Latest news with #travelCommunity
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Daily Mail
I'm a female solo traveller who's been to 39 countries - here's the common mistake almost everyone makes
A solo traveller who has been to almost 40 countries across five continents has been sharing her opinions on travelling – warning that some may be 'unpopular'. Karina Henry, who runs the @karinaworldwide Instagram account and has over 131,000 followers on the site, shared 15 of her strongest views. She starts by addressing the mistake people make when they rush to visit as many countries as possible, writing: 'Travel isn't a race – no one cares about your passport stamp.' Instead of the number of nations visited, people should instead impress with their experiences. 'Let's swap 'whew, I'd definitely go back there' stories, not just border-crossing bingo.' Among the comments agreeing with her, a user wrote: 'I'm more impressed with someone who has visited only 5 countries but spent a longer time there than with someone who has visited 10 in 3 weeks.' She warns against 'using Africans as props in your travel photos', stating: 'Poverty is not an aesthetic.' 'If you wouldn't take that photo in Paris or Tokyo, ask yourself why it feels acceptable in Ghana or Kenya,' she added. 'Your trip shouldn't come at the cost of someone's dignity.' One of the most popular responses agreed with this point in particular. 'I HATE SEEING kids in villages in Southeast Asia in people's photo carousels. If you wouldn't take a picture of less fortunate American, don't do it in another country,' wrote @jadethetraveler. However, one person questions this opinion. 'You have pics posing with a local in very traditional, simple dress, while you are decked out to the nines. ??,' wrote Katie Mendonça. 'I don't get the difference? Loved a lot of what you shared…but this one seems hypocritical.' Another viewpoint that people disagreed with was around tipping, which Karina believes 'shouldn't be optional just because you're abroad'. 'The tipping culture is very different (give or not, how much, or actually bargain), I think it is best to study beforehand how they do and accommodate that instead of bringing your own tipping culture', said @cskmtrsztsz Another, who identified themselves as Australian, wrote: 'Tipping can actually be seen as extremely rude in many countries- particularly places like Japan - so it's always best to actually research the tipping culture.' Karina also shared her stance on how solo travel isn't a personality trait, why there's no shame in dating abroad, and how travel doesn't have to be transformational. Most of the responses were positive, though one Instagram user wrote: 'I get where she's coming from, but many of these come from an odd, rather judgey place.' The travel content creator, who has over 300,000 followers on TikTok, previously opened up about her most terrifying experiences abroad, ranging from a tourist scam to a parasitic infection she got from eating cat meat. 'In China, I was physically assaulted by a drunk man who said he didn't like me simply because I was American,' she shared. The footage showed a man yelling at her in Chinese while she begged him to leave her alone, saying, 'I didn't do anything. I just want to go home.' Karina then shared that she 'got an incurable parasitic infection after eating cat meat in Ghana,' but she didn't go into detail about her health scare. 'In Egypt, I was lured into a shop by a "tour guide" and then trapped inside until I agreed to pay for a belly dancer outfit I "broke" — only to later realize it was a scam,' she continued. Another solo travel content creator recently shared her honest views on where she feels unsafe as a woman – and one of her picks is a hugely popular European destination. Savanna Crowell, in a video that has been viewed almost 500,000 times, the New York-based traveller revealed three places where she didn't feel safe. She told her 54,000 followers that she'd 'had a few uncomfortable situations' in one of the countries
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Solo female traveler teaches Karen a lesson during bizarre restaurant encounter
A solo traveler sparked an internet uproar by sharing her bold response to a bizarre encounter she had with a mom who took issue with her drinking wine. Redditor nurseB89 claimed she was enjoying a relaxing all-inclusive trip to Tenerife, the largest of Spain 's Canary Islands, when a mother-of-three complained about her alcohol consumption. The baffled user explained her hotel had 'club style seating,' meaning she was sat near strangers while she ate her meals. When the incident occurred, she said she was the first to sit down at the table and was sipping a glass of wine when she was joined by a family of five, two parents and three children. Trouble arose when the mother noticed her choice of beverage. 'We do not wish to expose our children to women drinking alcohol,' the bothered mom bluntly said, leaving the wine-drinking woman stunned. Hoping to remain cordial without backing down, nurseB89 said she simply smiled and suggested the mother and her family move tables - but this only made matters worse. 'They noticed I was on my own and made passive aggressive comments about this,' the user wrote. Sharing her strange interaction with tens of thousands of people on Reddit , she asked, 'AITA [am I the a******] for ordering alcohol?' She then went to go get food from the buffet. When she returned, her wine glass was missing. 'A waiter came over and asked to see my wrist band (for the all inclusive) and said the family had told them I was underage and must have sneaked away from my parents,' the fed-up vacationer wrote. After sorting it out with the employee, she was given a new glass of wine just as the family returned to the table with their food. With no intentions of appeasing the 'Karen' mom now, she decided to take advantage of the all-inclusive resort - ordering an entire bottle of wine and a couple of vodka shots. 'The family stormed out the [restaurant] when I drank the shots as they arrived at the table!' she announced. Sharing her strange interaction with tens of thousands of people on Reddit, she asked, 'AITA [am I the a******] for ordering alcohol?' With more than 32,000 upvotes and 2,000 comments, social media users had plenty to say about the situation. 'It's just WOMEN drinking alcohol. What the heck is that about? It's clearly not an issue with alcohol as much as it is with women. Sheesh,' someone reacted. With more than 32,000 upvotes and 2,000 comments, social media users had plenty to say about the situation 'I can't believe this situation. She doesn't want to expose her children to seeing someone drink alcohol, but she's willing to expose her children to her own lying!' another wrote. Many users commended her actions and said they would have done the same thing. 'You are an absolute legend for requesting the full bottle of wine and vodka shots. This level of pettiness is something we should all aspire to,' one user said. One person said it was 'an interesting way to get your point across' and another admitted it was a 'total AH move' but ultimately thought it was called for. Beyond Reddit, an etiquette expert has chimed into the heated discussion, telling Fox Digital the mother's behavior was 'inappropriate.' 'On a vacation, where the tables are open for anyone to sit, a guest should be able to order whatever they would like,' Diane Gottsman, founder and owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, told the outlet. 'If the mother does not want her children exposed to alcohol, it's a personal, family preference and the rest of the table should not be expected to follow her self-imposed rule. 'If the mother was that opposed, she should have gotten up and taken her family to another table.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
I'm a solo traveler and these are 5 scary cities women should stay away from — I survived kidnap and mugging scares
Women with wanderlust, be warned. A self-described 'solo female traveler' has taken to TikTok to reveal the five most dangerous cities she's visited — and is urging other globetrotting gals to remain vigilant should they venture there. Andrea Elliott shared the list of the five frightening locales in a viral video that has recently resurfaced ahead of the summer travel season. 'If you are a solo traveling woman like me, or if you plan on solo traveling somewhere this summer, I would watch this video in its entirety for the list of destinations that I will never travel to again as a solo traveling woman,' the intrepid tripper told viewers. First, the TikTokker urged ladies to stay away from Manila in the Philippines, saying it was 'definitely not safe' in the area where she stayed. 'My hotel wouldn't even let me go to the ATM outside,' Elliot alleged. 'They told me to put more clothes on, not to wear a tank top because there were so many men outside and it just wasn't safe for me to walk alone,' she added. Secondly, the globetrotter told viewers that she would never set foot in Paris, France, again. 'I was literally almost mugged twice while on the subway,' she explained. 'And mind you, there are police walking around with guns, like a lot of police and law enforcement walking around, but yet I was still nearly mugged while on the subway in Paris.' 'I was also cautioned about pickpockets and advised not to go out alone at night,' she further dished. Third on Elliot's list of scary cities: Cartagena, Colombia. 'Overall, I really loved Cartagena, even though the men were pretty aggressive,' the content creator claimed. 'The reason why Cartagena is on this list is because when I initially got there before I got into the walled city, I was taking a video from my taxi and stuck my arms slightly out of my taxi window,' she recalled. 'The cops then pulled up next to me in a scooter and told me to stick my arm back in — that it wasn't safe to have my cell phone out like that and just to be very cautious with my cell phone and my belongings.' Also on Elliot's list: Caye Caulker, Belize. 'Unfortunately, the men are very, very aggressive,' she told her virtual audience. 'So much so that I had to pepper spray a man who was literally touching my person, touching me physically, just to get me to come into his restaurant.' The fifth and final frightening locale, according to Elliot, is San Salvador, El Salvador. The bruette sensationally claimed she was almost kidnapped by two men while she traveling alone there. 'These were construction workers because they were in a flatbed truck, and they had wired spool in the back of their truck,' she recalled. ' They pulled up next to me… both of them grabbed me by my arms and were pulling me inside of their truck.' 'Luckily, there were restaurants nearby, heard me screaming, people heard me screaming and came outside and were like, 'Déjala! Déjala! Leave her alone. Don't touch her. And the guys got in their truck and sped off.'
Times of Oman
08-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Philippines visa-free for Indians: A game-changer for travel in 2025
New Delhi: In a landmark decision that has excited the Indian travel community, the Philippines has officially introduced visa-free travel for Indian passport holders, allowing a stay of up to 14 days. With this relaxed visa policy, the Philippines has become one of the top visa-free countries for Indians to visit. This development means that Indians planning to visit the Philippines without visa applications or embassy visits can now explore its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities with ease. However, for those planning to stay longer or who do not meet the eligibility criteria, the usual Philippines visa information for Indian nationals remains essential. Such travellers need to apply for Philippines visa online (for stays over 14 days) before their trip to ensure smooth entry and legal stay. Explore the Beauty of the Philippines. From the turquoise waters of El Nido to the bustling energy of Manila, the Philippines offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller. With the ability to travel spontaneously, Indian tourists now have easier access to one of Southeast Asia's most scenic destinations. To make the most of your trip, book cheap flights to Manila and explore the archipelago hassle-free. Whether you're visiting for relaxation, adventure, or cultural discovery, the visa-free Philippines is ready to welcome Indian tourists with open arms. For comfortable stays, choose from a variety of best hotels in Manila that cater to both budget and luxury preferences. If you prefer guided travel, all-inclusive Philippines tour packages are also available for a seamless experience. Philippines Visa Rules for Indians. Under the updated Philippines visa rules for Indians, eligible travellers can enjoy visa-free Philippines travel for up to 14 days. This new initiative, titled "Philippines introduces visa-free travel for Indian passport holders," underscores the country's focus on boosting tourism and fostering stronger ties with India. For those who require a longer stay or do not qualify for visa-free entry, understanding the Philippines visa for Indians remains crucial. Fortunately, Akbar Travels simplifies this process with a seamless online visa application experience. Their services allow Indian travellers to apply for Philippines visa online quickly and conveniently. Other Visa-Free Countries for Indians. The Philippines is not the only nation offering relaxed entry for Indian travellers. A growing list of visa-free countries for Indians includes destinations like Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Indonesia, and Seychelles, among others. These policies continue to increase the global mobility of the Indian passport. Additionally, a valid USA visa opens doors to even more destinations. With a valid US visa, Indian citizens can travel to countries like Dubai, Turkey, Albania, Costa Rica, Mexico, and many others. These countries provide either visa-free access or visa on arrival facility for Indians with a valid US visa or a green card. Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian Passport Holders. Among the most sought-after destinations accessible with a valid US visa is the UAE. Dubai offers a visa on arrival for Indian citizens holding a valid US visa or green card. This Dubai visa (UAE visa) is valid for 14 days and can be extended once. For longer stays or planned visits, travellers are advised to apply for Dubai visa online . The UAE visa application is 100% online.
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've saved thousands on solo trips through home swapping - but my California stay wasn't what I expected
As the cost of travel continues to rise and frustrations with traditional accommodation mount, a growing number of travellers are rethinking how they holiday. Among them is 27-year-old, Natália Amorim, from Canada, who has saved around £18,000 in just two years, globetrotting around the world to bucket list destinations, including California, Copenhagen and the Netherlands. Next month, she's even managing to spend a month in a plush Notting Hill apartment for just $180 (£133) - less than the average price of one night at a hotel in the same area, £147. But how has Natalia done it? It's all thanks to ditching hotels and Airbnbs in favour of home-swapping on Kindred, which involves paying just the price of basic cleaning and membership fee. Since joining, she's used the service to travel extensively for both leisure and work - clocking more than 90 nights in homes across the UK, Europe and the U.S. But one of Natália's most memorable stays was at a three-storey house overlooking Amsterdam's canals, a home she describes as 'the most beautiful' she'd ever seen in an exclusive interview with MailOnline. On another occasion, having only seen pictures of the interior, she arrived at what she thought was a modest California stay - but was greeted by something entirely different. Since joining Kindred, she's used the service to travel extensively for both leisure and work - clocking more than 90 nights in homes across the UK, Europe and the U.S She tells us: 'I only had pictures of the inside of the property, and it ended up being a whole ranch, almost, to ourselves.' Natália's first experience with home swapping come through Facebook groups, but she found them disorganised and risky in terms of safety. However, since discovering Kindred in 2022, Natalia insists she rarely worries about her security and comfort now when she's going to stay at others, or when there are guests in her house. She doesn't even strip her home bare before guests arrive, though some hosts attach 'do not touch' notes to items they wish to be kept unused by guests. Natália says: 'I think different people go about it different ways. I personally leave all of my stuff out. I will push away, like some some space in the closet if they need - I even keep my journals out. 'One host had little stickers called "Privacy, please." If there's a drawer that you don't want anyone to open, anyone to touch, you can just add the little privacy stickers. 'I've had a host recently that did it with Post-it notes, telling me, "This drawer has too much stuff. If you open it's gonna fall."' Each swap is built on mutual trust and, unlike traditional rentals, Kindred users must host in order to stay. She adds: 'I'm a big gift giver, so I every time I stay in a kindred I pay a lot of attention to their home and their mugs and their tastes and their art to like, try to find a gift that matches their personality' She continues: 'There's a real community aspect, a human aspect, to home swapping. I'm really close with all my hosts that have hosted me and I still keep in touch with some of my guests. 'Guests have even taken selfies with my cat. 'Usually the host will leave a handwritten note whenever you get there. It was my first time in Edinburgh a few weeks ago with Kindred and the host left me some tea bags. 'I'm a big gift giver, so I every time I stay in a Kindred I pay a lot of attention to their home and their mugs and their tastes and their art to like, try to find a gift that matches their personality.' For increased safety on Kindred, before confirming any trip, members arrange a video call and each home is verified. Guests can personalise how they exchange keys - Natalia uses a keypad or lockbox - and support is available 24/7 in case something goes wrong. Natália explains: 'Nothing is automatic. 'When someone requests to stay at your home, and when you request to stay at their home, you have the opportunity to book a video call with them. For Natália, the decision to home swap wasn't just practical - it was a game-changer that saved her thousands, 'cleared her conscience,' and allowed her to experience unique, once-in-a-lifetime trips 'Then there's a waiting period before anything is actually lost.' For Natália, the decision to home swap wasn't just practical - it was a game-changer that saved her thousands, 'cleared her conscience,' and allowed her to experience unique, once-in-a-lifetime trips whilst making lasting friendships along the way. She says: 'When I house swap, I'm genuinely welcomed as a guest, and get to forge true connections with my hosts pre and post trip, while experiencing the city like a local.
