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

In Mexico, when you're looking at event flyers for the #DayOfTheDead celebrations, here's how to tell the authentic ones from the "gringo" offerings: Mexicans call it "Dia de Muertos". Only foreigners call it "Dia de *los* Muertos. Took me a year or two to catch on myself.

Another year, another Halloween/Birthday/Day of the Dead celebration. One of these years, I'll spend it in Morelia, another in Oaxaca. For now, we have a kickass fiesta right here in Playa del Carmen. I partied on Sat, took Sun to recover - now ready for 1 more day of fun 🪅💃

Being a #traveler is more than an act, it's a *mindset*. It's not just about "going somewhere". It's also about: - a desire to learn new things - a craving to explore novel terrains - a curiosity about different cultures - an open heart toward fellow humans, however different.

I'm a #traveler in deeds & in spirit, so when Life doesn't permit me to hit the road, I entertain myself with little "side quests". I scour maps of nearby towns/cities, pick interesting-looking stores/bars/landmarks and take day trips there. It's better than stagnating in place.

Do you hold on to hotel "goodies"? Which ones? I've kept toiletries, pens w/ notepads & tea packets. As a #budgettravel-er, I know that the next cheap crashpad might have zero guest supplies, so those minis will serve me well. Plus, I never run out of shower caps at home :)))

They say "movement is life". And #solotravel -- at least the way I do it -- is a whole lot of movement. Ergo: solo travel is life :)))) Agree?

I live in a very popular tourist destination, w/ tons of friends visiting. People feel guilty about throwing out unused food & cosmetics when they leave -- so, my apartment is now a repository for untold kilos of insect repellent, bodywash, coffee grounds & sunblock :))))

To be an #expat... "My social circle in the last few years"

I #travel with an 80-liter backpack -- and I've seen people point & laugh before b/c it's so huge on me. Conversely, I crack up seeing tourists dragging *enormous* suitcases around. At least I only bring what I can carry. If they encounter obstacles or stairs, they're screwed!

When I #solotravel, I take tons of photos of what I see. But I rarely find the time to curate & post them online: not during the trip (too busy living in the moment) -- and not upon returning to regular life (too tired from work & chores). How do you handle your #travel pics?

I do a lot of open-water swimming & occasionally find objects floating in the ocean. Today, I came upon a loose life preserver w/ a big-ass kitchen knife 🔪 strapped to it. Um... should I pack a weapon when swimming?? LOL Left it w/ a beach club in case someone comes looking.

#Solotravel is not a magic bullet solution to feeling lost & unfulfilled in life. But it can absolutely *facilitate* personal growth! Being out of one's comfort zone -- and away from familiar expectations & influences -- can for sure yield new insight & clarity into who you are.

I never thought I'd be annoyed by music blasting on the beach, no matter how bad. But today I discovered that even my tolerance has limits -- and the award for "Most Anti-Beach Music" goes to: Stairway to Heaven It didn't help that it was blaring out of speakers w/ zero bass 🤢

#Airtravel #protip: Lately, my checked luggage has been coming out FILTHY. I don't even want to know what caused those greasy spots... I've had great results cleaning it with a toothbrush dipped in toothpaste, as toothpaste has ingredients that both absorb & scrub away stains.

Being #multilingual, you overhear some really private conversations in public from people who (for some reason) assume that nobody understands them. And sometimes they're discussing *you* -- right in front of you! Their faces when I respond in their own language 😬😳😱🥵🥶😵

For some reason, I hardly ever take photos w/ friends when #traveling anymore. You? I just saw a ton of people over a period of time -- and took pics 2 times (w/ the same person). I guess all those beautiful moments will just have to stay as memories -- personal & collective 🧠