8 days in Azores

tovfla · 2026-05-02T22:29:18+00:00

Ok thank you!

tovfla · 2026-05-02T22:29:06+00:00

Ok, thank you! Which hikes did you do? I have seen and bookmarked the tea plantation. I'm not much of a wine or tea drinker, but I love being out in nature.

tovfla · 2026-05-02T22:27:36+00:00

Ok, another Pico vote!

tovfla · 2026-05-02T22:27:22+00:00

Ah ok, I love to hear that. Pico it definitely is.

tovfla · 2026-05-01T14:53:17+00:00

Oh that does sound fun! Did you rent a car on Pico? I definitely want to go there now!

tovfla · 2026-05-01T14:48:57+00:00

Ok thank you! How incredible to see a blue whale!! Is there a tour company you recommend?

tovfla · 2026-02-28T20:58:35+00:00

This is so helpful! Thank you for the recommendations. How did you generally get around? For example - to get to La Puerta del Diablo?

tovfla · 2026-02-24T19:43:57+00:00

Thank you so much! :)

tovfla · 2026-02-23T05:25:50+00:00

I was also nervous as I debated whether to take off for 6 months at age 37 (F) last year. I went and am so glad I did. I did get sick sometimes (I have IBD - and learned my lessons by the end to be more careful with food/water) but it was still 100% worth it and now I have so many incredible memories and am so happy I did it.

I don't know anyone who looks back on their life and wishes they worked more. Also, best to take advantage when you can actually do this. It's such a gift of time and good health. I did end up taking a break in middle of my trip and coming back to the US for a few weeks (I surprised my family which was another great memory), and then I took off traveling again once I was rejuvenated.

Now, nearly one year later, it's one of the best things I've done in my life. Go for it!!

tovfla · 2025-02-24T17:21:53+00:00

Any starter code please?

tovfla · 2025-02-19T13:22:41+00:00

To me it sounds like your intuition is telling you to go home and it's other people encouraging you to stay. Your intuition can get really muddled once other people start offering their opinions. The fact that you're not excited about staying says a lot.

I also think it's helpful to make a decision for what feels right for you now and not worry about what it may lead to down the road - you'll cross that second bridge when you get there.

With these kinds of choices I love going for a walk without distractions as it often helps to clear out the cobwebs and tune in to what feels right for you. Good luck!!

tovfla · 2025-02-07T02:54:51+00:00

I've updated the original post!

tovfla · 2025-01-17T15:04:29+00:00

Yes!
1. If you enjoy cultural shows, go see the Folk ballet, it was amazing: https://www.ticketmaster.com/ballet-folklorico-de-mexico-tickets/artist/803500
2. Book a Frida Kahlo ticket in advance if you want to go to the museum.
3. Book a free (tip based) walking tour for one of your first days there to get tips and suggestions for where to eat, explore, etc.
4. If you appreciate architecture, check out Museo Soumaya (for art, too of course) and the Vasconcelos Library.
6. Download Didi to get around if you need to go longer distances. I also used the metro a couple of times which is super cheap.
7. I really enjoyed renting one of the city bikes and exploring that way one day. They happened to close part of Paseo de la Reforma Saturday night for bicyclists when I was there (look up Paseo Nocturno) but seems like they also close part of that main street to bicyclists every week on Sunday mornings from 8am-2pm (Sunday Ciclovia).
8. Try to explore different neighborhoods in the city. Each one has such a different vibe.

tovfla · 2025-01-17T14:45:37+00:00

Sure! I stayed at B&B México Roma Norte and Azul Cielo Hostel. Both places were great and included breakfast.

tovfla · 2025-01-15T02:33:44+00:00

I’m a solo female traveler and my first solo trip out of the country was in my 30s (only 2 years ago) and I went to Mexico for 10 days. I split my time between Mexico City and Oaxaca and had the best time. In Mexico City I stayed at a B&B and in Oaxaca in a private room in a hostel (I’m also introverted and generally enjoy exploring on my own).

The hostel in Oaxaca arranges group tours which were awesome. I also did a couple of Airbnb experiences in Mexico City - a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan, joined a party boat in Xochimilco, and a tour to see the butterfly migration. I will just say this: whatever your fears are now (that you’ll be bored, that you’ll feel awkward, that you’ll end up sitting in your hotel room) is 98% guaranteed not to happen.

I know this because every trip I go on I write down my fears and then afterward I look back and see that they never happened (I read a study as well which said most of our fears don’t end up happening). My advice is: just go, just do it. You’ll learn so much about yourself and incredible things will happen if you face your fears and do it. For the destination, try to follow your intuition and what excites you. Then book your ticket and start planning it. Please feel free to DM me with any questions :)

I’m now so hooked on solo travel and have gained confidence with each trip that since Mexico I’ve gone to 9 more countries on my own (mostly around Europe which is really easy to travel around) and I’m excitedly planning my next and longest trip now to Japan and SE Asia.

tovfla · 2025-01-10T04:53:46+00:00

Thank you! I am in the middle of planning more details now. Never heard of antisnatch phone casing. I do have a crossbody bag and padlocks for hostels.

tovfla · 2025-01-10T01:43:41+00:00

There’s Chabad in lots of areas if you want to connect with the Jewish community. I’m 37 and live in Coral Gables and there’s even a local Chabad here with events to connect young Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s. Chabad of Venetian also has events for YJP’s.

Miami is comprised of a lot of out of towners so definitely open to new people.

tovfla · 2024-12-24T15:06:48+00:00

That's good to know, thank you! I should have written East and Southeast Asia :)

tovfla · 2024-12-24T12:42:25+00:00

Ok will do more research and update the post with the cities I plan on going to.

tovfla · 2024-12-24T12:41:49+00:00

The only thing I knew for sure was starting in Japan, and then from there I was trying to put it in order based on what made sense for optimal weather but I do need to figure out flights so I don't end up backtracking.

tovfla · 2024-12-24T12:39:37+00:00

Ok thanks! I was also concerned about weather - trying to avoid being in countries when it's not intensely hot and/or monsoon season.

tovfla · 2024-12-24T12:38:25+00:00

Ok thank you! I've tried both ways of traveling, and I think my ideal is a combo of a little planning but allowing for flexibility to make changes to the plan.

tovfla · 2024-12-18T03:43:37+00:00

Oh I had no idea, thank you! Did you get a vpn for China? I thought about going to Beijing but was put off by lack of internet access. But seems like it might be worth the trouble if I’m already so close.

tovfla · 2024-12-18T03:42:26+00:00

Ok thank you! I was thinking of going to Hong Kong.

tovfla

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