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.

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.

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.

Casablanca, Morocco

 Casablanca, Morocco.  12-3-24

Here is the brochure description of today’s tour:

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. Visit the central market, home to hundreds of stalls brimming with locally grown vegetables, meats, seafood, as well as handicrafts. Continue to the new Medina of Casablanca and the Habous quarter with its Arab-Islamic architecture. You'll see the facade of the Royal Palace and cross the quarter and the colorful olive market on foot. Drive through the residential quarter of Anfa and your guide will point out the location of the Casablanca Conference held during World War II. The main highlight of Casablanca is the famous Hassan Il Mosque; stop here for an inside visit of this great architectural masterpiece.

This is the world's largest religious monument after Mecca and its minaret is the tallest. You'll have some free time at United Nations Square for more photo opportunities or even some shopping.

                          ————-—

Morocco stands out among African nations for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique blend of influences from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. What sets Morocco apart is its fusion of Berber, Arab, and European elements, creating a tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines.

Morocco is one of the few countries in the world where you can ski in the mountains and surf in the ocean on the same day.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Morocco is its geographical diversity, ranging from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert and the picturesque coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This diversity contributes to Morocco’s allure as a tourist destination and provides a wealth of experiences for visitors.

Morocco’s historical ties with Europe, particularly France and Spain, have influenced its modern identity. French colonial rule left a lasting imprint on Morocco’s administrative systems, language, and architecture, while the country’s Muslim rulers preserved its Islamic heritage and traditions.

The French played a significant role in Morocco’s modernization and urban development, particularly in cities like Casablanca, where European-style boulevards and architecture coexist with traditional Moroccan neighborhoods. Muslim rulers throughout history have also shaped Morocco’s cultural landscape, leaving behind magnificent palaces, mosques, and medinas that reflect the country’s Islamic heritage.

Life in the big city of Casablanca is dynamic and cosmopolitan, with a thriving economy, bustling markets, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city is a melting pot of different cultures and influences, attracting people from all over Morocco and beyond seeking opportunities in business, education, and entertainment.

Aside from the visit to the grand mosque, the rest of today’s tour was quite different from the one I took on the Sky Princess last March.