It's hard to believe I lived in Costa Rica for a year and a half. Well, that's not entirely true. Some days it felt as if I' was there for an eternity and never had any life other than the one was
Note: The following is a guest post from Michelle Philippon “Philip—Philip-pee-on? Philippines? Oh, Philippon, you say? How do you spell that again? Wow, that’s an interesting name. Where’s it from?” This is a common refrain I’ve heard all my life—something I find
As I sit in row 14 of my Southwest flight from San Jose to Baltimore, sipping a complimentary gin & tonic courtesy of Southwest Airline’s celebratory St. Patrick’s Day mood, I wanted to write an update especially for all of
In today's Women Who Travel Solo, Lisa Philippon talks solo travel in India with humor and poetry. How did you get started traveling? My first opportunity to travel came about when I was 18. My best friend and I were both taking French
The walls of the open-air lounge at Rancho Armadillo Estate are adorned with newspaper clippings with headlines that read “The Kindest Hotel Owner in Costa Rica” and "Rancho Armadillo: Like Visiting a Friend With a Really Cool House." There are pictures of local
Based on a Londontopia article by Samantha O’Brochta, London is reportedly one of the safest cities in the world for women travelling solo. At first you might wonder whether or not it’s really ideal to watch a musical alone, sip
Take a solo trip to paradise and visit Tulum with Shari Bayer in today's Women Who Travel Solo.
How did you get started traveling?
I was in my 30’s and working for myself with the ability, and desire, to travel. Since I was single, and making plans with friends or family wasn’t easy, I started to plan my own solo adventures. I began with weekend getaways, such as Aruba, and soon progressed to longer overseas trips, from Italy to Australia and New Zealand. I found that the more I traveled on my own, the more I loved it. I enjoyed my independence and having my own itinerary, which always revolved around food and restaurants. I could do whatever I wanted at my own pace, and dine solo at the best restaurants in the world. It was a new sense of freedom.Why did you decide to take a solo trip to Tulum, Mexico?
I wanted to escape to a beautiful and peaceful place that I had not been to before for some R&R. I had heard about Tulum from industry friends and it seemed like the ideal destination for a long weekend. It was fairly easy to get to from NYC with a direct flight to Cancun and then about a 1 ½ drive.
Tell us about your experience in Tulum as a solo traveler.
Tulum was paradise! My hotel was located right on the beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. I spent time relaxing on the beach, sipping on green juice and coconut water as I lounged in the sun. I treated myself to outdoor massage listening to the soothing waves, and enjoyed swimming in the crystal clear water, walking on the white sand beach and vegging out in a hammock. One morning, I naturally woke up very early and watched the sunrise on the deck. It was amazing. I also visited a lovely cenote, explored the Mayan ruins and practiced yoga in a treehouse. I dined al fresco for every meal, often with sand in my toes, feasting on authentic Mexican dishes and fresh seafood. Tulum’s low-key vibe was exactly what I needed to unwind from my busy NYC schedule.
What recommendations do you have for solo travelers in Tulum?
Hotels: Mezzanine Hotel, Be Tulum Activities: Yaan Wellness Center, Cenote Dos Ojos, Mayan Ruins Restaurants: Chamico, Posada Margherita, Unico at Mi Amor Hotel, Mateo’s Mexican Grill, Hartwood, Arca
What was the best part of your solo trip to Tulum?
Breathing in the fresh air and enjoying nature’s beauty.What was the worst part of the trip?
I missed dining at Hartwood, the most renowned restaurant in Tulum, as it was closed for a break.
Are there any safety concern for women traveling alone to Tulum?
One week. After one year, five months and four days of living abroad in Costa Rica, one week is all I have left of my life in the rainforest. Beyond that week lies a future filled with unknowns. The pending end
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