Whether you identify as an extrovert or an introvert, there is nothing like embarking on your first (or tenth!) solo trip. Making your own plan without having to adhere to anyone else’s schedule or preferences has a certain appeal. Being on the road by yourself opens up opportunities and accidental meetings that might not occur if you were travelling with a buddy, loved one, or a group. As fun as solo travelling can be, keeping some small tips in mind can make the trip even more worthwhile.

Do your research

Before jetting off to parts unknown, it is essential to do some research. Familiarise yourself with your destination’s culture, customs, and local laws. Knowing what to expect can ease any pre-trip jitters. Plus, it helps you blend in and respect the local way of life, ensuring a smoother experience.

Stay connected

Safety is a top priority when travelling alone. Keep your family and friends in the loop about your whereabouts. Share your itinerary, flight details, and accommodation information with someone you trust. In the age of technology, staying connected is easier than ever, so make use of apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and local emergency numbers for added security.

Pack wisely

Do not bring your entire closet, that’s what shopping abroad is for! Lighten your load with versatile, mix-and-match clothing that complements the weather of the country you are visiting. Do not forget the essentials like a universal adapter, a portable charger, and a first-aid kit.

Trust your instincts

Your gut feeling is your best travel companion. Trust your gut feelings, and if something does not feel right, do not be afraid to adjust your plans. Always prioritise safety.

Dine solo

Eating alone can be a delicious adventure in itself. Do not be shy about dining solo. Try local cuisine, savour the flavours, and strike up conversations with fellow diners or the waitstaff. Food is a universal language that brings people together.

Accommodation

Choose accommodations that offer a balance of comfort and security. Hostels, guesthouses, and well-rated hotels are great options. Read reviews and trust the wisdom of your local solo female traveller community when making your selection.

Document your journey

Capture the moments that take your breath away, and not just for the ‘Gram. Keep a travel journal to record your thoughts, experiences, and personal growth. It’s an incredible way to reflect on your solo journey and cherish the memories for years to come.
Learn from challenges

Challenges are an integral part of any journey, and solo travel is no exception. Embrace them as opportunities for personal growth. Whether it’s a missed train, a language barrier, or getting lost in a maze of streets, every challenge is a lesson in disguise.

Remember, solo travel for women is not about being fearless, it’s about feeling the fear and doing it anyway. With the right preparation and a dash of courage, your solo adventure will be an unforgettable, empowering experience. So, pack your bags and go conquer the world, one adventure at a time.

Any award-winning travel photographer will tell you the best way to improve your skills is to practice, practice, practice.

You might not be able to travel far right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t perfect the art of photography at home. In fact, while we’re all unable to move far, there’s never been a better time to work on improving your creative skillset.

Here’s how you can work on your photography while maintaining social distancing:

•Look around your home for interesting items to photograph and place them in different parts of your house to practice with various lighting options

•Explore your own literal backyard, or a park, and find interesting patterns or colours in nature to capture

•Walk down the road to practice street photography (while maintaining at least a two-metre distance from anyone else, of course), capturing unique angles of buildings or houses

•Photograph your pets or birds in the trees

•Watch online tutorial videos for both photography and photo editing

•Enrol in an online photography class

•Re-edit old photos to try out different styles

If you start working now on brushing up your photography skills, when we eventually are able to return to travelling, you’ll be able to capture all the glory of that first trip abroad.

Here are some of our best photography tips from professional photographers.

3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Should Travel More If done wisely, a little travel can be a huge benefit to your business.

Travel has had an unimaginably large impact on my career, and I’m sure it will do the same for many of you too (that is, if it hasn’t already). I’m writing this after being in China for the first time and despite having traveled so much before, I’m still in shock at how different things can be. Here’s how travel can help you in your business based on what I’ve seen and experienced.

The contacts

This one is pretty straightforward. When you travel, you’re exposed to a lot of new people, and some can be of benefit to your business. It might sound crude when I word it like that, but it’s not a case of Machiavellian tactics at all, it’s just the way it tends to pan out. As you travel, you collect shared experiences with a wide variety of people. Plus, your pool of potential people to meet is significantly larger. And if you do find yourself far away from home, you’ll often find that those who are in the same situation tend to band together. All of this means that the opportunity to network afforded by travel is second to none.

I didn’t even mention the in-person conferences and other networking events. These can be worth their weight in gold.

All in all, travel gives you access to a lot of people, which is a real benefit.

The insights

In some industries, it’s of practical benefit to travel (a few obvious examples being working in transport or tourism). But even if you aren’t in an industry that lends itself so directly towards travel, there is still a lot of knowledge to be gained.

As said above, it’s the people who can give so much value to your business when traveling. But being specific, it’s the insights that you’ll get. Some directly from those you meet, and some from your own ideas based on your new experiences. Diverse opinions and ideas mean the chance for new, fresh perspectives and unique opportunities for growth. Undoubtedly one of the most valuable parts of travel is the exposure to different methods of getting things done.

The opportunity to reset

This is something I come back to often, but that’s because it’s so true. Travel is the perfect chance to audit the parts of your work that aren’t serving you. If you’re moving away from problematic people who aren’t helping you and your business, then travel will physically put distance between you and them. If you need a chance to make decisions without being influenced, it’ll give you that space. Travel is great for empowering you to solve problems.

Related to this, I also find that travel keeps you in the mindset of constant renewal and reinvention when it comes to work. This is even more common in those remote entrepreneurs living a lifestyle that doesn’t have a firm base. You’re kept on your toes, and your environment serves as a constant reminder of the need for positive forward motion.

Looking for makeup tips to travel light and still look Instagrammable? Here are some tips to a versatile and compact makeup routine while on the go

Travelling is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also pose some challenges when it comes to packing your makeup. You want to look your best, but you also don’t want to lug around a heavy bag full of products that you may not even use. How do you strike a balance between being prepared and being practical?

We gained some insights on this from Soma Khanna, from Ekta Cosmetics Limited (ECL), who has introduced India to global cosmetic brands such as Make-Up Studio, Skeyndor, Jeannot Ceuticals, and Depileve.

Here are some makeup tips for travel that will help you pack light and look fabulous.

What Goes Inside The Bag?

When asked what the key makeup products that travellers should include in their beauty kit for a versatile and compact makeup routine, Khanna said, “When it comes to travel makeup, less is often more. A versatile beauty kit should include foundation or tinted moisturiser, concealer, a multi-purpose lip and cheek tint, mascara, a neutral eyeshadow palette, optional eyeliner, setting powder or spray, and travel-sized makeup brushes.”

She added, “Your beauty arsenal on the road should include brushes for foundation, eyeshadow, and blush, a versatile beauty blender or makeup sponge, and a compact mirror for precision. Keeping blotting papers and a fixing spray handy always turns out to be helpful.”

Combat The Climate

Whether you are travelling to Savanna or Himachal, it is important to choose makeup shades that complement various skin tones and suit different travel destinations.

Perhaps one of Khanna’s most important tips is this:

“Understanding what your skin needs and how it reacts to various climates is the key to achieving correct makeup shades. Earthy tones generally work for all skin types. At the same time, warmer hues suit colder places and brighter lip colours shine in tropical paradises.”

Travelling comes with exhaustion; you get dehydrated, tired eyes or red from sun exposure, and sometimes it shows on your face. You can tackle all these common travel concerns with ease with this one makeup tip by Khanna:

“Combat tired eyes with a reliable eye cream, keep your skin hydrated with a primer or spray throughout the day, and use a green colour corrector to neutralise any redness from sun exposure. In case you feel the need to go the extra mile to hide under eye darkness and exhaustion, go in with an orange corrector before your concealer, and your eyes will look radiant.”

Some must-have products Khanna recommended are waterproof mascara a matte, and a long-wear foundation. “You can look stunning in any climate with makeup essentials like waterproof mascara, a matte, long-wear foundation, setting powder for humid and tropical locations, and a hydrating setting spray for dry environments. Opt for sweat-proof eyeliners and lip products for added durability,” she said.

What’s Trending?

Lastly, you want to look chick while being up to date. Are there any makeup trends or styles that are particularly well-suited for travel in 2023? Of course, there are.

” Expect to see a focus on natural, dewy skin, bold brows, and glossy lips, perfect for a fresh and timeless travel look. If you’re going to Europe, a bare face with minimal makeup and bold red lips also do the trick. Winged eyeliners, sun-kissed cheeks, and a slight shimmer on the eyelids for night looks are also very popular,” Khanna said.

Furthermore, she urged travellers to embrace their natural beauty on the go. “Use minimal foundation or a tinted moisturiser for a lightweight feel, focus on brows, lashes, and lips, opt for neutral eyeshadows, blend impeccably to avoid harsh lines, and add a touch of colour with a lip and cheek tint. Remember to stick to the basics.”