Cruise?

Fanny packs. Stretch pants. Indulgence. These are the words that come to mind when I think of a cruise. I have never gone on a cruise and after all of the recent events with wrecks, fires and power outages, the appeal continues to dwindle. I understand that it's a great way to see many destinations in a short period of time. However, cruises don't offer any type of cultural immersion. Not sleeping IN the city that you stop in seems to discredit the experience in my eyes. When we spent Christmas Night in San Juan, Puerto Rico on our way to Vieques, we were practically the only people at the hotel not boarding a ship. Everyone talked about the different lines, the casinos and which buffets were the best. I have never been happier to not contribute to a conversation. What do you think? Would you go on a cruise? PS - The only exception. Photo via: Charter World

Solo

The idea of traveling alone has always had such an allure and sounded so romantic. However, something has always kept me from actually GOING. One of my very good friends has traveled the entire world on his own. I always wondered, isn't he lonely? And when I asked him, his answer was..."If I had to wait on someone else to say they'd go with me, I'd never go anywhere." Last night, after reading so much about the Boston Marathon Bombing, I wanted to give my brain something lighter to stay with me before I fell asleep. I read this article. It resonated with me, and all of the reasons were exactly the reasons why I haven't traveled by myself and gave me all the courage to really think that it is the right time in life to do this. Have you ever taken a trip alone to another country? What is the best advice? Photo Via: Woman Around Town