Picking up from a previous post written as the UK entered lock down, Thinking about Travel in The Time of Covid-19; I have been contacting some of the amazing women I have met whilst travelling. We have discussed: life currently, food, drink and travel.
Please continue reading to hear about their incredible adventures, hopes for travel post Covid-19 and some very envy worthy travel inspiration, written in their own words. Thank you so much for contributing ladies.
Links can be found at the bottom page to places mentioned.
Rachel, USA – I met Rachel at The Banana Bungalow hostel in Maui, Hawaii
Rachel, pictured below in Slot Canyon, Southern Utah, USA
Purely for solo travel- Latvia!
Travelling with people- The Bahamas, for sure.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Don’t be afraid to go alone.
Bring an extra charger that has 8+hour battery.
You should try everything once, you may not get another opportunity.
Stay in a hostel that provides tours or pub crawls or group activities. Also remember that American hostels (other than on the coasts) are very different from European hostels.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships, operates as a ship during the day and hostel by night. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the hostel has only 8 bedrooms or so. It’s truly like getting to opportunity to sleep on a baby pirate ship. Cute, well-priced, and better than any of the offered hotels or airbnbs (there didn’t seem to be any decent hostels). Right on the harbor!
Anywhere in Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, or Bears Ears in Southern Utah. These are beautiful national parks filled with slot canyons and hikes and red rock and you will feel like you have the whole place to yourself. It’s a good substitute for Bryce Canyon which is small and overcrowded (and there’s Cedar Breaks for the exact same view as Bryce Canyon). Just rent a car and take lots of water! Not feeling that brave, Moab Utah has a hostel and provides the same outdoor red rock experience, just with a town nearby for comfort!
Grenen on the tip of Skagen, Denmark. To travel there, take a short ferry from Gothenburg, a train north, a beautiful bike ride, and a good walk on the beach to arrive. This is the place where the North Sea and Baltic Sea collide. It’s a beautiful short day-trip where the wind, seals and sandy beaches all collide. For an added bonus, grab an AirBnB in the town where the ferry arrives and spend the night staying there before your adventure.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
My original game plan was Costa Rica and Nicaragua, but I think recovery time might be a bit longer for them, especially Nicaragua. So, that trip is still on hold for at least another year. I’d also love to go to Russia, but I suspect the political landscape and COVID19 will prevent that for a while. Realistically, I’d say Australia, Ireland, and the rest of the 50 States in the USA (I have 7 left to visit).
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
First meal out, I’m definitely going All-American. I going to order a cheeseburger pickle only, french fries, and a strawberry milkshake and sit down at a table near the windows inside the restaurant and revel in the busy noises and terrible-quality delicious food.
Annika, Germany – I also met Annika at The Banana Bungalow hostel in Maui, Hawaii.
Meet Annika below,
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
This question is quite hard to answer, but I think I have to say the Cook Islands. I love how it is not so overrun with tourists on these remote islands. Even though there is not much to do, besides laying on the beach all day long, it was one of the best trips I had so far.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
My absolute go-to-Drink is a Moscow Mule. That would be my choice and I would have it at a local bar in my hometown Friedrichshagen, which is called ‘Cafe Rabu’. It is small and artsy bar, my friends and I go to when we all are back home.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
I am already looking forward to having Pad Thai at my favorite Asian restaurant ’Simply Asia’, also located in my hometown. Every time I go there I tell myself to try a different dish but I always end up getting the same one, because it is so delicious.
Jo, Australia – We shared the same dorm room at the Nola Jazz House, New Orleans
Here’s Jo at Table Mountain, South Africa.
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
Africa! Every single place I went on that continent was incredible – particularly Victoria Falls and Botswana.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Not to completely book every single day with activities ahead of getting to a place. Leave days free to just see what you can find on the day. These are the days you end up in a little bar in a random city because you went on a walking tour.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Relish and Sons in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! It’s a brewery owned by two Aussie guys and they do great burgers.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
There is a restaurant in Cronulla, Sydney that is on the beach called SeaLevel and it does the most amazing seafood platters. I have been meaning to go for ages, but haven’t gotten around to it – won’t be putting it off any longer!
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
I absolutely loved Greece!!! I went to Athens, Mykonos and Ios. Had an absolute blast! The food is amazing and fresh, the people are upfront but lovely and the views are phenomenal. Will definitely be going back and dragging many people with me.
Your best piece of travel advice?
FREE WALKING TOURS!!!! These people are experts and locals, great way to start the first morning in a city you don’t know a lot about. You cover heaps of ground and can bookmark places to go back to. The tour guides also have great restaurant and bar recommendations, or little tips about cheap tickets.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
I would really love to visit Peru, Zambia and Mexico
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
There’s a frose bar on King Street wharf in Sydney, I’d like to work myself at for a day.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
I have three, India, Australia and Bali!
Your best piece of travel advice?
Travel safe and be prepared. Understand that you’re no longer in your home country and be safe there and respectful of their cultures.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
I have found so many! I loved the bar in Mexico that was this tiny place, but it had swings. Jen (also travelled with Jen in India) and I found this gorgeous little cafe in Ubud. I’ve come across some incredible snorkel places.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
I have no idea where I will visit. A lot will depend on what borders open up, the price of flights and safety concerns related to other countries’ safety.
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
Since it is getting closer to summer, I suspect my first stop at a bar will be a local brewery.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
My first meal will probably be sushi!
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
I’d love to move to Goa, India. It is cheap, there is beach and I love it there.
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
This is so hard. I fall in love with almost every place I visit. I lived in Vancouver for over two years so, this city and Canada will always have a huge spot in my heart. The balance between city life and the huge outdoor culture they have there all on their doorstep is amazing. From skiing on Cypress Mountain (catch the sunset it is next level), hiking up Grouse mountain in summer, to chilling on Wreck beach (the local nudist beach, if you choose to partake) and exploring every type of food you could think of in the restaurants all over the city, it’s got something for everyone. It’s a beautiful place to live or for a holiday, warning, you may be tempted to stay forever.
I also have to mention Hawaii and Italy, they are a must!
Your best piece of travel advice?
Solo travel changed my life for the better, so I am always encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone and experience all the wonderful experiences and lessons solo travel has to offer. Another would be not to over plan, if you have time to do so of course. Go with the flow and don’t rush through a place just to tick it off your list, there is so much beauty hidden away from the main tourist hotspots.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
I was in Sorrento, Italy and a friend from the last hostel I stayed at in Naples came down for the day. We got the bus halfway and then hiked down to Bagni Regina Giovanna, a beautiful secluded swimming spot with Roman ruins of an old villa. As we were walking back, we came across a tiny bar/restaurant nestled in the rugged coastline, Lido La Solara. We dived into the beautiful ocean and drank some strong Long Island Ice Teas. Bonus was it was off-season so there was only four of us there, bliss!
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
I was due to be travelling right now in SE Asia and beyond. So, as soon as this is possible again, I will be booking a one-way flight and heading off on a new adventure.
India has also been high on my list since I was a kid, but I am waiting for the right time to go. I know it can be an overwhelming experience and want to make sure I am fully prepared so I can have the best experience possible.
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
Got to be my local watering hole The Swagman in Sligo. A nice cold pint of White Hag, a beer brewed locally, in their sunny beer garden is calling my name.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
I’m going to have to go with an Indian. Definitely my favourite food, their vegetarian and vegan food is next level. Also I have a weird obsession with cinema popcorn and usually buy it once a week and take it home, so I cannot wait to be able to do this again!
I would choose to live in Maui. The lush green tropical landscape, full of hidden waterfalls and the black/red sand volcanic beaches and rugged coastlines are out of this world. It reminded me of a tropical and very hot Ireland, which I loved. Surfing, snorkelling (huge sea turtles what’s not to love), hiking volcanoes and swing ropes into crystal clear water are just some of the amazing ways to enjoy Maui. If you are ever in Maui, The road to Hana is a MUST! Not a drive for the faint of heart, going with a local driver would be a wise choice, and they also know all the best secret spots!!
I love the laid back lifestyle and how the locals are so welcoming and have such strong connections to nature and each other, one big ‘ohana!
It’s also where we met 🙂
Katie, UK, we meet in India, she had been living and working in New York (The Dream) until Covid started to take effect.
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
Cuba – I visited in 2012 before US relations had relaxed and got to experience travelling PROPERLY off the grid: no phone and no internet whatsoever. The people were so friendly and the country is a real mix of irreverent city/rural country/beautiful beaches.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Make friends with bartenders. They’re invariably young, friendly and local, and happy to tell you the best places to eat/drink/visit. Save all their recommendations in Google Maps by hitting save and tapping ‘Want to go’, you’ll always have a trusted recommendation to head to when you’re a bit lost and hungry.
(Bonus tip: if you know you’re flying/travelling in the late afternoon/evening – don’t stay in an Airbnb the night before! It’s really rare the host will let you store your luggage after you check out, which often means the last day is marred slightly by having to find a locker or cart your stuff around town).
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Mission Beach in San Diego. It’s less popular than La Jolla to the north and the city centre to the south but is THE quintessential SoCal neighborhood. Stay in a beach house, people watch on the boardwalk all day and eat tacos at World Famous all night.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
- A Greek island, maybe Lefkada or Paxos (I’ve been dreaming of drinking Mythos beer on the beach throughout lockdown)
- Montreal, Canada – my friends and I had booked to get the train up from New York and spend a long weekend there in May (which is, obviously, no longer happening)
- Mexico – I’m meant to be exploring the country for three weeks in November with my friend Rosie and we’re hoping that will still be possible!
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
In an ideal world it would be an Aperol Spritz on the pavement seating outside the GMT Tavern on Bleecker Street in New York. As I’ve had to move back to the UK for lockdown, it’s more likely going to be a Thatchers Gold cider in the beer garden of the Five Bells in Wootton Bassett.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
I want a perfect plate of pasta with lots of wine and lots of friends – either Vic’s in Noho NYC, Burro e Salvia in Shoreditch London (I can never get a table at Padella) or Fratello’s in Swindon.
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
I did! I visited New York for the first time in 2015 and moved there for work in 2018. I’d love to live in LA for the sun and sea or Amsterdam for the chilled out lifestyle.
Teresa, Germany, shared a dorm at The Banana Bungalow hostel in Maui, Hawaii.
Meet Teresa in Laos, pictured in the middle of this photo.
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
There are so many but I really loved Morocco and Cambodia.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Always stay open minded.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
In a small town in Morocco, there is a little café/restaurant. They had the best avocado smoothies I ever had and the staff were so so nice!
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
Erfurt, Cologne and Bavaria to visit my best friend and my family. I really miss them and I’m excited to see them again.
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
Some white wine or cocktail with Mezcal in the SOHNEMANN bar in Berlin, my favourite bar here!
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
Probably some Asian food, but there are so many great restaurants, so its hard to decide yet.
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
That’s a hard question! I was dreaming about living in Berlin for so long and now I live here, so it’s hard to think about another place now. But if I could choose another country to stay and live there for a bit, I would probably choose something in SEA. Maybe somewhere in Vietnam or Cambodia. Life is so different there. I love the mentality of the people and the nature is absolutely breath taking!
Elsje, The Netherlands, we met whilst travelling around China.
Elsje is also a travel writer, her blog can be found here, https://elsjeoppad.nl/
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
Definitely South-Africa. It has so much to offer. Wildlife, bustling cities and stunning nature, all in one country.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Take your time! It’s better to choose fewer places to visit and take time than to rush and see as many things as possible. You will eventually end up in the bus or train all day, seeing nothing.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Worth a visit is the Buza Bar in Dubrovnik. The bar is hidden between the old city walls. You really have to know about this bar, otherwise you would walk straight past it. With a cold drink in hand and a stunning view on the Adriatic sea this is an ideal spot for a break.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
- Patagonia in Argentine and Chile
- Wild camping in Norway
- United States, roadtrip on the West Coast
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
I think I will head straight up to the rooftop bar Doloris in my hometown Tilburg. They have the best cocktails in town. I will definitely choose a good cucumber Gin-Tonic.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
Pretty sure that’s going to be asian street food. Spring rolls, dim sum, dumplings, sushi, buns. It doesn’t matter what it is actually! Really looking forward to a spend a long night at a shared dining hot spot. You find them a lot in The Netherlands lately.
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
In terms of a specific location, Whistler in Canada is my all time favourite (and feels a bit like a home from home, as I’ve been lucky enough to go many times). In terms of a more general location, I went to Ecuador recently and it is one of my favourite places I’ve ever been. The Galapagos Islands were absolutely incredible (and the wildlife was amazing – with lots of animals you can’t see elsewhere). I also really liked being off the grid and not having phone signal – even though I dreaded it initially. I also visited Cotopaxi in The Andes while I was there and that was spectacular (although quite high altitude!)
Your best piece of travel advice?
On a general level – if you can travel (and work and money allows) then do it – even if you’re scared or travelling solo there are so many options. I also think travel is a real privilege and times like now (when we can’t go out or travel like we’d like to) really bring that home. In a more practical sense, my top tips would be: wrap liquids and shoes in plastic bags, try to learn some of the language (Duolingo is really helpful) and carry a paperclip and some elastic bands (both are good for attaching visas/documents to your passport, and a paperclip helps to remove a SIM card. Elastic bands can be used as e.g. a makeshift GoPro strap).
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Not so much a ‘hidden gem’ but Amazake Chaya in Hakone, near Mount Fuji. It’s an old tea house (I think about 400 years old) on the Tokaido road, which is from the Edo period and connected Kyoto to Tokyo. I went with my sister so have great memories – although my coat smelt of the smoke inside for a while after! In terms of countries I’d say Uzbekistan. Located on the Silk Road, this route features some incredible cities.
Nicaragua, which is growing in popularity, and has a lot of very interesting architecture and nature. In terms of cities, Plovdiv in Bulgaria really surprised me – it had so much character and history. It was the capital of culture last year. I have so many restaurants to recommend too, but some highlights are Cosmos in Sofia (recommended by a fellow traveller – thank you Caroline!) and Monstera Bistro in Ljubljana. Ljubljana also has an excellent food market on a Friday, open from March until October I think.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
Colombia, I’d like to see more of South America! Namibia, Alaska or more of North America.
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
Prosecco or maybe an Aperol Spritz, although quarantine hasn’t stopped me drinking!
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
I’m craving a Dishoom, but it will probably be something more local – I have quite a few really good restaurants on my local high street.
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
If I could live anywhere, it would be near Vancouver – I actually applied to my firm because I knew they had an office there! You can see the mountains from the city, and you’re next to the sea. It is absolutely beautiful.
Julia, Germany, we travelled through Northern India together.
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
Your best piece of travel advice?
Keep an open mind!
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Qavam’s Orange Garden in Shiraz, Iran. Best place to enjoy a Persian Tea and take a travel break.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
Nepal, Bhutan & Lofoten (Norway)
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
Indian Masala Chai Tea best enjoyed together with Kulfi- traditional Indian ice cream.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
Kahvalti, a traditional Turkish breakfast. Enjoy on one of Istanbul’s rooftop restaurants.
Finally, it’s me, in the UK.
This photo was taken by my wonderful friend, Esther @consumedbywanderlust in Mykonos.
What is your favourite travel destination so far?
I would say India, I had always wanted to experience the country. It was incredible and I would love to go back for a tiger safari. Japan was also insane, in a completely different way to India. I would recommend both countries to anyone and plan to visit again one day to experience cherry blossom season, the beaches down south and stock up on Japanese skincare!
Your best piece of travel advice?
If you have never travelled solo, do it. When you arrive at a new destination, if time allows, spend a few hours walking around with no phone, just take everything in. Lastly, download Maps Me while you have access to WiFi, this app is great and allows you to navigate offline.
Do you have a hidden gem that you’ve found on your travels? Maybe a place, bar, restaurant etc.
Visit the museum above Saint Mark’s Square in Venice for incredible views, people watching and coffee at a reasonable price. Visit the local jazz bar in every destination you travel to.
What are the top 3 places you will visit post quarantine?
It looks as though staycations will be around for a while. In the UK, I would love to visit a few new locations, Brighton, York and Edinburgh. My boyfriend and I booked tickets for Hogmanay, a new years celebration in Edinburgh, back in January. I cannot wait for my first trip to Scotland.
Further afield, I’m craving a long weekend in Ireland, exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and if time allows, a trip up north to the Giant’s Causeway. The local town near to my family’s house, Tobercurry, featured in the series Normal People, based on Sally Rooney’s novel.
Lastly, when travel permits, Sri Lanka and South America if possible.
What will be your first drink post quarantine/bar?
I will be heading to Worcester, to the Belgian Bar, TipleB, for a well overdue catch up with my sister, her boyfriend, my boyfriend and I.
What will be your first meal out post quarantine?
Chester’s in Worcester as I’m really craving Mexican food! There is also a new 16 seat, fine dining restaurant opening soon in Birmingham, 670 grams, I need to book a table.
Have you visited a destination that you could see yourself moving to? Why?
I would move to Australia, the Aussie sense of humour is similar to Brits, although the weather is 100% better, the lifestyle is so relaxed and there are hundreds of wonderful places to visit.
Thank you for reading.
Links:
https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm
https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/parks-outdoors/bears-ears-national-monument/
https://www.lazylizardhostel.com/
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/grenenwww.bettagumbo.com
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/attractions/platja-des-coll-baix/a/poi-sig/1197520/360727
https://www.speisekarte.de/berlin/restaurant/cafe_rabu
https://www.bangortavern.com.au/
https://www.australia.com/en/places/sydney-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-blue-mountains.html
https://www.instagram.com/vanwonderenstroopwafels/?hl=en
https://www.grousemountain.com/
https://www.sandiego.org/explore/things-to-do/beaches-bays/mission-beach.aspx
https://thegoodpubguide.co.uk/pub/sn4+7bd/five+bells/
https://www.burroesalvia.co.uk/
http://www.fratellosswindon.co.uk/swindon/
https://www.facebook.com/beachbarbuza/
https://www.venice-museum.com/st-marks-square-museums.php
https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home
https://www.chestersrestaurant.co.uk/
Photo taken by Lonely Planet
