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You don't need a travel partner to have the most glorious adventures! Astrid Clements, founder of Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, is a SOLO TRAVEL expert with over 35 years experience. Specializing in affordable luxury travel, let Astrid be your guide. Whether you are a business traveler or an independent adventurer, or if you are just tired of waiting for someone else to join you, Solo Travel Talk is sure to have something for you.
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It has happened again: Astrid is flexing her superpower of hotel selection, even in Japan. The Hotel New Otani is elegant, with traditional gardens, onsen, restaurants, concierge, beauty and thoughtful touches throughout. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is famous for getting a high-quality hotel for her travels, since in the Astrid Travel …
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Japan is famously not “religious” yet there is a sense of spirituality that permeates throughout. From cultural touchstones, to shrines and temples, talismans, even manners and customs all seem to carry a piece of the spiritual life of Japan. Our solo travel advisor Astrid Clements sensed it on her recent trip to Japan and trust us when we say the …
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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 gardens of Japan. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves exploring gardens on her adventures, and what a treat were the gardens she viewed in Japan. One part aesthetics; one part philosophical ide…
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Japan may seem so different to Westerners, and there are lots of tropes and maybe even stereotypes about Japanese culture and the potential to clumsily cause offense. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is astute at acclimating herself to a culture before she travels, and her recent trip to Japan was no different. I’m producer Catherine O’Brie…
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If you have been following your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements’ podcast series on Japan, you know how much Astrid enjoyed exploring the country; seeing all the natural beauty; dining on phenomenal foods; learning more about the culture. But—Astrid has also mentioned that Japan solo travel has some challenges, too. The language barrier is real;…
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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 culture walk hand in hand—Japan is no different. Astrid’s take was that Japan is a serious about their food as the French (the apex of food appreciation in Astrid’s opinion.) There is philosophy behind Jap…
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We interrupt this Solo Travel Talk Japan Series to bring you some exciting news: your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has launched The AstridTravel Club. On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid will share the inspiration for the club, what the club offers, and how to know if membership is right for you. The AstridTravel Club brings together…
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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 thorough itinerary. Japan offers so much culture, natural beauty, amazing cuisine, architecture, and much more. Astrid visited major metropolitan areas, some more traditional cities, and made sure to inclu…
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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 persuade everyone to put Japan on their MUST visit list! Perhaps you haven’t considered Japan as a destination—too expensive, too hard, too far—whatever your reasons, Astrid is here to explain how Japan i…
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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. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has a keen eye for what solo travelers should know, what they should ignore, and what to get in on right away! This version of “Astrid’s Solo Travel Trend Watch” …
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Savvy solo travelers are all about maximizing their experiences, and knowing how to use stopovers can be a seriously powerful tool at your disposal. Who better than your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements to explain it all! What a stopover is, how to use it, who offers them—all that and more on this episode of Solo Travel Talk. Some of the questio…
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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, this super power was on display! The Hotel Raphael, located in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris is the utmost in refinement and elegance-- all while meeting Astrid's "affordable luxury" standard! Esc…
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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 now! As more and more people are becoming aware of all the possibilities that await the solo traveler, some of that attention can make it appear that solo travel is merely “having a moment,” making it a…
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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 of the defining elements of the character of Paris. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements spent time in the 16th Arrondissement and has some advice, some stories, some recommendations… the full Ast…
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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 encounter on our travels. However, tipping is NOT universal. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has some tips and advice on how to handle gratuity with grace no matter where your solo travels may tak…
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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 destination when you get there. The queen of pre-trip planning (who also just so happens to be your solo travel advisor) Astrid Clements has some thoughts and recommendations about setting an itinerary. Th…
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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 it. Are there cities that are truly better for solo travel than others? Is solo travel better if you are a certain age? Everyone should try solo travel? These are common ideas that surround discussio…
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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 home while on her solo adventures. On this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid shares her tips about when to book your hotel, how to book your hotel, and even how to find the hotel you are going to bo…
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Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is a big proponent of familiarizing yourself with a culture before you visit a destination. How does this advice come into play for one of her very favorite places, Paris? For years, visitors to France seemingly have endless tales about so-called rudeness or other cultural faux pas. Astrid has some thoughts …
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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 travel advisor Astrid Clements shares her tips for when to book flights, her resources, suggested sites and tools. Plus, if you are a procrastinator or if you have to travel last minute, Astrid has some …
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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 the cusp of returning to the City of Lights. On this solo travel podcast episode, Astrid not only covers Paris and some significant features, but you'll also hear themes about mood, revisiting a city …
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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 suggestions of some cities to contemplate—listen on. Astrid has 20 cities she considers solo friendly for your consideration. Be sure to stay tuned to the end when Astrid discusses a couple of major c…
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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 some travel inspiration, if you want to think about ultimate solo travel trips, this episode is for you. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is going to profile four trips—trips she actually plans…
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When you start dreaming of upcoming travel, Astrid often suggests assessing your mood or thinking about what you want to "accomplish" with your trip. On the new episode of her solo travel podcast, Solo Travel Talk, Astrid takes us live into her own planning. Get real-world considerations, suggestions, and inspiration. This is part one; next week in…
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Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements loves sharing top solo destinations. Cartagena, Colombia leaped into the Top Ten for Astrid of places to visit for solo travelers, and this is the podcast episode to find out why. On this solo travel podcast, Astrid gives all the highlights of Cartagena, sharing all her recommendations along the way. Hotels,…
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On the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, atop the continent of South America is Cartagena. Formerly the main port of the Spanish Empire, Cartagena served as a major center of political, religious, and economic activity. Today Cartagena’s walled city and fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Astrid Clements is just back from Cartagena. If you follow …
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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 as a solo travel destination, on this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid will present her Top 20 Things to Do in Mexico City. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out…
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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-travel process as well? When you get back home from being away, there are some specific things you can do for your mindset and your routine, beyond simply unpacking. We love sharing the most innovative …
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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 want to enjoy your “Season’s Greetings” on a wonderful trip. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements knows a thing or two about traveling over the holidays and can get you thinking (and planning!) fo…
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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 Travel Talk, we are joined by Beth Costa of The Wine Road Northern Sonoma County. Sonoma County is one of the most famed wine regions of California—with rolling hills, hundreds of wineries (of various s…
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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 most of all, he is your guide to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Originally from the United States, Joseph now lives in San Miguel de Allende leading tours (JosephTooneTours.com) and authoring books. S…
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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 and beautiful city. On this episode of Solo Travel Talk, Astrid is going to cover the top ten things to do in San Miguel de Allende. Food, water springs, museums, churches and so much more. Listeners s…
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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 Clements is all over social media herself and uses that medium to share what she knows about solo travel. On this episode of SOLO TRAVEL TALK, we’re going to pick Astrid’s brain about what’s available…
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Condesa Roma and Polanco are two notable neighborhoods in Mexico City. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements goes into the sights, sounds, museums, eateries, hotels… all the wonderful things to experience. This episode is not just an adventuresome travelogue—it’s also filled with strategy: how to see and do all the top things, max out your Mexic…
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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 your solo travel advisor wants you to know about all the sights, eats, and must-sees of this area. One part history lesson, one part travelogue, all solo travel-- this episode is a wonderful exploratio…
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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 Astrid Clements talks on this episode about some of the practical considerations that go into longer trips. Using the backdrop of New Orleans, Astrid gets into how to get ready for a longer trip of three we…
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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 adventure in these limited time frames? That's the focus of this solo travel podcast episode. Not only does this episode contain dozens of specific ideas for New Orleans, but listeners can get inspired for …
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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 bugs, and even dealing with a health emergency when you are traveling. We've organized this solo travel podcast into the "good, bad, and the ugly" (pre-trip health tips; maintaining health while away; …
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“Icon” is a word that might be overused…but then one comes upon an artist whose influence ripples throughout culture. The Frida Kahlo Museum, commonly known as Casa Azul is home to a phenomenal collection and is the former home of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. This episode of the Solo Travel Talk podcast is one part biography and one part t…
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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 avid traveler and pursuer of adventure. In 2006 Don suffered an accident that made him paralyzed. He didn’t allow that circumstance to change his enthusiasm for seeing the world. If you want inspiration…
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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 avoid, plus as many tips as she can muster so a solo traveler like you can have an amazing trip. We love sharing the most innovative and informative content to get you out there solo. Astrid, your ex…
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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. Astrid Clements, your solo travel advisor has 20 (!!!) reasons to go solo. In true solo travel podcast form-- this conversation isn't just about travel: it's about shaping your life and self-actualizi…
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Astrid used one key description to in relation the city our episode is focused on, and that is “overlooked.” Mexico City is massive; historic, culturally rich, and a good place to take a trip. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements is fresh back from Mexico City and has some commentary about museums, dining, some sights, and (of course!) shopping…
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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 people aren’t super enthusiastic about hitting the road alone. Your solo travel advisor Astrid Clements has just the remedy for this enthusiasm gap. If you know a non-traveler or if you yourself are experie…
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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 has poured over all the different sections of the travel.state.gov site and is prepared to impart some of this knowledge base to you. The State Dept Travel checklist, the services offered to Americans o…
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