12 Top Tips For Solo Travelers

by Lindsay Shapka in , , ,


I'll be the first to admit that traveling alone for the first time can be scary (in fact, I wrote a blog about it). What happens if you get lost? What if you look like a fool? What if you can't communicate with anyone? Will people think you're a loser if you eat alone? And what do you do if you get lonely?

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Travel Tales: Trekking Up Mount Etna, An Active Volcano In Italy

by Lindsay Shapka in ,


Located on the east coast of Sicily, Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanos in the world (!), and is two times the size of the infamous Mount Vesuvius (the volcano near Pompeii). 

Deciding to risk it for the sake of adventure, my friends and I left the safety of our hotel room in Catania early one morning and, after a sleepy bus ride, found ourselves at the base of this iconic force-of-nature. 

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Your Guide to Solo Hiking Safely

by Lindsay Shapka in ,


I often get asked if solo hiking is safe or if I am ever scared while I am hiking alone. My response is usually the same as when people ask me that question related to solo travel — I have never felt unsafe, but I have felt uncomfortable, and that is not a bad thing.

I usually follow this up by reminding them that I also never approach a solo hike unprepared. I know exactly what I need to do to keep myself safe and comfortable, so I can focus on the sound of the wind in the trees and not on an imaginary threat.

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Everything You Want To Know About Teaching English As A Second Language

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


Being an English Teacher in South Korea was one of the most challenging, educational, and incredible experiences that I have ever had.

I lived and worked in the country as an English teacher for just over a year, and since I've come home, I have gotten countless questions from family, friends, and friends of friends about the experience and how they can do it too.

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Destination Budapest: What You Need To See and Do While Exploring Hungary's Capital City

by Lindsay Shapka in ,


Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a fascinating city. It's perched right on the border between Western and Eastern Europe and with that comes a complicated history.

Until the late 1980s Hungry was communist, not moving to a democratic government until 1989. There is also a heavy influence from ancient Roman and Turkish occupation that has led to an interesting mix of architecture, culture, and historic spots to visit.

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6 Places to Experience Korean Culture and History in Seoul

by Lindsay Shapka in ,


I lived in the small city of Ansan just outside of Seoul, South Korea (close enough that I was still on the Seoul subway line) for a year and a half while I was working there as an English teacher. Because I was so close, I spent almost every weekend exploring Seoul’s winding historic alleyways, huge high-rises, modern art galleries, curated natural areas, and layer upon layer of food, fashion, and culture.

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Hit The Slopes! Best Places to Ski and Snowboard This Winter

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


Still looking for that ideal pow that will make this alpine season one to remember?

These spectacular ski and snowboard destinations offer a combination of stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and exceptional snow conditions!

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