The Traveling Tay

the
traveling
tay

Welcome to The Traveling Tay!

Hi, I'm Tay! I have a passion for budget, solo, and female travel. I'm here to share all my trip guides and travel hacks so you can adventure around the globe.

Recent Posts

chernobyl

Is Chernobyl Safe? 10 Extremely Important Questions

October 31, 2021

If you’re wondering if it is safe to visit Chernobyl, this post is for you. I will answer all of the burning questions everyone has[…]

backpack greece

5 Easy Ways to Backpack Greece on a Budget

October 21, 2021

Want to backpack Greece, but you’re on a tight budget? Have no fear – these essential tips and tricks will help you save money while[…]

Florence, Italy Travel Guide

February 9, 2020

The art capital of Italy is guaranteed to take your breath away. Situated in the middle of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, a trip to Florence[…]

Follow Me Around the World!

thetravelingtay

a tumultuous weekend in Cinque Terre 🤠 Went to

a tumultuous weekend in Cinque Terre 🤠

Went to visit one of my favorite travelers (hey @morganjames), ended up…

getting our airbnb robbed, spraining my ankle, & getting stranded during a train strike 🥰🥰🥰

Things going wrong when you travel is part of the experience // just make sure you’re surrounded by friends you can laugh it off with. Shoutout to all my favorite pals on tour for making this such a lovely weekend :))

‼️TLDR‼️Get travel insurance! I use @worldnomads & it’s been great for lost & stolen items (perfect for me). I’ve also heard @safetywing is a great option for medical refunds if you tend to be illness/accident prone! Renters insurance & credit card insurance can also help, though it’s not as comprehensive.

#solotravel #budgettravel #tbapresets #cinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #visititaly #travelhorrorstories #girlaroundworld #sheisnotlost #solofemaletravel #womenwhotravel #travelinsurance

Visiting San Marino ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 🏰 Why V

Visiting San Marino ⬇️⬇️⬇️

🏰 Why Visit?

San Marino is worth a visit for its picturesque views, cliffside fairytale towers, and unique classification as an enclave country. It’s a great option if you’re already in central Italy.

💤 How long to stay?

Though you can see most of San Marino in a day trip, I’d recommend staying overnight to experience the city without the crowds. We stayed at Hostaria Da Lino and had a great experience.

💰 How much does it cost?

San Marino is fairly expensive for tourists. To save money, make sure to bring your student card for discounts on transport & activities. Expect higher prices when eating out. San Marino has many tax-free goods available, such as perfume & alcohol.

🚌 How can I get there?

To reach San Marino, first take a train to Rimini. Then, take a local bus into the country. You can buy bus tickets at the tourist information shop in the Rimini train station.

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #visititaly
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #sanmarino #visitsanmarino #microcountry #castle #repsanmarino #republicofsanmarino

My top tip for Parma, Italy ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Tr

My top tip for Parma, Italy ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Try the Prosciutto di Parma & Parmigiano Reggiano with fresh torta fritta at @officina_alimentare_dedicata

(Swipe to see!)

This meal was life-changing. Easily the best prosciutto I’ve ever had. The staff was incredible & helped me try some of Parma’s most famous local specialties 🙂 Officina Alimentare Dedicata is a must-visit spot in Parma!

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #parma #visititaly #visitparma
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #solophotography #selftimer #parmafood #italyfood #tbapresets #parmawelcome

my favorite tagliatelle al ragù in Bologna is….

my favorite tagliatelle al ragù in Bologna is….

@trattoriadame 🍝

I tried a ton of tagliatelle al ragù (a signature dish in Bologna) and Trattoria Da Me made my personal favorite. Their ragù was 10/10 and the tagliatelle was so fresh & delicious. Paired with a bottle of local pignoletto frizzante & a side of crescentina, this meal was perfect!!

Comment if you have a favorite ragù in Bologna!

& follow for more Italy content 🇮🇹

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome #solophotography #italyfood #ragu #bolognese #bolognafood #pastagram

My favorite photos are the ones I take myself 📸

My favorite photos are the ones I take myself 📸

Here are my top tips for getting the best shots on your own:

⭐️ Get away from the crowds. Either wake up super early for pics at the main attractions or find a quiet area for photos (like I did here)

⭐️ Invest in a tripod. This will make your life so much easier. I have a short bendy one, but a full-size gives you more control.

⭐️ Use a camera with a self timer or record a high-quality video on your phone & screenshot it.

⭐️ The candid moments are the best! Take your time & you might end up with something better than a pose.

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome #solophotography #selftimer

Bologna from above ☀️ Climb the Asinelli Towe

Bologna from above ☀️

Climb the Asinelli Tower for the best view of the city. Entry is only €5, make sure to book in advance!

Follow for more on Bologna, Italy

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome #europesummer

The Sanctuary of San Luca ⛪️ San Luca is a c

The Sanctuary of San Luca ⛪️

San Luca is a church situated at the top of a hill overlooking Bologna. It’s about an hour hike outside of the city center.

To get here, you walk along the longest portico in the world! It’s a beautiful trek and one of the most worthwhile attractions in Bologna.

Check out my story highlights for more info on visiting San Luca!

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #tbapresets #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome

bologna’s porticoes 🌞 The porticoes are easi

bologna’s porticoes 🌞

The porticoes are easily my favorite part of this gorgeous city. Bologna is a must-see for anyone interested in a more local experience in Italy.

Follow for more information about Bologna!

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome

life update ✨ I decided to make my way back to

life update ✨

I decided to make my way back to Europe for a casual little summer before I start working again!

I’m spending 5 weeks in Bologna, Italy to volunteer as an English teacher. I found an apartment & I’m consuming an absurd amount of espresso & aperol spritzes 🙂

After that, it’s a bit TBD. In the meantime, I’m sharing all things Bologna!

Bologna’s Best Budget Eats 🍕 These are my f

Bologna’s Best Budget Eats 🍕

These are my favorite affordable (& delicious) options for food/drink in the city so far:

🍷 Bar Major Bologna // Most affordable Aperol Spritz, only €3 @bar.major

🍝 Osteria del Moline // Incredible pasta for a great price (try the Tagliatelle a Ragu) Pasta €7-€10 & wine €4/glass @lemolinebologna

🫒 Marsalino // Casual Apertivo (drink & food for a set price) €5 @il_marsalino

🥪 Panini Di Miro // Affordable & delicious paninis (counter service) €5-6 @i_panini_di_miro

🍕 Pizza Casa // Cheap & yummy pizza in the university district (open late night) €5

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome #bolognafood #budgetfood #cheapeats

🇮🇹 Top sights in Bologna (Part 1) In what w

🇮🇹 Top sights in Bologna (Part 1)

In what will inevitably become a series, here are my top recommendations for Bologna so far:

📸 Via Santo & Via Gerusalemme // favorite photo spot (pictured here)

🔶 Walking through Bologna’s Porticoes // my favorite ones are in San Stephan’s Square!

🛕 Asinelli Tower // Climb to the top of this (slightly leaning) tower for a panoramic view of the city, only €5. Reserve in advance.

⛪️ Madonna di San Luca // beautiful view & pilgrimage through the longest portico in the world

🚶‍♀️Free walking tour with @freewalkingtourbologna for an intro to the city & it’s history

More Bologna posts coming soon!

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking
#solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna
#sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel
#italysummer #ladolcevita #bolognawelcome

found my home for the summer 💐 I’m taking it

found my home for the summer 💐

I’m taking it easy this summer & posting up in one city for awhile. Bologna will be my home base & from here I can hopefully take some fun side trips.

Stay tuned for an abundance of Italy content ✨

#italytravel #solofemaletravel #backpacking #solotravel #bologna #visititaly #visitbologna #sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #budgettravel #travel #italysummer #ladolcevita

What I packed for a summer in Europe 🌞 I'm tra

What I packed for a summer in Europe 🌞

I'm traveling all around Europe this summer
& needed a versatile wardrobe that would work
in any country.

I stuck to a neutral color scheme, picked multi-
purpose pieces, and tried to pack as light as
possible! All this (plus everything else) fit in my
46L @ospreypacks Porter backpack.

Follow for summer Europe content & more
packing vids ✨

#solofemaletravel #summertravel
#europeansummer #capsulewardrobe
#packingtips #budgettravel #backpacking
#europe #solotravel #neutralstyle
#travelpacking #traveltips #travelfashion
#europestyle #travelstyle #girlaroundworld #sheisnotlost

⬇️ READ CAPTION ⬇️ Is solo travel as a wo

⬇️ READ CAPTION ⬇️

Is solo travel as a woman safe in Colombia?

The short answer: YES ✅

Due to Colombia’s past & stereotypes about the country, many people have concern regarding safety in Colombia.

Luckily, this country is fairly stable and safe (in my opinion). I personally ran into no safety issues whatsoever.

🙋‍♀️ What was your experience as a solo female?

I had a very good experience!! I did pretty much everything alone and I generally felt comfortable. The catcalling is bad, but I was never approached or followed. I stuck with groups when going to bars at night. All in all, I felt safe.

⚠️ But what’s the catch?

Colombia has some minimal risks, just like any other country in the world. On the backpacker trail, my primary concern was theft. Pickpocketing is the most common, while robbing is less likely (yet still happens). Don’t let this discourage your visit - just opt to take the right precautions 😊

❓How can you avoid theft?

It’s easy! Use the same precautions you would take in other big cities. Avoid flaunting wealth and keep your belongings in a secure location. Only carry the essentials. Leave your passport & valuables locked up at home. Keep your phone in your bag - don’t walk around with it in your hand. Stick to safe areas & be extra careful at night 🙂

☹️ But what if something happens?

I always recommend getting travel insurance just in case something gets lost or stolen on your trip. I use @worldnomads!

#visitcolombia #colombia #colombiatravel #solofemaletravel #solotravel #budgettravel #backpacking #backpackcolombia #southamericatravel

📍 @mamasitamedallo Medellín, Colombia My favo

📍 @mamasitamedallo Medellín, Colombia

My favorite restaurant in Medellín is Mamasita Medallo. Located in the Manila area of El Poblado, this upscale restaurant serves up incredible cocktails & local cuisine. Here, you can try chicharrón, bandeja paisa, patacones, and more.

My favorite meals here are the Arepa de Choclo and the Fiesta de Arepas!

Follow for more Colombia content! 🇨🇴

#visitcolombia #colombiatravel #visitmedellin #medellintravel #colombiafood #medellinrestaurants #colombia #medellin #southamericanfood #southamerica #solotravel #solotravelingwoman #solofemaletravel #solofemaletraveler #budgettravel #backpacksouthamerica #sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #tbapresets

💫 best hostels in colombia 💫 Save this for

💫 best hostels in colombia 💫

Save this for your next backpacking trip!

⭐️ @santalovahostel on Isla Tintipán

⭐️ @thejourneyhostel near Tayrona Park

⭐️ @lospatioshostel in Medellín

For more information on these hostels (social
scene, cost, facilities, etc) check out my story
highlights for Colombia!

#visitcolombia #colombiatravel #colombia
#southamerica #islatintipan #medellin
#tayronapark #solotravel #solofemaletravel
#budgettravel #backpacking #budgetbackpacker #sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld

My recommended itinerary for 1 month in Colombia ✈️

These are my favorite destinations in the country. Check out my story highlight for more details on each place!

#colombiatravel #visitcolombia #colombia #solofemaletravel #solotravel #budgettravel #sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #southamerica

⭐️⭐️⭐️ best places in Colombia ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I spent 2 months traveling around Colombia & these are my top recommended places to go!

For more travel content, give me a follow & check out my story highlights for Colombia.

#colombiatravel #colombia #southamerica #cartagena #medellin #guatape #salento #palomino #minca #tayronapark #southamericatravel #solofemaletravel #solotravel #budgettravel #sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #genztravelers

M I N C A 🌀 C O L O M B I A Deep in the mount

M I N C A 🌀 C O L O M B I A

Deep in the mountains of northern Colombia, you’ll find Minca. It is a hidden gem for for anyone with a love for the outdoors.

⛰ This area is packed with gorgeous mountains, trees, waterfalls, and (not gonna lie) bugs. It’s very peaceful and a nice place to relax with a good book for a few days.

🏍 Getting here is difficult - you have to take a 4WD car or a motorbike.

🧘‍♀️This area is extremely secluded. Unless you stay in Minca town, you will have no access to shops & you’ll eat all your meals at your hostel.

📸 This photo was taken on the 5 Waterfall Hike excursion through my hostel @finca.carpediem

Check out my story highlight for more details on Minca!

#visitcolombia #minca #southamericatravel #solofemaletravel #solotravel #budgettravel #sheisnotlost #girlaroundworld #tbapresets

Must-Dos in Cartagena 🌺 Food: 🌮 @queroarepa

Must-Dos in Cartagena 🌺

Food:
🌮 @queroarepa
🍛 @lacocinadepepina
🍕 @disilviotrattoria
🍺 @dementetapasbar
☕️ @libertariocoffee

Going Out:
🍸 @alquimicocartagena
💃🏼 @calleadentro_oficial
🍻Bar crawl with @beyondcolombiabc on Fridays

Things to do:
📸 Take photos of the colorful city on Carrera 8 near Carmen restaurant
🛥 Catamaran boat trip with @bonavida.catamaranes booked on @getyourguide
🚶‍♂️ Walking tour of Old Town with @beyondcolombiabc
🎉 Beach club day at @makani.lbc

Hostel:
🏠 @lifeisgoodctg

💉 Need a covid test?
Go to Genesis Clinical Laboratory on the 2nd floor of Centro Comercial in Getsamani

#colombiatravel #colombia #cartagena #solotravel #solofemaletravel #girlaroundworld #sheisnotlost #southamericatravel

30 Countries

115 Cities

3 Continents

Europe