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Tag Archives solofemale

A Day With MBV in Ireland, Dublin

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Welcome to the fifth edition of my series A Day with MBV In Dublin. Last year I decided to take a cheeky solo day trip to Dublin, and it was great! It’s a fantastic city that I would recommend to anyone that is looking to venture out and travel solo.

Now let me tell you a little story…..

Can you believe that I NEARLY MISSED MY FLIGHT! I didn’t even think I was going to make it to Dublin. The journey to Southend Airport was an absolute mission and a half! And to make matters worst, I found out when I got to Liverpool Street Station that my flight had been moved forward. I truly believed I was going to miss my flight and if I had listened to the lady at the train station, I wouldn’t have even made it to Dublin. There is more detail over on Jennasworldview site – When Shit Goes Wrong on Holiday.

Once I arrived in Dublin, I was able to get a coach with GoAirCoach from the airport into the city, which wasn’t too expensive. I remember it being less than £15 for a return! I would also suggest getting the same coach back to the airport. The journey was pretty smooth, it took no more than an hour to get to my first destination.

As I was going solo, I decided to do an Airbnb tour suggested by TheTravelTauraus.

First Stop – The Docklands Red Piles

Dublin Dockland Red Piles

The first stop was meeting with my Airbnb host who first took to me to the Grand Canal Docks. This is a cute little location for those that love a cheeky picture or two.

Interesting Fact: The Grand Canal Docks first opened in 1796. At the time they were the world’s largest docks.

Second Stop – Trinity College

The second stop we headed over to the first famous University of Dublin. I was quite intrigued by this university because many of my Irish friends had spoken about it while I was at Uni.

Third Stop – St Steven Green

We then headed to St Stephen’s Green park. A beautiful park designed by William Sheppard. I loved how peaceful the park was and how green it was.

Fourth Stop – Grafter Street

We headed to Grafton Street, which is a shopping centre near St Stephen Green Park.

Interesting Fact: In 2008, Grafton Street was the fifth most expensive main shopping street in the world, at €5,621/m²/year.

Fifth stop – The Umbrellas

This was my favourite part of the trip. My Airbnb host had told me a funny story about how she found this street on a drunken night out with some friends. It’s right next to a bar called Zozimus Bar. If you get the chance, take some pictures underneath the umbrellas.

Sixth Stop – Temple Bar

Dublin Temple Bar

After taking some pictures around the city and outside Temple Bar, I decided I was very hungry so had some lunch before my long walk to Kilmainham Gaol.

Final Stop – Kilmainham Gaol

Last but not least, Kilmainham Gaol. This was a museum that used to be a prison in Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland. It is now a museum run by the Office of Public Works, an agency of the Government of Ireland.

And that is it! Surprisingly I got a lot done! What about you? Would you ever head over to Dublin on a solo trip for the day?

I have one more day trip to complete my day series, so be sure to subscribe to the blog to read all about it!

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11 Things To Do In Singapore

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There are so many things you can do when in Singapore. As a student living in Singapore. I never felt that I was able to cover everything. However, in my time living there, I can honestly say that I learnt that there are a few things you must do when in Singapore.

11 Things You Must Do When In Singapore 

The Singapore Flyer 

The Singapore Flyer is the world’s most giant observation wheel. A one-of-a-kind experience. It was built over a 3-story terminal building, and is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second (it is some 30 metres taller than the famous London Eye!). 

I went on this in my first month of living in there (the picture below). You get to see such beautiful city sights like the river, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang. 

Location: 30 Raffles Ave, 039803 / Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 10.30 pm 

Raffles Hotel

This luxurious colonial-style hotel has a long history dating back to 1887 and has become one of the most famous landmarks in Singapore. Stay here or go with a group or by yourself for the Raffles Bar experience and order yourself a Singapore Sling. 

Location: 1 Beach Rd, 189673

Head over to China Town  

I truly love exploring a Chinatown when in a new country! It has my favourite thing in the world – food! China Town has the most authentic Chinese food you will taste! There are countless restaurants and hawker food vendors to choose from. 

It’s also great for shopping – many swear you’ll find the cheapest souvenirs here. 

Marina Bay Sands AKA MBS 

The S$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands complex is the focal point of the bay. Many of the great things to do and see in the area revolve around this monumental building and resort, such as the Science Museum, Casino and various shopping, dining and nightlife options. 

You must head over to Marina Bay around 8 pm to catch the spectacular light show, which illuminates the water as well as several iconic landmarks in the city centre. 

Visit Ce LA VI 

When I lived in the Lion City, this club was actually called Ku De Ta. It is a club on the 57th floor and has to be the most amazing views! This place is excellent for a night out with some crazy music! 

Ce LA VI
Location: 1 Bayfront Avenue Hotel Tower 3, Level 57 Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark 018971/ Open: Daily from 12 pm to 4 pm 

Gardens by the bay  

The famous Supertree structures offer an impressive skywalk over the gardens. Go here for an Instagram photo and more beautiful sites of the city. 

Location: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953 / Open: Daily from 5am to 2 am 

Singaporean Zoo  

I did the Singapore Zoo, with my family when I was living in Singapore and loved every single minute of it. It was first called the Singapore Zoological Gardens or Mandai Zoo but is now known as the Singapore Zoo. 

Location: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826/ Opens: 8.30 am to 6.30 pm 

Botanic Gardens 

I first visited the famous Singapore Botanic Gardens as a student. I loved it so much that I had to go back last year. It is a 160-year-old tropical garden located at the fringe of Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping district and is a must-visit. 

botanic gardens Singapore
Location: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569/ Open: Daily from 5am to 12 pm 

Sentosa

Sentosa isn’t my favourite place in Singapore, and I would say it is mainly for tourist, clubbing, shopping and food. It has a very man-made vibe going on but is good again for some fun times. You can easily access all the attractions via MRT in 15 minutes from downtown Singapore. 

Jewel Changi Airport

The Jewel Changi Airport was not built when I lived in Singapore. It opened in April 2019 and has been a huge attraction ever since! It is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex on the landside of Changi Airport, Singapore.

Location: Airport Boulevard Terminal 2, Level 3 Departure Transit Lounge/ Open: 24 hours
A few other things to also check out:
  • Head over to the museums.
  • Universal Studios

Thank you for taking the time to have a read. Is there anything I missed that should be included – let me know in the comments below. 

Read more:
11 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN

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7 Fantastic Tools That will Have You Solo Travelling with Confidence

Some people solo travel to escape their 9 to 5, get a break from reality, family or the simple difficulty in gathering friends to go away with. Whatever your reason is. I believe everyone should travel at least once in their life. Solo travelling is an exciting topic for many reasons.

So What is Solo Travel?

Solo travel is where you go somewhere alone. This can be anywhere you want. Wherever you go, you spend a significant chunk of time alone once you get to your destination. Now, as I said before, I never actually feel like I’m alone when I solo travel. And it’s real, just because you travel alone doesn’t mean you’ll always be alone during your travels. Unless you really want to be.

I absolutely adore solo travelling, but I don’t feel like I do it enough. This year I solo travelled to Singapore, Bali and Ireland. You can go wherever you like, whenever you want. It’s incredible how you are entitled to do exactly what you want when you want. 

However, I do understand that booking the first solo trip can be quite a daunting experience. That is why I’m going to give you the tools to schedule your first trip with real confidence.  

How to Travel With Confidence as A Solo Traveller 

1. Take Baby Steps…

This is advice from someone that has travelled solo for over 5 years. Please don’t do your first solo trip thousands of miles away from home. It might be a shock to the system, and you don’t want it to go to waste. Instead, start small. I recently went to Ireland for the day. It was great and was only a 55 min flight from home. Why not go for the day by yourself ? Or even do a one-night stopover in a city close to you. It doesn’t have to be a huge jump! Make it easy and start off small. 

When travelling alone, you have to feel so comfortable in your own company.  

You don’t even have to actually leave your city. You could go to the park alone. Or maybe cinemas/movies. Perhaps even think about heading to a restaurant alone. Whatever you do, do something that you are comfortable with. When solo travelling, you have to feel so comfortable in your own company.  

Me sitting on the steps at Trinity College.

I’m someone that enjoys my own company – a little too much in fact. Travelling solo pushes, you to be by yourself most of the time, so think where you want to go first. You will always feel nervous wherever you go (I still get worried, and I’ve been going solo for five years!!) but the more you practise going sooo and test your limits the further you can go.  Trust me. 

2. Get yourself booked onto a tour  

As cheesy as it sounds, it’s actually a good idea and a perfect way to make friends when travelling solo. When I was in Bali this year, I booked an Instagram tour

Me and Sandra.

Now if I didn’t book that tour, I would have never met another traveller and experienced another side of Bali. Going on tours and meeting with other travellers is an excellent way of sharing stories and tips, too! 

3. Do a little you know research   

I say this quite lightly because you can do all the research in the world and still be shocked upon arrival! I would say make sure you go with an open mind ready to learn and eager for a new experience.  

4. Plan the first couple of nights’ accommodations for your solo travels

This won’t be necessary if you’re only staying for a day.

However, it is essential if you have never travelled before to book accommodation. It’s just so you know where to go upon arrival. I’ve done solo travelling and have booked my accommodation on the day to my destination. This is fine, but I wouldn’t suggest it on your first solo trip. I want you to enjoy your first solo trip, so making sure you have everything planned is key to having to a smooth experience. I would suggest booking.com and Airbnb.

5. Stay active on social media  

This doesn’t apply to everyone, of course (not everyone has social media) but if you have a phone, I would suggest keeping your friends and family aware of things you are doing while travelling solo.

When I travelled solo to Las Vegas last year, I was always checking in with friends and family to let them know that I was okay.  

Use socials like:

6. Carry cash and a credit card and keep your money safe – In several places 

I tend to use my credit card everywhere I go. However, I do understand that this might not be an option in some areas. In Ireland and Singapore, this was and is fine. Countries like Bali or Malaysia you may want to have some cash with you – don’t carry massive amounts but enough for you to get by. 

My advice to you is, only take what you need for a day’s spend, you will know what to take through lots of planning. And if you have to hide some money in several places and only carry one plastic and have one at home.  Do so. Travelling solo you always need back up.

7. Present yourself with confidence hunnie when solo

After all these tools I have stated above, you should have NO problems with travelling solo. Walk with an air of confidence everywhere you go. You’ll give off a self-assured vibe, rather than a vulnerable one, and be less likely to attract unwelcome attention. 

Final Thoughts…

It can be hard to not look like a tourist, or a solo traveller, but never tell people where you’re staying unless you feel safe to do so. Although I was solo travelling in the States last year, I never once said to people where I was staying. In fact, I always made out that my boyfriend was at the hotel. 

If you ever find yourself lost, which can be fun sometimes (not always) go into a busy local bar, a restaurant or a hotel. Worst case scenario is you will have to pay for a taxi to get you home. I’ve done this before and felt no shame about it! 

Never worry about coming across as dismissive if you reject a seemingly kind local’s offers; your safety always comes first. Trust your instincts; they are your best defence. 

Use these tools, and I can assure you that solo travelling will be a smooth and one to remember.  

Thank you so much for having a read. If you have time, read on my other solo travel posts: 

Have you ever travelled solo? When was your last solo trip? What scares you the most if you haven’t gone solo before?

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