“But, won’t you be lonely?”

This is the most common question I get before an upcoming backpacking trip on which I am going companionless. The truth is, not at all. In fact, I find it almost impossible not to meet other people while traveling. At hostels, money exchanges, on tours, in parks, eating at cafes, sitting alone at bars. When you’re on your own, it makes you approachable, especially if the person who’s thinking of talking to you is also traveling alone. Additionally, you can create situations where you cause yourself to meet new people, like purchasing extra food to share with others in the park or inviting people to do an interesting excursion with you. For a detailed guide on how to make friends when traveling solo, click here.

Choosing A Destination Where People Speak English Can Help Newbie Solo Travelers

If it’s your first time traveling solo, I wouldn’t recommend throwing yourself into a situation where you won’t be able to communicate with locals. It’s better to get used to traveling on your own in an environment where you’ll be able to book hotels and trains, order food at restaurants and ask for directions without having to hurriedly flip through a dictionary. You may also want to stick with more Westernized countries your first time around to limit your culture shock. Western Europe is a popular choice, especially Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Research Each City Before You Arrive

How much research you do will depend on your personal travel style; however, I do recommend getting a sense of a place before arriving. Even after numerous solo trips, I always do a bit of Googleing to check out a map, get a sense of what there is to do and, most importantly, learn about any safety issues. For example, while most people think the tourist area of a city is usually the safest, this isn’t always the case. In Quito, the touristy “La Mariscal” area is actually one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Although my hostel was less than a 10 minute walk from this area, I knew at night it was not walkable if I wanted to make it back with all my belongings. It’s also a good idea to ask your hotel or hostel to give you a map and highlight the safest areas to explore on your own.

Realize The Perks Of Solo Travel

If you’re going to travel solo, it’s important to keep a positive mindset. Instead of going into it thinking “I wish I had someone to travel with,” you need to realize the perks of traveling solo. First of all, you can choose when you want to be alone, and when you want to be social. Sometimes when I’m traveling, I like to just go to a park or wander a neighborhood on my own, getting lost in thought and just enjoying spending time with myself. If you’re traveling with a friend, they may take this personally; however, since there’s nobody to answer to when traveling on your own, you can do this. On the other hand, you can also invite others along with you if you’re in the mood to be more social.

The other reason I absolutely love traveling on my own is I never have to compromise my itinerary. If you’re interested in adventure and outdoors and your companion is more of a museum type person, you’re going to end up missing out on some of the things you really wanted to do. Additionally, there may be certain days when you’re feeling energetic but your partner doesn’t feel like leaving the hotel room. When traveling solo, you have full control of the what, when and where of your trip.

Furthermore, when you travel solo you open yourself up to both external adventures and internal discoveries. You gain a new sense of yourself, and also realize what you’re capable of. It’s rare that people go on solo journeys and don’t learn something new and positive about themselves. So, instead of lying on a therapist’s couch for $80 an hour, get out and explore the world on your own.

Have Travel Goals In Mind

Traveling solo means nobody will be there urging you out of bed and dragging you to every tourist site in the city. For this reason, you need to be on top of yourself. Sit down, and make a list of what exactly you want to get out of the trip. This may mean figuring out what your travel philosophy is so you can pinpoint why it is that you travel. For example, I knew I wanted to backpack through Patagonia in South America in order to immerse myself in some of the world’s most unique landscapes. This entailed researching what some of these were beforehand, and making sure I home-based in cities that would give me access to rare hiking experiences. It also meant there would be a lot of early-to-bed, early-to-rise days, which I kept in mind when being tempted with late night glasses of wine and bar hopping. While it’s OK to change your goals, make sure you do it with a clear head so you get what you want out of your trip.

Utilize New Technological Tools To Help Make Solo Travel Easier

Everyday, new travel apps and tools are being created, making it easier than ever to travel solo. My absolute favorite resource to utilize while traveling solo is CouchSurfing. While you could use it to save money on accommodation and stay with a local, I use it for the group forums. For example, if I’m traveling to Buenos Aires, I’ll join the “Buenos Aires” group and put up a message telling everyone when I’ll be in town. I’ve gotten to attend great meetups and events by doing this, and have also gotten the chance to see the city from a local’s point of view. Moreover, sites like Gomio allow you to search hostels and see who will be there before you book. And for social travel planning, sites like Gogobot and Travelmuse allow you to source information from others.

Keep Yourself Open To New Adventures (But, Don’t Put Yourself In Danger)

To do this, you’ll have to do what most people find most difficult – let go of fear. Don’t lock yourself in your hotel room and only go on guided tours because you’re terrified of stepping out into the sunlight on your own. Remember how easy-going you are at home, and try to find that inner peace. If someone asks you to grab a bite to eat or go explore together, go for it. Moreover, if you hear about a tour or experience you’ve never heard of, try it. That being said, always trust your gut, and don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. Meeting a local for a burger in a public restaurant is one thing, going back to their house for a drink alone is another.

Make Time For Yourself

“But, isn’t making time to travel already making time for yourself?”

Yes and no. While it’s great you made time away from your everyday schedule to explore a new destination, there’s still the chance of the dreaded travel fatigue setting in. If you’re starting to feel anxious, tired, withdrawn or depressed, stop traveling immediately and remedy the situation. I don’t mean you need to go home, but a bit of pampering, journal writing, calling friends from home and TV time can be beneficial to your health in this situation.

Learn How To Stay Safe

While there are many benefits to traveling solo, you do open yourself up to being a target more easily. Instead of letting this thought scare you into not going on your trip, learn how to keep yourself safe. As mentioned above, always find out where the safe and more seedy areas of a city are. Moreover, don’t carry valuables, take taxis at night, leave your jewelry at home and never make your money visible. I love wearing Clever Travel Companion’s secret-pocket underwear and tank tops, so I can carry my money, credit cards and ID without anyone knowing. If you’re going to carry a bag or backpack, put it in front of you so you can see the pockets at all times. And, number one, always trust your gut. If you’re in a situation or place you don’t feel comfortable in, hop in a cab and get out of there as fast as you can.

Know That Solo Travel Isn’t For Everyone

It takes a certain kind of person to be able to travel solo. While I reccommend everyone try it at least once – even if it’s domestic or nearby – in the end it may not be for you. There’s nothing wrong with not being fit for the solo-travel mentality. Some people just feel better having a companion with them when they’re visiting a new place, and that’s perfectly fine. And, if you can’t find anyone to travel with, you can always consider a group tour.

Man Kicked Off Budget Airline For Wearing Baggy Pants

by Jessica Festa on

In recent airline news, a man was kicked off a Spirit Airlines’ flight for wearing baggy pants with the top of his underwear showing.

According to the Daily Mail, a flight attendant asked the passenger to pull up his pants, but he refused.

“It was to the point where his entire bottom was hanging out,” said Spirit Airlines’ spokeswoman Misty Pinson. “And that’s not appropriate. We have a lot of customers on the plane, a lot of children on the plane.”

According to Pinson, the man’s pants were below his bottom, exposing his underwear but no skin. When he was confronted, the unidentified man apparently become aggressive, threatening to smack the flight attendants.

When law enforcement arrived, the man and his female companion were escorted off the plane with their belongings, and put on a later flight.

What are your thoughts on airlines enforcing dress codes?

[Flickr image via Alaskan Dude]

Survey Names America’s 8 Best Lakes

by Jessica Festa on

In an effort to find out what the best lakes across the United States are, USA Today conducted a survey to allow travelers to weigh in on the subject. The poll generated over 5,000 votes on Twitter and Facebook, and named Lake Tahoe as America’s best lake.

The survey listed 15 finalists, chosen by regional magazine editors.

Says Laura Bly of USA Today, “While we took some heat for ignoring the five Great Lakes, our intention was to spotlight some of the USA’s smaller, less famous summer getaways.”

However, even Lake Tahoe nominator Peter Fish of Sunset admits the destination is already loved by many. According to him, this lake, which straddles the California-Nevada border “draws a gazillion” tourists on weekends who use it as a summer escape.

Michigan’s Lake Charlevoix was runner up, followed by Alabama’s Lake Martin, Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks and North Carolina’s Lake Lure. There were also many votes for New York’s Blue Mountain Lake, New Hampshire’s Newfound Lake and Washington’s Lake Crescent.

What’s your favorite lake in the United States?

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[Above image via Sascha Bruck; Gallery images via Big Stock, Mwanner, Kiwiowner, Lake Martin Voice, Kms5333]

10 Unique Experiences To Have In Chile

by Jessica Festa on

When I backpacked South America, one country I found difficult to plan was Chile. While I had heard they had great wine, adventurous hikes and beautiful landscapes, I had no idea where to actually go and what to actually do. After traveling through the country, I now realize there are way too many worthwhile experiences to have to narrow it down into just one list. However, these are 10 I think everyone should try to incorporate into a trip to the country.

Have a favorite destination or experience in Chile? Share it in the comments below.

Sandboarding In Death Valley/Hiking In Moon Valley

While these are technically two different experiences, you can book a tour in San Pedro de Atacama that allows you to do both in one day. Death Valley is surreal, with gigantic sand dunes and unworldly rock formations. In fact, the site looks so out of this world, many people say it resembles Mars. The basically barren landscape and dry climate is also similar to the red planet. NASA scientists and university researchers go there to test outer space equipment and hypotheses. Moon Valley is also bizarre, with jagged mountains covered in salt, stone and sand formations carved by water and wind, mysterious caves and dry saline-coated lakes. Because of its lunar appearance, a Mars rover was once tested there by scientists.The only company I saw offering the combination tour for both destinations with sandboarding was Atacama Inca Tour. For 12,000 Chilean Pesos (about $25), plus 2,000 $CLP (about $4) to enter Moon Valley, you get transportation, a sandboarding lesson and about two hours of sandboarding, a tour of the Chulacao Caves, which are covered in edible salt, an uphill trek to a viewpoint in Moon Valley to sip Pisco Sour while watching the sunset and a free DVD of the afternoon.

Explore Chile’s Lake District

When visiting Chile’s Lake District, you’ll be surrounded by more than just lakes. The area extends throughout a 210-mile stretch between Temuco and Puerto Montt, and features numerous activities in a world of natural beauty. Along with 12 major lakes, there is also larch forest, jagged peaks, serene waterfalls, green valleys, snow-capped volcanoes and many opportunities for cultural interaction through traditional folklore and indigenous handicraft markets. For many reasons, the destination is often compared to Switzerland. Both have similar landscapes, as well as cultural diversity. While Switzerland has four official languages, Chile’s Lake District was settled by Germans in the 19th century and also has a still existent native Mapuche culture. Make sure to visit Lago Llanquihue, one of South America’s largest lakes with an amazing scene of colors, mountains and volcanoes. For some deep relaxation, visit the geothermal pools at Termas Geometricas. The attraction features a red-planked walkway of slate-covered hot and cold thermal water pools. You’ll also see rivers, waterfalls and canyons. For some, adventure, hiking, biking and rafting are popular modes of transport for exploring Chile’s Lake District.

Go Back In Time On Easter Island

Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only one of the most isolated travel destinations on Earth, it’s also one of the planet’s most sacred sites. Once in Chile, you can take a flight from Santiago to reach the destination. Most people know the Chilean Polynesian island for its moai, large, personified stone monoliths with very large features. They were created by the Rapa Nui people between the years 1250 and 1500, and average 13 feet in height and 14 tons. While the architecture is impressive – especially given the time period they were built in – the mystery behind why these structures were constructed still remains a mystery. It is believed the moai were built to honor ancestors or another important group of people; however, the Rapa Nui left behind no oral or written history. Popular ways to view the statues are via horseback riding, renting a jeep or car or biking, although the many potholes and unpaved roads making cycling a bit difficult. Other worthwhile activities on Easter Island include scuba diving, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and visiting volcanic craters where you can see the rock that created the moai carvings.

Climb The Highest Volcano In The World

At 22,615 feet in elevation, Nevado Ojos del Salado (“Source of the Salt River” summit) is the highest volcano in the world. It’s located on the Chile-Argentina border, and can be accessed via Copiapó, Chile. When making your way up the enormous stratovolcano, you’ll be able to hike most of the way, although a bit of scrambling is necessary towards the top. Additionally, once you reach 20,960 feet on the eastern side of Ojos del Salado, you’ll see what is said to be the world’s highest lake. Wondering if it’s active? The last eruption was in 1993, leading scientists to believe there is a possibility it still is.

If you’re interested in doing a longer excursion and scaling multiple volcanoes, the companies Andes Mountain and Amity Tours offer 13- and 14-day trips.

Hike In Patagonia Via The “W Circuit” In Torres del Paine National Park

Whether you hike this circuit or just visit the national park on a tour, seeing the bizarre scenery of Torres del Paine is a must when in Chile. The entire time I was there I felt as though I were in the most beautiful Tim Burton film ever created, with animal skulls and twisted roots in front of a snow peaked background, and jagged rock formations and pointy pink mountain spires coming together with shimmering glaciers and colorful skies. The “W Circuit” will allow you to see some of the best views in the park. It takes about three to six days, with the highlights being beautiful lakes, the French Valley and the iconic Towers of Paine, enormous granite monoliths shaped by glacial ice. Note that the hike can be challenging for some, especially due to common strong winds and rough terrain.

Travel Underground In The Largest Open Pit Copper Mine In The World

In the north of Chile you’ll find Antofagasta, home to Chuquicamata, the largest open pit copper mine by excavated volume in the world. Its open pit is 14,108 feet long, 9,843 feet wide and 2,953 feet deep. Despite being exploited for over 90 years, the mine still manages to be one of the largest known copper resources on Earth. In fact, copper is one of Chile’s major exports. Codelco, the official owner of the mine, requires visitors to take a free guided tour if they want to visit. You can choose between English or Spanish, and can contact them at visitas@codelco.cl or +56 55 322122 to make a reservation.

Get To Know History And Culture In Santiago

Santiago is Chile’s capital, and a great home base for exploring nearby areas like the Casablanca Wine Valley, beautiful beaches and the Andes Mountains. You’ll learn a lot just from hanging out in Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square. Here you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, a church as well as a national monument. You’ll also get a firsthand look at the influence of Peruvian immigrants through ethnic food, shops and recreation. Additionally, the city is home to many beautiful parks, like Parque Metropolitano, home to San Cristobal Hill, which offers excellent city views and Parque Forestal, home to the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Modern Art Museum. Moreover, cultural establishments like the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, the Presidential Palace, and various cultural centers will give you a wealth of insight into Chile’s heritage. You should also stop by the Church and Museum of San Francisco, the oldest church in the city. Here, you’ll also be able to see a monolith from Easter Island.

Go Scuba Diving On Robinson Crusoe Island

Robinson Crusoe island, part of the archipelago of Juan Fernandez, is a national park as well as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This volcanic island of rugged mountain is often described as a deserted area of unspoiled beauty, and for good reason. Both on and off land, the island offers one of the most endemic ecosystems in the world. Furthermore, it features warm, crystal clear water, perfect for scuba diving and submarine hunting. You’ll see a diverse array of marine life, including vidriola, rock salmon, moray, pampanito, corvina, breca and more. You can access the island via a flight from Santiago.

Cross The Strait of Magellan To See Penguins On Isla Magdalena

You can take a ferry from Punta Arenas and arrive on Isla Magdalena, where you’ll see thriving groups of Magellanic penguins. This is where Chile’s largest penguin colonies reside. It is said there are about 60,000 breeding pairs. It’s not surprising this island is the main part of the Penguins Natural Monument. There is a big hill with a lighthouse on top, where most visitors climb to begin their photo taking. If you’d like a tour, Adventure Life offers an excursion to the island via a high-speed zodiac.

Go Wine Tasting In Casablanca Valley

Wine is one of Chile’s biggest industries, and the country is a major exporter of wine. Casablanca Valley is located just 45-minutes outside Santiago. The first vine was planted in the region in the mid-1980s, and quickly made a mark in Chile’s history becoming the first cool-climate coastal region to produce wines. The maritime, foggy mornings and cool Mediterranean climate greatly influence the grapes, which produce crisp, flavorful, aromatic wines. The three major varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, although high quality Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier and Gewürztraminer can also be found. Because it can be a bit tedious to get to, many people either hire a driver or stay the night in Casablanca. Other popular wine valleys to visit include Colchagua Valley, Maipo Valley, San Antonio Valley and Aconcagua Valley. If you’re interested in touring one or more of these regions, Ecotours Chile and Uncorked offer excellent excursions.

[Images via Jessie on a Journey, Anetode, Jessie on a Journey, Metaforico, Hector Garcia]