Solo Travel Talk with Astrid

Managing Travel Letdowns | Hassle-Free Travel Expectations

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Don't let unmet expectations steal your travel joy! If you have ever felt disappointment about a destination or a travel sight, this is the Solo Trave...

Crowds, Crowds Wherever I Go | Hassle Free Travel Series

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Oh, sweet irony—you leave your home to see new things only to be greeted by crowds, lines, more crowds, and people wherever you go! Over tourism, po...

We Used to Dress Up to Fly | Hassle-Free Flying

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No fooling around: we're diving into the dark heart of travel hassle in this episode of Solo Travel Talk. When people gripe about travel hassle, are t...

The Hassle-Free Travel Mindset

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is hassle blocking you from pursuing the travel you want to experience? Do you get filled with a mild (to severe) sense of dread when thinking about h...

The Astrid Travel Club | 2020 Trips and Interview with Madeline Freret

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

BONUS: The AstridTravel Club has an amazing slate of trips planned for 2020!  On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid will share the inspiration ...

The Hotel New Otani Tokyo

26 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It has happened again: Astrid is flexing her superpower of hotel selection, even in Japan. The Hotel New Otani is elegant, with traditional gardens, o...

Spiritual Renewal Japan

19 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Japan is famously not "religious" yet there is a sense of spirituality that permeates throughout. From cultural touchstones, to shrines and temples, t...

Beauty in Nature | Japanese Gardens

12 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Japan seems to be a country and a culture that appreciates reflection and beauty. These values come together in a unique way when it comes to the gard...

Cultural Dos and Don'ts Japan

05 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Japan may seem so different to Westerners, and there are lots of tropes and maybe even stereotypes about Japanese culture and the potential to clumsil...

Japan Tips and Challenges

29 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you have been following your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements' podcast series on Japan, you know how much Astrid enjoyed exploring the country; ...

Its More Than Sushi | Food Tours Japan

22 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We love food tours, yes we do… and your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements had a fabulous foodie time on her trip to Japan. Of course, food and cul...

The AstridTravel Club

15 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We interrupt this Solo Travel Talk Japan Series to bring you some exciting news: your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has launched The AstridTrave...

Top 10 Japan

08 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

If you heard our first show in the Solo Travel Talk Japan Series, you know that your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements had a long visit with a thoro...

Why You Should Visit Japan

01 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Solo Travel Talk returns!! (With a twist….) Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements spent several weeks in Japan and came back with a passion to pe...

STT 103: Solo Travel Trends to Watch in 2019

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The travel industry is always trying to improve and solo travelers especially can benefit from some of the trends shaping up to take hold in 2019. You...

STT 102: The Stopover Secret

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Savvy solo travelers are all about maximizing their experiences, and knowing how to use stopovers can be a seriously powerful tool at your disposal. W...

STT 101: Hotel Raphael Paris - Solo Travel Gem

03 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Astrid Clements has revealed in many (MANY!) of her podcast episodes that one of her super powers is picking hotels. On Astrid's recent trip to Paris,...

STT 100: Fad or Fabulous Solo Travel

20 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Solo travel has been evolving quickly in the last few years, even though your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has been going solo for some time no...

STT 099: Paris' 16th Arrondissement for the Solo Traveler

13 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Zoom in on a map of Paris and you will notice a spiral configuration of lines dividing up the city. The Arrondissement system of neighborhoods is one ...

STT 098: Keep the Change - Tipping While Traveling

06 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For many of us, getting a stash of small bills is part of the pre-trip planning routine since we will be tipping all the various helpers that we encou...

STT 097: Managing an Itinerary as a Solo Traveler

29 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The whole point of traveling somewhere is to do activities that are fun or interesting or enriching or otherwise give you the experience of your desti...

STT 096: True False Solo Travel

21 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We like debunking preconceived ideas about solo travel here on Solo Travel Talk, and your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is just the person to do...

STT 095: How and When Tips for Booking Hotels

15 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves to talk lodging! Hotels are a top topic for Astrid because she regards her hotel as her home away from ...

STT 094: Paris Cultural Do's and Don'ts

08 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is a big proponent of familiarizing yourself with a culture before you visit a destination. How does this adv...

STT 093: When to Book Your Flight - 10 Tips

01 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Timing is everything the adage goes, and when buying flights, this seems to be especially true. On this new episode of Solo Travel Talk, your solo tra...

STT 092: Returning to Paris Solo

25 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Paris! If you've listened to Solo Travel Talk before, then you know your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves Paris. In fact, Astrid is right on ...

STT 091: 20 Solo Friendly Cities

18 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements knows what makes a city "solo friendly." If you want some inspiration for your solo adventure, and want some ...

STT 090: Solo Travel Dream Trip Planning 2019

11 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Astrid is thinking about 2019 and on this episode of Solo Travel Talk, we get to hear about where she is dreaming of visiting next year. If you need s...

STT 089: Assessing the Mood and Setting Solo Travel Goals

04 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

When you start dreaming of upcoming travel, Astrid often suggests assessing your mood or thinking about what you want to "accomplish" with your trip. ...

STT 088: Astrid Recommends - Cartagena Highlights

27 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves sharing top solo destinations. Cartagena, Colombia leaped into the Top Ten for Astrid of places to visi...

STT 087: Introducing Cartagena for the Solo Traveler

20 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, atop the continent of South America is Cartagena. Formerly the main port of the Spanish Empire, Cartagena served a...

STT 086: Top 20 Mexico City for the Solo Traveler

13 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Astrid has implored: Don't overlook Mexico City as a solo travel destination. She is THE solo travel advisor after all, and to encourage Mexico City a...

STT 085: Post Trip Tips for the Solo Traveler

06 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is THE advocate, THE ambassador, THE example of PRE-trip planning, but did you know she's got a whole post-tr...

STT 084: Destination Holiday Travel (Start Planning Now!)

30 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This is not quite a "Christmas in August" episode, but right now is THE time to start thinking of all the end-of-year Holidays and get started if you ...

STT 083: Wine Tourism and Sonoma County's Wine Road for the Solo Traveler - Beth Costa

23 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Pop the cork! Wine tourism can be a very interesting and educational way to travel… plus WINE! Talk about travel enjoyment! On this episode of Solo ...

STT 082: Joseph Toone San Miguel de Allende History and Culture Walking Tours

16 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There is nothing better than to hear about an amazing place from someone who knows their stuff. Joseph Toone is part storyteller, part historian, but ...

STT 081: Top 10 (with a bonus) San Miguel de Allende

09 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

An artist colony, a place of spiritual energy--San Miguel de Allende is a special place in Mexico and Astrid has recently returned from this dynamic a...

STT 080: Solo Travel Inspiration on Social Media

02 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Even the most avid traveler needs a little inspiration from time to time, and we are currently in a social media age. Your solo travel advisor Astrid ...

STT 079: Polanco and Condesa Neighborhoods, Solo Travel Mexico City

26 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Condesa Roma and Polanco are two notable neighborhoods in Mexico City. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements goes into the sights, sounds, museums,...

STT 078: Historic Centro, Mexico City for the Solo Traveler

19 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The historic Centro district of Mexico City gives you a foundation for understanding one of the largest cities in the Western Hemisphere. That's why y...

STT 077: Heading Out for a While - Long Trip Planning

12 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do with a real splurge of time for a solo travel adventure—like three weeks or even THREE MONTHS? Well, your solo travel advisor Astr...

STT 076: Solo Travel with Limited Time in New Orleans

05 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Is Astrid up to the challenge? You bet she is! What if you only had 3 hours in New Orleans...or what about 3 days. Could you have a solo travel advent...

STT 075: Your Health Abroad

28 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Don't let poor health or illness ruin a solo trip! Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has some tips for you about staying healthy, fending off b...

STT 074: Casa Azul, The Frida Kahlo Museum - A Mexico City Must

21 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

"Icon" is a word that might be overused…but then one comes upon an artist whose influence ripples throughout culture. The Frida Kahlo Museum, common...

STT 073: Traveling with Disabilities - Don Godshaw of Travelon

14 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Travelon products have made an appearance on SOLO TRAVEL TALK before, but on this episode, we get to talk to Don Godshaw—CEO of Travelon. Don is an ...

STT 072: Dos, Don'ts, and Solo Travel Tips for Mexico City

07 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Many listeners know Astrid is fresh off a visit to Mexico City and as your solo travel advisor she is always on the lookout for what to do and what to...

STT 071: 20 Reasons to Go Solo

31 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Do you need a little solo travel inspiration? Do you know someone who should be going solo, but hasn't taken the plunge? This is the episode for you. ...

STT 070: 'Overlooked' Mexico City for the Solo Traveler

24 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Astrid used one key description to in relation the city our episode is focused on, and that is "overlooked." Mexico City is massive; historic, cultura...

STT 069: Change My Mind - Solo Travel

18 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

There is something about solo travel that can be life-affirming and joyful. But it may shock listeners of this show—Solo Travel Talk, that some peop...

STT 68: The STEPs to Safety for the Solo Traveler

10 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of the best resources available for solo travelers who are safety minded is the US State Dept website. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements ha...

STT 067: Planning Ahead for Safety and Crisis Overseas

03 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is all about planning ahead. On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid is talking planning ahead for safety...

STT 066: Miami Beach Off the Beaten Path

26 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Miami Beach is more than beaches and is NOT Miami! Art Deco architecture, museums, and even dining... Miami Beach is a gem of a place and has earned t...

STT 065: 10 Tips for Experiencing New Orleans

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

If you know anything about your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements, you know she loves New Orleans! On this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid gives...

STT 064: Solo Travel on Fremont Street, Las Vegas

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Vegas, baby! You might be in Las Vegas for a vacation, to see a show, for a conference, and your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements wants you to know...

STT 063: Lovely Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale

05 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's a tony destination within Ft. Lauderdale—Las Olas is more than restaurants, more than shops… and your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is ...

STT 062: Miami Architecture and Cultural Touring - Alexandra Bassil

30 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Miami is a top tourism destination, but it also has a rich history and a vibrant architectural preservation movement. Alexandra Bassil is a Certified ...

STT 061: Innovative Products and Travel Trends for the Solo Traveler

22 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements hit the International Travel Goods Show—a world class show for travel products, hosted in Las Vegas. As a s...

STT 060: Musee de l'Orangerie

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the Tuileries Gardens, next to the Place de la Concorde in Paris, lies a gem of a museum. The Musee de L'Orangerie holds impressionist and post-imp...

STT 059: The Seine - Soul of Paris + Dinner Cruising

08 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Winding its way through Paris is the Seine River. Is it too much to say that the Seine is part of the soul of Paris? Astrid Clements, your solo travel...

STT 058: Live from The International Travel Goods Show

01 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The International Travel Goods Show is happening right now in Las Vegas, Nevada. Your Solo Travel Advisor Astrid Clements is there looking for product...

STT 057: Off the Beaten Path New Orleans, by Neighborhood

22 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

You might know that Astrid Clements, your solo travel advisor, is a lover of New Orleans, but did you know Astrid also advocates New Orleans as a TOP ...

STT 056: New Orleans Tricentennial

17 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Birthday to the Crescent City! The pearl of South Louisiana, New Orleans, turns 300 this year. Older than the United States itself, NOLA has a r...

STT 055: Avenue Montaigne

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Right in Paris' 8th Arrondissement is an enclave of luxury that may find no equal anywhere else in the world. It's Avenue Montaigne and it's quite an ...

STT 054: 5 Planning Ahead Tips for Solo Travel Success

01 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We've been hearing it; you might be saying it-- a lot of people want MORE TRAVEL in their lives this year. To help you achieve that goal, your solo tr...

STT 053: Elegant Parisian Lounges Not to Miss

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Parisians have a philosophy: life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. You can see this philosophy in action in some of the elegant lounges and bars of P...

STT 052: Hotel Regina, Affordable Luxury Gem in Paris

18 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Hotel Regina in Paris, France is a phenomenal hotel, a gem of a place to stay, and a fabulous example of affordable luxury. It was also the lodgin...

STT 051: Pick Your Paris Theme

11 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, Astrid Clements shared her recent trip to Paris and told listeners that her trip had a theme of Style and Fashion. On this episode of Solo ...

STT 050: Your 2018 Solo Travel Planning Guide - Paris

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ooh la la! Get ready for a Parisian excursion on this episode of your solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk. If you have not put Paris on your 2018 de...

STT 049: Art Routes San Miguel de Allende

28 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Art Routes is back! In coordination with The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, Art Routes will be going to San Migue...

STT 048: What the Smart Solo Traveler Has - Travel Insurance

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

You might not think of it, but travel insurance is something the smart solo traveler has. On this episode of your solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Tal...

STT 046: Table for One (Dining Solo Rebroadcast)

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's December... the year is soon coming to a close and we've been doing some reflecting on 2017 here at Astrid Solo Travel Advisor. Solo Travel Talk ...

STT 045: Kamelia Britton - Hackerette

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

One part mindset, one part strategy, and a nice sprinkling of verve for life. Kamelia Britton is THE Hackerette, and she devotes her travel blog to h...

STT 044: Destination Holiday Travel

24 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Are the holidays the best time to travel to a fun destination? Destination holiday travel is all about making a journey to a wonderful place and celeb...

STT 043: Taking Some of the Stress Out of Holiday Travel

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's almost something we've come to expect: holiday travel being a stressful disaster. Nothing can take the fun out of the season faster than stress! ...

STT 042: Business Trips That Feel Like Pleasure Travel

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

For many people, traveling for business is the introduction to solo travel. Is it possible to use business trips as a way to not only get solo travel ...

STT 041: Travel Trends the Solo Traveler Needs to Know

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Luxury travel is becoming democratized, which has led to the expansion of the affordable luxury market for travelers. This is just one of many travel ...

STT 040: Your Key to Solo Travel Success - Back to Basics

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to make your solo travel adventures successful, you'll need to have your fundamentals in order. Thankfully you have your own Solo Travel A...

STT 039: The Evolution of a Solo Traveler

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Astrid has an amazing depth of experience with her solo travel and on this episode of Solo Travel Talk, we document the evolution of the solo travel j...

STT 038: 15 Packing Tips Every Solo Traveler Should Know

12 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone who has ever listened to Solo Travel Talk knows Astrid is passionate about easing packing stress! On the new episode of your solo travel podcas...

STT 037: Self-Discovery and Reflection on the Road - Gerri Hobdy

06 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Listeners, you are in for a treat. On the new episode of Solo Travel Talk, we hear from Gerri Hobdy and learn from her unique perspective. The discuss...

STT 036: Some Trusted Brands for the Solo Traveler

28 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Astrid has a lot of tips and thoughts about how to make your solo travel better, and today we turn her attention to some trusted global brands. On thi...

STT 035: The Call of a Place

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It might start as an inkling, maybe it grows to a pull-- a feeling that you need to visit a particular place. What is this force and what's behind the...

STT 034: Solo Travel From Hanoi to NYC

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

What do Hanoi and New York City have in common? You'll find out on this episode of Solo Travel Talk as Astrid talks about both these cities in terms o...

STT 033: Get Dreaming About Singapore and Bangkok

07 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Whisk yourself away to Singapore and Bangkok on this new solo travel podcast episode. This week on Solo Travel Talk, Astrid continues a mini-series ab...

STT 032: Destination Dreaming - Lisbon, Marrakesh, + Abu Dhabi

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

How about a little destination dreaming as summer wraps up? On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid takes listeners on an adventure to Lisbon, Mar...

STT 031: Easy Budgeting for the Solo Traveler

24 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Adventure is wonderful, exotic locales are wonderful, solo travel is wonderful! But, there is a practical consideration: travel costs money, and a tra...

STT 030: Destination - Beijing

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Beijing, the capital city of China— a country with a rich cultural history, a huge population, and place that might be intriguing to the solo travel...

STT 029: Road Trips for the Solo Traveler

10 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ahhh… the open road. If you feel the call of the highways, byways, and interstates, this solo travel podcast is for you. Road trips are a special ki...

STT 028: Dos and Don'ts of Culture for the Solo Traveler

03 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Different than cultural literacy, knowing the dos and don'ts of another culture can make your solo travel more comfortable and allow you to engage mor...

STT 027: Destination - Venice, Italy

27 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare to be swept away to the jewel of Italy: Venice. On this episode, Astrid profiles Venice as a destination for the solo traveler. Experience the...

STT 026: Saint Petersburg Art Routes Wrap Up, Part II

20 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We are confident that you are going to want to visit Saint Petersburg after this show! Saint Petersburg is an amazing destination and one of Astrid's ...

STT 025: Saint Petersburg Art Routes Wrap Up, Part I

13 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Art Routes Saint Petersburg was a glorious success, and on this episode of Solo Travel talk, Astrid introduces Saint Petersburg as a select, must-visi...

STT 024: Freaky Fliers

06 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever thought, "This giant metal tube shouldn't be in the air!!" then this solo travel podcast episode might be for you. Being afraid to fl...

STT 023: New Orleans Travel Blogging

29 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

AstridTravel.com is a great place to learn about fabulous destinations, affordable luxury for the solo traveler, great travel products, and in particu...

STT 022 : Picture Perfect

22 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Taking snapshots on a trip is a common activity but can sometimes bring on the stress of getting shots that capture the moment. On the newest episode ...

STT 021: Solo Travel Myths Debunked!

15 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like certain myths persist about traveling alone. In this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid will use some of her vast experience to debunk ...

STT 020: Slow Can Be Super

08 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Slow travel made a bit of an introduction in our recent Timing is Everything solo travel podcast episode (Episode 17) and we thought it deserved a lit...

STT 019: Have Theme, Will Travel

01 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

If you have a hobby, a special topic you are into, a subject that sparks your fire--good news! You probably can find a theme trip that will allow you ...

STT 018: Fun, Fabulous Food Tours

25 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On your next travel adventure, Astrid has a suggestion for you: plan on going on a food tour! You won't be sorry if you do. On this episode of Solo Tr...

STT 017: Timing is Everything

18 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Time waits for no one, not even the solo traveler. On this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid covers timing issues like when to go (and why), how lon...