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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Capybara Cafe St. Augustine: What to Expect + Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a completely different experience in St. Augustine, Florida, how about hanging out with a capybara? Yep. A capybara. The Capybara Cafe in St. Augustine gives you the chance to get up close and personal with these adorable South American animals, including feeding them, petting them and learning more about them from the staff. And yes, I went. And yes, it was every bit as cute as you’re imagining. If you’re planning a trip to St. Augustine and are wondering whether the Capybara Cafe is worth adding to your itinerary, here’s what you need to know before you go. Check Availability & Book Your Capybara Encounter Quick…
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Where to Stay in Paris: Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors
Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements (districts), each with its own distinct feel. Where you stay can shape your entire experience, so I’ve broken down some of the best neighborhoods in Paris and what each one is best for—from first-time visitors and solo travelers to Eiffel Tower views, nightlife, and a more local experience. Area Best for Le Marais First-time + solo Saint-Germain Classic Paris + solo Latin Quarter Value seekers + lively atmosphere 1st Convenient sightseeing 7th Eiffel Tower 9th/Opéra Convenient culture + vibrant nightlife Montmartre Dreamy atmosphere 11th Local vibes 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais) – Trendy Meets Historic Le Marais blends cobblestone streets with hip boutiques, cozy…
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First Trip to Paris: 8 Must-Do Experiences for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first trip to Paris, you don’t need to see everything to have an amazing trip. After my first visit, these are the eight experiences I’d prioritize—from iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to wandering Montmartre and simply getting lost in the city. If you only have three days in Paris, you definitely won’t see everything—and that’s okay. Paris is a city that keeps you coming back for more! One quick tip before you start: Paris is one of those cities where I recommend combining the Metro with walking. The Metro will get you across town quickly, but some of my favorite Paris moments came from…
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Paris Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Paris? This Paris travel guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from when to go and where to stay to getting around, how many days you need, and the best things to do. Why visit Paris Why visit Paris? Why not visit Paris? Art. History. Food. Architecture. Fashion. Paris is rich with all of the above and you can create your perfect Parisian itinerary by choosing the things that excite you. How to Get to Paris Getting to Paris is pretty straightforward, whether you’re flying in from overseas or arriving from elsewhere in Europe. The Best Time to Visit Paris Paris is beautiful year-round,…
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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…
