Category: Inspiration

Posted in Fun, Inspiration, travel

No Travel Buddy? No Problem! 7 Solo Travel Tips for first timers

Posted on by Suitcase Cally

I remember a time I flew by myself from Johannesburg to Perth when I was 19 years old. I overpacked and my parents had to take a suitcase back home. My dad was fuming at the thought he was going to be charged a luggage overweight penalty of R1000 for my magazines, books and music collection! Crying, my mom and dad helped me sort out my packing at the check-in desk. I was mortified, as I somehow thought I needed to take my favourite possessions with me! I slept on a chair in Harare airport in a long layover back then as there were no direct flights due to travel embargoes. I was taken to lunch by an airport porter for passengers in limbo to the in-transit restaurant. A white linen tablecloth covered the table, as I sat with other passengers. We were greeted by a local Zimbabwean with a great beaming smile as our waiter served a chicken type lunch. It was the beginning of many solo trips. I was also fortunate to travel with friends and partners I had over the years, and have had many great experiences globally.

Lately I have been taking solo trips as a singleton again, and so many of my friends over the years say to me “How do you do it? I couldn’t do that!” Well firstly it takes a big dose of courage as there are some places or events or friends I really want to see. Secondly it requires practice! I say that tongue in cheek and embarking on a journey alone can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to discover new places, meet interesting people, and ultimately, discover your own true self.

Planning a solo bucket list trip can be daunting if you’re wanting to follow your desires yet there’s some angst. This blog post is to help ease your concerns and provide guidance on making your first solo adventure a success.

  1. Choose the right destination for you: Before setting off on your solo adventure, carefully select a destination that aligns with your interests and comfort level. Opt for places known for their friendly locals, safety record, and ease of navigation. Research destinations that cater to solo travellers, with plenty of social activities, suitable accommodation that you want to stay in, and a vibrant community scene if you’re wanting a blend of fun and chill out time. This gives you some opportunities to chat to people and sometimes you may meet other fellow travellers. My own experience travelling solo is couples and families tend to stick to themselves. It can be lonely at times and this has taught me to become more comfortable being by myself with my own company.
  2. Plan, but leave room for spontaneity: While it’s essential to plan your trip in advance, leave space for spontaneous adventures. Prepare a loose itinerary with must-see attractions, local experiences, and any necessary bookings or reservations. But also embrace the freedom to change your plans, follow the recommendations of fellow travellers or locals you meet, and seize unexpected opportunities that arise. One of the things I like to do is look at local attractions on the AirBnb app. I booked a pastry making course in Antibes and learnt to make croissants with a local French pastry chef. It was held in her home and I had a one to one lesson and great conversation as we learnt about each others lives. It was a chance to practice French and English for both of us!
  3. Pack light and smart: Travelling solo means you’re responsible for handling your luggage all by yourself. Pack light, bringing only the essentials. Aim for a versatile wardrobe based on the climate and culture of your destination. Don’t forget to research the local customs and dress code, ensuring you respect their traditions. This is particularly so when I’ve travelled to Middle Eastern cultures and being mindful. Do your research! Additionally, invest in a reliable anti-theft backpack to keep your belongings secure. Not my greatest tip for me, as I still overpack sometimes as I have been caught out with lost luggage too several times! I’ve got better at this one! Most places have shops so be prepared to buy clothes if needed and leave the heavy stuff behind at home. Not easy during winter though with jackets and jumpers.
  4. Stay connected and safe: Inform your loved ones about your travel plans, share your itinerary, and keep them updated regularly. Stay connected through international SIM cards, Wi-Fi, or local SIM cards upon arrival. Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and download apps like city guides, translators, or those specifically designed for solo travellers.
  5. Adopt a positive attitude and stay open-minded: One of the joys of solo travel is immersing yourself in new cultures, connecting with locals, and embracing unexpected encounters. Approach each interaction with an open mind, be respectful of local customs and traditions, and engage in meaningful conversations. Embrace the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, challenge your limits, and to grow personally. Most people are friendly and if they hear you have an accent that’s always a great conversation opener in my experience as people are naturally curious.
  6. Connect with other travellers or not: Although solo travel allows for independence, joining organised tours can present fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. If you feel like it join group activities, or local tours, or participate in organised adventure trips. Engaging with other travellers not only provides companionship but also enhances your travel experience by gaining valuable insights and creating new friendships. I made a new friend from Japan on one of my trips back to Perth cuddling koalas at Cohunu Koala Park. We still message each other now and then knowing the door is open if we visit each other’s countries in future. Again this is a very personal experience and sometimes I may do a hybrid tour and select parts of it and abort the rest. Go with whatever works for you!
  7. Stay mindful and trust your instincts: Solo travel can be empowering and liberating, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant and trust your instincts. Pay attention to what’s around you if you are not sure where you are. Act confidently, avoid displaying your valuables, and never hesitate to seek assistance from trusted sources like hotels, tourist offices, or police personnel. It’s important to trust your instinct and stay close to people if you feel nervous or unsafe.

Solo travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, offering profound personal growth, self-discovery, and lasting memories. By choosing the right destination, planning ahead, staying connected, and embracing the opportunities that come your way, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the limitless possibilities of travelling by yourself.

So pack your bags, put on your brave face, and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime! Book that bucket list trip!

Posted in Inspiration, Poems

If This Time

Posted on by Suitcase Cally
A poem of hope

A dear friend of mine shared this beautiful video, and prose with me as we turned the pages into the New Year of 2021.

Kevin McCormack’s inspiring words of hope during this pandemic crisis the world is facing, touched my heart and soul as a reminder of what really matters. I won’t lie and say that it has been a bed of roses, as we all have been affected in some way. My own frustrations of missing a ‘normal’ life of social interaction, as I watched in horror the chaos unfold was something I never imagined in my life time.

The hysteria surrounding us externally in the media, our own lives, the lives of loved ones, families and friends, and the impact to all of humanity and societies globally reminded me to come back to self and nature where the answers lie. I had to find a sense of calm and dig deep some days, as I was searching for answers with conflicting medical opinions as media censorship was evident when medical truth seekers and warriors of light were sharing alternate views against the narrative. A red flag for me having lived in countries growing up where censorship was real. My buttons have been pushed as I don’t like being told what to do, and treated as a threat every time I go out in public to get ‘essentials’. In my little world view everything has been challenged. The past year has proven that everything is an illusion. It’s like being part of a movie set some days.

Taking back what I can control is in my power as a sovereign human being, and letting go what is out of my control by taking the next step, staying present and be ‘in presence’ to those around us certainly helps in some small way. The answers come when we give ourselves permission to pause, reflect and breathe in this moment – it’s all we have – this moment ‘in this time’. This video and the words offered me hope and a reminder to take stock. I am forever grateful to everyone who has been of service, and the gestures of kindness I have experienced and witnessed from family, friends and even strangers.

Today is all that matters and what I do with it. This is the time to take advantage of the winter UK lockdown – go within, continue to be a truth seeker, be of service and love others, and reflect. I may not like lockdown or agree with it – yet accepting where I am, and what I can do during this time to be appreciative of everything I do have, and this beautiful home we call Mother Earth.

My vision for all of us wherever we are in the world is that we come out of this crisis with grace, more kindness, tolerance and compassion for everyone. We will need each other to rebuild our lives and communities.

And a daily reminder I give myself is to keep the faith and chase those dreams. They are waiting. This too shall pass.

With love, Suitcase Cally

The poem: Copyright © Kevin McCormack – If This Time

“If this time has taught me anything, it is that the tiny speck in this universe that we occupy, is both wonderful and wondrous, and if we allow it to, the beauty around us can unlock the beauty within us; and teach us far more than our schooling ever did. 

If this time has taught me anything, it is that success and how we measure it, needs to be redefined, and that the only person to whom you should ever compare yourself, is who you were yesterday. 
Make your growth game strong, and along the way be kind to yourself – if you are doing your best then you are doing enough. 


If this time has taught me anything, it is that it is more important now than ever before, to see the world through your own eyes, begin by looking at yourself – look honestly and look gently. Look inward with compassion and kindness and look outward with humility and appreciation. 

If this time has taught me anything, it is that the opposite of love is not hate, but fear – and our greatest fear is losing that to which we have become attached.

Yesterday is heavy put it down. Seeing the beauty in the world around you Is the first step in purifying the clearing the mind, and If this time has taught me anything, it is that nature unlike us, never apologises for her beauty. 

If this time has taught me anything, it is that life really is about the journey, not the destination. And it must be, for surely, we are not here to reach the destination, for the destination is death. Be alive for after all, life is all you’ve got, and when you pay attention to the things for which you are grateful, you soon forget about what you think you’re missing. 

If this time has taught me anything, it is that bitter tears are the quietest, and on the days when your head wants to hang low, it is important that you look up. Lift your head. Take it in, and breathe deep, for while this world can sometimes be a hard place, your reality and what you perceive it to be, are seldom aligned. 

If this time has taught me anything, is that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. We can see universes within universes, but only when we pay enough attention, and this is as true as the nature within us, as it is of the nature around us. 

If this time has taught me anything it is this:
If true love conquers everything, then self-love gives it the fortitude to do so. Know that you are more than your scars – know that every wound in you has healed along the way has taught you what it is to fight back; and to start again from where you are, with what you’ve got. Beat your own pathway, without seeking the approval of others and know that self-love is not vanity. 

If this time has taught me anything, it is this: 
HOPE matters and we cannot live without it. This time has taught me that HOPE is not a wish, nor a desire for things to be different. It is a course of action, a combination of mind and heart. 
The future can be better and can be brighter, and we each have the power within us to make it so. 
There will be challenges to face along the way, to which there are many solutions. There is a source of resilience deep within us all.

If this time does not teach us, that time itself is precious, then will have missed the lesson. 
The lesson that never before have the past and the future been so irrelevant, and that the quest to “find ourselves” has been fruitless till now; only because we have been searching in all the wrong places. 
We are here, we are now. We are each and every breath we take. 
Every day is a gift – a gift to begin again, and to grasp with both hands, the fresh opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn. 

If this time is not wasted. “