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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Italy Travel Guide
Italy is a dream destination come to life—where every corner is packed with history, beauty, and ridiculously good food. From the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, the fashion-forward streets of Milan to the ancient ruins of Rome, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re craving art, adventure, or just an excuse to eat gelato three times a day (no judgment), we’ve got all the tips, guides, and hidden gems to make your Italian escape unforgettable. So grab an espresso, start planning, and get ready to fall head over heels for la dolce vita! Italy Visa As of this writing US Citizens do not…
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What I Spent for 2 Weeks in Italy
I recently spent 16 days traveling in Italy and brushing up on my Italian language skills! Here’s what I spent so that you can get an idea of what it might cost to plan a similar trip! Flights Other Transportation Accommodations Food Activities Venice Bologna Lucca General Grand Total: $5448.33 for 16 days I definitely could have cut costs here and there, but I have zero regrets on what I spent and had the best Euro summer! If you like it, put a pin on it!
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Disney Cruise – Know Before You Go
If you’re like me, you may have been to one (or more) of the Disney Parks and possibly even multiple times. So many times that you can plan a trip with your eyes closed. But a Disney Cruise has a whole new way of planning and different things to think about, so I honestly felt like a Disney newbie throughout the process! These are some of things I wish I had known when planning my Disney Cruise and while on board. You’ll Be Glued to Your Phone But don’t worry, it won’t cost you. Before you board the ship, download Disney’s Cruise Navigator app, then set your phone to airplane…
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Travel Book Club: Nevada: A Novel Discussion (June 2025)
It’s time for the next discussion in our 2025 Travel Book Club! In June we read Nevada: A Novel by Imogen Binnie and I’ve compiled some questions below to get the discussion started! Share your thoughts, then check out what we’re reading next month! My Year Abroad Author: Nevada: A NovelPages: 290Published: 2022 Nevada by Imogen Binnie is a raw, introspective novel following Maria, a trans woman navigating personal crisis and self-understanding. Set against a backdrop of punk culture and road-trip wanderings, the story explores identity, disconnection, and the complexities of gender with sharp wit, emotional honesty, and a deeply human perspective. Join the discussion on Facebook! Caution: Spoilers Ahead!…
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Disney Cruise Packing List
Can someone please explain to me why I’ve been to over 35 countries, spent two weeks in Europe with a backpack, yet packing for a cruise was almost my undoing? I recently took a four-night Disney Cruise with one sea day and stops at Disney’s two private destinations and I overpacked like a travel noob. I’m sharing my lessons learned so that you don’t make the same mistakes on your Disney Cruise (or any cruise!) I think part of the reason that I went nuts packing for this trip is that I wasn’t flying anywhere, so I didn’t have to be concerned with airline luggage weight restrictions. Does that mean…
