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.
-
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! Come with me to find holiday cheer at Christmas in St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine Night of Lights 2026 Dates: November 21, 2026 through January 18, 2027 Over 3 million lights deck the halls of downtown St. Augustine, Florida in the annual St. Augustine Night of Lights festival. If that doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, I fear your heart may be three sizes too small! Foregoing the trolley tour, I chose to walk and experience the St. Augustine Night of Lights and it was so magical!…
-
Surfing Santas, Cocoa Beach, Florida
We don’t have snow in Florida, but we have Surfing Santas! Every Christmas Eve since 2009, Surfing Santas have lined the shores of Cocoa Beach, Florida. George Trosset founded the event, which has since become a beloved tradition. What started as a family gathering turned into a Christmas tradition that has raised more than $300,000 for charity. Each year a growing number of costumed Santas (as many as 800) take to the waves on December 24 in Cocoa Beach and raise money for Grind for Life, a local cancer charity, and the Florida Surf Museum. I’ve been to the event a few times and wanted to share some of my…
-
Christmas Events in Orlando (that aren’t theme parks!)
When most people think of Christmas in Orlando, they immediately picture the incredible holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. And don’t get me wrong—I’m a huge fan of Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. But those festive events also come with pretty hefty ticket prices! The good news? There are plenty of amazing Orlando Christmas events that don’t require a theme park ticket. From dazzling Christmas light displays and festive gardens to boat parades, holiday markets, and even surfing Santas, you’ll find lots of ways to celebrate the season throughout Central Florida. Whether you’re looking for free Christmas activities in…
-
Where to Park in Lucca: Parking, ZTL Rules & Avoiding a Fine
Can You Drive Inside Lucca’s City Walls? Can you and should you are two very different questions. Yes, it is physically possible to drive inside Lucca’s historic city walls. But much of the historic center is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which means access is restricted to residents and authorized vehicles. So the short answer for tourists? Don’t drive inside Lucca’s city walls unless your hotel has specifically arranged authorized ZTL access for you. And honestly, you probably don’t want to anyway. Lucca is wonderfully walkable, and its historic city walls are just one of the many reasons I love this Tuscan city. If you’re wondering what makes it…
-
14 Fun Things to Do in Paris in the Rain: A Guide to Staying Dry & Happy
Paris is known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and romantic ambiance, but what happens when the skies turn gray and rain starts to pour? The rainy season in Paris can transform the city into a different kind of magical experience. Don’t worry—bad weather can be an opportunity to explore unique activities in Paris! Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or a cozy retreat, the City of Light has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained while staying dry. Here’s a list of 14 fantastic things to do in Paris when it rains. 1. Explore the Louvre Museum When the weather turns dreary, step inside the world’s most famous…
