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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The Ultimate Guide to Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes: Luxury, Relaxation & Adventure
Welcome to Luxury: Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes If you’re looking for a dreamy escape where elegance meets adventure, let me introduce you to Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Located in Florida, a key destination for luxury experiences, this isn’t just a hotel; it’s a full-on luxury experience nestled within 500 acres of stunning natural beauty at the headwaters of the Everglades. Florida’s elegant destinations and amenities, including those recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Florida, make it a prime location for indulgence. With 582 rooms at the Ritz and another 1,010 at the JW Marriott next door, the Grande Lakes Resort is a destination in itself. Here, you’ll find an award-winning…
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The Best Tokyo Kimono Rental: A Guide to Your Traditional Experience
When visiting Japan, one of the things I was super excited about was doing a Tokyo Kimono rental and photo session! Spoiler alert: the photos turned out super cute and I’d do it again in a heartbeat! Renting a kimono or yukata can be a delightful and memorable experience, offering a unique way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Most kimono rental shops provide a wide range of kimonos and yukatas to choose from, catering to different tastes and preferences. The staff at these shops are usually very helpful and will assist you in selecting the perfect garment for your occasion. Booking Your Tokyo Kimono Rental I booked my Tokyo…
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8 Amazing Things to Do in Lucca, Italy: A Hidden Gem in Tuscany
Why You Need to Visit Lucca, Italy Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca is a quintessential Tuscan city known for its charming medieval walls, which are among the best-preserved in Italy. Unlike its more touristy neighbors, Florence and Pisa, Lucca offers a more relaxed, authentic Italian experience. This medieval city is famous for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and delicious food. A Brief History of Lucca Founded by the Etruscans and later a Roman colony, Lucca flourished as a medieval city-state, known for its silk trade and strong fortifications. It remained an independent republic for centuries, preserving its unique character and historic charm. Today, its rich…
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How to Go to Paris for Free: How I Did It – And How You Can Too!
Paris—the capital city of France, the City of Light, the land of croissants, the ultimate bucket list destination. But let’s be real: it’s also expensive. A trip to Paris can cost thousands of dollars between flights, accommodations, and daily expenses. However, what if I told you that you could go to Paris for free—or at least very close to it? I did it, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I made my dream trip happen without spending a fortune, using travel hacking techniques and credit card points. Before we dive in, I have to give this disclaimer: Use credit cards responsibly. If you carry a balance and…
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TripIt Review: How This Free Travel App Keeps Me Organized on Every Trip
If you’re anything like me, you’re always juggling multiple trips at once. Between flight confirmations, hotel bookings, car rentals, and dinner reservations, travel planning can quickly get overwhelming. Instead of endlessly searching through emails for confirmation numbers and itineraries, you can forward your booking confirmations to TripIt (not sponsored!) and automatically create a comprehensive itinerary for your entire trip, allowing for seamless access to all travel details in one place. I’ve been using this app for years, and it’s seriously saved me so much time and hassle. Whether you’re traveling for work, going on vacation, or planning a big adventure, having everything in one place makes a huge difference. What…
