An adventure in Iran’s capital

 “Tea, Transit, and Tehran: A Cultural Adventure in Iran’s Capital”

https://youtu.be/NUaDwbr7K-w?si=HbhW9pOZ7HHG0XxT

I just watched a delightful video of an American gentleman exploring the capital of Iran, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

He wandered through several neighborhoods in Tehran, getting a genuine feel for the city’s rhythm. In countries like Iran, travelers from some nations are required to have a local guide—but even with that limitation, his journey felt authentic and immersive. He rode the metro and took the bus, crossed busy intersections as a pedestrian, and interacted warmly with locals along the way. One of the highlights was his visit to a traditional teahouse and restaurant, where a local helped him navigate the customs of Iranian dining.

Watching him try to cross the street immediately reminded me of my own travel experiences in places like Vietnam and India—where crossing the road can feel like an adventure in itself!

These kinds of videos are a big part of why I love international travel. They offer a window into daily life around the world and remind me of the beauty and richness of other cultures. I’m always especially happy when videos like this pop up in my YouTube feed.

https://youtu.be/NUaDwbr7K-w?si=XhjdzR9kQcM-XU8N

Your first visit to China!

 I have been to China and I teach English online to students who live in China. (10,000+ classes). I hope you find this helpful!

✈️ What Americans Should Know Before Visiting China for the First Time

1. 💳 China Is a Largely Cashless Society

China has transitioned rapidly to a digital payment system. Credit cards from U.S. banks are rarely accepted, and cash is hardly used in major cities. Most people pay for everything—from street food to hospital visits—using mobile apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. These apps now accept foreign credit cards, but it’s best to set them up before you arrive.

2. 🌐 You’ll Need a VPN to Access the Internet Freely

Many familiar websites and apps—like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and even the New York Times—are blocked in mainland China. If you want to access them, download and set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your devices before entering China, as VPNs can be hard to download once you’re there.

3. 🗣️ Many Younger Adults Speak Basic English

Due to mandatory English education in schools, most people under 40 have studied English. That said, fluency varies and outside of large cities, English may be rare. A translation app (like Google Translate or Pleco for Chinese) can be incredibly helpful.

Some of my students’ “helicopter parents” speak English as well as an American.

4. 📱 WeChat Is Essential

WeChat is far more than a messaging app—it’s used for paying bills, booking appointments, shopping, calling taxis, and even scanning QR codes at restaurants to order food. You’ll likely need it to function smoothly in urban areas. Set up your account in advance.

5. 🚄 World-Class High-Speed Rail Network

China is home to some of the fastest and most extensive bullet trains in the world, connecting even remote regions with astonishing efficiency. Trains can travel over 215 mph (350 km/h), making them a great alternative to flying between cities.

6. 🏙️ Major Cities Are Ultra-Modern and Digitally Advanced

Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are cutting-edge metropolises filled with futuristic skylines, contactless services, AI-integrated shopping, and smart public infrastructure. The level of digital integration can even surpass that of the U.S. in many ways.

7. 🧼 Public Hygiene Norms Can Vary

You may notice differences in bathroom facilities (many are squat toilets), and you should always carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided in public restrooms.

8. 🚦Cultural Norms Around Personal Space and Crowds

China is densely populated, especially in urban areas. Expect crowds, close quarters, and fast-paced movement in metros and public spaces. It’s normal for people to push through lines or stand closely—this isn’t rudeness, but a reflection of a different cultural norm.

9. 🍚 Food Is Diverse and Regionally Distinct

Chinese cuisine is vast and varies by province. Don’t expect American Chinese food. Be adventurous—try Sichuan hot pot, dim sum in Guangdong, Peking duck in Beijing, or noodles in Xi’an. Street food is delicious, but choose busy, clean vendors.

10. 📵 Censorship and Surveillance Are Real

China has a tightly controlled media landscape, and surveillance is widespread. You’ll notice cameras in public spaces and may need to scan a passport for Wi-Fi access. Avoid discussing politically sensitive topics like Taiwan, Hong Kong protests, or Tiananmen Square.

11. 📶 SIM Cards and eSIMs Are Useful

For internet access, consider buying a Chinese SIM card or an international eSIM before arrival. Some airports have SIM vending machines, and eSIMs can be purchased online and activated instantly.

12. 🎟️ Tourist Sites Are Popular—Book in Advance

Top attractions like the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and Great Wall sections often require reservations and can sell out. Use Trip.com, Klook, or a local app to book early.

13. 🧧 Face and Etiquette Matter

“Face” (respect, dignity, reputation) is very important in Chinese culture. Politeness, patience, and humility go a long way. Avoid public criticism or confrontation.

14. 🧳 Customs and Entry Rules

China has strict customs laws. Don’t bring politically sensitive materials, large amounts of medication without documentation, or drone equipment without checking regulations.

15. 📍China Is Vast and Diverse

China is not just Beijing and Shanghai—it spans deserts, beaches, rice terraces, ancient villages, megacities, Buddhist temples, and futuristic tech zones. Each region has its own language dialect, cuisine, and customs.

⸻

Stimulate All Five Senses by Visiting a Market

 

One of the greatest joys of traveling the world—especially as a solo traveler—is the opportunity to lose yourself in a bustling, colorful marketplace. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of a culture than to walk among the stalls, soaking in the symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. I’ve visited markets on nearly every continent, and each one tells a different story. You’ll find grandmothers selecting the perfect produce, children begging for a sweet treat, vendors passionately describing their wares, and the scent of fresh spices mingling with sizzling street food. It’s a full-body experience that wakes up your senses and grounds you in the authenticity of place.

When I visit a market, I let myself wander slowly, open to discovery. I taste the local snacks, ask questions about unfamiliar ingredients, and watch the unspoken choreography between vendors and customers. The displays themselves are a visual feast—vivid fruits stacked in perfect pyramids, dried herbs spilling out of handwoven baskets, fish on ice shimmering under the morning sun. Sometimes I buy something small, like a handmade kitchen tool or a local pastry, but often, it’s the energy of the space that stays with me more than any souvenir. These marketplaces are not just places to shop—they are the beating heart of the community.

And if a traditional open-air market isn’t available nearby, don’t overlook the local supermarket. I absolutely love exploring large grocery stores in different countries. They’re quiet cultural classrooms, revealing what people eat, how much they pay, what they value, and how food is presented and preserved. From the bakery section to the instant noodles aisle, you’ll spot everything from regional flavors to beloved brands. Even the carts, checkout lanes, and packaging tell a story. So whether you’re standing in a centuries-old souk or a shiny modern supermarket, take your time. Watch, listen, taste, and learn. You’ll come away with far more than groceries—you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of a place and its people.

Between Journeys: Finding Peace at Home

 

I’ve come to a surprising realization: I’m not planning any trips in the near future, and that actually feels… wonderful.

Looking back, I’ve been away a lot. Over the past year, I was technically out of the country during parts of October and November, half of December, eleven days in January, one day in March, and fifteen more days in April. In between those trips, I was often sick. I even came down with something at the end of my January travels and didn’t feel fully recovered for at least two weeks after I got home. After my April trip, I had a lingering, aggressive cough that stuck around for three solid weeks.

Since I returned home over a month ago, I’ve felt a quiet sense of peace settle in. I haven’t had to think about unpacking only to repack again. No booking hotels or flights, no managing packing lists or blocking out my work schedule. I haven’t had to juggle currency exchanges or map out shore excursions. And I certainly haven’t missed the long TSA lines, waiting to board planes, hauling luggage into and out of overhead bins, or arranging transport to and from cruise ports.

Instead, I can wake up and just be here.

There’s something deeply grounding about having nowhere to go. No countdowns. No checklists. No pressure to do something really interesting every day. Just the simplicity of home, routines, and rhythm.

And honestly, this pause couldn’t have come at a better time. I rarely travel during the summer anyway—it’s just too hot almost everywhere. Plus, with kids out of school, I can work both mornings and evenings, which gives me even more flexibility and flow in my days.

So for now, I’m staying put—and it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be.

International travel logistics are not for the faint of heart.

Home Sweet Home — After 25 Hours of Travel

International travel logistics are not for the faint of heart.

After 15 unforgettable days sailing across the Atlantic from New York to Rome’s port city, my journey home yesterday tested every ounce of patience and stamina I had left.

The breakdown:

• 3 airports

• 3 airplanes

• 2 rounds of passport control

• 2 rounds of customs

• 18 separate luggage-handling moments

• 12 long lines

• 1 shuttle bus

• 1 Uber home

• Endless walking… and walking… and walking

It all began with a line over an hour long just to disembark the ship. In moments like that, it takes a serious effort to stay calm and accept that sometimes, you just have to trust the process. Especially when others around you are stressed, complaining, or even yelling at fellow passengers over presumed rule violations.

My connection in Philadelphia was particularly demanding: a long trek to passport control, a wait for luggage, rechecking it for the Miami leg, clearing customs, and then—once again—through passport control and security. It felt like a travel obstacle course.

Throughout the day, I encountered a full spectrum of humanity—from the grumpy and rude, to the confused and exhausted, to the calm and gracious. But the real highlight? The crew on my final flight from Philly to Miami. They were hands-down the happiest, funniest, and most helpful team I’ve flown with in years. Their kindness was a perfect end to a marathon day.

After 25 hours of continuous travel, I arrived home completely wiped out—but grateful. I made it. I’m safe. And miraculously, so is all my luggage.

PS

“It can be especially challenging to manage all these travel logistics when you’re on your own. Without a familiar face to talk to or bounce things off of, the internal chatter can get really loud, making even small decisions feel overwhelming. Traveling solo definitely takes a different kind of mental energy.”

Majorca the Jewel of the Mediterranean

 A Day in Mallorca – April 10, 2025

Mallorca (also spelled Majorca), the crown jewel of Spain’s Balearic Islands, continues to enchant me—this is my fourth visit, and it never loses its magic.

Palma de Mallorca, the capital, can be summed up in five words: chic, elegant, sunny, relaxing, beautiful. Nearly two-thirds of the island’s population lives here, and during spring and summer, it buzzes with energy as cruise ships dock and visitors pour in. Yet somehow, Palma still feels timeless and serene.

Have you heard of the Balearic Islands?

This Mediterranean archipelago—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera—is an autonomous region of Spain. Mallorca, the largest, is famous for its dramatic coastline, hidden caves, golden beaches, and over 250 miles of scenic shoreline. Layered with history, the island reveals traces of Roman and Moorish rule, alongside soaring Gothic cathedrals and medieval palaces.

I began my day on the hop-on-hop-off bus, stopping at 18 iconic sights throughout Palma. For several hours, I chose to simply wander—exploring charming neighborhoods, pausing to admire the majestic waterfront cathedral La Seu (which never fails to take my breath away), and striking up spontaneous conversations with locals and fellow travelers.

Fun fact: Mallorca is also known for its exquisite man-made pearls—definitely worth a look, and perhaps a souvenir.

Whether you arrive by sea or land, Mallorca welcomes you with warmth, history, and unmistakable Mediterranean charm. Everyone I spoke with was as smitten with their day in Palma as I was.

And truly, this island keeps calling me back.

Travel insurance is mandatory!

 Why Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable for Cruisers

Insurance isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s peace of mind. Whether it’s your home, vehicle, health, or travels, insurance exists to protect you from unexpected financial devastation. No one buys insurance hoping to use it, but when disaster strikes, those who planned ahead are grateful they did.

Imagine your home burns down, and you have no homeowners insurance—would you expect a free rebuild? If you needed back surgery but lacked health insurance, would you assume the hospital would operate at no charge? If your car were totaled in an accident without auto insurance, would you expect someone else to cover the repair costs? Of course not.

Yet, when it comes to travel, many people invest thousands in a nonrefundable vacation but balk at spending a fraction of that amount—often just 10%—on a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Then, when an emergency arises, they hope the cruise line will sympathize and refund their trip. The reality? Cruise lines, airlines, and hotels have strict policies, and sympathy won’t get your money back.

A sudden illness, a family emergency, a missed connection, or even a global crisis can derail your plans. Without insurance, your investment is gone. With it, you have options. A well-chosen policy can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuations, lost luggage, and more.

The bottom line: If you wouldn’t leave your home, health, or car unprotected, why take the risk with your travel investment?

Advice for First-Time Cruisers to Europe

Advice for First-Time Cruisers to Europe: Embracing History and Culture

For many travelers, their first cruise experience is to the Caribbean, where the focus is often on relaxation, lounging on the beach, strolling around the port, buying souvenirs, and enjoying drinks near the ship. Caribbean cruises are typically about escaping the cold or unwinding in a tropical paradise, rather than immersing oneself in deep historical or cultural exploration.

However, cruising to Europe and other historically rich regions such as Asia, South America, or Oceania offers a completely different experience. These destinations are filled with centuries-old architecture, world-class museums, breathtaking cityscapes, and cultural traditions that have shaped civilizations for millennia. To truly appreciate what these ports have to offer, it’s essential to go beyond the typical cruise mindset of simply stepping off the ship and seeing what’s nearby.

While there’s nothing wrong with choosing to relax on a Mediterranean beach, treating an entire continent as if it were just another Caribbean stop is a missed opportunity. Some travelers may gravitate toward the familiar visiting McDonalds or Starbucks instead of trying local cuisine, or opting for a quick glance at a famous site rather than delving into its history. While this is a personal choice, a little preparation and curiosity can make the experience far more rewarding.

To get the most out of a European cruise, I highly recommend researching each port in advance. Create a list of the top five historical or cultural sites you like to visit, as well as five key facts about the destination. Whether you choose a private tour, a ship-sponsored excursion, or independent exploration, having some background knowledge will deepen your appreciation of what you are seeing. A well-informed local guide can bring history to life, but the experience is even more meaningful when you already have some context.

Destinations Best Explored with a Local Guide

Some places are simply too complex, historically significant, or logistically challenging to fully appreciate without an expert guide. In these locations, investing in a guided tour isn just recommended—it’s essential.

—-Giza & Cairo, Egypt

Seeing the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the treasures of ancient Egypt is a bucket-list experience, but navigating Cairo can be overwhelming. A local guide provides invaluable insight into the history, culture, and hidden details of these ancient wonders.

—Pompeii & Herculaneum, Italy

These Roman cities were buried in ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. A knowledgeable archaeologist or historian can help you understand the daily life of ancient Romans and interpret the well-preserved ruins.

—Penguin Rookeries in South America

If you’re visiting penguin colonies in places like the Falkland Islands, Punta Tombo (Argentina), or Magdalena Island (Chile), a naturalist guide ensures you follow conservation guidelines while providing fascinating insights into the penguins’ behaviors and habitats.

—The Acropolis & Athens, Greece

The Parthenon and surrounding structures have centuries of history, mythology, and architectural significance. A professional guide will help you understand their place in Western civilization.

Ephesus, Turkey 

This sprawling ancient city, home to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, is best appreciated with a historian or archaeologist who can bring its ruins to life.

—Petra, Jordan 

The Rose City is an architectural marvel carved into rock, and a guide can explain its Nabatean history, hidden tombs, and religious significance.

—Machu Picchu, Peru

The Incan citadel in the Andes is stunning on its own, but a guide can provide crucial information about its construction, purpose, and rediscovery.

The Great Wall of China

Understanding its vast history, strategic importance, and the different sections worth visiting is best done with a guide.

—Angkor Wat, Cambodia

This massive temple complex has deep religious and historical significance, and a guide helps make sense of its carvings, structures, and layout.

—The Vatican & Sistine Chapel, Italy 

A guided tour is essential to navigate the Vatican Museums efficiently, appreciate Michelangelo’s frescoes, and learn about the historical and religious significance of the artworks.

—Stonehenge, England 

A visit to this ancient monument is enriched by learning about its possible purposes, astronomical alignments, and the Neolithic people who built it.

My personal travel philosophy is simple: I seek out experiences I can’t have at home. That means prioritizing historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and local traditions over beaches, bars, and touristy shopping areas. The more you prepare in advance, the richer your memories will be and the more rewarding your journey will feel.

For me, learning about a destination before I arrive is almost as enjoyable as being there. I encourage all first-time European cruisers to embrace that mindset. A cruise to a region with a deep historical and cultural legacy is an incredible opportunity make the most of it!

About the Author

Karla Scott – A Passionate Explorer and Cultural Enthusiast

Karla Scott is a seasoned traveler with over four decades of solo travel experience, visiting more than 100 countries across six continents. Her love for exploration began during a junior year abroad in Normandy, France, where she discovered the thrill and empowerment of solo travel.

Karla’s journeys have taken her from the ancient ruins of Egypt to the bustling markets of India, the serene fjords of Norway, and beyond. With her extensive travel experience, she has honed her expertise in navigating diverse cultures and solo travel strategies, coaching others on cross-cultural communication and teaching English online.

Her mission is to inspire and empower women to embrace the transformative power of solo travel. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, Karla’s insights offer the guidance and encouragement you need to step boldly into the world.

More recently, Karla has explored the world through solo cruises, journeying across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, and beyond.

The Art of Travel Planning: Tips for Creating an Enriching Experience

 The Joy of Travel Planning: How to Craft the Perfect Vacation

I find that planning vacations is almost as enjoyable as taking them. I love learning—especially about history and other cultures—so the planning phase is always enriching for me.

I encourage you to start by learning about your destination: its history, traditions, geography, government, social norms, and cultural aspects such as cuisine, religion, celebrations, gender roles, and economy.

Next, consider your budget and travel dates. Decide which city or cities you’d like to visit, then research flight options. Once you’ve chosen your destination, study a map of the city to determine the best area to stay in. Use hotel booking sites to find accommodations that fit your budget, preferred location, and desired amenities.

Make a list of the top 10 things you want to do, and next to each, note how much time you’ll need to travel there and fully experience it. With this information, you can build an itinerary that aligns with your interests, budget, and schedule.

Once you’ve laid this foundation, you can refine your plans by asking more specific questions. Happy travels!