Travel Stories with Sara

Tag: travel blog

How to Plan A Trip on Your Own
Okay, so you want to start exploring – amazing! But now what? How do you know where to start? At a time where folks are drifting away from travel agents, let’s take a look at how to plan a trip on your own.

Travel Planning Tips and Tricks

Deciding Where and When to Travel

There are several factors to consider when planning your destination and timing. Let’s take a look at some of my key considerations.
1. Is there a specific event happening at that place/time?
  - Sometimes you’ll plan trips for an event, like going to Valencia for Las Fallas. Other times, it may be a reason to reconsider visiting at a particular time of year. Look into festivals, major sporting events, and other events at your destination for the time you’re looking to travel.
2. How do you feel about crowds?
  - If you’re someone that does not do well with crowds, try planning your travel for the off-season of your destination.
3. What is the weather going to be like in that location, at that time of year?
  - The weather lately can often be unpredictable. That being said, it’s also a major factor in destination planning. Ask yourself: “Is it the rainy season in Tanzania? Will the weather be unbearably hot in Italy in June? Are these things I’m willing to tolerate?” Make sure to look at past weather trends for the area you’re considering.
4. Is it a popular time for travel?
  - Traveling around the holidays or during school breaks (at home or the destination) often means increased costs. Sometimes this is unavoidable, but is always something to consider.
Where should I stay?

Where to stay when traveling is typically determined by location and one’s preferences. Some things that I like to factor into my decision on where to stay are outlined below.
1. Is public transit reliable, or is the destination otherwise walkable?
  - It’s often cheaper to stay outside of a city center, however, you need to factor in how you’ll get from place to place. I prefer to pay a little bit more to stay a reasonable distance from public transit (if that option is available). Other things to consider are whether there are things such as food, stores, etc. near where you plan to stay that are a walkable distance.
2. Do I want a low-key or luxury place to stay? Is my budget limited?
  - Most destinations have a full range of accommodation types. For budget trips, I’ve stayed in hostels. I’ve also splurged on a night in a nice hotel here or there if I know I’ll need some added comforts.
3. Do I want to meet new people?
  - If you’re looking to socialize, most hostels (especially in Europe) are a great place to meet people. Whether you stay in a dorm-style room or a private one, look into whether the hostel hosts events for guests. In college, I met a lot of people just by hanging out in the hostel lobby!
4. What do others have to say about the place?
  - My biggest advice is to thoroughly read reviews across more than one platform once you’ve narrowed down some options on where to stay. Steer clear of any with few reviews, especially if they all seem perfect. People will always have something to say, so decide what matters most to you and filter the reviews to look what others have commented about those things.
Sites for Hostel and Hotel Booking

While booking your accommodation directly is generally best, the following are sites I’ve used to research (and sometimes book).
- Hostelworld: I’ve used this extensively on trips throughout Europe, and even for a booking in Boston. You can apply a number of filters, from the room style (mixed-dorm, female-only, private, ensuite, etc.) to whether the location has Wi-fi or other amenities.
- Expedia: This well-known travel site offers the option to book with them for a lower rate; just keep in mind that any changes need to go through the 3rd party and hotels cannot always honor your choices if you don’t book directly. Either way, this is a great place to check for reviews and details such as location and amenities. I personally like to use the map feature to determine where a hotel is in comparison to sites I’d like to see, and the reviews to narrow down hotel options in that area.
- Hotels.com: Another 3rd-party site, this is also where I’ll go to read reviews on places I’m considering to stay. If booking through this site, rewards are universal for both Hotels.com and Expedia.
- Booking.com: Yet another 3rd-party site for reviewing and booking hotels. Again, keep in mind that the logistics of actually booking through a site such as this means you can’t always go through the hotel itself for changes to your booking.
Should I Take a Tour or Plan my Own Activities?

Some people have a hard preference of taking tours and using group travel or doing everything on their own. As I’ve visited more places, a lot of my trips tend to include a combination of both.

Why should I take a tour?

Logistics

One of the main reasons I book tours or group travel is that the logistics of my plans are complex. A prime example of this was my visit to Machu Picchu. Entry times book up months in advance, and getting to the historical site involves multiple modes of travel. Having a tour operator meant that I only had to worry about arriving on time to the meeting point. If anything disrupted the trip, I was also covered by my tour operator to either rebook or refund.

Safety

As a female traveler, I gravitate more toward tours in areas that aren’t as safe for women/female-presenting individuals. This is especially true when traveling solo, as I often do. Traveling with a reputable tour gives some peace of mind in these areas. For example, on my trip to Morocco, our group of women had a male guide and added security personnel in the souks.

Orientation

If the place that I’m visiting is new to me, I like to start my trip with a walking tour. This helps orient me to the area, while learning more about the sites I’m visiting later. An added bonus is that, often, guides are happy to give recommendations off the beaten path. This has been a great way to find places to eat and coffee shops, etc. that aren’t as “touristy.”

Best Resources for Tours and Group Travel

Tours

Specific destinations often have their own local tour suppliers. When looking for tours on a broader scale, I like to use the resources below.
- Airbnb Experience: The first place I like to check for tours (especially walking tours) is Airbnb Experience. The platform allows locals to advertise their tours, giving a personal connection to the place you’re visiting. One of my favorite tours was booked in Porto through this platform.
- GetYourGuide: If I can’t find a tour for my destination through Airbnb Experience, my next stop is GetYourGuide. One of the perks of this site is that you can often find tours that are book now/pay later and fully refundable up until a particular date. This allows for flexibility should you decide on other activities, while holding your spot.
- Expedia: As mentioned in the accommodation section, Expedia is a 3rd-party resource for book travel-related items. One thing you can book on this site is tours.
  - Pro tip: Really look into reviews. A lot of companies offer similar tours, and some are newly added with no reviews at all. I try to avoid these due to likelihood of it either being a scam or not yet tested operationally.
Group Travel
- Education First: This company is a parent company of those outlined below. It originated as a way to help students travel and has since expanded.
  - EF Ultimate Break: For travelers 18-35. I’ve now taken 3 trips with this group.
    
    Pros: local guides; adventure-focused; payment plans; option to include flights; great for solo travelers to make friends
    
    Added pro: My first trip with EF UB was when I broke my ankle; the director handled it like a pro! I continue to book with them because of this.
    
    Cons: Some itineraries have rather large groups; I much preferred the smaller groups I traveled with
  - EF Go Ahead: For a more open age range.
    
    Pros: No age limitations (aside from solo minors)
    
    Cons: Itineraries to the same places as EF Ultimate Break can vary greatly in activity choices; often higher prices than EF UB
  - EF Adventures: A newer branch I haven’t yet traveled with, these itineraries are activity-focused (hiking, cycling, etc.)
    
    Pros: Great for those who like an active trip
    
    Cons: More expensive than other branches, from what I’ve seen.
- Local tour companies:
  - Each destination typically has its own tour companies. Depending where you go, you can find and book them online. I haven’t yet done more than a day-tour with a local company, but it’s a great way to support the economy of your destination!
Resources for Travel Activity Planning
- Social Media: Now often used as a search tool, I usually start my activity planning by looking up my destination on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook. I’ll note things that look interesting to me to later research on other platforms.
- Travel Bloggers: I know, I know. I’m a blogger plugging bloggers. The reality is, when I use search engines to find out more about activities I’m interested in, blogs can be very helpful with the realities of those destinations. I often get advice on who to book through, expected costs, and other logistics by reading bloggers’ experiences.
- Travel Forums: In a similar vein to social media, travel forums exist all over the internet. They can be as broad as Reddit threads, or as specific as cruise line forums. I like to join groups on Facebook, for example, for a cruise line that I’m new to. People will often ask the same questions I’m looking for information on, and I can get first-hand feedback from folks that have taken those cruises. I also am part of a few different general traveling groups on Facebook, such as Girls Who Travel, where users from around the world come together to share tips and tricks on a number of destinations.
Travel Planning Made Simple

All in all, travel planning is what you make of it. Everyone has their own style and preferences, and there’s something out there for all. Use the resources available to you – whether you book with a tour to plan it all for you, or deep dive social media forums, I wish you a pleasant planning and happy travels! For more advice from adapting to new cultures to handling medical emergencies while traveling, check out more of my blog! You can also join Travel Stories with Sara on Facebook and Instagram.
October 31, 2025
Handling Medical Emergencies While Traveling
I never thought I’d find myself having to handle a medical emergency while traveling. Unfortunately, not all trips are without incident. On a trip to Belize, I experienced this first hand. A small fall turned into weeks in an orthopedic boot, physical therapy and, eventually, surgery. Although the situation was not ideal, I learned quickly about what to do before and during a trip for medical emergencies.

Dos and Don’ts of Travel Injuries

Story Time: How I fractured my ankle in Belize

If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I’m accident prone. My trip to Belize was packed with adventure: zip lining, cave tubing, and snorkeling. We hopped from place to place, taking in all that we could. The day I broke my ankle, we were cave tubing. Is that how I broke it? Not exactly…

I made it through cave tubing mostly unscathed, even with it being our guide’s first day (yes, really!). We had a great time after with tropical drinks, and continued on the bus to our next hotel. With a roughly two hour trip ahead of us, that’s where things started to go wrong. Our bus, equipped with a bathroom, now had an inaccessible toilet due to a broken lock. As soon as we stopped, I tried running to the hotel lobby for a code 1 emergency…

Little did I know, the steps to the lobby were uneven and, unfortunately, solid concrete. I took quite a tumble, my stuffed backpack flinging itself over my head. Man, that hurt! I hobbled my way to the bathroom and back to the lobby, assuming it was just a bad sprain. After all, I’d rolled these ankles plenty of times in my basketball days. Boy, was I wrong. I spent the night in my room with my foot in a bucket of ice that had been graciously delivered by my tour director. Nevertheless, I persisted, seeing as Tikal National Park, our only day in Guatemala, was on the following day’s itinerary. Thus began the life lessons of what to do, and not to do, about travel-related injuries.

Preparing for possible medical emergencies while traveling

Do:
- Buy travel insurance.
  - Travel insurance can give peace of mind should plans change due to a medical emergency. Most plans help cover costs of re-booking accommodations, flights, and more.
- Check your personal medical coverage.
  - Depending on your destination, you may need to rely on your private insurance from your home country. Before you go, see if your plan covers medical care at your destination.
- Research how medical care works at your destination.
  - All destinations have their own medical care systems. Look into whether healthcare is public or private, and if insurance is required for treatment. For example, when I was hurt in Belize, I had the option of either public or private care. Locals may recommend one type of provider over another for factors such as quality and cost of care.
Don’t:
- Assume your travel insurance covers all costs up front.
  - One of the main reasons I didn’t seek treatment when I found myself hurt was my travel insurance. Did I purchase travel insurance? Yes. However, the type of plan was one that required me to pay up front and submit for reimbursement. Worried about the added cost and process of being reimbursed, I opted to forgo treatment offered to me. This likely ended up costing me in the long run.
- Buy the cheapest insurance option.
  - Of course everyone wants to save where they can and have more to spend later. Unfortunately, the cheapest plans often have the most stipulations. They’ll cover the least and you’ll pay more out of pocket in an emergency. It’s important to thoroughly research what is covered by the plan you wish to buy.
I got hurt while traveling – what do I do now?

Do:
- Seek out professional care if needed.
  - You know your body best. If you feel something is wrong, seek professional help. It’s easy to want to skip treatment, but the most important thing is to take care of yourself! I really wish I’d taken up my director on his offer to accompany me to a doctor.
- Cancel or change plans, if needed.
  - If you’ve bought travel insurance, this is where that comes in. Even if you haven’t, it’s important to adjust your plans if needed. You don’t want to end up in a situation where your condition declines. It’s okay to take time to rest and recover.
- Notify medical providers back home.
  - Depending on your emergency, you could need follow-up care upon returning home. In my case, I knew that an ankle injury would mean, at minimum, physical therapy. I notified my medical provider via my family, which allowed me to be seen immediately upon return. If you aren’t able to call, most offices have a patient portal you can use to let your doctor know and schedule an appointment.
- Give yourself grace
  - Accidents happen! It’s instinct to beat yourself up mentally for an incident on vacation. I know it’s easier said than done, but make the most of it. Something I still laugh about is using my injury to have pizza delivered to me on the beach. I still took the pictures, albeit with a brace on.
Don’t:
- Ignore your body to continue your trip as planned
  - One thing that I constantly question is whether I should have sought help instead of continuing on to Tikal. I opted to not only continue on to my next destination, but participated in physical activities. I wanted to visit the park, trek through the jungle, and climb a temple. While the park was incredible, it left me in a lot of pain. Since I hadn’t gotten evaluated, I didn’t know my ankle was actually fractured. In the end, continuing as planned made my condition worse and recovery longer.
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October 27, 2025
Top Fall Activities in Scotland
The Enchanted Forest

Are you a fan of light and sound? Looking for something to do on your fall trip to Scotland? Look no further than the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry!

What is the Enchanted Forest?

The Enchanted Forest is an event held in Pitlochry, Scotland every fall. It is an immersive experience of sound and lights in the woods. In 2016, I was fortunate that my university offered students the chance to attend this incredible event.

Not only was I amazed at the changing lights and colors, but the true immersive nature of the experience. From the moment we arrived, we were met with lights and sounds that transformed the outdoor space into a fantasy world. Every step brought us deeper into the magic, with projection displays and interactive lights.

Visiting the Enchanted Forest

While I got to experience this event through school as a student, there are other ways you can attend the Enchanted Forest. It’s an annual event that typically runs throughout October, making it the perfect fall activity for your visit to Scotland! Tickets can also be booked in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

Included in ticket prices is transportation via shuttle bus from the city center of Pitlochry. No car? No problem! The shuttle is short and hassle free. Don’t plan on driving yourself or using rideshare, as there is limited parking and car access on-site, available only in advance to those who are disabled.

The Enchanted Forest is accessed through a walking trail around a lake, so be sure to dress comfortably. One of the draws, for me, was the fact that this event is entirely outdoors, merging lights and nature. One thing to keep in mind with this is that Scotland can be cold and damp – dress accordingly!

Another perk of attending is that you can take more than one lap around the trail, taking in more of the show as you go. The show has various start times, so you might just catch something new on a second lap around!

More Information on Visiting Pitlochry

For more information, such as when this event is held, purchasing tickets, and logistics of visiting Pitlochry, please visit the official event site.

More To Do in Scotland in the Fall

Are you planning a trip to Scotland in the fall? There’s something for everyone! My Fall semester allowed for plenty of travel within Scotland. Check out some of my favorite things and places below!

The Castle Trail

Who goes to Scotland and doesn’t seek castles? Good news for castle lovers everywhere is that there is a castle trail in Aberdeenshire. Enjoyable at any time of year, I especially recommend a fall visit with fewer crowds and fallen leaves. An added bonus is that Balmoral Castle is typically open to visitors in the fall. Most years, it’s used as a summer residence for the Royal family and inaccessible for that time frame. Some castles I’ve visited and recommend are:
- Dunnottar Castle
  - Allegedly the inspiration behind the castle in Brave, this cliff-side castle was the site of the last Jacobite rebellion.
- Huntly Castle
  - A castle has existed in Huntly since the 12th century, and some say this one is haunted!
- Balmoral Castle
  - The preferred summer home of Queen Elizabeth II, Balmoral estate is most accessible in the fall.
Oktoberfest Aberdeen

Do you like the idea of Oktoberfest, but not the crowds and logistics? Check out Aberdeen’s local Oktoberfest! This event happens in late September and features live music, food and drinks, competitions and games. Tickets can be booked in advance and it’s advised to do so if traveling with a group.

Take a Wizard Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Many myths exist to say where the famous Harry Potter series was written, but one city that fully embraces the inspiration lore is Edinburgh. On a weekend trip to the city, my friend and I took a walking tour inspired by the series. Take a stroll down Diagon Alley (erm.. Victoria Street), have a hot chocolate in the Elephant House Cafe, and take in Edinburgh Castle (maybe it’s Hogwarts?). Even if you’ve lost your love or support for the wizarding world, the charm of Edinburgh can still get you in the cozy fall spirit.
October 25, 2025
Travel to Ireland (2015)
My Love Story Begins

I’m not sure if you believe in love at first sight, but I can tell you with certainty that I do. From the moment I landed in Ireland, I was in love with this new experience of travel.

Learning Through Travel

Back in 2015 I signed up for a course on the Irish Famine through my college. An exception was made for me to join due to my enthusiasm for the subject, as freshmen typically weren’t allowed to join a course at that level, and the registry was near capacity.

At the end of the semester, the class took a trip to An Spidéal, a town in County Galway. We had the privilege of being the host family’s first American group of students; they typically hosted Irish students learning Gaelic, as An Spidéal is in a Ghaeltacht region of Ireland.

What is An Ghaeltacht and why does it exist?

A Ghaeltacht region is one where the first language of the area is (Irish) Gaelic. These areas exist as Gaelic was at one time the language spoken in all of Ireland. Following British occupation and the Famine, the language was nearly eradicated. These areas are important for keeping the historical language alive. They came to be recognized following the Gaelic revival by the government as areas where Gaelic was the predominant language.

For me and my classmates, this meant our host family was used to hosting those needing to learn Gaelic for school. Their main objective when hosting is typically immersion into the language, typically for for the summer break. We even had the option to attend a mass given entirely in Gaelic while in the area.

Gaelic Lessons and Irish Music

One of the best parts of traveling through a school program was the connection we made with a local institution. We got to experience a crash course in Irish Gaelic (honestly can only remember how to greet folks in the language, and how to order a pint of Guinness…).

Gaelic lesson cheat sheet

Because we were connected through a music school, we also learned different dances and got to hear Charlie Lennon and his daughter, Eilís perform not only in the classroom, but at a pub in town! For those who are unaware of Charlie Lennon and interested in Irish folk music, I encourage you to look him up. While writing this blog I learned that he sadly has passed, and I’m even more grateful that I got to meet and learn from him.

Charlie and Eilís Lennon play in a pub in Spiddal

Irish Sites to Visit

While we were based in Spiddal in County Galway, our class visited these other cities and sites:
- Galway City
- Strokestown Park (the Irish National Famine Museum)
- Blarney Castle
- Aasleagh Falls & Erriff River
- Cobh
  - The Titanic Experience Cobh
Galway City Streets

Planning a Return Trip to Ireland

My first trip abroad gave me just a taste of the beauty of Ireland. Little did I know that just one year later I’d be planning a second trip to the country ahead of a semester abroad. In my next post, I’ll dive into my over and underrated things to do in Ireland, as well as mistakes made and advice for a successful trip.
October 24, 2025