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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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Packing List
Every October, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the New Mexico sky in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest annual balloon festival. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world. The event is organized by a non profit organization focused on promoting community engagement and cultural exhibitions. The most photographed event in the world, the AIBF features Dawn Patrols, Morning Glows, Mass Ascensions, Balloon Launches, Evening Glows, and Special Shape Balloon Events. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the festival and it was to be an epic, albeit crowded, event! Prepare yourself properly for the festivities with the perfect packing…
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What It’s Like to Visit Giraffe Manor Solo
Giraffe Manor in Kenya is a dream destination for many travelers and it promises an adventure that’s both unique and memorable. Nestled in the outskirts of Nairobi, this boutique hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds and frequently poke their heads through the windows in search of a snack. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to visit Giraffe Manor solo. Getting to Giraffe Manor Pre-arrange your transfer with Giraffe Manor (it’s included with your stay) to make getting to the Manor a breeze. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel or be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly…
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16 Hours in Qatar | What I Did on my Layover
I recently flew from Nairobi (NBO) to JFK on Qatar Airways and had a 16-hour layover in Qatar at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) so come spend 16 hours in Qatar with me! 11:30 PM – Arrive My flight from Nairobi landed in Qatar around 11:30 PM. Since I was flying business class (thank you, American Express Membership Rewards!) I was one of the first to deplane and since we were not parked at a gate, we were quickly bussed to the terminal. I was amazed at how busy – and loud – Doha Airport was at this time of night. You’d have thought it was mid-day with the number…
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Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Kenya
Built in 2017, Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport is conveniently located just one kilometer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 20 minutes from Wilson Airport (WIL), and four kilometers from the Syokimau Railway Station, making it an incredibly conveniently located hotel. When my flight to Nairobi was scheduled to arrive late in the evening, I needed a convenient airport hotel to spend one night before my stay at Giraffe Manor. I’m a Marriott girl at heart so I was thrilled to see that Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport was minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport! Once my flight arrived, I collected my bags and got through customs and…
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5 Swahili Phrases to know for your Trip to Africa
When visiting a place where I don’t speak the language, I always try to learn a few basic phrases to communicate with locals. Here are a few Swahili phrases I learned while traveling in Africa. 1. Jambo Hello 2. Karibou Welcome or you are welcome here Join the Newsletter Subscribe to get my latest travel tips, tricks, and inspiration! Subscribe I respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time. Built with ConvertKit 3. Polepole Slowly 4. Asante or Asanta sana Thank you or thank you very much 5. Maisha Marefu Long Life (used as a toast) You may not always pronounce the words correctly, but a big smile and making an…
