Solo travel can be the most rewarding experience if you do it right.

If you’re like me (a chronic worrier and overthinker), the idea of solo travel can be a daunting thing. From going out at night alone to not speaking the language, there are lots of potential questions that may be preventing you from booking a trip. But while the scariest part of solo travel is that you’re in charge of everything, the most rewarding part of solo travel is, well, that you’re in charge of everything. Whether you like to have a loose itinerary or one packed as tight and seamless as your suitcase, you have no one to tell you differently. And as someone who has now experienced it personally, I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing more exhilarating and introspective than a solo adventure. To help you step out of your comfort zone and prepare mentally and physically for your next trip, here are some tips for dealing with travel anxiety.

1. Do your homework.

For your first solo trip, it’s probably a good idea to choose a destination with a developed tourist infrastructure. Locals will be used to dealing with visitors and many people will also speak English, which will be helpful if you don’t speak the local language. Wherever you choose, make sure to research the locale beforehand to get a lay of the land and a sense of where you should (and should not) go. Are some places dangerous to go alone past 9PM? Is it going to be pouring rain the whole time you’re there? What time do things close? How does public transit work? These are all things that you’ll want to go into knowing.

2. Look for all-inclusive resorts.

If this is your very first international solo trip, I recommend choosing an all-inclusive resort to stay at. This will be great if planning an entire itinerary is daunting to you or you’re intimidated by navigating directions in a foreign country. You can get everything you need without going far, and there’s comfort in knowing that you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Don’t worry—you’ll still be able to meet a lot of people on the property and you’ll feel entirely immersed in another world. For example, Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by a variety of zen pools in the remote mountains that makes you not want to leave, but you also have the option to take their shuttle to relax by their nearby Beach Club if you want different scenery and a bit more bustle. It also has a variety of cuisines for dining options and a couple bars that will allow you to meet tons of locals there for staycations and fellow travelers passing by.

3. Be open to talking to people.

Speaking of other people, while traveling alone might sound lonely, the best part of traveling alone is you actually end up being way more social and meeting new people you wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. Don’t shy away from the locals who know the place much better than you and can help you explore some cool places that are unheard of. Engaging with other travelers on a solo trip can also make your trip more enjoyable—and who knows? It may lead to lifelong friendships and future travel partners for future trips.

4. Ask the hotel for itinerary recommendations.

First time traveling solo at all? In that case, it might be a good idea to start with something domestic where you can get a foreign cultural experience without actually leaving the country. Look for hotels with options onsite that you can partake in. For example, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach offers cultural experiences like Japanese whiskey tasting, Japanese tea ceremonies, origami lessons, and Japanese calligraphy that makes you feel immersed in a completely different culture without traveling abroad.

5. Split up cash and cards.

I always recommend keeping your passport in a hotel safe since that’s the worst thing you can lose, but you’ll also want to keep some of your cards separated too. It’s surprisingly easy to misplace your things when traveling, and since you’re in an unknown environment it makes it even harder to track something down once you realize it’s gone. If you happen to lose your purse or fall victim to a pickpocket, having backup cash and cards in your suitcase or hotel safe can really save the rest of your trip (can you tell I’m speaking from personal experience?).

6. Be prepared.

It’s true that it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared, especially when you’re by yourself in a foreign city. Make a small list of things you’ll want to carry around with you when exploring, and don’t forget to check it off before leaving the hotel. My must-haves: a small battery charger (there’s nothing worse than a dead phone when you’re by yourself), medication, Airtag (this has saved me so many times), and some extra cash if you’re in a pinch. Another hack? Download the place you’re going to on Google maps-—you never know if you might run out of data or signal, so it’s super useful to have your maps offline.

7. Learn the language.

Before you go anywhere, learn a little of the local language. Even if it’s just ‘good morning’, ‘thank you,’ and ‘a coffee please,’ it will go a long way and make it more likely to get help or recommendations should you need it.

According to researchers in Australia, positive tourist experiences can help you live longer.

On your next trip, you can leave behind the anti-aging serums and books of brain teasers. According to a new published study by researchers at Edith Cowan University in Australia, travel itself can keep you young.

The positive experiences associated with trips — the social interactions, mental stimulation, physical activity and healthy cuisines — can delay the aging process, the scientists say.

In the Edith Cowan study, which Science Daily published earlier this month, the experts wanted to find out how positive travel experiences help maintain the human body’s “low entropy,” or gradual decline.

“Tourism isn’t just about leisure and recreation,” Fangli Hu, the study’s principal researcher, told The Washington Post on a Zoom call from Australia. “It also plays an important role in individual health and public health.”

In the theoretical study, part of a multiyear, interdisciplinary project that will include empirical data, researchers noted that many of the lifestyle practices espoused by medical and mental health experts are intrinsic to travel, such as social engagement, appreciating nature, walking or other types of exercise, and nutritious meals. Immersing yourself in a novel destination, the study reports, can slow the aging process.

“Environments, especially beautiful landscapes like forests or beaches, can help us reduce stress and boost our mental well-being and promote physical activity,” Hu said. “Exposure to other tourists, locals or even animals can improve our mood and enhance cognitive function. And travel can lead to healthy eating.”

Though the study did not single out a specific diet, research over the years has touted the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. A recent report published in JAMA Network Open, for instance, concluded that more than 25,000 women who adhered to this diet lowered their risk of dying by up to 23 percent during the 25-year study period. Scientists have studied the connection between local diets and exceptional longevity in five “Blue Zones” across Costa Rica, California, Japan, Italy and Greece.

The study said travel can benefit a wide range of populations, not just the fit. Many people can reap the rewards of travel, potentially averting or alleviating illnesses and extending their life span. The researchers envision this nascent category of travel as an extension of other established trends, such as wellness tourism, health tourism and yoga tourism.

“It could improve healthy people’s well-being and prevent related issues, promote recovery and halt deterioration for individuals in suboptimal health, and serve as a non-pharmacological approach to relieve symptoms and enhance quality of life for those with medical conditions,” the study said.

The researchers warn, however, that travel can also have an adverse effect.

“Conversely, tourism can involve negative experiences that potentially lead to health problems,” the researchers wrote, “paralleling the process of promoting entropy increase.”

Hu noted that travel is filled with inherent risks, such as infectious diseases, accidents and violence. These hazards could activate the agents of aging, or entropy. The study also includes wildlife encounters on its list of potential threats. Travelers, therefore, should do their best to avoid the triggers that could lead to detrimental outcomes.

“Some places can make people with anxiety or depression feel even more uneasy. All this negativity may not be beneficial,” she said. “So the type of travel depends on each person’s situation, their needs and their health status.”

Jie Chen, director of the University of Maryland’s Center on Aging, concurs with the findings and recognizes the link between travel and aging gracefully.

“Overall, the study is promoting the spirit of healthy aging,” she said. “Where you are, the environment, the mental and the physical — it’s the whole package.”

Hu said future studies will focus on how travel can help people with dementia or other chronic illnesses. The researchers hope to expand this burgeoning field that, one can only hope, will lead to more vacation days and fewer sick days.

“The intersection of tourism and health is a very new and promising research area,” she said. “We want to comprehensively explain why tourism can have both a positive and negative impact on health.”

Bringing your furry friend along on vacation can make your summer adventures even better! Whether you are embarking on a cross-country road trip or flying to a neighboring city for a weekend getaway, traveling with pets requires preparation to keep everyone on the journey comfortable and safe! Begin planning your animal-friendly holiday with these useful tips for driving, flying, and traveling with pets!

Driving with pets

• Have a feeding schedule: Make sure your pet has enough food and water for the journey and prevent accidents by creating a food and water schedule. Determine the best times to feed your pets according to your route, especially on longer car rides.
• Make frequent stops: Long car rides can result in anxious and restless pets and humans. Stop every couple of hours for potty breaks and a chance for everyone to stretch their legs and paws.
• Secure pets at all times: For protection against potential car accidents, make sure uncaged pets are fastened with an animal-approved seatbelt, especially when traveling with open windows.
• Maintain a comfortable car temperature: A must in the summer months, be sure your vehicle’s air conditioning is functioning properly when traveling with pets. Keep cooling on during extreme outside temperatures, and never leave your pet inside a closed vehicle unattended.

Flying with pets

• Book in advance: Many airlines require passengers to book pets on flights ahead of time. Check your airline’s requirements to avoid disruptions and denied entry.
• Get the appropriate cage: Pets should be comfortable and able to stand up and turn around in a safe, waterproof cage. Many airlines will check to see if you have the appropriate cage during check-in.
• Check breed restrictions: Some dog breeds, such as French Bulldogs, are restricted from flying cargo due to breathing difficulties and must fly in the cabin. Check which breeds are restricted before making arrangements for the safety of your pet.
• Have vaccinations and shots up to date: Current vaccines are vital for the safety of your pet and others while traveling, especially for international travel. With an increase in canine illness, vaccinations can help prevent its spread during these prime travel months.

Additional pet travel tips

• Keep microchips current: Microchips are lifesavers when it comes to finding lost pets, especially when they are away from home.
• Book pet-friendly accommodation: Pet-friendly hotels and accommodations are becoming increasingly common, and they can sometimes be less expensive than overnight pet boarding.
• Use trusted pet-sitter apps: There are numerous apps available for booking pet daycare, overnight boarding, walks, and other services. These convenient apps help make sure your pet is exercised, fed, and cared for by a fellow animal lover and gifts you more freedom during your vacation.
• Practice caging beforehand: Your dog or cat may need time to get used to their travel cage. Before your trip, encourage your pets to sleep and relax in their new cage with treats and their favorite toys and blankets.
• Watch for symptoms of nausea: Animals, like humans, can also get car sick. Car sickness symptoms in pets include vomiting, excessive drooling, panting, whining, lip licking, and yawning. If you suspect your pet is becoming ill from the ride, crack open a window and make sure they are secured from the excessive bumpiness of the road.
• Never leave pets unattended: Supervise your pet at all times, especially while traveling. Keep pets in full sight, away from dangerous objects, and never leave them in a closed car without supervision.

Traveling with your pets is a valuable way to bond and create special moments and memories. Stay safe, hydrated, and aware during all of your travels this summer to guarantee a paw-sitive experience!

From vibrant cities to charming coastal towns, these are the best places to retire in Spain.

A mild Mediterranean climate, historic charm, excellent healthcare, and low cost of living are just some of the reasons retirees are choosing to move to Spain. Coastal communities offer beaches and an outdoor lifestyle, while cosmopolitan cities offer modern amenities and easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Regardless of where in Spain you choose to move, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life that’s less expensive than living in the U.S.

“The cost of living in Spain is a fraction of the equivalent lifestyle in the U.S.,” said Alastair Johnson, owner of Moving to Spain. “You’ll pay much less in Spain for eating out, groceries, rent, utilities, entertainment, education, and healthcare.” Seniors who are permanent residents (available after living in the country for five years) have access to public healthcare, which provides free and low-cost services. Prior to that, retirees will need to have private healthcare.

There are two main types of visas available to retirees. The first and most common is the non-working (non-lucrative) visa. This option requires an income of around $31,000 per year which can come from investments, savings, or a pension. The other type of visa is the investor, or golden, visa. It requires substantial investments in Spanish real estate, business, or treasury bonds.

Ready to learn more? Here are nine of the best places to retire in Spain.

1. Madrid

Madrid is a vibrant city that attracts many different types of people. “From babies in bars to octogenarians playing cards and drinking cañas outdoors, Spain, especially Madrid, welcomes everyone,” says Lori Zaino, an American freelance journalist who has lived in Madrid for almost 20 years. As Spain’s capital and the biggest city in the country, Madrid is buzzing with shopping, dining, nightlife, and cultural activities. It’s a great choice for retirees who still want to be in the middle of the action.

A thriving expat community and low cost of living make Madrid an easy choice for American retirees. “Madrid is an affordable city, especially if you’re living on a U.S. salary or pension,” said Zaino. The city center is walkable, and there’s no need to own a car to explore further. Madrid has excellent public transportation, and residents over 65 are eligible for a free Metro Pass.

Retirees who are also avid travelers will love the convenience of Madrid; the biggest and busiest airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), which is less than a 30-minute drive from the city center.

2. Valencia

If your idea of a great retirement is coastal living in a city that is both historical and futuristic, consider Valencia. Located on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia is the country’s third-largest city. It features not only a bustling, walkable city center but also coastal communities with over 12 miles of serene beaches.

While you’ll definitely want to take in the area’s historic, Spanish charm (including The Lonja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cathedral of Valencia), don’t miss the City of Arts and Sciences. This ultra-modern complex includes a concert hall, a science museum, an aquarium (the largest in Europe), a digital 3D cinema, and a large public garden.

Another highlight is Valencia’s Central Market; with over 1,200 stalls selling various meats, cheeses, produce, seafood, nuts, and spices, it’s heaven for foodies.

3. Sitges

Retirees who are looking for a small-town feel with quick access to big-city amenities may want to consider Sitges. Located on Spain’s northeast coast, it’s just 30 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car from Barcelona.

“Spain has a different lifestyle and pace of living to most of the U.S. People take time to enjoy life, from a chat in the market to having a morning coffee with a friend outside a café,” said Johnson who is also an expat living in Sitges. Moving to Spain found that Spain was a more livable country compared to the U.S. and the U.K. when considering factors including cost of living, healthcare, and life expectancy.

Sitges is a laid-back town known for its beaches, natural landscapes, and walkable city center. It’s also home to a diverse population that includes families, retirees, an expat community, and an LGBTQ+ community.

4. Barcelona

For retirees who want it all, there’s Barcelona. This city has arts, culture, history, nature, beaches, nightlife, and so much more, making it a popular choice for expats.

“​​The most significant American expat communities are in the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona,” said Johnson.

Barcelona has a varied climate that’s warm in the summer and chilly in the winter (although it rarely snows), with average high temperatures ranging from 56 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents enjoy strolling along the waterfront, dining al fresco or shopping along Las Ramblas, visiting one of the city’s many parks, or taking in an FC Barcelona game.

The nearby international airport — as well as train, bus, and ferry stations — make Barcelona a fantastic jumping-off point to explore the rest of Europe or even Africa. “Pay $30 for a flight to Ireland or $50 for an express train to Germany. Hop on a bus to France or a ferry to Italy or Morocco,” said Johnson.

5. San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a small beach town on Spain’s north Atlantic Coast, just under 14 miles from the French border.

“We’re seeing a lot of Americans starting to explore living on the Spanish Atlantic Coast,” said Johnson. “These [cities] offer cooler weather, less tourist traffic, and an exciting cultural experience vs. the Mediterranean coastline.”

San Sebastián is one of the most popular cities in the Basque Country, an area known for its alluring beaches and unmistakable cuisine. In the Basque language, it’s often referred to as Donostia.

One of the highlights of the city is the bay of La Concha which is flanked by the Urgull and Igeldo mountains. With a two-mile-long promenade and the shell-shaped La Playa de la Concha, this area is frequented by tourists and residents alike.

6. Palma de Mallorca

Palma is a resort city on the Spanish island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean. It’s the capital of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago that also includes Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy to see why Palma is known primarily as a beach town. However, it has so much more to offer, including a historic and charming old town, hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, or golfing at over 20 championship courses.

Palma residents won’t need a car; much of the city is accessible by foot, and buses and trains connect every part of the island. The Airport of Palma de Mallorca offers hundreds of flights per day to domestic and international destinations. There’s even a seasonal direct flight to the U.S. (Newark) on United Airlines.

7. Almuñécar

Almuñécar, located on Spain’s southern coast in the province of Granada, has been called the best place for retirees in Spain.

“Almuñécar still feels like a genuinely Spanish town,” said José Correa, real estate agent and owner of Tropicana Estates, a local real estate agency. “The locals are warm and welcoming, the cost of living is very affordable, and of course, the fabulous subtropical micro-climate has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year!”

Residents can hike in the Sierra de Almijara mountains or Cerro Gordo Natural Park, explore historical sites like the Castle of San Miguel, swim at one of the area’s 20 beaches, enjoy green spaces like the Parque del Majuelo, or dine on local delicacies like torta de alhajú at an outdoor cafe.

Even though Almuñécar is a small town, multiple clinics and medical facilities, including Almuñecar Medical Center, offer retirees easy access to medical care.

8. Seville

Seville is a traditional city known for its tapas, flamenco dancing, Spanish guitar music, and regional art.

Its architecture is extravagant and elegant, and much of it dates back to the city’s time under Roman and later Moorish rule. One of the highlights is the Royal Alcázar, which is one of the best places to visit in Spain. (It was also a filming site for Game of Thrones.) Together with the cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Retirees are attracted to Seville’s slow pace of life and favorable climate. While not as large as Barcelona or Madrid, Seville is still the fourth most populated city in Spain with an active expat community.

Seville’s downtown is flat and walkable, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces. Residents can even go canoeing or rowing on the Guadalquivir River.

9. Málaga

Málaga is a city on Spain’s Mediterranean coastline and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Named as Europe’s sunniest destination, it sees about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

This thriving port city has no shortage of things to do. One of the highlights of Málaga is Muelle Uno, an open-air seafront shopping promenade. In addition to great shopping, this bustling spot hosts concerts, performances, kid-focused activities, arts and crafts shows, and other events.

The historic city center is home to Marqués de Larios Street, another hot spot for shopping and dining. This street hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year and is a popular gathering spot for residents and tourists alike.