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GALLERY: Survey Says More Women Traveling Alone – Check out Pebbles’ Solo Trip Photos

A new survey came out by smarTours that said that almost two-thirds (62%) of the almost 1,500 women questioned are willing to travel alone for pleasure. Also, more than half…

Pebbles Photo

A new survey came out by smarTours that said that almost two-thirds (62%) of the almost 1,500 women questioned are willing to travel alone for pleasure. Also, more than half of married women are willing to travel alone. For me, single or with someone, I NEED to travel alone. I actually prefer it. No one else's schedule to check, doing only what YOU want to do, the freedom, you learn so much about yourself, you can be selfish with no judgement, you get out of your comfort zone. I could go on and on.

I've traveled in the United States by myself many times, but my first trip out of the country by myself was in 2015 when I took a trip to Amsterdam. Since then, I've been to Hong Kong and Barcelona on solo trips. I can't recommend traveling solo enough. Those experiences helped me to grow in ways I didn't expect and appreciate so much. Every time I do travel alone I do have that initial internal panic when I get off the plane in another country, but then I grab my bag, figure out where I'm going, and head to my hotel.

Just wanted to share some pictures from my trips and hopefully it'll encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and travel solo, even if you start by just going to a close town you've never been to.

Happy Traveling!

Amsterdam

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The famous I Amsterdam sign by the Rijksmuseum.


The Fault in Our Stars Bench

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is my favorite book. So of course I had to visit the famous bench in Amsterdam that was featured in the movie in one of the most heartbreaking scenes ever!


Amsterdam Vlaamse Frites

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Probably the best fries I've had. I don't like mayo, at all, but this mayo-based sauce was heavenly.


Amsterdam Canal

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Walking along the canals in Amsterdam is pure therapy.


Amsterdam Library

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Of course I have to go find the library!


Amstel

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I'm not a beer drinker, but this Lemon-flavored Amstel was everything!


Amsterdam Pancakes

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Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat and they are delicious.


Anne Frank Huis

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Walking through this house after reading the book was one of the most moving and emotional experiences of my life.


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Traditional Dutch stroopwafels are incredible. They're two round wafer-thin waffles with a layer of caramel syrup. With a cup of coffee? Heaven.


Cheese Museum Amsterdam

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There are so many museums in Amsterdam, and when you see a cheese museum, you go in.


My Travel Journal

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Love to keep a daily journal while I'm on vacation.


Noodles and Fish Cakes

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This was the very first breakfast I ate while I was there. Loved it!


Tian Tan Buddha

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Tian Tan Buddha is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong. The statue symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith.


Tian Tan Buddha

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Yes I climbed the 268 steps to the top. And yes I was dying.


Hong Kong - Wonton Noodles

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I ate A LOT of noodles!


Hong Kong Ferry

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This ferry takes you between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.


Hong Kong Symphony of Lights

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A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is absolutely breathtaking and worth the hours that I sat on the pier to get a good seat.


Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights

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A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is absolutely breathtaking and worth the hours that I sat on the pier to get a good seat.


Hong Kong Walking Tour

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Went on a walking tour around Hong Kong with Maggie. It was probably the best money I spent while I was there.


The Man Mo Temple

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This is at the Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong. Built in 1847, the temple pays tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo)


Hong Kong Charlie Brown Restaurant

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How cute is this?


Hong Kong Charlie Brown Restaurant

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I am a Peanuts girl so I had to visit the Charlie Brown restaurant.


Hong Kong Egg Tart

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The internet told me that I had to try this, so I tried it. People stand in line for these, but they weren't my favorite. They looked too much like a lemon tart (which I love), so I was disappointed when they didn't taste like one.


When in Barcelona...

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I know next to nothing about soccer, but DJ Roy Barbosa told me I HAD to go to a game. Bought a ticket at the airport and had a blast!


Soccer, I mean Futbol

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When in Barcelona...


Eating again!

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Park Guell

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Also at Park Guell. So beautiful!


La Sagrada Familia Cathedral

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Its so hard to put into words how beautiful this place is.


La Sagrada Familia Cathedral

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Loved this door leading outside by the exit.


Sangria

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I mean you have to have sangria right?


Always time for more coffee

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Sitting around lazily drinking coffee and writing in my journal is one of my favorite things to do while I'm traveling.


Food is Everything in Barcelona

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I ate A LOT. Back when I was eating meat, I ate so much of this ham and bread, and these peppers were mind blowingly good!


Park Guell

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Park Guell is one of the masterpieces of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Beautiful gardens and architecture there.


My Favorite Statue

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I was obsessed with this statue at the Placa de Catalunya Plaza. Loved it because we have the same awesome thighs! Lol


Barcelona Food

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I can still taste these olives and pan con tomate (tomato bread). So delicious!


Churros & Chocolate in Barcelona

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Don't think I need to tell you how delicious this was!


Paella in Barcelona

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This rice dish isn't originally from Barcelona, it's Valencia, you still get some great paella in Barcelona.

PebblesWriter
Boston has been waking up to the voice of Pebbles for years. She has always had a deep and strong commitment to the community, donating her time to numerous organizations such as the Girl Scouts, First Book Boston, and more. With a passion for youth literacy, she started the program “Pebbles Reading Rockstars” to encourage kids to read more and develop a love of books. A graduate of Northeastern University, the Wareham native continues to visit classrooms as part of the literacy program. Pebbles likes to write about books, personal stories, good news, and self-care.