Janice Leith Waugh's Blog, page 130

Porto – rich in color, history and yes, Port.

The tiles on the buildings drew me to them.

It may be the second largest city in Portugal and also second to Lisbon in terms of fame but Porto surely deserves equal billing for its beauty and culture and as an entrance way to the wonderful Douro valley.

The city was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. It is reputed to be city from which Portugal got its name and is definitely the city from which Port wine got its name.

For me it is the beautiful waterfront along the Douro rive...

Solo Travel Destination: Cinque Terre National Park, Italy

We are pleased to present a newSolo TravelDestination Post from Elizabeth, a member of theSolo TravelSocietyon Facebook. Elizabeth is from The United States, and submitted the following report about Cinque Terre . Do you have asolotraveldestination that you would like to recommend?Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!

Solo travelrating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)

Languages spoken: Italian

Looking back at Vernazz...

Confident. Capable. Exotic. – that’s you! Happy Valentine’s Day.

Penny discovered just how capable she is by traveling solo for five months.

Look around.

Valentine’s Day conjures cupids and cards, special menus with higher prices and chocolates of lower quality.

Oh, if only Valentine’s Day were about love rather than tokens as defined by commercial enterprises.

Let’s make it so. Let’s make it about the most important love in one’s life. A love of yourself for, if you can’t love you, it’s pretty hard to love someone else.

And how does one nurture this loving rel...

Pic of the Week: Sunset in Kampot

Crab fishermen returning to shore at sunset.

The Pic of the Week is drawn from photos submitted to theSolo TravelSocietyFacebook Group, providing an opportunity for solo travelers to share with us a favorite photo from their travels.

This week’s pic fromSolo TravelSocietymember Gemma was taken in Kampot, Cambodia.

Night Safety for Solo Travelers: 15 tips

Avoid empty streets, subway cars… generally, just stay in public places.

Last week I wrote about things that solo travelers can do at night.

I wrote about some of the great times I’ve had going out in the evening and suggested 7 things solo travelers can do at night – other than staying in with a book.

As I was writing it, I realized that it may be beneficial to also write about safety at night. A lot of the same rules apply as during the day but there are a few others to consider as well. So, I...

Solo Travel Destination: Santorini, Greece

We are pleased to present a newSolo TravelDestination Post from Lampel, a member of theSolo TravelSocietyon Facebook. Lampel is from The United Arab Emirates, and submitted the following report about Santorini . Do you have asolotraveldestination that you would like to recommend?Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!

Solo travelrating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)

Languages spoken: Greek, English

Waiting for the...

“Because life is out there.” Career break information and inspiration.

In 2001/02 my husband and I and various combinations of our children (different ones joined us at different times) took a career break. It was a family career break.

In 2008, Jeff Jung took a career break on his own. His was a solo career break.

He then turned what was a turning point in his professional life into a career of its own. Through his blog, a book, a TV show and now a tour, he helps others fulfill their dream of taking a career break to travel. Later this month, he begins his spe...

Pic of the Week: Smoking in Dubrovnik

During the night, someone added a cigarette to this sculpture.

The Pic of the Week is drawn from photos submitted to theSolo TravelSocietyFacebook Group, providing an opportunity for solo travelers to share with us a favorite photo from their travels.

This week’s pic fromSolo TravelSocietymember Annette was taken in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The Britrail Option: Riding the rails and protecting pedestrians

The stations in the UK are varied

Our brains are all unique.

Our abilities and talents individual.

It seems, when it comes to things we are not good at, we are inclined to put ourselves into categories. Me? I’m one of those people (of whom I assume there are many) who just can’t get driving on the other side of the road.

It takes a lot of thinking for me to drive in the UK and other left-side drive places. And then I start double-thinking. It’s not good for me or anyone in my path. So, when I go...

Solo Travel Destination: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

We are pleased to present a newSolo TravelDestination Post from Tracey’s trip to Harrisburg. Normally, Destination Posts are contributed by members of theSolo TravelSocietyon Facebook. Do you have asolotraveldestination that you would like to recommend?Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!

Solo travelrating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)

Languages spoken: English

Walking along Riverfront Park.

Reasons to go: Have y...