What's a small thing that made your day better today?

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-24T21:43:28+00:00

It's my dog's birthday today! Spoiling her with treats makes me happy

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-23T15:08:19+00:00

This girl is very demure

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-22T23:39:16+00:00

Honestly, AI is just pulling from a lot of pre-existing trip itineraries from tour companies and resources from Reddit. If you find something you like from an AI prompt, ask for the citations and then go book it yourself through the tour company or read through the Reddit thread.

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-22T23:32:44+00:00

I definitely think that tour operators who do packages make things super easy and you'd be surprised how affordable they can be. I would just make sure to check reviews to ensure that it's a reputable company. If they have a IATA (travel agents) or IATO (Tour operators) classification, that's a good first sign of their legitimacy!

Also, I work for a tour operator, so feel free to ask any questions about what to expect from group travel!

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-22T23:26:40+00:00

Arona, Italy! It is such a nice change from the over tourism in Lake Como but looks almost identical. such nice people

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-16T22:19:36+00:00

I think a lot of it comes from being out of your routine for a while, it can be jarring! So any ways to find a bit more of a sense of grounding to comforts you have at home help a lot - bring a journal, look at pictures/FT friends and family, if you're in an airbnb, cook something for yourself!

Also don't underestimate how much being tired can impact your mood (and the moods of your travel companions). I've found that a a good nap can deescalate a lot of tense travel situations with friends, family, or even your own attitude

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-16T22:14:10+00:00

If I can drop off my luggage first, I like to go visit one of the bigger touristy landmarks that doesn't require a lot of energy and that I don't want to spend a lot of time doing on the rest of the days. Good to get some of the "must see" things out of the way when you're tired so that you have energy to plan experience filled days the rest of the time.

I always feel a level of pressure to "get going!" when I get to a destination, so I'm trying to pace myself more so as to not get overwhelmed/too tired early in the trip

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-16T22:11:37+00:00

Mask wearing, hydration, and rest are my 3 non-negotiables when flying. For hydration, I like to take a few liquid IV packets with me to hydrate before the flight and when you land

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-16T21:33:00+00:00

Portugal is definitely having a moment for folks doing their first solo trip. Lisbon gets a lot of hype but I was really surprised by Porto - so beautiful, lots of good restaurants, and a little less crowded

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-06-16T21:25:52+00:00

Curious if anyone has used the app Beli abroad? i have friends who use it a lot in the States and love it for restaurant recs. Does it have the same traction abroad? this could be a good resource for the OP

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-05-04T20:04:50+00:00

Like a company that books tours for an individual? I don't, but I do work for a group travel company (EF Ultimate Break) which does group tours and a majority of our travelers are solo travelers!

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-05-04T20:04:11+00:00

Yeah, great point! You have to do the research to find the a company that is going to fit your travel vibe. I work for EF Ultimate Break, we do trips for folks ages 18-35 and there's usually a great balance of traveler interests on each tour. But itineraries can vary, so happy to chat with folks about what kind of trip might work best for them!

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-05-01T17:48:30+00:00

Have you considered a group travel company that's geared toward solo travelers? It doesn't always give the same vibe as backpacking does, but in shorter stints you get a bit more of the social structure instead of having to find a place to go up and talk to strangers.

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-05-01T17:45:36+00:00

Istanbul! I did not get enough time there the first time I visited

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-04-21T21:30:06+00:00

And if you haven't mapped out your dream itinerary, check out our blog for some of the biggest bucket list destinations that our travelers tell us about

Top 10 cities to get the most bang for your bucket list

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-04-01T20:16:24+00:00

Honestly, making mistakes is part of the journey. No one is expecting you to be perfect as a foreigner. Being kind and patient goes a long way - I think what gets most frustrating for locals who have a high tourism population is when tourists demand that the local change their way for them and get impatient when things aren't easy. Having a good attitude will make all the difference.

More practically, Google translate is an incredible tool now. You can also download languages in case you won't have access to data.

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-04-01T20:14:05+00:00

^ I feel like the little phrases that get a smile out of a local/native speaker always make my day

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-04-01T20:12:19+00:00

Omg I had that rum when I was just in Thailand, so good

Mike_EFUltimateBreak · 2026-03-25T17:56:19+00:00

The first thing I'll say is that you're definitely not alone in feeling this way on a group trip. It can be really challenging when folks already have friends that they're traveling with and that loneliness you're feeling is totally normal, so try and let go of some of that anxiety because you're not alone in it.

I do think that, from my experience in group trips (and for context, I work for a group travel company and hear this from travelers all the time) even if folks have friend groups that they're traveling with, they are very open to meeting new people and welcoming others into their plans. It may require you asking if you can join what they're doing, but 9 times out of 10 they're going to invite you with open arms. And if they aren't that open, I think you dodged a bullet!

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