Hack Solo Travel Guidebook

"Hack Solo Travel: A Practical and Civil Guide to World Adventuring for Broke Babes" by Maria Malyk (2021) is a guidebook for young broke Americans who dream of international travel but don't know where to start. More at: HackSoloTravel.com #solotravel #budgetTravel

We're all addicted to screens. But watching vacationers on the beach gives me hope. Sure, some have their noses in digital devices. But most chat, play games, read books, feed the gulls or just sit/lay there & stare ahead -- content to simply breathe & enjoy nature. It's nice.

@FormerlyWTC I get it. I don't love exposing my card to foreign ATMs either. But with a "home" bank that doesn't charge foreign fees/refunds ATM fees, the cost difference has been worth it for me.

@HackSoloTravel Depending on factors like the bank of the ATM, country I’m in, etc. once all fees are calculated in the cost of the transaction difference can be inconsequential. And the less exposure of my card & banking info to unfamiliar sources the better.

Why do so many #travelers continue to use currency exchange kiosks abroad -- when ATMs almost always give a much better exchange rate? - habit - intimidated by using a foreign-language ATM - expect something bad to happen to their card/bank account - don't know it's an option?

@Whereareweofft1 Ah yes! Once upon a time, when ATMs weren't a thing and credit cards weren't accepted, you had to travel with piles of cash *shudder* Or do the "travelers cheques", which were safer but a bit of a pain still.

@HackSoloTravel I’m now pretty much card and lift a small amount of cash, so needing to swap currency as I travel is pretty limited. I mind first time I went to Thailand bring £2k worth of Thai Baht with me, mental to think now.

@Whereareweofft1 Yeah, the airport ones are the biggest rip-off of 'em all!

@HackSoloTravel I used to use exchange booths in the UK before I left, but this was many years ago and was a savings tool for me, so buy currency in advance each month. Abroad only used them to swap money between countries. Airport ones, I’ve never used and no idea how they still exist

Some people fall into #solotravel thanks to companions flaking out at the last moment. But, then, something magical happens. They discover that they're not "settling for less". They're actually *enhancing* their experience by doing it on their own terms. And it feels amazing!

@BritneyTheStan Now there's a person who hasn't been to a job interview in a looooooooong while. - What do you do? - *bluescreens* The look of sheer disbelief on his face

The police officer had absolutely no idea who Justin Timberlake is 😭😭😭

It's messed up that X rewards volume over substance when it comes to post visibility. I am very passionate about #solotravel. But I only have so many pearls of wisdom/witty quips to share. We're not here to please The Algorithm -- we're here to connect with like-minded humans!

#Solotravel has shaped my self-identity, social skills & life outlook. It taught me to not fear the world. Not b/c the world isn't scary - but b/c I trust that I can handle its challenges. Cultivate self-reliance, resourcefulness & good judgment -- and the world is your oyster!

Even as a *lone wolf* promoting individuality & self-sufficiency through #solotravel -- I still *treasure* my friends. Just had a convo w/ an old friend about how we'll be "ride or die 4-eva" 🥹🥹🥹 How lucky I am to have my independence -- and still enjoy lasting friendships!

#Worldtravel may feel scary as it requires stepping into the unknown. But fears hold us back from living (Boooo!) The way to get over the fear of the unfamiliar is by making things *familiar*. Which is best achieved by #traveling! Take the plunge & make friends w/ the World!

Need a #vacay? For those who have the funds but are limited on time, there's #luxurytravel. For those short on money but w/ more time, there's #budgettravel. Short on time *and* money? 🙋‍♀️ Make it a weekend #staycation -- but treat it like a luxury stay in some exotic land :))

I live in a popular vacation destination, so friends & relatives visit a lot. Being "local" means helping visitors w/ lodging, food, entertainment & itineraries. I love playing tour guide -- and I adore my friends. But I need to catch my breath & sleep a whole lot afterwards 😝

If you've been wanting to #solotravel for a while -- this is your reminder to pick a destination & book those tix already!

And he didn't even cover all the info up -- I had blank/blur out the rest here. This is why I pray I don't lose my ID. Some "good Samaritan" is going to publicly expose my data -- and himself, while he's at it...

Just saw this on my FB expat group -- and can't stop laughing. I'm all for trying to track down a found ID on social media. And making an effort to cover up people's personal data. But does it have to look like this??? Dear lord😱😱😱 #LOL #photofail #accidentalporn

@betweenengland That's true -- it's not the same every time. Depends on your relationship to the person -- and your state of mind at the moment.

@HackSoloTravel It depends. After living in the US I got terrible with goodbyes. I found being left behind/staying was awful. My sister has now moved away but I find it harder saying bye to her when she is staying and I am leaving

Do you find it harder to say "good-bye" to someone when: - They are leaving/you are staying? - They are staying/you are leaving? For me, it's the former. As a #traveler, it's a double bummer. Sad that we're parting -- and also upsetting that I'm not the one going somewhere 🤣

@travelstustring So true! It's a rare and beautiful thing.

@HackSoloTravel Some of my best mates I could never travel with. A travel partner is something special!

Curious if you & another person are compatible as "partners"? #Travel with them for over a week! You'll get to see if they are: - cooperative - adaptable - reliable - considerate of your needs, interests & boundaries - fun It's a great test of character & teamwork. Agree?