Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.
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Christmas Events in Orlando (that aren’t theme parks!)
Christmas in Orlando may bring to mind the magical theme park decorations at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida and I’m a big fan of Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but those come with a high price tag! A notable attraction during the holiday season is the giant LEGO Christmas tree at Legoland Florida, featuring an impressive 360-degree light show. But today I’m sharing some of my favorite alternative ways to enjoy Christmas in Orlando without having to buy a theme park ticket! Let’s get in the holiday spirit! Gingerbread Houses at the Disney Hotels Dates: Coming Soon. Note that due…
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Christmas in St. Augustine, Florida
Christmas in Florida is tough for me because the warm weather makes it hard for me to get into the holiday spirit! I Come with me to find holiday cheer at Christmas in St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine Night of Lights Foregoing the trolley tour, I chose to walk and experience the St. Augustine Night of Lights and it was so magical! However, while I was walking to the Lightner Museum, I was passed by the Grinch driving a golf cart full of guests for a Night of Lights tour and I can’t tell you how sad I was to discover that the Very Un-Merry GrinchMas Ride was sold out…
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What Is Lucca, Italy Known For? 10 Reasons to Visit Tuscany’s Hidden Gem
Wondering what Lucca, Italy is known for? This charming Tuscan city might not get the same buzz as Florence or Pisa, but that’s exactly why travelers fall in love with it. Nestled along the Serchio River, Lucca is a small, walkable city you can see in a day—but you’ll want to stay longer to soak up its quiet beauty and local life. From its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls to its oval-shaped piazza and tree-topped towers, Lucca is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets. At a Glance: What Lucca, Italy Is Known For Lucca, Italy Is Known for Its Historic City Walls Lucca’s most famous feature is its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls,…
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The Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without (After 20 Years of Solo Adventures)
After 20 years of solo travel, I’ve learned a few things: you don’t need nearly as much stuff as you think, safety and comfort are priceless, and the right gear makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my packing list down to the items I absolutely can’t live without—things that keep me light, safe, and ready for whatever adventure comes my way. If you’re a solo female traveler (or aspiring to be one), consider this your shortcut to a streamlined, stress-free, and safer packing experience. Modest Dress Merino Wool Quick Dry Underwear Clothing Must-Haves Merino Wool BasicsIf I could only pack one fabric, it would be merino wool.…
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Why a Walking Food Tour Should Be Your First Stop in Any New City
Why Start Your Trip with a Walking Food Tour? One of my favorite things to do when I land in a new city? Book a walking food tour. Sure, walking tours make sense—fresh air, moving your body, seeing the city at street level. But why a walking food tour? For me, food is the quickest way to understand a place. What people eat, how they eat, and where they eat tells you so much about the culture. And when you combine that with a guide who knows the city inside and out, you get an experience that’s both delicious and insightful. Here’s why I think walking food tours should be…
