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This Woman Traveled Solo Across the U.S. by Train During the Pandemic — Here's What She Learned

“What this whole journey has taught me is that I am a lot braver than I think I am.”

Brenda Nguyen didn’t initially intend to take a train across the country . When she accepted a job in California earlier this year, her plan was to take a road trip from Boston to her new home in San Francisco. However, due to the many complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, her cross-country move didn’t exactly go as she anticipated. Nguyen will be the first to admit that it certainly wasn’t the quickest or most cost-effective way to get to her final destination, but she told Travel + Leisure that the trip changed the way she views herself as a traveler for the better. And for the skeptics, she documented her entire journey on TikTok .

“I’ve always wanted to do a road trip across the country, but considering how there would be so many stop points and … more opportunities to be exposed to people, that was concerning to me,” Nguyen said. She ultimately decided on the train because it would limit her touch points with people along the way.

Nguyen’s trip was split in two parts; first, Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited train from Boston to Chicago, which took around 21 hours. Then, the California Zephyr , which travels through the Rocky Mountains and the American West, ending in Emeryville, CA, though she disembarked in Sacramento. On the first train, Nguyen booked a Viewliner Roomette , which she described as a “cozy and cramped space.” The private cabin has space for two passengers, with a chair that converts into a bed, as well as a top bunk, toilet, and sink, with a shared shower in the hall. Nguyen said she was able to remain socially distant from staff and other passengers for the majority of the trip, and noted that the only time she spent in common areas was the dining cart for dinner. For guests’ safety, Amtrak takes reservations ahead of time and staggers tables, which Nguyen said reassured her sense of safety.

By the time she boarded the California Zephyr, Nguyen had hit her stride. The name of the train itself meant she was that much closer to her new home. But first, a two-and-a-half day journey that took her across the rest of the western U.S. She stayed in a Superliner Bedroom on the Zephyr, which is a bit more spacious, since it includes a bed, chair, and in-room bathroom, with both a toilet and private shower. Perhaps most importantly, this train provides stunning views of the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas.

While on the train, Nguyen kept herself entertained with her Nintendo Switch, journal, and, of course, the breathtaking views outside her window. Some areas had limited cell phone service and Wi-Fi, which Nguyen said she was ultimately grateful for. “It was really a time to unplug, reminisce, stare out the window, and soak in all the views. At one point, I had my camera out to take some photos, but I just didn’t want to take any photos anymore because I wanted to take it all in.”

Nguyen’s itinerary happened to coincide with the start of the Grizzly Creek Fire, just outside of Glenwood Springs, CO, on Aug. 10. The resulting views were some of the most striking of the trip, she said. “That was the moment I remember saying to myself, ‘I’m definitely not on the East Coast anymore.’"

Nguyen also pointed out that this trip taught her to slow down, especially when it comes to travel. Since so much of travel is often about powering through various modes of transportation to arrive at one’s destination as quickly as possible, it’s easy to see flights, train rides, and car trips as merely a means to an end. But Nguyen pointed out that transportation can very well be part of a meaningful travel experience, especially within the context of the pandemic. “I’ve always been very ‘go-go-go,’ especially when it comes to traveling; working a 9-to-5 schedule, there’s only so much time off that we have," she said. "[Now] it’s really about how to maximize the time that I have. For this chapter in my life, time is so different than what it once was ... it really gave me the opportunity to take a breath, and appreciate the journey to the destination, as opposed to to just looking forward to the destination.”

While her train journey was clearly an experience full of personal growth, so was the process of sharing the trip online. Sharing content is nothing new to Nguyen; she’s managed a food and travel blog and Instagram account for nearly five years, though TikTok is a more recent venture. She told T+L she hopes her experiences help people understand that travel is more accessible than they might think.

“At the end of the day, this is my subjective experience, but here are some the objective ways you can go about this process, and some of these personal experiences that may occur may vary, but we can go along the same path and maybe get to the same destination,” she said. And while it will likely be some time before we travel again in the same ways we used to, Nguyen’s experience is proof that safe travel during the pandemic can still be both meaningful and enjoyable. And in the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with a little TikTok-inspired wanderlust.

Madeline Diamond is an e-commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, and she’s constantly fighting the impulse to overpack for her next trip. You can follow her on Twitter @madgdiamond .

Solo Female Travel Guide: Solo Train Travel Tips for Amtrak Rides

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Solo train travel is not something most people gravitate toward for travel planning. Train rides are longer than plane rides and can have multiple connections. Yet, traveling by train is one of my favorite forms of travel. 

But why trains? Well, they are more relaxing than planes and buses. If you want solitude, you will have a higher chance of sitting alone. Also, routes are more remote and unique since you can only enjoy train rides. And with scenic train rides, you can sleep in a roomette.

So if you are considering solo train travel on Amtrak , here are more tips and details to make sure you are ready!

Table of Contents

What you need to know about solo train travel

Is it safe to travel solo on a train?

In short, yes! I have ridden trains worldwide solo from Milwaukee to Chicago, Orlando to Charleston, Chicago to California, and even around Portugal and Spain. Overall, I think solo train travel is a safer form of travel. Although I stay alert to my surroundings as a Black woman traveler, I feel like I do not have to be “on” as much on trains.

But just because it is safer, doesn’t mean you don’t use common sense. Solo train travel is still isolated as you only can walk around the train. I recommend upgrading from the coach class to the next tier for maximum comfort and privacy. Upgrading could mean you have more freedom as a solo train traveler. You could  leave your belongings in your room unattended and not have to worry if they are stolen. 

Is it boring to travel on a train?

Yes, solo train travel can get boring if you are not prepared. For most of my childhood, traveling on road trips prepared me to sit for long distances. If you are new to long train rides, I recommend bringing things to do. Card games, a book, a journal, and downloading movies, podcasts, or music are ideal. Any activities that you enjoy and are portable will help you prevent boredom.

Solo train travel tips you need to know

Be prepared to mingle

Solo train travel means people will have questions! Why are you alone?” “What’s your story?” Everyone is curious about the mysterious traveler. It can be exhausting, but also make for insightful conversations.

If you are not an extroverted person, have talking points. Chances are most of your conversations will be one-off interactions. Prepare a few key things to discuss with people such as hobbies, why you love to travel, your opinion of the food on the train, etc. Think of these points as your “small talk toolbox” for solo traveling.

Split your time in the roomette and observation car

It is easy to get caught up in roomette life. But remember to go and sit in the observation car for another train view! Most roomette travelers sit on the opposite side of the train than their roomette. This way you can observe both sides of the scenery.

Splurge on the roomette

After years of riding the train solo in coach, I splurged on the roomette on the California Zephyr. I appreciated not worrying about food and having a bed to sleep more comfortably. As a solo train traveler, I also loved the alone time. Using your small talk toolbox with strangers can get tiring. The roomette was a much-needed place to retreat.  

Bring things to do

Solo traveling via overnight train for a long time does go quickly. But it can be easy to get bored as you are traveling by yourself. So for anyone, especially solo train travelers, bring activities to keep you busy. Some ideas are books, your journal, games, and downloading movies or tv shows on your computer.

Get to know the Amtrak staff

People are more likely to speak to you when traveling solo via train. In my experience as a solo train traveler, the Amtrak staff is friendly (overall) if you want to have some basic interaction while on the train, talk to them! They are full of stories and tips – just make sure they aren’t actively working when you decide to bug them.

  Plan for delays

Amtrak train travel tips are not complete without noting the delays. Since Amtrak shares the tracks, train delays are bound to happen. Do not plan anything immediately after your train is scheduled to arrive. Leave that time open just in case you come later than expected.

Pack earbuds, plugs, motion sickness medication, and a sleeping mask

Train travel essentials are not complete without these four items! Earbuds or headphones are necessary to listen to music, podcasts, lo-fi music to sleep, etc. Earplugs are ideal for light sleepers and a sleeping mask to shut out all light. And of course, you cannot forget motion sickness medication such as Dramamine, Sea Nausea Relief bands, or ginger chews.

Use the time to unplug from social media

Solo train travel on Amtrak often means no wifi. While you can use cellular data, I encourage you to unplug. Leave your phone in the roomette and hang out in the observation car to relax and enjoy the views. Social media can wait!

Get up and use your breaks and stops

While on the California Zephyr, I made the mistake of not utilizing my breaks. If you are traveling solo via train for two days or more, I recommend using those fresh air stops. Your body needs to stretch and get some sunlight. Also, it is fantastic to see different stops along the routes.

Don’t let the long hours dissuade you

Since the U.S is a large country, the most scenic Amtrak train rides can be 35 to 52 hours long. However, do not let the travel time stop you from taking the trip. With your activities and taking the time to relax it flies by quickly.

What you need to know when traveling solo via train booking with Amtrak 

Roomette price is technically for two people

Roomettes can be shared! My sister and I rode the Amtrak Coast Starlight together from LA to Seattle and booked a roomette. Though I can admit, it isn’t the most comfortable setup when traveling with another person. It felt a bit snug for us! But it is not impossible.

Be sure to register for the Amtrak rewards

I’m a big supporter of occurring points to get travel rewards. Amtrak has its rewards program like Delta, American Airlines, and other aircraft carriers. It is in your best interest to register before you go. A scenic train ride can amass hundreds of points. 

You can’t choose your room

With a few scenic train rides under my belt, I never picked my room. I am unsure how Amtrak decides which car you stay in during the trip. It may be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Yet, I do not think this is a big deal for solo train travelers or anyone else unless you have access needs. A simple fix to observe sights on the opposite side of the train is to sit in the observation car.

Amtrak solo train travel isn’t as bad as you think

For me, solo train travel has completely reignited my love for traveling. There is something relaxing about being on a train and going along for the ride. Amtrak’s roomette option is costly, but it is my go-to from now on when I can afford it.

I also like that you do not have to plan much on a solo scenic train ride.  I could sightsee from my roomette bed if I wanted to. The only thing I needed to coordinate was my transportation, including my room and board on the train. 

Thus, if you have the opportunity to ride the train solo, I say go for it! Yes, the delays and small talk with strangers can be annoying. However, I think it is a unique travel experience you can only get on a train ride. So make your ride an overnight one if you dare!

Are you interested in catching the train to New Orleans? Then, check out my solo travel guide to New Orleans .

Like this guide? Save & share for later below!

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

Black Solo Female Travel Guide: A Solo Trip to San Diego

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Great thanks to you for all this valuable info. I haven’t traveled by train for over 20 years but you got my heart started with excitement to do it.

You’re welcome! I have many more posts coming so stay tuned.

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12 Best Girls Trip Destinations Worldwide

Planning a weekend getaway, or perhaps a well-deserved vacation with the girls? check out these 12 best girls’ trip destinations worldwide. From laid back jungles to cosmopolitan cities, these places are amazing locations for a fun holiday with friends.

Rail Transport Is The Eco-Friendly Way To Travel. This article is written to educate about Train Travel by Save A Train, The  Cheapest Train Tickets Website  In The World.

1. girls weekend getaway to amsterdam.

Picturesque canals, cafes in small, charming alleys, and a great relaxed atmosphere, Amsterdam is a wonderful girls’ weekend destination in Europe. The cute canals are all adorned with colorful blossoms in May, the streets are lively, and the cafes are full of laughter, which adds to the Dutch city’s charm.

If you are not a relaxing group of ladies, you could rent bikes, and explore the city like locals. Moreover, when tired of the city, you could bike or ride the train to the nearby town and even the flower market for an amazing photoshoot in the tulip fields or the windmills for a great picnic. Bottom line, Amsterdam has a lot of things to do, and ideas for a great girls’ city break .

Brussels to Amsterdam Trains

London to Amsterdam Trains

Berlin to Amsterdam Trains

Paris to Amsterdam Trains

2. Best Girls Ski Trip To The Austrian Alps

If you have always wanted to experience an active holiday in the enchanting Austrian Alps, then a ski trip to Salbaach is the ideal option for you. Grab your besties, on an unforgettable trip in the snowy breathtaking Alps. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you could stay in a cozy and eco-friendly cabin, sipping on wine, as you chat the night away reminiscing on other fantastic girls’ trips taken together.

Moreover, the Austrian Alps are a fantastic girls’ trip destination thanks to their secluded location. The Alps are grand and vast, offering plenty of secluded spots and various types of accommodation, where it will only be you and your gal pals, many kilometers away from any interruptions, loud groups, and tourists. This way, you can benefit the most from the amazing landscape and the girls’ quality time.

Munich to Hallstatt Trains

Innsbruck to Hallstatt Trains

Passau to Hallstatt Trains

Rosenheim to Hallstatt Trains

3. Girls Trip To Las Vegas

Thrilling, colorful, mysterious, Las Vegas is famous for its parties, grandiose bashes, and lights. While most visitors come for the city lights and the promise of a never-ending party, Las Vegas is a great girls’ trip destination.

In addition to Vegas’ fun vibes, there are great places to visit nearby and admire some of the world’s most breathtaking views . For instance, you and the girls could go up to the 7 magic mountains and the Valley of Fire. From hiking to taking in the desert views and silence, this trip will elevate your girls’ weekend to Las Vegas to a completely different level.

4. Best Girls Trip Destinations Worldwide: Bali

The closest you will ever get to nature at its wildest and most serene form, Indonesia is a magnificent destination for a girls’ trip. From the magical monkey forest and temples in Bali to the beaches of Bali and turquoise waters, Indonesia has something amazing to offer to any group of friends traveling together.

In addition to exploring the fascinating Indonesian culture in Ubud, you will have a blast trekking up to Mount Batur. So, while most travel to Bali to relax in a marvelous villa, you can also experience the adventurous side of Bali with your besties from some of the most unforgettable points in Indonesia.

Afternoon tea or cocktails with a view, vintage or high-end posh shopping, London has got it all for the perfect girls’ trip. One of the fun cities in Europe, London is an amazing weekend getaway destination, for little girls’ fun. In Addition to a great selection of rooftop bars, boutique, and cultural events, the city is absolutely beautiful.

Therefore, there are plenty of colorful and lively spots to take snaps of your amazing girls’ trip and spread the fun on social media. So, pack your best bags, and bring an extra for all the shopping and memories you are going to bring back from London.

Amsterdam To London Trains

Paris to London Trains

Berlin to London Trains

Brussels to London Trains

6. A Girls Trip To Paris

The fashion capital of the world is a favorite among the world’s ladies. Paris is the quintessential girls’ trip destination worldwide, for shopping, sightseeing, nightlife, and patisserie for dessert. Everything in Paris is better, magical, and unforgettable.

So, be ready to spend at least a week on your girls’ trip to Paris, when the first two days will be for classic sightseeing and the rest for special things you can only do. For instance, you can visit the Louvre in the morning, have a picnic in Tuileries Garden for lunch, Moulin Rouge in the evening, and cabaret club for the after-party. Whether it is your first trip to Paris or fifth, but this time with your gals, a trip to Paris is always a good idea.

Amsterdam to Paris Trains

London to Paris Trains

Rotterdam to Paris Trains

Brussels to Paris Trains

7. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Sandy beaches, colorful places and villages, and Italian food , nothing beats a holiday on Amalfi Coast. Thus, a girls’ trip to the Italian Riviera is one of the best options for a summer vacation in Italy.

So, if you are planning a girls’ trip to Italy, Capri or Positano are excellent choices to stay in Amalfi. You could rent a fabulous villa by the beach, or a cute little house overlooking the Mediterranean if you prefer living like a local. To conclude, Amalfi Coast has great weather, views, rentals, and food for a great girls’ trip in Italy.

Milan to Rome Trains

Florence to Rome Trains

Venice to Rome Trains

Naples to Rome Trains

8. Best Girls Trip Destinations Germany: Berlin

Trendy, easy-going, and fun, Berlin is an amazing destination for the long-awaited girls’ trip to Europe. Berlin is the fashion and party capital of Germany, where your wildest dreams come true. So, whether you are traveling for a bachelorette party, gal pals’ weekend, or a birthday trip with your besties, you will have an absolute blast in Berlin.

Vintage shopping at The Bergmannkiez, art galleries, drinks at Madame Claude, are just a few of the great things you can do on your girls’ trip to Berlin. These are great options if your gang is keen on thrills and taking the best Berlin has to offer. However, if you’re mind is set on relaxation, then there are plenty of amazing spas in Berlin, for some relaxation and wine with the girls on your 48 hours escapade to Berlin.

Frankfurt to Berlin Trains

Leipzig to Berlin Trains

Hanover to Berlin Trains

Hamburg to Berlin Trains

While it is not as touristic as Santorini, Mykonos is a hot travel destination in Greece. So, if you have a birthday coming up, get your gang together for an extraordinary weekend in sunny Mykonos. With great beaches, postcard-like views, and streets, Mykonos is a dreamy girls’ trip destination.

Party on a yacht, sun-bath on the rooftop of your villa, or stroll around the old part of the island, Mykonos has something to offer for everyone. Isolate Agios beach, cobbled streets , and hidden cafes are just a few of the things to discover in Mykonos. Despite the greek island’s petit size, there are many spots for memorable group pics that will capture your amazing time together.

Famous for its pubs and nightlife, Dublin is a fantastic girls’ trip destination. Bar hopping, food, or city walking tour are only a few of the fun ways you can explore the great big city of Dublin. On the contrary, you could explore all of Dublin’s hidden gems on your own

If you choose independent exploration, then starting with a brunch at the Pepper Pot, followed by shopping at the Powerscourt Centre, and closing the day with cocktails at Farrier & Draper , is an example of a great day in Dublin. Thus, if you have never been to Dublin, and wish to celebrate a special event with the girls, Dublin will be an excellent choice.

11. Best Girls Trip Destinations Worldwide: Porto, Portugal

Overlooking Douro River, or by the sandy coast, the cute little cafes in Porto are waiting to welcome you and your girlfriends. Porto’s location and vibes make it a great destination for a girlfriends’ summer trip to Portugal. Porto is famous for the chilled atmosphere, where the morning stretches slowly into brunch, and into a lazy afternoon.

Nonetheless, Porto is home to many creative minds , so as you are strolling through the streets, you will come across many galleries and art installations. Then, change into your party outfit and go to the streets of Rua da Galeria de Paris and Rua de Candido dos Reis, for some great dancing. To conclude, Porto is a vibrant and young Portuguese city, ideal for a 48-hours or a very long lazy girlfriends’ weekend in Porto.

The international Swiss city is an amazing location for a girls’ trip, whether you are planning a short weekend stay or extending your trip to a whole week. Located on the lake, with the Swiss Alps surrounding it , Zurich can be perfect for an active holiday, or a relaxing weekend with the girls. The lake is so vast, that you will have plenty of space for a boat ride or swimming.

Moreover, the surrounding mountains provide plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints of the wonderful lake and town. So, if you fancy a picnic or a group hike, you are traveling to the right place, because Zurich has got it all, and although the city is a popular destination all year round, the location and surroundings provide many spots for moments of solitude and serenity.

Interlaken to Zurich Trains

Lucerne to Zurich Trains

Bern to Zurich Trains

Geneva to Zurich Trains

We at  Save A Train will be delighted to help you plan a trip to these 12 Best Girls Trip Destinations Worldwide.

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10 Tips for Safe Solo Female Train Travel in India

Mastering solo female travel india: by train..

One of my favourite things about India is the train travel.

Planning a trip to India as a (solo) female traveller there are plenty of articles and blog posts out there about safety tips for women. What I couldn’t find much information on, however, was train travel for solo females. What was solo female train travel in India like? Was it safe? What should I do to minimise hassle?

I’d travelled to India and used the trains before, but as part of a group on a tour.

For general train travel advice – including how to book a seat online via the foreign tourist quota –  read my post about Booking Train Travel in India here . 

I was trying to get a sense of what class I should travel, and what should I do to make sure I was travelling in a safe way. But I couldn’t find much advice available that was specific to solo female train travel in India.

Hence this post in the hope that it may help other women looking to travel solo and take trains in India.

What’s different about Solo Female Train Travel in India?

Why all the fuss about solo female travel in India?

There are many discussions that take place about the safety of travel in India for solo females (or indeed females in small groups e.g. pairs), because the truth is it’s not always the easiest of places to navigate as a female traveller. Travelling alone as a woman is not the norm, particularly outside of cosmopolitan areas, and as a result you will draw attention in what is still a male-dominated society. How much attention and what sort of attention is partly within your control and I’ll cover in the tips below.

During my recent trip to India I spent 7 weeks travelling around Rajasthan, Mumbai, Delhi and Uttarakhand. I took over 10 train journeys, all of them solo. I learned a few things about solo female train travel in India.

To summarise, train travel is safe, even for solo female travellers, and we should not be put off it. But we do need to think a bit more than we would at home before acting. The advice is directed at Solo Female Travellers but can just as much apply to women travelling as part of a small group of female travellers.

Solo Female Train Travel in India Tips

Be prepared to attract attention..

You will draw attention as a woman travelling alone, and especially if you don’t look Indian. And in general, the lighter your skin and hair, the more attention you will draw. There are things you can do to minimise the attention and  type of attention, but you will still be stared at. Staring is not considered rude, so it’s something that you’ll have to accept. Do not directly return male stares as this is considered an invitation. Sunglasses can be really helpful for this! A smile and a polite sideways head nod at ladies generally goes down well and helps make new friends.

Dressing conservatively / covering up will help minimise attention to some extent. That means wearing loose fitting clothing that covers your legs and arms down to your elbows. Generally I subscribe to the ‘when in Rome’ theory and found that wearing an Indian Kurta (tunic) or Salwar Kameez (loose fitting tunic and trouser suit) was viewed favourably. On occasions though I did feel that I was attracting more attention for being dressed in an Indian way as a foreigner, so this is for you to decide. Even if deciding to stick with western style clothing, a scarf (dupatta) draped backwards across your chest can be very helpful – this is taken to be a sign of modesty.

Get a Local Sim card for your Phone.

This was probably the number one piece of advice I was given for travel in India by myself. Getting a sim card in India is a bit of a mission, but is definitely worth the effort. You can check out Global Gallivanting’s post about how to get a sim card in India here .

The main point about having a local sim is you can use google maps (and thereby thwart any efforts to take you on un-necessary detours), call hotels, liaise with drivers picking you up, etc. It’s just a good safety net to have. It also helped me a lot in terms of staying connected and sharing blog posts as the wifi is still not great in India. In many places you’ll be better off using the 3G.

Plan your Train Travel in advance.

As a solo female traveller, you want to avoid looking lost/confused in public. You’ll find you get much less hassle if you look confident (even if you’re not feeling it) and look as if you know where you’re going.

Train travel in India is not a turn-up-and-go affair so book tickets well in advance . If you’re not sure where to go at the station, paying a porter to help you with your bag (the going rate is usually 100Rs per bag) can be a good tactic as the porters know which platforms all the trains leave from and where your coach will stop if you show them your ticket.

Anyone coming up to you on the platform and asking to see your ticket may be a scammer (there are particularly reports of this in Delhi ) who will tell you your ticket is not valid / your train has been cancelled and you need to buy another one from their travel agency (surprise surprise). This did not happen to me, but I’ve read stories about it – so be aware and don’t show your ticket to anyone apart from the ticket inspector on the train.

Times of Travel & How to Arrange Train Station Pickups.

Some other advice I was given was to avoid arriving in a new place after dark (or before day break). Which makes perfect sense and sounds all very well until you look at the Indian Railways train schedule, where most trains seem to arrive and depart in the middle of the night. I had one train that arrived at 4am for example, and another at 5am. I had yet another train that was due to leave at 1am.

In those cases I would recommend: pre-organising a pickup from your hotel or guest house (always have at least one night booked in advance for any new place you go). Some hotels will pick you up for free, some for a small charge. Always make a note of the hotel & drivers number and arrange a meeting spot in advance – you can then call them from your local Indian sim to check you’re being picked up by the right person. Ask them to approach you by name or carry a sign so you know it’s them.

If you don’t want to be travelling by taxi / auto rickshaw in the dark an alternative would be to wait at (inside) the railway station until it gets light. Railway Stations always have plenty of staff around, police, and at least one person (the station master) speaks English.

If your train is scheduled to depart in the middle of the night  check it is running on time before leaving your hotel.  I learned the hard way with this one! I turned up at midnight for my 1am train only to find out it was delayed by 10 hours. My rickshaw had already left, and after trying a couple of hotels no-one was answering the phone at that time. I stayed the night in the train station where there were plenty of locals doing the same thing, but I would not wish this experience on anyone. A ‘ train running status check ‘ could have saved me the sleepless night.

Which Class should I Travel?

There are mixed views on this one. I took most of my train journeys in 3AC (Three-Tier AC) class. For me, that was a compromise between cost and comfort. Generally the advice is that higher class of travel = less hassle = better for female travellers. Personally, I’m not sure that wealth is necessarily the best indication of character.

I was warned by many people not to take ordinary non-AC sleeper class, so I didn’t take it this time. But travellers I have spoken to who have travelled in non-AC ‘Sleeper’ as part of a couple or with friends have said that they found it fine (if basic and grimy) and did not experience any hassle.

If it’s your first time travelling in India solo then I’d recommend to start with 2AC or 3AC and then decide if you want to go for more adventurous classes from there rather than throw yourself in at the deep end. You can find more about the classes of travel in my general India Train Travel post here .  Bedding is provided in the AC classes so the sheets are also handy for covering yourself up more.

My Golden Rule for Female Travellers

If you only take one thing from this post let it be this: try and get the upper-most bunk.

On the upper most bunk you are out of reach of prying eyes and hands. On all my train journeys I only had one dodgy encounter, and that was when I had been allocated the lower bunk. In case you request the Upper Berth but are assigned to a different one, you can always request one of your (male) fellow passengers to switch with you. Usually people are willing to do so.

Families and Ladies Travelling are your (new) Friends.

Train Travel is how most Indian families get around. Many will be curious about you, many speak (at least a bit of) English, and it’s a great way to make new friends and find some allies to look out for you. If you find yourself surrounded by would-be male admirers at a station, my favourite tactic is to spot some women or families and go and sit right next to them with a smile. They will understand!

On long train journeys I met some wonderful families, and groups of kids who wanted to entertain my with their card tricks – not only did it make the experience of train travel more fun, and did I make some new friends, but it also made the time pass quicker!

Food on Trains – Should I Eat It?

I often get asked about whether or not to eat the food on Indian Trains. The answer to this really depends on how sensitive your stomach is and how hungry you are! I’ve eaten railway food a few times and had no issues, but I know that other people avoid it. If you are not yet used to Indian food or have a sensitive tum, you’ll be better off bringing your own food.

If buying bottled water or drinks on trains always check that the seal is in tact, as anywhere else. Train food will definitely not win any michelin – stars whether you decide to sample it or not! Personally, I always stick with vegetarian options throughout India, and home-made food in India is always the best .

Remember to bring your Confidence Along for the Ride.

Much of solo female travel in India is about acting confident and being assertive. If someone is trying to cheat you, touch you, or generally do something that you don’t want them to do, the best thing to do about it is shout loudly, make a fuss and shame them in public.

In queues (lines) for trains / buses / ATMs do not be afraid to use your elbows and tell people no if they try to jump in front of you. It is also allowed for ladies to ‘push in’ – at ATMs there are separate lines for women, or just confidently head straight to the front. Act confident and like you know where you are going (even if you have no idea!) and far fewer people will hassle you.

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Sit Back and Enjoy the Journey.

Letting go and realising that I couldn’t control everything going according to plan was one of my biggest learnings travelling in India.

As solo female travellers in India, we can do whatever we can to keep ourselves safe, but it would also be a mistake to let our travels be completely taken over with safety concerns. Like most places in the world, 95% of people are good, friendly, honourable and trustworthy and will want to help you on your travels.

So once you’ve done your due diligence, sit back, relax, and enjoy what Incredible India has in store!

Have you travelled by train as a (solo) female traveller in India? Do you have additional tips to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below! 

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Jessica Zalewski - Adventurer by Train

How can you arrange your life to make living possible?

The benefits will outweigh the fear.

Many women reading this article will recognize the societal threat that “solo female travel is scary.” They will have heard numerous times that they “shouldn’t be on their own.”  Jessica Zalewski has heard it over and over again, but has decided that as a strong woman, she can make safe, smart choices for herself AND still live the life she longs for. Her recent foray into solo train travel shows proof of her choice to live for adventure rather than fear.

Though Jessica spent significant time in Massachusetts earning her bachelor’s degree from Smith College in History and French and a Marketing MBA from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, she missed living in Wisconsin and near Lake Michigan. Milwaukee felt like the right-sized city, and the Racine Art Museum became her work home for 19 years. As a photographer, Jessica enjoyed the beautiful lake surroundings and community work that southeastern Wisconsin offered.  As time went by and her passions grew, she focused her career toward photography , pet care, and social media marketing so that she could spend more time hiking and solo traveling. With that change came opportunities to grow like walking over 20 miles on summer solstice, taking a trip to walk the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, and utilizing both walking and public transportation to really enrich her travel experience. Jessica has most recently taken to solo train travel to explore the country at a slower pace, allowing more time for reflection, photography, and personal growth.

We at Strong Girls Travel love not only Jessica’s tenacity in moving forward into a new career, but also her reasons for doing so. When Jessica decided she wanted her life to look different, she made the conscious choice to make it happen. She remembers, “I started rearranging my life over a period of time to get there.” So many times, women feel “stuck” in where they are and don’t feel the freedom to make the necessary changes for a satisfied life. Jessica knew that health insurance and financial logistics would be hurdles - but not impossible ones. She just knew she wanted to travel and experience more of life that the world had to offer.

She would have to arrange her circumstances to make things happen and not use her current situation as excuses to not move forward.

When I asked Jessica how she goes about making those changes, she said that she first takes an idea, and then does the research on how she can make it happen. But even more important than that, she states that she first had to “not look at my salary or wage as the estimate of my value.” Jessica had to learn to place her value not in a company’s decision of how much to pay her, but in other elements such as levels of empathy, sympathy, self-worth, and awareness of the world and needs around her. Once she started to value herself apart from what a pay stub stated, she could start reducing expenses to find more value in herself.  Deciding what was truly a “need” versus a “privilege” allowed her the room to grow and prioritize what was necessary for a richer life.

Jessica admits that rearranging one’s life to fit your personal goals is not always easy. Money and resources will always be an issue that must be tackled pragmatically. She also realizes that health can be a concern as we plan. Jessica has had health issues delay her plans before, too. However, instead of using that cancellation to drag her down emotionally, she chose to rearrange her trip and give herself something to look forward to. Choosing to remain flexible in your plans allows you to evaluate what is really important. But ultimately, Jessica reminds us that if we want our lives to look different, “How can you arrange your life to make it possible?” Question what is important and whittle down the rest.

Many of us also know the hesitancy that comes with solo traveling or taking a leap to change our lives. Jessica says, “Don’t wait too long. Someday might not come.”  If it is important enough to you now, prioritize making it happen. As women, we’re often taught to be afraid of travel and of being on our own. However, we know that we can make safe, smart choices and use our knowledge to help each other out.  Jessica’s tip for us here is to “act like you know what you’re doing.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who’ve done it before, but don’t let fear tell you that you’re incapable.

Where will we see Jessica next? She has more solo train trips coming up this summer, including using her USA Rail pass to travel from Seattle to Milwaukee. That gorgeous trek through the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains is sure to provide her with motivation to set more goals for her new lifestyle. And Jessica teaches us not to be afraid of solo travel. She reminds us, “the benefits far outweigh the fear.”

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Disclosure: Some posts on this blog may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. This is so I can support my traveling habit, my special-needs dog, and this blog. “The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we may get to […]

Several events will make 2024 memorable but I’m looking forward to the quirky, fun stuff. Leap Day, a solar eclipse, an epic cicada emergence, and Smoky Bear’s 80th birthday top my list!

Through the Great Outdoors Initiative, you can purchase your Florida State Parks Annual Pass for 50% off now through January 13, 2024.

If there’s a silver lining, or pink feathery fringe, to a storm, it’s the presence of wild flamingos in Florida, and I set out to find some.

I recently had my first tent glamping experience, and it was as amazing as I hoped. I was surrounded by Mother Nature while having modern conveniences.

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Some people choose to run with the bulls. I chose to swim with the bull sharks! My experience with Florida Shark Diving out of Jupiter, Fla., was JAWESOME! I needed a little adrenaline rush in my life and this trip on April 1, 2023, yes, April Fool’s Day, was perfect.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Undeniable Romance Of Train Travel

Last updated: October 29, 2021 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments

Picture the scene. A girl runs frantically down the platform, as the conductor’s whistle blows, and the doors slide shut. She misses getting aboard by a fraction of a second, throws her hands up in the air, and retires to a railing along the edge of the platform. A nearby man raises a consoling eyebrow, and they strike up a conversation.

Years later, they tell the story of how they met, due to a microsecond of fate.

Ok, so the latter part of this conversation is fiction. I made it up as I watched someone miss their train in Italy, with my head filling in all the romantic part.

My point is that trains and train stations are undeniably romantic, a place where greetings and farewells have occurred over countless decades, and where stories like the one above have likely played out innumerable times.

So when I was recently invited to take part in a two day rail trip across the Molise region of Italy by train, naturally I was excited to do so. Partly because trains are great places to imagine stories taking place around you, however far from the original days of steam they have fallen, and partly because I’d never been to the Molise region of Italy before, so it sounded like a jolly good adventure.

Molise, for those of you not familiar with the geography of Italy, is Italy’s newest region, only formalised in 1970. It used to be part of Abruzzo, where I also travelled, and will be talking about soon.

If neither of those regions ring a bell, it’s basically on the opposite side of Italy to Rome, and is known for its dramatic landscapes of high mountains, ancient fortified villages and sparse population. The Molise region has only 300,000 inhabitants and two major towns, which means that nature is at the front and centre, along with those picturesque villages.

My trip to Molise focused around the Molise Discovery Leisure Train Tour, which offers a scenic journey through some of this regions most spectacular landscapes, all from the comfort of a “private” train.

Depending on the journey you take (programmes vary depending on the date), there are various stops at different locations, with optional activities, ranging from guided tours of the villages on the way, through to mountain biking and hiking for those of you feeling a bit more adventurous.

Our journey was no different. When given options on activities, I went with the one that would let me grab the best photos (shooting from a mountain bike generally proving to be both challenging and unwise ). And I’m going to be telling you about all of the things I did around the Molise region in an upcoming post – from discovering ancient human remains to learning about bells. But today, I want to share my thoughts on the actual train journey.

The train ride

Whilst it would have been wonderful for the train to be one of those big steam engines that captured the glory of turn of the century train travel, it turns out that there aren’t so many of those left. So we were on a train that wasn’t entirely dissimilar to any other train you might find on a regional route in Italy. If it helps, the route the train runs on dates back to 1897, so I could close my eyes and pretend the steam was flowing.

It was made up of two carriages, and even had a first class compartment, which seemed up for the taking. Given that I largely bounced from side to side trying to get the best photos of the landscape as we went, the chairs were largely irrelevant, but still.

Of course, this wasn’t an entirely standard train. It had a couple of extras that the other trains I’ve experienced in Italy haven’t offered.

First, two lovely girls constantly came up and down the train handing out regional delicacies, from cheese to wine, as well as coffee to keep us energised.

Then, a couple in traditional dress entertained us with traditional folk songs and music played on traditional instruments, whilst explaining some of the history and meaning of these, and how they related to the land around us. The hills were alive, with the sounds of music, accompanied by the gentle clack-clack of the train.

But the real star of the show was of course not the train, but the view from the train. This is high country, and the tracks which run from Sulmona to Isernia are among the highest in the country, reaching a peak of 1268 metres in altitude. That means gorgeous mountains and views of isolated villages sitting high up on mountains.

We were lucky enough to be there in Autumn, as all the colours were changing, so the mountains were green and golden. And even better, the train windows opened, letting me take all the photos I wanted with none of those nasty window reflections. Which was what I spent the great part of the journey doing – with my head out the window, hair flowing in the wind, snapping away to my hearts content. What an experience!

The jeep ride to capture the train ride

I really wanted to get some pictures of the train to add to the pictures from inside the train, of which by the end of the first day, I had many. Normally this train ride is just a day long affair, but I was lucky enough to have the luxury of two days to experience it to the max.

So on the second morning I commandeered a jeep from the local civil defence force (this seemed very logical at the time), and raced around the countryside trying to beat the train to scenic locations to grab shots of it doing things like crossing bridges and entering tunnels. Things that trains are very good at.

This largely worked out, letting me grab the shot below of the train crossing one of the more picturesque bridges on the route, for example.

Of course, nothing is stopping you from hiring a car and chasing a train. You can even make siren noises if that’s your thing. You just might prefer to sit back, enjoy the view, sup on some wine and search for the romance around you. This is Italy, so it shouldn’t be hard to find.

Or, you can get all moody and play around on the train tracks instead (note, playing around on train tracks is generally not a good idea).

And that pretty much wraps up my train journey around the Molise region! Keep your eyes peeled for the next part of this post, where I’ll be sharing my thoughts on some of the sights we visited during the excursions away from the train. Better yet, instead of peeling your eyes, use one of the options a little further down to subscribe, and save your eyes that indignity.

My journey through the gorgeous Molise region was provided courtesy of Kolidur Travel Club , who put together the itinerary and handled all the logistics. You can find out more about their tours at their site. No integrity was harmed in the making of this post.

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There are 2 comments on this post

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29th July 2018 at 5:25 am

Hi thank you for your post. i’m traying to get to the train site but it taks me to a hotel site. can you help me please to understand why?many thanks

Laurence Norah says

29th July 2018 at 7:16 pm

I did this trip a few years back and it seems that the route might not be available anymore. I will update the post to reflect this! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

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Everyday Outfit Ideas & Travel Fashion

Travel Reviews , Travel Tips · November 25, 2022

7 Best Luggage For Train Travel

Train travel is getting increasingly popular, especially in places where you can see scenic views of mountains. One of the most famous train rides is the one in Switzerland called The Glacier Express where you’ll see incredible views of the Swiss mountains and rivers. When traveling in trains, it’s difficult to carry around big luggage because of the limited space the train has. That’s why these 7 pieces of luggage are the best luggage for train travel.

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For train travel, it’s important to bring a sturdy carry on luggage. Some trains have a compartment behind the seat that fits a carry on luggage perfectly. Some might also have overhead bins that can fit your carry-on. If you need more space, bring a compact backpack or a duffel bag. If possible, try to stray way from bringing a large luggage. There is usually very limited space for storage and if there is storage area, it’s far away from your seat, leaving it hard to keep an eye on your luggage at all times.

Here are the best recommendations for the best luggage for train travel in Europe or in anywhere in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Luggage For Train Travel

1. best overall luggage for train travel: samsonite winfield 2 hardside.

The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside is selected as best overall from 3 different factors – durability, size, and ease of use.

In terms of durability, this luggage is constructed with polycarbonate, meaning it is resistant to large temperature changes and physical pressure which prevents cracks. It also has a brushed metal finish which will hide away scratches which we all know is quite inevitable when bringing your luggage in tight spaces like the train.

Secondly, the size of this makes it one of the best luggage for train travel because at 20 inches long, it’ll fit perfectly behind the train seat or in the overhead bin.

Lastly, this luggage is easy to use because it has 360 degree maneuverability, making it easy to carry around between train rides or even on the train.

There’s also a TSA lock which comes in handy.

Learn more about the Samonsite Winfield 2 Hardside luggage.

2. Best Inexpensive Luggage: Amazon Essentials Carry On

The Amazon Essentials carry-on is great for budget travelers because it’s at a very affordable pricepoint and has everything you need in a carry-on luggage. It has a scratch resistant surface and 21-inches long makes it a great size to bring on a train.

The luggage is also expandable up 15% more packing space. The wheels also roll very smoothly which is conveient for bringing around in the train.

The only con about this luggage is that it doesn’t come with a TSA lock but that can be easily fixed by purchasing your own TSA locks like these ones . The material is also not as high-quality as the Samonsite one but that’s clearly reflected in the price.

They have over 28,000 5-star reviews on Amazon .

Learn more about the Amazon Essentials Carry On luggage here.

3. Best Hardside Luggage: Away Carry-On

The Away Carry On is one of the best luggage for train travel because it’s lightweight, stratch-resistant, contains a water-resistant laundry bag, has interior compression, built-in TSA lock, and 360 degree wheels.

The luggage is made out of polycarbonate which is a hard material that can withstands lots of weight and is flexible.

The laundry bag and compression pad comes in very handy because these two things can really help you save space. Especially if you’re only carrying a carry on luggage on your train trip, it’s important to get a luggage that can fit as much as possible.

Learn more about the Away Carry-On.

4. Best Softside Luggage: TravelPro Plantinum Elite Carry-On

The TravelPro Carry-On is the best softside luggage for train travel because of it’s buttery smooth roll, built-in powerbank pocket, removable quart size pocket for toiletries, and suiter packs that packs clothes wrinkle-free. Not to mention, there are a huge amount of pockets on the outside which is perfect for storing smaller items.

The TravelPro brand is known to have the best wheels and produces the smoothest glide. This specific TravelPro luggage is highly-rated because it has an incredible number of pockets which are so useful to compartmentalize all your belongings.

Learn more about the TravelPro Plantinum Elite Carry-On.

5. Best Overall Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack

The Monos Metro Backpack has the perfect combination of functionality and amazing design, making it one of the best luggage for train travel.

This backpack is actually a 2-in-1 piece. The front small piece can be detached and used as a smaller bag to carry other things if needed.

At first look, this backpack doesn’t seem like it’ll hold a lot of things but if we take a deeper look at the interior, you’ll quickly know that’s not true. There’s a laptop compartment, a shoe compartment, a small back hidden pocket to store things like your phone or passport, a water privacy compartment to store dirty or wet items, zippered pouch, and a few extra pockets inside.

There’s also a trolley sleeve which lets you place the backpack securely over your suitcase handle. This will help lift weight off your shoulders especially when you’re getting to your train.

Learn more about the Monos Metro Backpack.

6. Best Inexpensive Backpack: Coowoz Carry On Backpack

This is a great cheaper alternative to the Monos Metro Backpack . It has a shoe compartment, a water-resistant wet bag, a laptop compartment, and 3 main pockets. The shoe compartment opens up from the bottom so it’s separate from the rest of the pockets. There’s also a built-in USB charging port and a back anti-theft zipper pocket.

The back also has a trolley sleeve which allows the backpack to be conveiently placed on top of the luggage. There are additional zippers on the outside for more storage.

The back of the backpack is padded so it’s more comfortable to carry. The size is also great to fit underneath seats or in the overhead bin. The backpack is made of durable waterproof polyester.

They have over 400+ 5-star reviews on Amazon .

Learn more about Coowoz Carry On Backpack.

7. Best Overall Duffel Bag: Amazon Travel Duffel Bag

This duffle bag may look very simple from the outsdie but it can fit a ton. It contains 4 internal pockets and has 2 external pockets. Inside, there’s a wet pocket, a zipped pocket, a mesh pocket, and a main pocket.

It’s water resistant, has double zippers, and has adjustable shoulder straps.

They have over 18,000 5-star reviews on Amazon . With that many highly-rated reviews, it’s easy to tell why this is one of the best luggage for train travel.

Learn more about this Travel Duffle Bag.

Read more: Now you know which luggages are best for you train travel, check out some little-known airline hacks in case your trip also involves plane travel!

FAQ: Best Luggage For Train Travel

What is the best luggage for europe train travel.

The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside is the best overall because of its smooth gliding wheels, durability, size, and ability to hold a ton of items inside. The best softside luggage for train travel in Europe is the TravelPro Plantinum Elite Carry-On because of its durability, extremely smooth wheels, and has many pockets to store all your belongings.

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Meet the Female Train Conductors Who Kept On Chugging Throughout the Pandemic

In a male-dominated railway industry, our latest travel inspiration comes from these pioneering female train drivers, making strides and going viral on Instagram in the process.

Most mornings, 31-year-old Saskia Hjaltason gets up at the crack of dawn and goes to the railroad yard to get her Lint 41 railcar ready for the day ahead. A train driver for the Danish Lokaltog railway line, Hjaltason loves every aspect of her job: the views out her window as she drives through the islands that make up Copenhagen and toward the beaches of North Zealand; the sense of staying in motion; and the knowledge that she is responsible for operating the 61-ton machine that gets hundreds of travelers to and from work every single day.

“I really like nature and especially like that you can see the four seasons,” says Hjaltason, who was a train driver in the Netherlands before moving to Denmark. “You can drive in the spring and see flowers. When there’s snow, everything is white and quiet. It is like back in the days when you were in class and you would look out the window and [be told] that you can’t earn your money looking out the window. Actually, you can.”

Train driving has, for generations, been an almost entirely masculine profession. While women have been well-documented in railway administration and telecommunication since the end of the nineteenth century, the once heavily manual work of operating a steam engine meant that driving the train was often relegated to “men’s work.” Both through direct bans and indirect discrimination, train driving has been kept out of reach for even the fittest of women up until very recently — Karen Harrison became the first female train driver in Britain in 1978.

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For many women, this profession is the natural realization of a lifelong dream and a love of travel. Born in Istanbul, 37-year-old Güler Bara n received a toy train as a gift from her father when she was three years old. After graduating with a degree in industrial electronics from Sakarya University, Baran became a driver for Turkish State Railways (TCDD) and drives a 4,000-person passenger train from Istanbul to the Kocaeli province and back.

“ I love travelling and I am always keen on learning about different cultures, languages, traditions and cuisines,” Kaur said. “A year ago, I started travelling by myself and explored a few of the Asian countries and the Pacific Islands. Then suddenly COVID-19 struck and changed our lives. We are blessed to be working in a sector that is still functioning amidst the pandemic.”

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While the pandemic has greatly diminished the number of train travelers in Turkey and provided additional challenges with having to drive in masks for long stretches of time, it has also allowed Baran to see the diversity of her home country through the prism of its railway system. She, too, started an Instagram account to capture all the sights she gets to experience from her driver’s seat — snow-covered buildings of Istanbul in December, tracks going through the sea of Marmara from the European side of Turkey to its Asian side, a dog who wandered the railway and refused to leave even after the train came to a halt.

“Female passengers applaud when they see me, men are confused,” Baran says. “[…] If a woman wants, she can achieve everything.”

Travel Patrol

Interested in traveling? See the world with a Travel Patrol

Brownies and their leaders travel with Global Action volunteers for immersive, age-appropriate introductory travel experiences. Troop leaders/adults attend Brownie trips.

Older girls travel with Global Action volunteers, set their itinerary, learn about the location, and gain travel savvy skills through hands-on pre-trip planning meetings.

All Girl Scouts follow a  Progression Chart of Age-Appropriate Travel experiences  designed to build confidence, girl-led decision making and travel savvy.

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Brownie Travel Patrol – Train Ride Day Trip

Levels: Brownies Dates: 1/20/2025 (Level 2 trip) Learning  how to travel is part of the Global Girl Scouting experience, and Brownies can start training for travel … with a group train ride! Along with their leaders and Global Action Team volunteers, Girl Scout Brownies will practice smart travel, make new friends and experience a bit of culture and history as they travel from the historic Santa Ana Train Station to the San Juan Capistrano Mission! Troop adults attend to learn travel trips. Interest List REGISTRATION (opening soon!)

San Francisco Travel Patrol

Levels: 5th grade Juniors / 6th grade Cadettes Dates: April 12 - 14, 2024 - Annually, Spring (Level 4 trip)

Includes all activities, tours, meals, transportation, lodging with Girl-led planning.  Girls plan the trip and travel with Global Action Team volunteers. Interest List REGISTRATION

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Levels: 7th grade Cadettes - Ambassadors Dates: February 21 - 25, 2025 (Level 5 trip) Includes Girl-led planning meetings

Plan a 5-day group travel, including budgeting, time management and solutions for the unexpected. The trip includes a visit to the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, activities, tours, meals, transportation, lodging with Girl-led planning. Girls plan the trip and travel with Global Action Team volunteers Interest List REGISTRATION

Presidential Inauguration Travel Patrol, Washington DC

Levels: Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassador Dates: 1/17/2025 – 1/21/2025 - Every 4 years, election (Level 5 trip) Includes Girl-led planning meetings. Stand on the National Mall to witness the next President of the United States take the oath of office and deliver the inaugural address. The trip also includes activities, tours, meals, transportation, lodging with Girl-led planning. Girls plan the trip and travel with Global Action Team volunteers. Interest List REGISTRATION

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Levels: Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors Dates: 6/26/2025 - 7/3/2025 Register by: 1/24/2025 (Level 5 trip) Travel with Girl Scouts of Orange County to New York! New York City is one of the most dynamic and diverse places in the world, making it an ideal trip for Girl Scout level 5 travel progression for Girl Scouts! From cultural events and inclusive communities to world-class museums and iconic attractions, NYC has activity options for every interest. GSOC Travel Patrol offers guidance through pre-trip planning meetings as girls work together to learn expert travel skills, budget time & funds and customize seven adventurous days in New York City! Includes Girl-led planning meetings. Interest List REGISTRATION

Girl Scout Convention & More!

Levels: Cadette, Senior, Ambassador Dates: tbd summer 2026 - Every 3 years (Level 5 trip) Includes Girl-led planning meetings  Connect with some of the world’s most influential women hosted by Girl Scouts of the USA. Be a part of the largest girl-led, in-person gathering of Girl Scouts that only happens every three years (various locations) and a National Bridging Ceremony. A Phenom(enal) Trip following the National Council Session; continue the adventure by exploring local sights! Girls plan the trip and travel with Global Action Team volunteers. Interest List REGISTRATION (opening soon!)

International World Center Travel Patrol

Ages: 16 and older Dates: Winter 2025/2026 - Every 2-3 years (Level 6 trip) Includes Girl-led planning meetings. Be a part of this magnificent opportunity to travel around the world to the World Centre in Sangam, India.  Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to stop at either Pax Lodge, England or Our Chalet, Switzerland enroute to India and learn about the WAGGGS Organization. Girls plan the trip and travel with Global Action Team volunteers.  To be eligible for this Travel Patrol, we recommend Girl Scouts attend two of the three prior travel patrol trips i.e. San Francisco, Savannah, GA, Girl Scout Convention and/or New York. Interest List REGISTRATION (opening soon!)

Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors can join by filling out this  interest form .

GSOC Travel Patrol Events and FAQs Girl Scout Destinations

Not a Girl Scout yet? It's easy to join to get access to these amazing trips.

Destinations fill up quickly, so get your application in today!

Why is there an application process for Destinations?

Destinations are the ultimate Girl Scout travel experience. Each Destination is made up of a group of Girl Scouts who are passionate about the experience and have the prior travel experience to make their participation a success. Your application helps tell the Destination host that you’re ready to take this step, and exactly why this is the best Destination for you. (Plus, it’s good practice for the college and job applications coming in your future!)

I am a parent or troop leader. Can I attend a Destination with my Girl Scout?

Destinations are for Girl Scouts who already have some travel experience and are ready to take an independent journey. The Girl Scout councils and partners planning these trips have the adult chaperone roles covered; parents and troop leaders may not attend.

Can my troop sign up for a Destination?

Destinations are designed for individual Girl Scouts, with a range of options to help every Girl Scout find the trip that really sparks their interest. Troops interested in planning a trip should check out the Group Travel page for opportunities. [LINK]

Does Girl Scouts of the USA run these trips?

No. Each Destination trip has a “host,” which is either a Girl Scout council or a Girl Scout partner. Girl Scouts apply for Destinations, and if accepted, they enroll with that host organization. Girl Scouts of the USA does not organize or run any Destinations.

Who can answer my questions about the itinerary or trip details?

Look on each Destination page for the “host” information; that contact can answer your questions about their trip.

These seem amazing, but also expensive. How do Girl Scouts pay for Destinations?

Through Girl Scouts of the USA’s D-Pass grant program, more than one-third of Girls Scouts who enroll on Destinations receive a financial grant from their local council. Check with your local council about grant availability. Many Girl Scout councils also allow Girl Scouts to use proceeds from the cookie program and fall product sale to support participation, and there may be opportunities to link up with other Destination participations for some group money earning. Destination participants also often work at part-time jobs to finance their participation.

How can I create a Destination?

Girl Scout councils have the opportunity to propose new Destinations each year in late winter or early spring. Get in touch with your local council if you have a hosting idea.

From local day trips to traversing the globe, discover quick getaways and road trips.

Introducing Trusted Travel Girl Trips ! Designed with female solo travelers in mind, these once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences provide the chance to join Valerie (THE Trusted Travel Girl) on exclusive trips to some of her favorite destinations.

TTG Trips will offer up all the elements of a perfect travel experience: cultural immersion, connecting with locals, great food, adventure, elevated experiences, picture-perfect backdrops, and like-minded travelers!

These thoughtfully curated small group trips are created with you in mind! The ease of a group trip will help you absorb the most from your destination and travel experience, while making the trip hassle-free and easier than doing it on your own!

All destinations, activities, hotels, and experiences are carefully chosen by Valerie— a travel expert and full-time traveler. Valerie has been helping travelers with her expert tips and destination guides since 2013. She has been featured in Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, on BBC, CNN and more!

May 14-May 22, 2022

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SOLD OUT IN 1 DAY. April 14-22, 2022

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November 11-18, 2021

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Join like-minded adventurers and make life long friends on our immersive group trips to some major bucket-list destinations!

​ Get more updates on group trips by signing up here!

WELCOME TO travel fashion  girl

For over 10 years, Travel Fashion Girl has helped women travel carryon only in a stylish and efficient way. We empower female travelers with the confidence to live fearlessly, embrace style, and collect moments, not things.

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Thank you so much for signing up for your FREE PRINTABLE PACKING TRAVEL CHECKLIST! Please check your emails (including your Junk folder) for further information. Safe & stylish travels 🙂 alex, Travel Faashion Girl

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hi there!  I’M ALEX

In 2008, I quit my job in the fashion industry when the economic crash upended my life and altered my path completely. 

I worked for a very large corporation that produces some of the largest fashion events in the world. I had been there for six years and saw no signs of stopping, wanting to continue climbing the corporate ladder and focus on my career.

By January 2008, life took an unexpected turn when layoffs started to hit. Suddenly, my boss got promoted and I was the natural choice to replace him. Instead, the company didn’t promote me but asked that I train my boss’s replacement and they demoted me.

Devastated, I decided to take a short break from my career track and travel for three months before starting a new job. I ventured out to El Salvador, Peru, and India.

I experienced the openness of other cultures and different ways of thinking, and on that last trip to India, I vowed to continue exploring other places and fell hard for travel.

Still, I wouldn’t have imagined embarking on a decade-long journey of full-time travel through over 50 countries and carrying all my worldly possessions in a suitcase. I lived on and off in places like Thailand, the UK, and Mexico.

my favorite DESTINATIONS

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As I went along, I couldn’t help noticing how hard it was to pack efficiently, let alone wear travel clothes that actually felt like myself.

So in August 2012, I started Travel Fashion Girl to document my packing struggles and open a dialogue with other women who also felt frustrated and only wanted to feel like themselves wherever they went.

Since then, I’ve launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories , a line of products aimed at female travelers’ specific needs. We have thousands of 5-star reviews and currently have plans of expanding our line.

want  TO PACK LIGHT STYLISHLY?

CHECK OUT OUR INFORMATIVE AND EASY-TO-FOLLOW GUIDE IN CREATING A STYLISH TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE

my travel  ESSENTIALS

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I’m also a frequent guest on podcasts and an international speaker. In 2023, I acquired Women’s Travel Fest, a leading travel conference that brings together an average of 400 travelers annually. Learn more about the conference here !

I have also been featured in national news outlets; including the New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah, the New York Post, the Daily Mail, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, USA Today, and live on the Fox & Friends Morning Show.

Visit the Press Page for more!

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST FOR TRAVEL TIPS FROM INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN!

I continue to share my tips and strategies for packing carryon only with women all over the world on Travel Fashion Girl.

I’ve now traveled to over 50 countries and while I continue to explore new experiences and places, my current home base is Playa del Carmen .

Read my full decade long travel story!

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A fearful flyer’s guide to train travel on the Coast Starlight

If you already had a fear of flying, this isn’t your year to travel.

First there was the pilot charged with attempting to crash a plane that was diverted to Portland International Airport. Then, of course, a door plug fell off a plane somewhere over Washington County. Since then, a number of news articles have convinced me that my flying phobia isn’t so off the mark after all.

So, last month, I spent six days roundtrip traveling via Amtrak from Portland, down to Los Angeles via the scenic Coast Starlight , and east to Houston, Texas, aboard the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited .

For all but one of the nights on the trains, I traveled first class in a sleeper car, where travelers get a private room with meals included.

My train trip cost a total of about $3,000. A roundtrip flight would have been somewhere in the range of $500.

Was it worth it? To someone with a crippling anxiety around flying, absolutely. Here’s what you can expect on a cross-country Amtrak journey, along with a few tips I learned along the way.

The biggest difference between air and rail travel is the first: the boarding experience.

As a “arrive at the airport two hours before your flight” person, I had no need to stress at the train station. Arriving 15 minutes before departure is plenty of time.

You just walk up to the train when it’s time to board and have your ticket scanned. No security check, no shoes being removed, no one looking at my luggage. I never even showed an ID. (Lest you get any ideas, a police dog did make the rounds in the Los Angeles Union Station lounge.)

The Coast Starlight route has 30 stops along 1,377 miles from Seattle to Los Angeles, cutting across the Cascade Range in Oregon, through Klamath Falls and Sacramento, and eventually traveling along the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. From Portland to L.A., travel time is about 30 hours.

The Coast Starlight’s claim to fame is its lounge car, which is open to all train passengers on a first come, no holds basis. With massive, curved windows that reach into the ceiling, it’s the best way to see the landscape.

(And a bonus for those who feel claustrophobic on planes: every large window doubles as an emergency exit.)

The train passes golf courses and prisons, orchards and oil rigs, cities and tiny towns. It’s a great way to see the country in all its diversity.

There’s a shared awe and camaraderie in the lounge car, where everyone whips out their phones in unison and others beckoning you over for the best views. Those views happen on both sides of the train. If you see a steep incline outside your window, turn around. Odds are there’s a breathtaking cliff and vista on the other side.

In Oregon, you’ll pass Willamette Falls in Oregon City and the 5th Street Public Market in downtown Eugene. In the tiny town of Westfir, you can see the Office Covered Bridge , built in 1944 across the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River, before climbing through the mountains.

There’s one section where you’ll want to plan ahead to snag a west-facing seat in the lounge car: The tracks between Santa Barbara and Ventura run right along the ocean.

Another thing about Amtrak: You can’t book a seat or a room on a specific side of the train. Because the cars are able to be pulled from either direction, the booking agent won’t be able to tell you whether you’ll be looking east or west on the day of your travel. If you don’t like your window view, check out the lounge car.

Meals in the dining car are included when you book in the sleeper car, but you can purchase them from coach. It’s $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $45 for dinner.

Each dining car booth seats four, and if there aren’t four in your party, there will be at dinner. This was my favorite part of the trip — dining with different strangers for every meal. But if that’s not for you, sleeper car travelers can also get their meals delivered to their rooms. I also heard an attendant offer to deliver meals to people in their coach seats.

Compared with airline food, train food is haute cuisine. It comes on a real plate for starters. I had fresh salads, vegetarian pasta dishes, a burger, and a fabulous blueberry cheesecake.

The trains also had cafe cars, where anyone can purchase snacks, hot meals and drinks, including alcohol. Cash and cards accepted.

First class vs. coach

If you have the resources, an upgrade to a sleeper car for multi-day trips is worth every penny. I had a roomette for much of the trip, which was just enough for a single rider but might be a tight squeeze for two, particularly if either traveler has mobility issues. The two facing seats recline to form a narrow cot; a second cot folds down from an upper bunk. Your car attendant will provide turn-down service and set up your mattress, blankets and pillows.

I spent two days in the family room of the Texas Eagle, which is designed to sleep four but is downright luxurious for one. The room spanned the entire train width and had two windows. Neither space had its own toilet or shower, but the shared facilities in the sleeper car are just fine.

I never had the opportunity to stay in a bedroom , but that comes with two beds, one window, a sink, and a tiny shower/toilet combo bathroom.

I wouldn’t recommend an overnight coach trip. While you can get up, walk around, sit at a cafe table or get some air in the lounge car, you’re ultimately going to spend an entire night trying to sleep next to a stranger.

If you plan to travel via sleeper car, book your tickets far in advance. I had difficulty finding a room for the duration of the Coast Starlight.

The Amtrak website will only allow you to book either coach or first class for the duration of your time on a train, but you might find that a room is available for a shorter segment. I was unable to book a roomette from Los Angeles to Portland, but later learned there had been a room available from Sacramento to Portland. If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, speak to an Amtrak agent by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Train culture

Plane travel is a means to an end. I find it hard to believe that anyone enjoys flying. They do it because they want to be someplace else, and that someplace is not the cabin of a Boeing 747.

Most first-class train travelers, however, are here for the journey. I met lots of retirees who had the time (and financial resources) to slow-travel the country. Some had been on the rails for weeks at a time, stopping at various cities. One fellow passenger, Linda Groover of California, told me the train was the most romantic way to travel.

“I worked for American Airlines for many years,” she said, “and I was exposed to just about every kind of flight you can imagine, including a flight around the world. But when you take a train, you see the land, you see the countryside, you meet the local people, and it’s just far more adventurous. It’s also relaxing.”

Most everyone is happy to chat ­– under the right circumstances. I had wonderful, engaging conversations with all my dining companions. But those conversations were only obligated to last a half-hour. I was reluctant to even make eye contact with the woman who was my seatmate in coach for 24 hours. No one wants to open that Pandora’s box.

What to bring

Amtrak’s website advertises “free wifi on trains!” but you need to look at the fine print to find out which trains, and those trains do not include the Coast Starlight, Texas Eagle or Sunset Limited.

Not only will you not have wifi, you often won’t have cell service.

Once you accept this, it’s actually quite freeing.

Bring a few books.

Other things to bring:

- An extension cord with multiple outlets. This is helpful in both the rooms (which come with a single outlet) and in coach, where an outlet might be on the other side of your seatmate.

- Small bills to tip the staff, especially in the sleeper car. The car attendant will turn down your bed each evening and schedule reservations for you in the dining car. There are also servers for each meal.

- Flip-flops for the shower, just like those college-dorm days. You’ll only have access to a shower in the sleeper cars, but even coach has a toilet/changing room where you’ll have space to change clothes.

- In coach, bring your own blanket and pillow. These are only provided in the sleeper cars. Wear comfortable shoes or bring slippers to put over your socks in coach. Don’t be the guy who goes shoeless. Ugh.

- Amtrak allows passengers two 50-pound carry-on bags, up to 28-by-22-by-14-inches each, plus a personal item like a briefcase or backpack, for no extra fee. If you’re taking a multi-night train ride, pack the things you’ll need in your personal bag, and either check your big luggage or stow it in the luggage racks. I learned the hard way that a large suitcase won’t fit in a roomette. An Amtrak employee recommended I check my luggage through to Portland while I was in coach so I didn’t have to worry about anyone grabbing my bag from the luggage rack during a random stop.

There’s so much to see along an Amtrak journey. You can stretch your legs either between cars or during several short stops along the way.

“ Slow travel” costs more and takes longer, but if you can’t handle the stress of flying, it’s a great alternative.

— Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Here is Oregon . Reach her at [email protected] .

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©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit oregonlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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GIRLS GETAWAY · January 31, 2024 Last Updated on April 20, 2024

THE ULTIMATE GIRLS GETAWAYS FOR 2024

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2024 is the perfect time for a girl’s getaway! Perhaps you have been putting off a trip for a while or have been trying to decide where to go for a while – well, 2024 is the year to take that trip!

Whether you are planning a girl’s getaway with your best friends or a bachelorette party or want to treat your mum or sisters to an unforgettable girls’ adventure, we have 25 great options to inspire you to take that trip and help you decide where to go.

We believe girls’ getaways are one of the best adventures you can ever go on, with so many great options in the USA, Japan, Europe and Africa and South America, from hiking trips in Patagonia, to Caribbean beach adventures and cultural getaways in Asia, there is a trip for every budget and travel style.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable 2024 girls’ getaway.

Read on to find out what destinations are included in our list of the ultimate girls’ getaways for 2024.

TOP 26 GIRLS GETAWAYS FOR 2024

1) malawi eight-day safari with travel girls getaways.

Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa, bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south, and southwest. Malawi is still relatively underrated as a tourist destination but it was voted one of the top 50 places to visit in 2020 by Travel + Leisure and was featured in Forbes as a top girls’ getaway destination.

Travel Girls Getaways by We Are Travel Girls offers affordable luxury women’s group trips to unique destinations around the world including our annual trip to Malawi. During our Malawi Safari & Charity Trip you will engage in inspirational community mentoring work, witness the beauty of rolling tea estates, and enjoy a two-night safari adventure, including a unique riverboat safari where you’ll get up close and personal with elephants, lions and crocodiles!

Your Malawi adventure will conclude with a two-day digital detox on the picturesque Mumbo Island, named one of Sunday Times ‘ Top 100 Places to Stay in 2017. This one-in-a-lifetime adventure is designed for women who want to travel with a purpose, contribute to inspiring community initiatives, and discover an off-the-beaten-path destination in Africa.

Bookings will open soon for a fall 2024 Malawi trip! To be notified when we open bookings, subscribe to our email list . 

Best Time To Visit: May to October

Book Your Malawi Getaway: Travel Girls Getaways

2) Explore A Tropical Oasis At Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana

The most celebrated name in sports recently launched Sports Illustrated Resorts with a mission to provide a vibrant, exciting, and interactive experience for their guests!

Their first hotel, Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana , is the perfect destination in the Dominican Republic for an amazing girl’s getaway! Located in the Punta Cana area of the island, this all-inclusive luxury resort provides an ideal destination for adventure lovers looking for an action-packed girls’ trip.

The resort offers one and two-bedroom villas, perfect for your girl’s group, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the marina and resort.

If your girls love adventure and thrill, you can try a motocross lesson, take on the ecological trail, go on a bike tour, and enjoy an array of water sports. For something more relaxing, you and your girls can play a round of golf, tan on the beach, or enjoy a cocktail in their expansive swimming pool.

Cap Cana is known for its high-end resorts and beautiful public beach that is dotted with palms and is popular for kitesurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Bars, restaurants, shops, and cigar lounges line the vibrant Cap Cana Marina, making it an ideal spot to explore on your girls’ getaway in the Dominican Republic.

The next Sports Illustrated Resort will be opening in Orlando, Florida soon . Subscribe to SI Resorts to be notified when they open new hotel destinations!

Best Time To Visit: November to April

Book Your Girls Getaway: Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana

3) Lake Tahoe Ski Retreat

Our founder, Vanessa Rivers , meticulously plans each of our trips to offer our guests a distinct way to travel and discover a new destination. Our Travel Girls Getaways itineraries are jam-packed with guided tours, sightseeing, unique dining experiences, and a few surprises along the way!

This spring we are excited to offer our first ever Lake Tahoe Skiing and Hiking Retreat where we’ll show you the best of Lake Tahoe while enjoying six days of skiing, hiking, sailing on Lake Tahoe, fun group meals, daily yoga, goal setting and manifestation workshops and much more! 

Related Articles: The Ultimate Lake Tahoe Guide and 30 Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

4) Action Packed Adventures in Alaska

An Alaskan cruise is an incredible place for a girl’s getaway and an opportunity to visit remote towns and villages that are only accessible by boat or via a long train or car journey. Alaskan cruises typically board in Vancouver, Seattle, or Anchorage. These starting points also make great one or two-day getaways before you board your cruise. These cruises provide an unforgettable bucket list experience of sailing past glaciers, anchoring in National Parks, and docking in small towns with lots of activities and tours to enjoy.

The choice of cruise route depends on your and your family’s or friends’ preference. Smaller cruise ships can navigate the internal passages and national parks easily, where you can witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of wonders such as the Hubbard Glacier.

With an array of amenities such as drink packages, multiple restaurants, lots of shows and entertainment, swimming pools, and more, you can enjoy an all-inclusive experience while exploring Alaska and stopping off at fantastic locations.

Popular stops on Alaskan cruises include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka and Whittier.

Book Your Cruise: 7-night Alaska Cruise

5) Ski In The Incredible French Alps

If you’re planning a winter 2024 girls’ getaway, consider booking a skiing or snowboarding trip to the beautiful French Alps, which offer epic spring skiing conditions.

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range in Europe, spanning across multiple countries. You can ski in a resort that runs in Italy, Switzerland, and France all in one day. The French Alps boast some of the most popular and largest ski areas in Europe and the world, such as Chamonix, Val-d’Isère, Courchevel, Megève and Val Thorens.

These ski areas are world-class and much cheaper alternatives to skiing in the United States – French resorts also come with croissants, cheese and incredible wine!

6) A Scenic Tour Around The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are a cluster of tropical islands situated just 34 miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia. These islands are famous for their gorgeous white-sand beaches, sailing opportunities, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal destination for a girl’s trip in Australia.

You can get to the Whitsundays easily via Airlie Beach, which is a great destination on its own and a great option as a base to explore the islands by taking a series of day trips. The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands, with the most popular being Hamilton Island. This island is a beloved holiday spot for Australian families, with some residents even living on the island year-round.

You can explore the islands by taking boat trips or by taking to the air on a helicopter or small plane tour . Whichever your transportation of choice, you have to visit Whitehaven Beach .

Best Time To Visit: September to January

7) Dance The Night Away In Las Vegas

Las Vegas often comes to mind when you think of a girl’s getaway or bachelorette party filled with partying and lively nightlife. The city that never sleeps has grand luxury hotels, day and night clubs, wild pool parties and world-famous restaurants.

However, if that isn’t your group’s ideal vacation, Las Vegas also offers a wide range of options and activities with national parks and lots of activities to enjoy. There’s something for everyone, with incredible brunch spots and both boutique and designer shopping galore. If you head out of the city, there are plenty of day trip options, such as the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park .

Best Time To Visit: Year Round

Related Articles: The Ultimate Las Vegas Bachelorette Party Guide and 10 Day Trips To Take From Las Vegas

8) Listen To Live Music In Nashville

Nashville has become a popular destination for US for girls’ getaways. In the last decade, the city has experienced significant growth as newcomers from different parts of the country have been attracted by the Southern hospitality, great music and stunning countryside.

With plenty of things to do on a girl’s getaway, from pub crawls to watching a show at the Grand Ole Opry and visiting the famous Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on a tour.

Nashville has a variety of activities, restaurants and accommodations that cater to every type of girl group, whether you are looking for a typical party getaway in a luxury hotel or a more relaxed trip, staying in a vacation rental and enjoying the countryside and museums.

Best Time To Visit: Spring or Fall

Related Articles: The Ultimate Nashville Bachelorette Party Guide and 10 Best Brunch Spots In Nashville .

9) Explore And Admire The Streets Of Rome

Rome is a culturally rich and historic city, renowned for its landmarks and delicious pasta!

With plenty for your girls to do and explore on a weekend trip, which could be combined with a week-long or summer trip around Italy. Rome is home to the iconic Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, The Vatican City and The Spanish Steps; there is no shortage of things to do and see.

Both Rome and Italy are known for their delicious cuisine, featuring fresh flavors and produce such as pecorino (fava beans and cheese) and puntarella (chicory shoots with anchovies).

Related Articles:  How To Do Rome In One Day On A Budget and How To See Rome Like A Local .

10) Glamping & Cultural Experiences In Morrocco 

Are you and your friends seeking a unique and cultural experience? Then, Morocco might be the perfect destination for you! Cultural enthusiasts can explore the vibrant streets of Marrakech and wander through the ancient mosques, palaces, and bustling food stalls in the medical medina.

Morocco is the perfect destination for you if you are an artist or a shopaholic. The country offers a wide variety of Moroccan handicrafts, such as colorful rugs, hand-welded lanterns, unique leather goods, jewelry, and more. 

For food lovers, Morocco is known for its exceptional cuisine served in world-renowned restaurants.

Luxury lovers can indulge themselves by staying in palatial riads, which are traditional Moroccan homes with iconic central courtyards.

Adventurers can explore the Sahara Desert’s sprawling dunes, which are located nearby. You can enjoy a couple of nights of glamping and ATV excursions.

Travel Girls Getaways offers a popular Morroco Country Tour . Join our email list to be notified when we open bookings for our next Morocco getaway.

Related Articles: Camping In Morocco’s Sarah Desert and 5 Reasons To Visit Chefchaouen

11) Hiking And Scenic Views In Patagonia

Patagonia is the best place to visit for adventure or hiking-loving girl gangs, with plenty of hiking options, great food and breathtaking landscapes.

Patagonia is a region located at the southern tip of South America, shared by Argentina and Chile. Made famous for incredible hikes and its remote towns and landscapes. Depending on your ability and desires, the area is filled with multi-day, hour-long, and half-day or full-day hikes.

The region is filled with glacial rivers and streams covered in scrubland and ancient woodland. It is also home to glaciers and lakes, characterized by mountain ranges (especially in Chile).

Popular hikes include the 46-mile “W” in Torres del Paine National Park (Chile), 15.5-mile Laguna de Los Tres in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina), 13.6-mile Laguna Torre in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina) and the 1.2-mile Laguna de Los Témpanos in Parque Nacional Queulat (Chile).

Best Time To Visit: October to February

12) Take A Summer Getaway In The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a group of seaside communities situated on the South Fork of eastern Long Island. It is a popular summer destination for New York and East Coast residents, many of whom have summer homes in the area. The area is known for its long stretches of gorgeous beaches, farmland, and charming towns and villages.

You can admire the 18th-century shingle buildings and estates that are hidden behind tall boxwood hedges. One of the towns in the area, East Hampton, is famous for its high-end restaurants, bars, and designer boutiques, making it a popular spot for those looking for luxury and sophistication.

If you’re planning an incredible girls’ getaway on the East Coast, or if you’re seeking a fun-filled beach getaway, the Hamptons should be on your list of top girls’ getaway destinations.

Best Time To Visit: May to September

Related Articles:  The Ultimate Hamptons Bachelorette Party Guide and The 10 Best AirBnBs in The Hamptons .

13) Beaches And Drinks In Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas, or simply Cabo, is a luxurious resort city located on the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. It’s a place where the desert meets the mountains, making it a great option for a peaceful girls’ getaway with just a few nightlife options. Cabo offers more luxury and fewer nightlife options than other destinations on the list and other Mexican destinations.

Cabo is renowned for its large sandy beaches, scuba diving, spas and wildlife. As a result, it has become one of the best Mexican girls’ getaway destinations.

Best Time To Visit: December to March or May to June

Related Articles: The 13 Best AirBnBs in Cabo and 10 Best Mexico Girls Getaway Destinations .

14) Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In Dublin

St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is unlike anything you or your girls will have ever experienced before. The main celebration is the parade, when half a million people will line the streets to watch the colorful floats make their way from the start at Parnell Square to the finishing point at the junction of Kevin Street and Cuffe Street.

While St Patrick’s Day takes place on one day of the year, it’s a great time to visit Dublin and Ireland for a long weekend or weeklong trip, with plenty of other things to do and see around the city and further into the countryside.

The Irish city is also the home and birthplace of Guinness, and you can visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the history of the famous drink and how it was created.

Best Time To Visit: March

Related Articles:  Glendalough – The Perfect Day Trip From Dublin

15) Chase The Northern Lights In Norway

If you’re planning a bucket-list girls’ getaway adventure, consider a trip to Norway during the winter months to see the Northern Lights.

You and your friends can have an amazing time riding snowmobiles , racing through the frozen tundra, visiting an authentic reindeer farm, and learning about the indigenous culture.

Don’t forget to pack your warm clothes and thermals, and be sure to head out late at night to witness the incredible Northern Lights.

Best Time To Visit: September to March

16) Hike and Seek Zen In Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is a charming town in Southern California, overlooking the Coachella and Hidden Valley. Despite having a small population, it offers plenty of things to see and do.

The town is surrounded by stunning hiking trails and unique Joshua Trees and cactus-dotted Colorado and the Mojave Desert, offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.

Joshua Tree National Park is an awe-inspiring and breathtaking area of California. Though it may be a little off the beaten track, the park can be reached within two hours from Los Angeles and within one hour from Palm Springs. It is the perfect escape from LA for a nearby girls’ weekend or even for those traveling from further away to get out of the city and visit a different and unique area of California.

Related Articles:  The Ultimate Joshua Tree Bachelorette Guide and 5 Unique Experiences In Joshua Tree and Palm Springs .

17) Go Wine Tasting In Iconic Napa Valley

Napa Valley, located in the heart of California’s Wine Country, is world-renowned for its wine-tasting experiences. But beyond wine tasting, there are plenty of other activities and attractions that are worth exploring and enjoying, too.

With your best friends by your side, take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills on unique hikes to enjoy the serene views.

Napa Valley is comprised of several small towns, each with its own distinct personality. Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga are the most popular towns from south to north, and it is easy to travel between each of them by car.

If you’re looking to plan a fantastic girls’ weekend in the United States, look no further than Napa Valley. If you’re searching for a relaxed getaway filled with wine, Napa Valley should be at the top of your list of places to visit.

Best Time To Visit: April or May

Related Articles:  The Ultimate Napa Valley Bachelorette Party Guide and Wine Tasting Guide: A Weekend Getaway To Napa Valley .

18) Explore And Spend Time Outdoors In Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon is a well-known destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Bend is known for its warm summers, river tubing, High Desert State Park, hiking trails, and vibrant music scene. Downtown Bend has a hipster vibe and a craft beer scene.

Bend and its surrounding areas provide plenty of activities all year round. During winter, visitors can enjoy dog sledding, Nordic skiing, skiing, snowboarding, snow blast tubing park, and snowshoeing on nearby Mt. Bachelor. In summer, Bend is great for camping, exploring downtown, attending festivals or concerts, mountain biking, hiking and caving.

The city is located between the peaks of the Cascade mountain range and the high desert plateau, making it an ideal location for adventure seekers looking for an exciting experience or as a stop-off on a Pacific Northwest road trip.

If you’re in need of relaxation, Bend, Oregon, also boasts full-day spas, along with happy hours in breweries. For something different, you can even go on a half-day volcano tour , exploring the shores of the sparkling Paulina Lake and passing a towering lava flow!

19) Relax In A Balinese Paradise

Bali is a small island, but it offers an incredible diversity of experiences, making it a perfect choice for a girls’ getaway further afield.

Seminyak is known for its shopping and dining, Kuta for its nightlife, and Uluwatu for its surfing. The markets and rice terraces around Ubud, and the stunning waterfalls of North Bali are also worth exploring. With so many things to do in Bali, you and your girls will never run out of options.

While in Bali, you and your girls can also visit world-class nightclubs or opt for a stay in a luxury resort.

Best Time To Visit: April to October

Related Articles: The Best Regions To Visit In Bali and Women’s Retreat in Bali by Travel Girls Getaways

20) Shop, Relax And Indulge In Dubai

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is well-known for its glitz, glamour, ultra-luxury hotels and award-winning restaurants.

Boosting extravagance and luxury, it is located in a modern oasis in the heart of the Arabian desert. In Dubai, you and your girls can spend the day partying at a beach bar/club, shop for luxury gifts, skydive, watch the incredible fountain show, relax on the Palm or purchase souvenirs in the Old Market, filled with spices, gold, and textiles. In Dubai, you can even go snowboarding or skiing and take in the sights of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa .

Although no trip to Dubai is complete without taking a trip to the desert .

Best Time To Visit: October to May

21) Experience Mardi Gras In Nola

New Orleans, or Nola, is famous for Mardi Gras, daiquiris and Bourbon Street. With year-round parades and over-the-top street drinking, it’s the perfect destination for a festive bachelorette weekend or a girls’ getaway.

Mardi Gras is a festival that is celebrated in southern Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans. The festivities commence in January, but the main celebrations occur in the two weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Typically, one significant parade takes place each day and some days have multiple large parades.

The most extensive and intricate parades are held during the last five days of the Mardi Gras season. During the final week, numerous events are conducted across New Orleans and nearby communities, including parades and masquerade balls.

During the weekend before Shrove Tuesday, visitors from all over the world experience the uniqueness of New Orleans during the Mardi Gras finale. This time is a great time to take a weekend or weeklong trip to the city with your girls.

Best Time To Visit: February

Related Articles: The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Pary Guide and New Orleans, Louisana Ultimate City Guide .

22) Explore The Picturesque Streets Of Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a breathtakingly beautiful city and ideal for a girls’ getaway. If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, then Kyoto should be on your list.

This ancient city perfectly blends history, culture and natural beauty. During your stay, make sure you explore the stunning shrines, temples and Zen gardens. The captivating Nishiki Food Markets are a unique and wonderful culinary experience, with some of the best Japanese food options available here.

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Kyoto, hire kimonos and spend a day wandering around the charming streets of Gion. Gion is known for its traditional-style houses, where you can immerse yourself in the pre-World War II Geisha era. It’s a fantastic way to experience the culture and history of this enchanting city.

Best Time To Visit: Fall or Spring

23) Exploring Barcelona’s Culture And Food Scene

If you and your friends haven’t visited Barcelona yet, you should consider adding it to your list of vacation destinations for a girl’s getaway in 2024! Located on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is an ideal European summer destination for girls.

The city is filled with festivals and live events during the summer, so there’s always something happening around every corner.

Just picture yourself sitting by the ocean eating paella or tapas with a glass of sangria in hand – that’s the kind of experience you can expect in Barcelona during the summer.

There are plenty of things to do and see, including seeing the unfinished Sagrada Família, walking around the La Boqueria Market, visiting the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Gothic Quarter and exploring Park Güell .

Best Time To Visit: April to July

Related Articles: A Girls Getaway Guide to Barcelona and 20 Reasons To Fall In Love With Barcelona .

24) Road Trip Around Iceland

Iceland is a remarkable destination for a road trip or campervan adventure. Traveling at your own pace lets you fully experience everything Iceland offers. This type of trip is also a cost-effective way to explore the country, which is known for being expensive.

The duration of your trip will determine how much of Iceland you can see. If you have 2-3 days, you can visit Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, or the South Coast. For a 5-7 day trip, you can comfortably explore Reykjavik, most of Iceland’s South Coast (including the Glacier Lagoon), and the Golden Circle. An ideal 10-12 day trip can cover the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, the South Coast, Northern Iceland and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Related Articles:  Ultimate Iceland Roadtrip Packing Guide  and Ultimate Iceland First Timer’s Campervan Guide .

25) See The New York City Skyline

New York City is one of the most renowned cities in the world, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to everyone’s interests. Located on the East Coast of the United States, its rich history, vibrant energy, and 24/7 excitement make it a dream destination for many travelers.

New York City boasts top-notch museums, world-class dining, excellent bars, great shopping, and a wide variety of tours and activities, making it the perfect place for a girls’ getaway. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, discover its hidden gems, or simply indulge in some retail therapy, NYC has something for everyone, including the Empire State Building, Rockafeller Center, Madison Square Garden, Central Park and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Related Articles:  The Ultimate New York City Bachelorette Guide and Where To Stay In New York: Best Areas and Hotels .

26) Go Surfing in Malibu

Malibu is a renowned beach town located to the west of Los Angeles, California. It is famous for its luxurious beach homes, frequent celebrity sightings, and picturesque beaches.

The town boasts 26 miles of unspoiled coastline that runs up the coast from Los Angeles. If you plan to spend quality time with your girlfriends in California, a great activity for a day trip or girls’ getaway would be to visit Malibu for a surf lesson at the iconic Surfrider Beach.

Our founder, Vanessa Rivers, teaches private surf lessons year-round at Surfrider Beach and would love to take you and your girlfriends surfing when you visit Malibu!

The waves are perfect for beginners and also cater to intermediate and advanced surfers as well. There are three points at Surfrider Beach (First Point, Second Point, and Third Point) each offering a unique wave for every level.

Related Articles: The 20 Best AirBnBs in Malibu, California and California Articles .

Ultimate Girls Getaways For 2024 Wrap Up

I hope you’ve found this 2024 girls’ getaway guide helpful and that you are now excited to visit one or more of these destinations with your girls.

If you have questions about any of the destinations on this list or tips for our readers, please leave these in the comments below! And suppose you’re interested in visiting other cities in the United States. In that case, you can check out all our bachelorette party articles  for inspiration or all our  girl’s getaway guides  for other trip ideas.

We hope that this article has inspired you to take a girl’s getaway in 2024! I f you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute Page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation., a black girl’s guide to napa valley.

Napa Valley has been an opulent bucket-list destination for many years. Also known as Wine Country, the valley is roughly an hour outside of San Francisco and Sacramento, and is a popular destination for unlimited wine tasting from some of the best vineyards and vintners across the globe. It’s the prime destination for girls trips, engagements, as well as quick weekend getaways. 

As wine tourism is a large economic driver for the area, in recent years, the wine country is attempting a demographic shift, wanting to skew much younger, expand their nationwide reach, and diversify their offerings to bring more people to the valley. “Many people make Napa Valley a bucket-list destination, and we really want to change that,” says Jenny Toomer, the General Manager of River Terrace Inn. 

Some may find the price point of a trip to Napa to be a deterrent, but it’s more affordable than many would presume. However, the rather glaring reality is that more than anything, Black women should experience the luxe Cali destination.  A visitor report on Napa found that Black people make up only 2.7 percent of the annual visitors to the wine country – and the presence of that statistic was felt. However, Napa Valley is both attainable and approachable for Black women in particular. 

Today, Napa Valley embraces the opportunity to welcome fresh visitors, inviting them to immerse themselves in the myriad delights the wine country has. To close the widened gap of Black people visiting Napa, we’ve compiled a Black girl’s guide to the region, to help navigate where to eat, play, and stay. 

Napa Valley Wine Train

One of the premiere offerings in Napa is the Napa Valley Wine Train, which provides both a picturesque view of the wine country, while also helping break down the stigma and pretentiousness that wine varietals are associated with. 

Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Napa, the Wine Train stands as the epitome of wine country’s most unforgettable culinary journey, invoking the timeless allure of luxury rail travel through its newly restored rail cars. The inaugural clean energy locomotive of the Napa Valley Wine Train, affectionately named the “1864” in homage to the rail line’s inception year, heralds a new era of sustainable travel. Boasting a cutting-edge, American-made EPA Tier-4-compliant engine crafted by Rolls-Royce and orchestrated by the esteemed Knoxville Locomotive Works, the “1864” symbolizes the train’s commitment to the environment and innovation.

Experiences

On the Wine Train, there’s a multitude of experiences to choose from. I took both the Legacy Experience and the Vista Dome experience. The best part of the wine train is that you’re joined by seasoned sommeliers who can recommend the best wine pairings for your meal, as well as suggestions on wine flights including selections from Far Niente, Opus One, and Beaulieu Vineyard’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve. 

Legacy Experience

Sign up for the Legacy experience if you’re more adventurous – starting in the morning, the train makes stops in St. Helena for two seated tastings at some of the most popular wineries in the area, including seated tastings at the iconic Charles Krug and V. Sattui , as well as a stop at the popular ‘Welcome to Napa Valley’ sign. At Charles Krug you’ll be whisked away into a winery that was modeled after Tuscan architecture with tastes of great California wines and scenic views of the countryside that make you question if you’re actually in Napa Valley. Here you’ll get tastes of their 2023 limited release rosé, 2019 family reserve generations as well as their 2019 limited release malbec. With fruits strong in the region, each wine has notes of different berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and even boysenberries.

At V. Sattui, you also get some of those same gorgeous views, however here, you’re met with even more approachability – you’ll see fellow Napa Valley visitors casually sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine and the beautiful weather. The seated tasting includes three of their best wines, a 2022 Los Carneros Chardonnay, 2021 School House Zinfandel, and a 2019 Vittorio’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. As an added bonus, Sattui saves the best for last, and allows guests to get a taste of their Madeira, a Solera-made, wood-aged wine, fortified with brandy. Strong yet sweet, the dessert-wine has flavors of caramel, toffee, and orange zest. Outside of just purchasing one of your favorite wines at Sattui, the winery is complete with its own market filled with artisan cheeses, meats, breads, and chocolates (just in case you are looking to take some back home). 

Pro-tip: Come hydrated and prepared to drink. The Legacy experience offers a three course meal and dessert, but to make it throughout the day, you’ll need a healthy balance of food and water to conquer the day.

Vista Dome Experience

Take the Vista Dome lunch experience if you’re looking to have the awe-inspiring views of the wine country without ever leaving the rail car. Here is where you can indulge a little bit more and really get into the wine. Add the Vista Dome experience to your itinerary if you’re not looking to pack your day, but still get to enjoy some of the wine country’s best. The experience begins a little later in the day, so you have ample time to embrace slowness before tackling another boozy afternoon. 

The plus to this experience is that the newly renovated rail car makes for the best photo shoot with your girlfriends. There’s multiple photo-worthy areas that best capture the beauty of Napa Valley on this train. 

Similar to the Legacy experience, Vista Dome also includes a three course meal with dessert, and you have downtime to socialize with friends before you disembark at the train station. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be celebrating alongside other guests who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or even engagements–even more reason to say cheers.

Pro-tip: Vista Dome is where you should dress to impress. More laid back than the legacy experience, you’ll get to eat, drink and be merry, and also pose for the camera.

If you’re a morning person, a hot air balloon ride through Napa Valley is an absolute must to add to your itinerary. You’ll be up as early as 5 AM in the morning, but the lack of sleep will be well worth it when you take in a breathtaking view of the rolling hills wine country. You’ll pass over the coastline fields of crops, see animals grazing plus the gorgeous mountains that overlook the valley. You’ll spend roughly an hour in the air, and get in-depth insights from your tour guide who will give you the inside scoop on all the crops being grown in the area, plus the experiments and happenings on different fields that look over the Napa. 

Pro-tip: Dress warmly, as all hot air balloons take flight early in the morning.

Where To Stay

If you want to stay close to the different experiences Napa has to offer, the River Terrace Inn is your best bet. A Noble House property, the hotel is a sister estate to the Wine Train, so it makes sense that the two are across the street from one another. The quaint property has stunning views of the valley from anywhere in the hotel, so even when you’re not out and about exploring, you still get to take in the beauty of the valley. If you’re looking to take part in some of the activities Napa has to offer, the inn is at the nexus of tourism. It’s at the train station where you can sign up for train experiences, hot air balloon rides and more.

Inside the hotel are gorgeous hotel suites that just feel like they were intentionally curated for and by women. Spacious rooms include vanity mirrors, televisions where you can use Chromecast to watch your favorite shows, bathroom mirrors that connect to bluetooth and a separate vanity mirror to prep for a day full of wine tasting. 

Eat & Drink

You would think that after dining on the wine train, you would be all wined out–but there’s still so much more to the wine country. Vineyards are just one facet to Napa. There are also collectives that provide tastings for wines that you won’t get on the wine train, like the wines at the Vintner’s Collective, which is a quaint tasting room that maintains the integrity of the original building–a converted brothel. Inside, you find a select group of small, family-owned Napa wineries. While many other tasting rooms will offer some of their most popular wines to offer, Vintner’s is a great boutique place to zero in one of your favorite varieties. It’s great for a crash course in wine, and you can take your skills back to your hometown, when it comes to tasting, analyzing, and pairing wines. 

For a casual dinner, Kitchen Door is just a stones throw away from Vintners Collective, and a certainly walkable dining spot. If you’re planning out your girls trip, Kitchen Door is a must stop after a day of wine tasting. It’s great to soak up all the delicious wine, and the tasty shareable apps such as the garlic cheesy bread, teriyaki wings, and deviled eggs. The menu is mixed with a variety of cuisine, where you can find delicious Italian offerings as well as pad Thai and Korean barbecue. You’ll certainly leave happily stuffed.

As a Black girl in Napa, you can’t visit Napa without paying a visit to some of the Black-owned stalwarts that are making waves in the vino industry. We recommend Vin En Noir, which features minority owned, and women owned winemakers. Expect snacks to pair with your wine like charcuterie and popcorn. Moreover, their selection of rosé is unparalleled. 

If you’re looking to break away from the wine a bit and opt for cocktails instead, Wine Girl Napa Valley is where you’ll get the girly Instagram aesthetic you’re looking for, plus the boozy Sunday Funday brunch vibe all under one roof.

Wander Like A Local

The heart of Napa’s infrastructure is built like an old town, with family run restaurants and buildings that have stood the test of time, which adds to the character of the wine destination. When you’re not tasting the country’s best wines, you can peruse through the town, it’s where I stumbled upon Oxbow Public Market , a food hall that has a variety of goods from Jewish cuisine to fresh preserve and honey for your next charcuterie board, a bookstore (and so many more treasures). A lover of books, I stumbled on a small haven with everything from science fiction, to encyclopedias of Banksy, and even autobiographical works on artists like Tupac. 

At Oxbow, I also found Model Bakery, a local spot beloved by locals and visitors alike. Based on the number of people devouring their baked goods from outside the shop, it’s a safe bet for breakfast. I tried the chocolate croissant, and the bakery truly lives up to the hype.

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Guide to Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah 2024

Using the The Haramain train from Makkah to Medinah is one of the best ways to travel, it is also one of the safest and most convenient options available for when you are going to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. 

The Haramain train is a high-speed railway that connects Makkah, and Medinah, the city where the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque is situated. This train is specifically designed to accommodate pilgrims traveling for Umrah.

One of the major advantages of using the Haramain train is its speed and efficiency. With an average speed of 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour), the train completes the journey between Makkah and Medinah in just a few hours. This is much faster compared to other modes of transportation such as buses or private cars, which can take several hours longer.

The convenience of the Haramain train cannot be overstated. It offers a direct and hassle-free journey from Mecca to Medinah. Pilgrims can easily access the train stations, which are conveniently located near the holy sites in both cities.

Article Contents Overview of Haramain Train Travel from Makkah to Medinah How to Book the Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah How Much Does the Train Costs Per Class Schedule & Timetable for Makkah & Medinah Train Locations in Makkah, Medinah & Jeddah Baggage Options Best Tips for Umrah on the Train FAQ from readers

Overview of Haramain Train Travel from Makkah to Medinah

Train travel is my favourite way of travelling as I find it much better to be able to see the landscape of a country.

Over the years since the train started, it has become even more popular. I found the whole process of train travel easy and fast. I didn’t have to worry about a tired taxi driver like when I went first to Medinah for my Umrah and I also didn’t have to spend 4 extra hours in the airport just to fly back to Jeddah and then drive to Medinah. 

The train stations were new and very comfortable. We travelled in business class which is a little more expensive but offers more comfort and space. 

The train stations that operate are the Makkah, Medinah, King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah (KAIA), and King Abdullah Economic City station. The Jeddah station is still not operational due to a fire a couple of years ago. 

There are between 20/30 daily routes depending on travel time and they leave every hour almost with more available during Ramadan.

We had booked business class tickets for the whole family, which was about 240SAR per adult and then 140SAR for a child from 2 to 12 years old.

The tickets were easy to book online and I am glad to find that they have actually updated the train website and made it easy to book and change tickets.

For some reason though, every time we paid the site seemed to come to a run out of time even though the payment and tickets went through. Therefore keep this in mind if you are having the same problem. 

The business class seats were very comfortable, according to my husband who came on the way to Medinah in economy they are much better than the economy seats.

In both cases, the train was twin which meant that there are two trains connected.

When you go to the train stations please go about 30 minutes before your train is ready to depart as you will need to show your tickets and also go through security. Which is basically a scanner check of yourself similar to the airports.

They don’t mind if you have water or anything else, but apparently, they did take my husband’s perfume which was more than 100ml. Though the huge bottle of water I had was fine. Seats also have screens and tables and they recline

The train departed exactly on time and reached a speed of up to 300km/h.

However, even at this high speed, it was very smooth, which I am very thankful for. In the UK although I love train travel I can get sick due to the shakiness of the train. In this instance, I didn’t feel it.

The cabin was clean and comfortable and it felt very nice to actually travel, it also felt that time went so fast as 1hr and 40minutes later we were at Jeddah airport.

Of course, if you are travelling to Makkah you take another 50 minutes to enter the city.

Personally, I think this is the best way to travel from Medinah to Makkah or Jeddah because it is much more comfortable than a plane, car or bus.

Everything is new, works on time and it is very comfortable. I will definitely be travelling again. It was also much fast than travelling by plane from door to door.

We saved approximately 2hrs this way and it was way easier, especially with a child that could look outside, walk around and play on her seat with more space around her.

I had booked a flight from Jeddah to Medinah due to the fact that it was cheaper to have this stopover in Medinah than a return ticket alone! I will be writing an article on this soon.

How to Book the Haramain Train from Makkah to Medinah

Step-by-Step Booking Process for the Haramain train. Booking the train for Umrah is very easy and the website works well. You can book tickets that show availability up to 4 /5 weeks in advance.

The official train website is below, as it seems there are some copy options too. 

• Book your tickets for the Haramain trains online here.

I do hope they will add a bigger calendar option when they start operating at full capacity and speed.

The train takes 2.30 hours from Makkah to Medinah.

In 2024 there are Haramain train options every 40minutes especially in busy peak season. Which is very convenient for pilgrims.

How much do the Haramain train tickets cost? 

The train tickets for the Haramain train have actually been reduced in price. They also made them fluctuate depending on the time you travel and with a peak and off-peak option. Some have 50% off and others 35% and then full price

If you want to save money I would recommend you go through the daily options to find the cheapest price. 

By Western standards, the prices are very reasonable for the route and train options. Considering the same train in the UK is more expensive. These prices are based on when the article was updated in 2024 it can vary due to demand.

• A one-way ticket at full price in economy costs £39 / 175 SAR per person and children pay half price.
• A one-way ticket at full price in business costs £60 / 285 SAR per person and children pay half price.

You can also find prices for the train depending on the time you travel with 50% off at 87SAR / £18.50 in economy and 187SAR / £39 in business class.

Haramain Train Schedule and Timings

As I mentioned there are many trains leaving daily from both Makkah and Medinah so finding a train option convenient for you should not be a problem.

The number of trains per day varies depending on how busy it is, for example, Ramadan and school holidays there are more train options.

I know for many people especially large families this can seem expensive and they prefer hiring a car. We have a post with other methods of going to Makkah or Medinah but please keep in mind the convenience, ease and safety of the train. Taxi drivers sometimes can get very tired and Saudia driving is a little crazy. 

Also, it will work similar price if you are 4/5 people if you book with a saving. 

Here are the rules for the ticket and how long in advance you have to be at the train station.

Please note that if you go during rush hour depending on the location of your hotel you might need extra time. Also if you don’t have a ticket take this into account as well.

Overall you can go to the train about one hour or 30 minutes before the train departs. 

High-Speed Train Timetable  and Cancelling / Changing tickets 

Below are the timetables as an example for Mecca for September. As you can see there are many train options starting from early morning to late at night night. 

I have needed to cancel and refund tickets on the train. The process was pretty easy. I didn’t see an option to change the tickets only the option to cancel them. 

Once cancelled you will get a refund but note it might not come in 14 days which is standard in the UK. Ours came a few months later. 

Where are the stations located in Makkah and Medina?

The Makkah Haramain Highspeed train station is located about a 10-minute taxi drive from Haram.

• You can find the Makkah train station details here.

The Medinah Haramain train station is located about 10 minutes from Masjid Al Nabawi as well.

• You can find the google map location for the Medinah train here. 

The train station is pretty easy to get to with a taxi that you can either order on Careem or some of them are always stationed outside. The train station is located close to the Medinah Gate city ( which I assume is a new city development being built). Prices are approximately 30SAR one way.

Also from Makkah train station to Haram, there is a free shuttle bus services that will leave you in the masjid area. You can then walk to your hotel. 

Train Location at Jeddah International Airport Terminal 1 

The train is located right outside the new Jeddah Terminal 1 airport. 

Personally, my advice is, if you are travelling to Mecca from Jeddah airport take a taxi that will take you directly to your hotel. This way you will avoid getting on and off at the train station. A taxi to Makkah takes approximately 1,5hr  and costs around 150 SAR / £30. You can easily locate the kiosk and pay for your taxi. There is a full reel I have created with the information. 

If you are travelling from Jeddah Airport to Medinah the train is the best option you will arrive in under 2 hours. 

The location of the high-speed train in Jeddah airport is just outside the terminal. If you go down to the taxi rank it is just opposite, the big building you see once you exit . There is plenty of signage to guide you.

There are several people who you can ask, but you simply cannot miss it, it is only a 3-minute walk. 

Baggage on the Haramain Train

There is a restriction on how much baggage you can take on the train. You can only usually take one suitcase and one small hang luggage. 

This is what comes straight when you want to book your ticket on their website

If you keep to the sizes and weight, as they do check those at the entrance of the train. You will not have a problem. If you are travelling with larger bags or more than one, I would recommend you get a porter. They cost only around 30/50SAR with tip and they are known to be able to get through with more bags. 

You can find the porters at the entrance of the train station.

If you don’t want to go through the porter option they might ask you to send your luggage to you later in the day. Like a freight service. This doesn’t happen often but I have heard cases. 

I wouldn’t get too caught up in the dimensions as long as they are OK for planes they should be OK for trains!

However, it also seems according to their T&Cs that even in business it is only 1 baggage per person

• Any passenger provided with a ticket may carry with him, under his custody and responsibility, in the places designated for that purpose, one piece of hand baggage and one piece are limited to 25 Kg not exceeding 65 x 55 x 35 cm. (length-height-width).

There are luggage holders like in the UK trains that you can use for your suitcases but if as I mentioned above you have more bags they might ask to put them in a separate hold and you pick them up at the destination. This is so it doesn’t take up space in the cabin. The airport and the train station are very convenient and similar to the UK style.

Haramain train use for Umrah

Again the easiest way to hassle-free Umrah is the train. 

Note the journey is 2.30hrs and it doesn’t stop at a Meeqat if you are travelling for Umrah from Medinah to Mekkah. So make sure you wear your ihram and have your intentions from before or while on the train. 

Upon leaving the Medinah train station we were informed that the Meqaat would be after 10min. This is the only time it was mentioned, so you could enter the train and put your Ihram straight away. Or you can also wear it prior to the train departing. 

If you want to stay in Jeddah and use the tourist visa to explore the city the best way is to take a taxi to your hotel. Corniche is around 30min away but note that traffic can be bad between 3 to 7 pm. 

The Haramain high-speed train is the safest, fastest and most secure way to travel from Makkah to Medinah.

• We also have an article with the rest of the transportation options for Umrah in Saudi. 

In my opinion, the train from Makkah to Medinah for Umrah is a real contender and it does go with the Saudi vision for 2030 and having 30 million pilgrims per year.

It is a great way to go to Umrah and be in comfort, especially with young children.

My best advice and the fastest option I can see for this is if you do an open-jaw flight where you arrive in either Medinah or Jeddah and then fly from the other city. This way you only need a one-way ticket on the Haramain train from Makkah to Medinah or vice versa.

My DIY Umrah book also offers a lot of tips on how to save money on your Umrah. 

FAQ of Harmain

1. what is the haramain high-speed railway.

The Haramain high-speed railway is a high-speed railway in Saudi Arabia that connects Mecca and Medina with stops at various stations.

2. How can I book train tickets for Haramain?

To book train tickets for Haramain , you can visit the official website or use the designated booking platforms provided by the Saudi railway services.

3. What are the ticket prices for a train ride from Mecca to Medina ?

The ticket prices for a train ride from Mecca to Medina vary based on the chosen class of travel, with options ranging from economy to business class .

4. How long is the travel time on the Haramain high-speed train ?

The travel time on the Haramain high-speed train between Mecca and Medina is relatively short due to its high-speed capabilities, providing a quick and efficient journey.

5. Where is the train station located in Mecca ?

The train station in Mecca is strategically located to offer convenient access for passengers traveling to and from the holy city.

6. How many trains per day operate on the Haramain route?

Several trains operate daily on the Haramain route, ensuring frequent and reliable train

DIY Umrah E-Book

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Posts you migth like The Ultimate Guide on How to Do a DIY Umrah; (Do-It-Yourself) Umrah Best Airport for Umrah Arrival and Departure DIY Umrah: How to Get from Jeddah to Makkah & Medinah for Umrah The Best Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia from an Expat Everything on the Saudi Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)-How to Issue the E-visa Waiver for Saudia  The Best Apps for Umrah You Will Need in 2024

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Wednesday 13th of September 2023

JazakAllah for this informative article, InshaAllah I get the chance to use the train, seems like the ideal travel option for us.

Really appreciate your efforts in writing up this article.

Monday 19th of June 2023

Salam thanks for all your content, its been very helpful. Any comment on the negative reviews for the train on trip advisor. A lot of the reviews are suggesting that they are handling the luggage in an unethical manner. Charging extra, not letting it be transported via the train and sending it hours later to the train station (people have to take a taxi back to the train station after they arrive in mecca to go pick up their luggage)

Muslim Travel Girl

Monday 10th of July 2023

I didnt have that experience. If you stick to the restrictions on weight and dimensions. Also you can get a porter as they seem to be able to ge them through.

Monday 10th of April 2023

As salaam-u-Alaikum I’m planning on going for Umrah in September and have booked it myself.I am going to book the tourist visa but what I have heard is you can’t take zam zam water back due to the tourist visa. My arrival is at Jeddah airport .Is that correct. Thank you for all the information you have put on the website as it helps people like us who’s never booked Umrah before.Well appreciated.JazakhAllah

Wednesday 12th of April 2023

Yes, at the moment you cannot take zamzam. I have a video on youtube if you want to watch on this

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

Do hajj pilgrims get this option as part of their package from the UK? If they do not, then can they decide to book tickets locally and take the train anyway to madinah and then make the journey to the camps?

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

This will have to be discussed with the agents.

Saturday 25th of February 2023

How long it needs between flight landing and train depart safely during peak season like Ramadan, as we have to pass the immigration and take baggages?

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

I would leave at least 2hrs just to be on the safe side. They are quick but really depends on how busy and where you land.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Fighting 'intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back'; UK estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began

Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi says his troops have taken up new positions west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka in order to conserve their forces while armed forces minister Leo Docherty tells the UK Defence Journal tens of thousands have deserted Russian's military since February 2022.

Sunday 28 April 2024 22:34, UK

• Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine as troops fall back
• UK minister estimates 450,000 Russian losses since war began
• Tajikistan citizens warned not to travel to Russia
• 'Well-provisioned' Ukrainian troops could prevent Russian advances
• Russia destroys 17 drones launched by Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's all from our live coverage for tonight. For a reminder of today's updates, you can scroll back through this live blog. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is still waiting for promised supplies from its allies, urging the international community to hurry up. 

In his nightly video address today, he said: "We are expecting those volumes and scope that can change the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine's interests." 

He also said he had spoken with US House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, and had thanked Congress for passing the long-awaited aid package for Ukraine. 

"In my conversation with Mr Jeffries, I underscored that Patriot systems are needed, and as soon as possible," he said. 

Ukrainian forces are facing a worsening position in the east and are still awaiting the delivery of US weapons. 

Mr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more air defence systems to protect its citizens and infrastructure, particularly the Patriot systems. 

Russia will start restricting those called up for military service from leaving the country, according to news site Meduza. 

Electronic summonses will reportedly be sent out from 1 November.

Those who are called up will not be allowed to leave Russia, and they will face further restrictions if they do not go to a military registration and enlistment office within 20 days.

In that case, they will not be allowed to register to run a business, drive a car, take out loans, or conduct real estate transactions, Meduza said.

New satellite imagery appears to show damage at Russia's Kushchyovskaya military airbase in the Krasnodar region. 

Planet Labs shared images comparing how the base looked on 19 March compared with today. 

A source in Ukraine's security and defence forces earlier told Ukrainian media that Kyiv had launched drone strikes against the airbase and two oil refineries overnight. 

They told the Kyiv Independent the SBU and Ukraine's Defence Forces hit the airbase where "dozens of military aircraft, radars, and electronic warfare devices were stationed".

Earlier we brought you news of a Russian drone strike on the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv. 

The attack set a hotel ablaze and damaged energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. 

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of the southern Mykolaiv region, said in an update the attack had "seriously damaged" the hotel.

The strike also damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city.

There were no casualties, he said. 

A priest sprinkles holy water on believers holding willow branches during an Orthodox Palm Sunday service. 

The service is being held in Donetsk, in an area occupied by Russian forces. 

Russia gained full control of the city of Donetsk in October 2022, but the area has been a major site of fighting since 2014. 

The majority of people in Ukraine are Orthodox Christian, although they follow different branches. 

As we've been reporting, Russia has been pushing forward in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. 

Ukrainian military officials say their troops are falling back to new positions in at least three places along the frontlines. 

But they are facing public criticism about the transparency of their military updates. 

Ukrainian military blogger Myroshnykov and Ukraine's DeepState monitoring group, which updates daily changes in frontline positions, both say the updates have been unrealistic. 

DeepState shared a video on social media of a Russian soldier being killed in a drone strike in the village of Soloviove, arguing such footage was being used to mask a bigger picture. 

"You can watch with pleasure forever the video of a Russian [soldier] being torn to pieces, but nearby there is another location that requires attention: Muscovites calmly moving around the village, keeping it under control. 

"The [Ukrainian] Defence Forces inflict fire damage on them, and one can repeat at least a billion times that two-thirds of the village is under the control of the Ukrainian military, but the picture of reality is completely different." 

It appeared to be referring to a statement from Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military in the east, who also said the nearby village of Ocheretyne was still two-thirds controlled by Ukraine. 

However, DeepState says it believes Russian troops have been in control of the centre of Ocheretyne for at least three days. 

The site accused some military spokespersons of incompetence last week. 

Police have arrested a 57-year-old Russian on suspicion of murder following the killings yesterday evening, German news agency dpa reported. 

The two Ukrainians were 23 and 36 years old, and lived in the southern German county of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

They were killed at a shopping centre in the village of Murnau in Upper Bavaria.

The names of the victims and suspect have not been released due to German privacy rules. 

It is not clear if the men knew each other. 

More than one million Ukrainian refugees fled to Germany following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Donald Trump's stance on Ukraine is "not as black and white as some people think", the Polish foreign minister has said. 

The former US president, who is running for election again this year, has said he will not commit to providing Ukraine with defence assistance. 

Republicans aligned with Mr Trump were also the reason behind a six-month delay to aid for Ukraine. 

But foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in an interview with the Axel Springer media company that Mr Trump had sent Ukraine anti-tank missiles before Russia's invasion "when others were not doing it". 

He was referring to Javelin anti-tank missiles supplied by the US in 2018. 

Mr Sikorski also said Mr Trump was "right in urging us all in Europe to spend more on defence".

He said he "did not hear any protests from Trump" once the $61bn aid package for Ukraine was approved. 

"So, I hope that candidate Trump has seen that this opposition to helping Ukraine is not actually popular in the United States, that it is harming his chances [to be re-elected]," he added.

Earlier we reported that a top Ukrainian general said troops had fallen back from three villages in the east of the country. 

We can now bring you more from Oleksandr Syrskyi, the chief of Ukraine's armed forces, about the situation on the ground.

Mr Syrskyi said the Donetsk region (in the east) remains one of the hottest sectors of the frontline as Russia continues its offensive.

He described the situation in the eastern cities of Pokrovsk and Kurakhove as "the most difficult one" now.

Russia is reportedly using up to four brigades (anywhere from an estimated 8,000 to 32,000 personnel) to conduct assault operations in the direction of both the cities, which lie west of Avdiivka, which was captured earlier this year. 

Mr Syrskyi said the situation is changing "dynamically" on the frontline as a result. 

Meanwhile, Mr Syrskyi said the situation in the south also remains "intense" as Russia tries to advance near the village of Krynky in Kherson.

It also wants to advance towards the villages of Robotyne and Verbove villages in Zaporizhzhia.

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