Solo Travel

How to Spend One Day in Hamburg

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How to spend one day in Hamburg, Germany, including Miniatur Wunderland, St. Michael's Church, the Elbphilharmonie, and Christmas Markets!

Have you ended up with one day in Hamburg and just aren’t sure what to do???

Well, let me do the hard work and plan the best day for you! You can just relax, follow this list, and see exactly what Hamburg has to offer. (Which is a lot!)

I’ve spent a total of 4.5 months in Hamburg so far (1.5 in the spring and 3 in the fall) so I’ve gotten around to exploring the city quite a bit. And, I had some help – I made friends with some locals and expats who showed me some insider spots, as well!

Here’s how I’d recommend spending one day in Hamburg:

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7 Fun Things to Do in Arundel, England

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7 fun things to do in Arundel, England

Arundel is a historic market town in southern England. It’s not a large town by any means, and totally walkable (my favorite!) It’s a popular place to visit, partly because of Arundel Castle – which was one of my favorite things to see while I was there!

Arundel is quite easy to reach, too – it’s about 2 hours south of London, both by train and by car. If you’re coming by train, you simply get off at Arundel Station! So easy.

Sooooo, like, what are you waiting for?? Here are some fun things to do in Arundel, England.

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Arundel Castle: All You Need to Know for Your Visit

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All You Need to Know About Visiting Arundel Castle in England!
[I got this shot from the rose garden]
I will never NOT be enamored by castles. But to be honest, I’ve never met anyone who said they blatantly DIDN’T like castles? I feel like it’s kind of impossible not to like them?

But if you don’t, well, we really shouldn’t be friends.

Arundel Castle grounds in England
[Imagine rolling up and just parking at this castle like NBD]
But if you do, well, Arundel Castle in southern England is definitely a place for you, my friend (because I’m friends with anyone who loves castles.) I even visited alone and it totes wasn’t weird and semi-befriended these 4 older ladies (and by “befriended” I mean I just took their photo. Once you become a solo traveler anyone you interact with ends up being a friend LOL.)

But aside from its beauty, what was the most mind blowing thing about this castle to me? Um, that people actually STILL LIVE THERE.

Mic drop.

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9 Things I Miss About Living in One Place (Musings From a Digital Nomad)

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9 Things I Miss About Living in One Place - Musings from a Digital Nomad
[The view of Whitby, England from the 199 steps – which sounds like a lot but really isn’t that many haha, it took me about 10 minutes]
Ok, so just a precursor – this is probably going to be the most ‘first world problems’ post EVER. But I felt like writing it anyway.

I know that I eventually want to settle down and have somewhat of a ‘home base’.

But right now, I’m still traveling my little heart out. But while I love being a ‘digital nomad’, there are definitely some things I’m missing from my stationary life. Here’s what I miss the most:

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The Time I Met Two Strangers & We Went Hitchhiking

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I went hitchhiking in Ireland with 2 strangers and it was awesome

So let’s do a real quick #tbt to two summers ago (ugh was it really that long ago, brb, gonna go cry my eyes out and maybe teleport there real quick…), when I was gallivanting through Ireland and just basking in the Irish-ness of it all.

I’d thought about hitchhiking (seemed like a cool way to meet people and have some unique experiences) but I was like ahhhhh I’m a solo female traveler and that. Is. SCARY.

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Santorini, Greece: Perfect for Solo Female Travelers

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View from Santorini caldera of a blue domed church and ferry on water - Santorini is a perfect destination for solo female travelers!
[I got this perfect Santorini shot by wandering alllll the way up the Caldera from Fira; I even saw a wedding shoot taking place later on!]
Santorini is a lovely island, but maybe not what you expected! At least it wasn’t for me. I thought it would be all sandy beaches and annoyingly romantic and gross.

BUT surprise, surprise – the beaches were not all that great! If you want beautiful beaches and whatnot, get your ass to Paros or Naxos.

Santorini is a volcanic island in Greece. Here's a great idea for a Santorini itinerary!
[Santorini as viewed from the ferry – all that volcanic rockiness does NOT make for great beaches]
Santorini does have beaches, don’t get me wrong – I went to the red beach, which was cool and all, but it didn’t have that super soft sand that you may picture. It was more like fiber-y chunks of tree bark.

The black beach and white beach are supposedly cool, too (I didn’t go) – but again, not what you expect. Santorini is a raised island, so it’s up on a platform. Hence the not so great beaches and rockiness.

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Paros, Greece is the Most Relaxing Place Ever

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Paros, Greece: AKA Actual Heaven - just look at that perfect blue water and white houses! Visit in June for less tourists.I cannot talk about Paros enough. I loved loved L-O-V-E-D Paros. Did I tell you how much I loved Paros? No? Okay well get ready to sit and listen to me for about 10 hours. Yay so much fun!

We asked the guy at the front desk in my friend Andrew’s hostel which islands we should go to – we knew we wanted to do Santorini (I know, I know – super touristy…But it’s like one of those places I think everyone HAS to see) and one other.

Apparently Santorini doesn’t have great beaches and we wanted that, so he suggested Paros or Naxos. According to him, Naxos was more known for families, so Paros it was!

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solo travel doesn’t mean lonely travel

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Solo travel doesn't mean lonely travel: a guide to making friends - girl standing in front of beach in ireland[Look at me and all my friends!!!!!! I just can’t help it that I’m so popular…]

Okay so – I was terrified that I would make zero friends if I traveled solo. I’m an introvert, and can easily sink into hermit mode if I’m not feeling motivated to socialize.

I can be outgoing when I want to be, but I don’t always want to be – I was afraid I’d end up having a major pity party while everyone else was laughing and having a great time.

But – spoiler alert – that DID NOT HAPPEN! For the most part. There were definitely a few nights where I felt like a big ol’ lame-o (it’s a vicious cycle: I feel like being alone so I don’t try to meet anyone, but then I hear people laughing together and I feel bad for myself. SIGH).

But most of the time, it was easy to meet people and I’m now super hyped on solo travel!

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Visiting the Land of Leprechauns: Ireland

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grassy hill with stone fences and houses on slea head drive in ireland
[Scenery from Slea Head Drive – read on for more info on that!]
Ireland is soooo much more than Dublin! When I hear that people only went there it literally pains me (especially because I was not the biggest fan of Dublin).

I’d say spend like 2-3 days in Dublin (depending on what you want to do) and after that get the heck out of there! IMO it’s overpriced and overcrowded with tourists (especially Temple Bar area – avoid at night at all costs!!!!).

And also – yessss I’m that girl that went to Ireland a year ago and is STILL talking about it. Ugh. But if you read on, you’ll understand why…And also, why not start off with a bang with one of my favorite places ever?

Want to learn more about the logistics of getting around, currency, where to stay, etc.? Go here.

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