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: Grand Floridian opened November 6,…
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Mnemba Island Snorkeling: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
If you’re traveling to Zanzibar Island in Tanzania, Mnemba island snorkeling trips are one of the more popular activities offered. I recently went on a Mnemba Island snorkeling trip and want to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of these snorkeling trips. Where is Mnemba Island? Mnemba Island is a small private island located about two miles off the coast of Unguja Island, the largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago. This Indian Ocean island is surrounded by a four kilometer oval reef that has been declared a marine conservation area, making it an excellent snorkeling spot as well as a great location for scuba diving. How to Get…
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Safari Packing List Tanzania & Giraffe Manor in Kenya
Safari Packing List Tanzania: Luggage for Your Adventure I’ve been to 34 countries and making my safari packing list for Tanzania was one of the most challenging ones to date! Here’s everything I packed for Tanzania, what I used and didn’t use, and a few things I forgot to pack for the unforgettable adventure of my Tanzania safari! Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack Duffel bags or soft sided bags are highly recommended as they are more suitable for the travel conditions encountered during a Tanzania safari, such as limited luggage space on smaller planes and the necessity for flexibility while loading a safari vehicle. Avoid hard suitcases and you’ll be…
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Oryx Hotel | Doha Airport, Qatar
I recently spent 16 Hours in Qatar, including a brief stay at the Oryx Hotel in Doha Airport. Here’s everything you need to know about the Oryx Airport Hotel. When Can You Check In and Check Out? Since this is an airport transit hotel at Hamad International Airport, guests can book rooms either overnight or in hourly packages with varying check in and check out times. Contact the hotel regarding your specific travel plans. Location of the Oryx Airport Hotel The Oryx Airport Hotel is located at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. Just a short walk from the Yellow Lamp Bear in Hamad International Airport’s main area, near the…
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Travel Back in Time with JFK’s TWA Hotel
Just a quick elevator ride from the JetBlue baggage claim area at JFK airport will transport you to the classic aviation of the 1960s! Located at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, the TWA Hotel is a pretty cool blast from the past. Open in May of 2019, the hotel uses the former TWA terminal, which was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and was built back in the 1960s. The TWA hotel is the only operating hotel located at JFK Airport. TWA Hotel Rooms The hotel features over 500 rooms spread between two wings, the Saarinen Wing and the Howard Hughes Wing. Book a basic room…
