She is Mee

In August 2021 I got to check my first international trip off my list! I moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE and my life has forever been changed. At the beginning of 2021, I said “I will spend my birthday outside of America.” Little did I know things were working in my favor and I wouldn’t just visit, I would actually being moving abroad. While living in Abu Dhabi, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Dubai. Yes, they are in the same country. No, Dubai is not the name of country. The country is United Arab Emirates. In future blogs I will discuss all things UAE and tell you all about living abroad. This post will tell you about the other countries I visited in 2021 and 2022. Sit back and enjoy my travels as a solo traveler!

The next big trip I took was in December 2021. I went to Africa for the first time! Zanzibar, Tanzania was a dream! The bluest waters, the friendly people, and amazing food!! The fruit is the best fruit I’ve ever had, especially the mangoes! I was there for six nights. While I was in Zanzibar I stayed at three different hotels so that I could see all that Zanzibar had to offer! I stayed in Stone Town and Nungwi Beach. I even stayed in a hostel, but I had a private room with my own shower. The hotels were: Tenno House Hotel, Makofi Guest House, and Sandies Nungwi. I really enjoyed myself in each hotel! They all gave a different feel and aspect of Zanzibar!

While in Stone Town I had the best the tour guide! He was amazing and showed me all of Stone Town. But one thing I did was forget his name(sad face) but I do have a photo of him! He told me all the history of the city. I learned so much being in Zanzibar! Places I visited with the tour guide: Prison Island, Stone Town, and Slave Market.

I also went on a spice tour while in Zanzibar! The best quote I heard while at the spice tour was, “We don’t go hungry or homeless here because we all work together and eat from the farm.” That quote really stuck with me, especially being from America and so many homeless people are around. It truly takes a village/community to help one another. Zanzibar was a dream! I would go back for sure!

Now it’s 2022 and I traveled to Thailand for Spring Break. Phuket, Thailand was amazing! I am going to give you my itinerary for Phuket it includes hotel and activities. Eight nights in Thailand wasn’t enough! I need to go back and see more of the country !

I faced my fears while in Phuket! I jumped off the boat and into the water! Yes, I can swim but jumping off the boat and into the water was a fear! I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get back on the boat, I was afraid of jumping, and I let my size and negative self talk almost stop me from facing all my fears!

I stayed in four different hotels and each showed me a different part of Phuket. I saw mountains, island, beach, and the city! If you get the chance to go to Thailand GO! Another highlight from my trip is I got the floating breakfast and lunch at two of my hotels! When I vacation I like a little luxury!

Phuket hotels I stayed in: Glam Habitat, Ratri Old Town Phuket, and Villa Zolotiude. Things to do: Elephant Sanctuary, Old Town Sunday Night Market, Phi Phi Island Boat Tour, Big Buddha and Temple Tour, Patong beach, and you have to do a floating breakfast or lunch! Let’s not forget self-care get a massage and Thai bath! You won’t regret it!

Now it’s summer time and I’m going home to America to visit my family after a year of being away. I missed birthdays, big events, and holidays so I had to take my nephews on the best vacation. So we packed up and took a road trip trip to Panama City Beach, Florida! My nephews had never been to the beach. The joy and fun they had that week made it all worth it! I am so thankful my cousin went with us to the beach! We spent a week at the beach three kids and two adults! Whew! Parents more power to you for taking your children on vacations!

Summer at home was interesting! My niece was born and I got to spoil her so much! Can’t let her be missed from my post. Lol.

Now it’s time to go back to Abu Dhabi, summer is over! I’m working and counting down until Fall Break! It’s finally here! It’s October and I took a trip to Turkey! While in Turkey I visited Istanbul and Cappadocia. Both places are very different from each other. Istanbul has so much to offer and the city was always busy. Cappadocia was very beautiful the hot air balloons were a sight to see. I had some of the best shisha and Turkish food! While in Cappadocia I also stayed in the cave hotel and that was an experience.

Turkey hotels I stayed in: Henna Hotel and Seki Cave Hotel. In Cappadocia most hotels have rooftop views for hot air balloons. Our hotel is where the hot tub photo was taken. Enjoy Turkey if you decide to go.

Now we have moved to December and if you read my last blog you know December was spent in Ghana! Go read the Ghana blog to get all information about Ghana!

So all of my travel was solo except my trip to Turkey. I truly enjoy solo traveling.

Have you ever wanted to travel solo? Well here are four steps that’s helped make my trips amazing!

1. Research things to do in the area! You create your own itinerary and go to the beat of your own drum.

2. Book your flight and hotel. Find an area that you would feel most safe. I usually hotel hop during vacation so I can see everything the country or city has to offer.

3. Reserve your taxi/driver. Most hotels have airport transfers so always use the hotels to pick you from airport over taxis. It will save you money and time.

4. Use an esim or get SIM card at airport. I love using an E-sim because I can add the data before I arrive and then I know for sure my phone will work as soon as I land in the country. I suggest Airalo.

Well that’s all for my travel in 2021 and 2022! 5 countries down and so many more to go! I hope you felt like you were with me during all of trips. Until next time readers….