Janice Leith Waugh's Blog, page 135

Passports with Purpose: Win a Trip to Morocco with Intrepid Travel

My thanks to Intrepid Travel for donating a 15-day trip to Morocco as a prize for Passports with Purpose

Great fundraiser.

Great prizes.

That’s Passports with Purpose in a nutshell.

Passports with Purpose 2013.

Education helps raise people out of poverty. It promotes individual and public health. It is fundamental to securing a legitimate government.

It’s a necessity that, unfortunately, not everyone enjoys.

It is my sincere hope that you will all help the fantastic educational initiative in Mali by...

Making Points Part of Your Saving Plan for travel

I bought this computer on points. Nice!

The computer that I use every day to write my blog, keep up with social media, plan my travels, manage my photos… the computer I use almost every minute of every day, I bought with points.

Nice, right?

Ah, but there’s more.

This computer was on sale on the American Express rewards site. So, not only did I buy it with points but I also got a good deal. And, by applying my points to a necessity that was also a good deal, I saved dollars to spend on travel. Ye...

Pic of the Week: Sapa, Vietnam

Enjoying the view and some fresh air from a coffee shop near Sapa.

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 Vu was taken from a coffee shop in Sapa, Vietnam.

Sleeping with Strangers: the hostel experience part I

The front entrance of YHA London Central

A 12-minute walk to Oxford Street.

10 minutes to Marleybone High Street.

And just 45 minutes through the heart of London to get to Buckingham Palace.

Yes, including “central” in the name of the hostel I stayed at for seven days while in London was appropriate.

I’m just back from a 2-week trip that included work and pleasure, London and Paris. I stayed in hostels in both cities – two very different hostels.

I will write a post on each so that you have a sense...

Solo Travel Destination: Ao Nang Beach, Thailand

We are pleased to present a newSolo TravelDestination Post from Andrea, a member of theSolo TravelSocietyon Facebook. Andrea is from Croatia, and submitted the following report about Ao Nang Beach. 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, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)

Languages spoken: Thai, English

Crusing to Krabi

Reasons to go...

So, who are we? – results of 2013 Reader Survey

Clearly, more women are reading Solo Traveler than men. However, it’s not likely as skewed as the numbers above suggest. On Facebook the numbers are 66% women and 33% men.

I am now planning Solo Traveler for 2014.

Yes, I’m working on a business plan. It sounds very non-blog-like, doesn’t it. But, in fact, Solo Traveler has expanded far past just a personal blog.

To be authentic, Tracey and I must stay true to our own interests but we believe that we can plan to serve yours as well. To do so, we...

Pic of the Week: Driftwood Beach

The effects of erosion are clearly displayed on Driftwood Beach off the coast of Georgia.

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 Vijay was taken at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island in the United States.

Learning to Taste in Stratford

I also attended a session on pairing wine with Indian food. The result: you really can’t.

I love trying new wines. I understand the language, I know the etiquette, I’m familiar with many varietals, and I know how to taste the wines.

But beer? Whisky? Tea?

Not so much.

So I set out to learn a little bit about each at the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival in Stratford, Ontario. This year’s theme was “Globally inspired, locally grown,” showcasing local food and drink, combined with int...

Solo Travel Destination: Athens & the Greek Islands

We are pleased to present a newSolo TravelDestination Post from Melissa, a member of theSolo TravelSocietyon Facebook. Melissa is from The Netherlands, and submitted the following report about Athens and the Greek Islands . 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: 2 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)

Languages spoken: Greek, English

Specta...

Pic of the Week: Sunrise in Thailand

Enjoying a beautiful sunrise on the beach of Koh Samui, Thailand.

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 Noor was taken on the beach at Koh Samui in Thailand.