How I, An Incredibly Anxious Traveller, Solo Travelled Through Bulgaria
How I ended up solo travelling in Bulgaria
Nobody really asks, but I can see their eyes secretly wonder “why” when I tell someone I’m travelling to Bulgaria for a little holiday. The short answer is … I don’t really know. It wasn’t because I have some ever-present burning desire to visit Bulgaria. My going to Bulgaria was just a holiday booked on a whim. Ryanair had a sale. It ended up working out well, but I didn’t have many expectations. I booked it quite simply because I had never been before, and because I had never thought about going. Usually people opt for the opposite. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I ended up solo travelling in Bulgaria.
I went to Gothenburg, (Göteborg) Sweden for a little weekend holiday with my friend Lauren (loulabellerose.co.uk) a few weekends ago. It was the perfect mix of exploring somewhere new, and getting a very relaxing chilled out holiday! I’m originally from a small city in Northwestern Ontario, where the Nordic influences run rampant. Our approach to this trip was to explore, eat as many pastries as possible and find #accidentallywesanderson buildings on every corner. Basically, we wanted to fall headfirst into the traditions of fika (in the morning) and hygge (in the evening).
After staying in Airbnbs big and small all over the world, I’m a convert. I’ve found that they provide so many luxuries that you can’t find at a hotel or hostel! It bums me out that so many people are too nervous to try out Airbnb. I feel like they’re missing out on so many cool opportunities! On the other hand, I completely understand being apprehensive about it. I started out renting an Airbnb (entire apartment) with a friend. Then alone, I went alone, then I stayed in an Airbnb room in a shared apartment with a friend… And I’m still apprehensive about staying in a single room alone! But these are the reasons I think you should try Airbnb.
Function Over Fashion: a minimalist approach to styling while travelling
I am NOT someone who overpacks when they travel. I travel on budget airlines which charge you even for a hand luggage carry on. On my latest adventure to the West coast of Ireland to do some hiking, I packed everything into my small and beloved Lululemon backpack. It fits perfectly under the seat of the airplane. Bear in mind that the trip was four nights, five days, and included city days and countryside hiking days. I needed a LOT of variety when it came to my clothes… Or so you would think. I managed to find basically one outfit that worked under all circumstances. Admittedly I did not look fantastic and chic in the cities, but it was good enough!
I think it’s about time I feature a lil outfit post, so here’s my woolly sweater! My wardrobe and style is very dependent on the season. In the summertime I’m very floaty and fresh with my wardrobe. I don’t like anything too flashy, or too high maintenance. I’ll wear the same pair of jean shorts and plain t shirts with Birkenstocks day in and day out. As the weather gets colder, I always somehow find the inspiration to put a lil extra something into my wardrobe. I suddenly want to take the time to do my hair and makeup, and wear skirts with tights and cozy sweaters and turtlenecks. This year, I moved right at the beginning of September, which meant I had to pack up my entire Autumn/Winter wardrobe, and now I’m working through that summer to fall transition on a very minimal wardrobe.
Hola amigas! As promised, here is my second Cuba vlog AND! It’s edited in VSCO! Colour grading on my amateur youtube channel?! What?! I love it. What do you think? Did I go overboard? Do you like it better? I don’t know!!! Either way, come along for a little day of adventuring around Viñales and see everything the beautiful valley has to offer! I’m honestly SO happy we decided to travel here to stay for a few days rather than doing a day trip. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in my entire life. I can’t believe how skeptical I was now, I thought it would be quite off the beaten track and hard to navigate but it was SO travel-friendly. I can’t say enough good things about it, so just watch the video and see for yourself!
Quick Travel Tips!
Our Airbnb in Viñales arranged a collective taxi to take us to and from Viñales. It’s well over an hour drive, and this made it a lot more affordable. At the same time, you sacrifice the advantages you’d get with a regular taxi. Regular taxis are new and comfortable, collective taxis are old, loud and don’t have A/C. Not a dealbreaker for us, but maybe for you.
Our Airbnb hosts also helped arrange some things for us to do. When we arrived we immediately whisked off for a horseback tour of the valley. It was absolutely stunning and our tour guide – their family friend – Rollo, helped us get a good understanding of the area.
Airbnb hosts are your everything in Cuba! Read reviews to pick ones that will help you plan.
There is nothing quite like a New York City getaway! At the very end of the winter holidays, my sisters, my mom and I jetted off to New York City to kickstart the new year. New York City holds a soft spot in all of our hearts. After years of mixing and matching on our trips there we finally all made it out together. We only spent three and a half days there, but they were – like always – jam packed. One day we walked over 25 km. That’s right, over 25 km in a city where there’s a cab on every corner. Never again.
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