And now it’s finally becoming something bigger.

I’m excited to announce that SarahTravelsALot is coming to Fiverr.

What I’ll be offering

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed planning a trip, unsure where to go, or stuck between too many options, this is exactly what I’ll be helping with.

I create fully customized travel itineraries based on your vibe, budget, and travel style. Think of it as having a travel-obsessed friend who already knows the destination and builds the entire trip for you.

This includes:

• Honeymoon planning
• Girls trips & group travel
• Europe itineraries (Italy, Ireland, Scotland, etc.)
• Island getaways (Belize, Costa Rica, Caribbean)
• Weekend trips & U.S. travel planning
• Hidden gems and local-style experiences

Every itinerary is designed to feel intentional, not overwhelming — with a focus on flow, balance, and experiences you’ll actually remember.

Why I started this

Over the years, I’ve planned trips across 25+ countries, helped friends design honeymoons, mapped out group vacations, and created travel plans that go way beyond basic Google searches.

I realized something simple:

Most people don’t need more travel options — they need better travel structure.

So I built a service around that.

What this means going forward

On Fiverr, I’ll be offering:

• Custom travel itineraries
• Destination research & planning
• Curated travel experiences
• Optional booking guidance (as an add-on)

My focus is on making travel feel easy, exciting, and fully personalized, without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

Launching soon

My Fiverr gig is currently being finalized and will be live very soon. Once it’s up, you’ll be able to book custom travel planning directly through the platform.

In the meantime, SarahTravelsALot will continue sharing travel inspiration, destination ideas, and behind-the-scenes planning insights here on the blog.

How to work with me

My travel planning services will be available on Fiverr through structured packages designed to make booking simple and seamless.

If you have a more complex trip or are unsure which package fits your needs, you’re always welcome to message me through Fiverr before ordering so I can guide you toward the best option for your trip.

I specialize in everything from honeymoons and multi-country Europe trips to group travel and detailed custom itineraries, so I’m happy to help clarify what level of planning support is the right fit for you.

Final note

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full international itinerary, the goal is always the same: to create a thoughtful, personalized travel plan that removes stress and makes your trip easy to enjoy.

The post Big News: SarahTravelsALot Is Now on Fiverr (Coming Soon!) appeared first on Sarah Travels Alot.

Solo travel doesn’t start with confidence. It starts with a decision to go anyway. This guide is for beginners figuring it out in real time.

Start Small:

• One city, not multiple
• 2–4 days max for first trip
• Pick somewhere walkable

Safety Basics:

• Share your itinerary with someone you trust
• Keep important documents backed up digitally
• Trust discomfort over ignoring intuition

What Surprises Most People:

• You eat better alone than expected
• You notice details you normally miss
• You don’t feel as “alone” as you think you will

Emotional Reality:

There may be moments of discomfort. That’s normal. It usually passes faster than expected when you stay curious instead of rushing to fill silence.

Solo travel isn’t about independence. It’s about learning how you move through the world when no one is adjusting their pace for you

The post Solo Traveler Starter Guide appeared first on Sarah Travels Alot.

Italy is not a checklist country. It’s a pacing country. This guide is for first-time travelers who want structure without rushing the experience.

Cities to Consider:

• Rome: history, walking-heavy, layered chaos
• Florence: art, compact, extremely walkable
• Venice: surreal, best early morning or late evening

How to Move Between Cities:

• Train travel is easiest (book in advance when possible)
• Keep luggage light if you can
• Don’t over-schedule transfers

Food Approach:

• Eat where it feels local, not staged
• Don’t rush meals
• Coffee is quick, food is not

Simple Travel Flow:

• 2–3 nights per city
• One “planned” activity per day
• Leave room for wandering

Italy rewards presence more than planning. The less you try to control it, the more it gives you back

The post Italy Travel Notes (first-timer friendly) appeared first on Sarah Travels Alot.

Austin Weekend Itinerary

A simple 3-day Austin itinerary designed for easy exploring, good food, and a flexible weekend pace.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this guide focuses on walkable areas, relaxed scheduling, and places that actually feel worth your time.

Day 1: Arrival + Downtown Rhythm

• Check into your stay (Downtown or South Congress is easiest)
  • Looking for discounted rates? Shoot me an email at hello@sarahtravelsalot.com and I can get you booked at some of the best places for less.

• Walk along Lady Bird Lake

• Grab dinner on South Congress Avenue

• Sunset stop at Congress Avenue Bridge (bat watching if you’re lucky)
  • They always come out around sunset, so double check the time.
  • Typically they appear nightly from late March to early November, but the best months are July-September.
  • If it’s been raining a lot they may be delayed or no show.
  • Get directions to the best spot here!

Day 2: Food + Local Austin Energy

• Breakfast tacos (any local spot, no overthinking)
  • Veracruz All Natural – Convenient location downtown close to the river. I highly recommend the Migas Taco, a Texas classic.
    • Get Directions
  • OneTaco Taqueria – Located on the famous 6th street, it’s fast, reliable, with good tortillas, making it an easy breakfast stop before wandering South Congress or the lake trail.
    • Get Directions

• Explore South Congress shops
  • Allen’s Boots – Want the official “Texas look”? Stop by to browse hats, boots and clothing. While they can be pricey, there’s always a sales section to the left when you walk in and the coolest taxidermy raccoons.
    • Get Directions

• Afternoon coffee break + people-watching

• Dinner at a local BBQ or Tex-Mex spot

• Optional night: live music bar hopping

Day 3: Slow Morning + Departure

• Brunch café morning
  • Toasty Badger – This is the one for vintage-diner warmth and “rainy Sunday with nowhere to be” energy. Wood paneling, funky ‘70s styling, fluffy pancakes, smoked salmon Benedicts, and hash browns people debate like sports radio.
    • Get Directions
  • Revolución – Tiny cozy coffeehouse vibes near the water. Better for a slower morning than a huge brunch spread, but it pairs beautifully with a walk downtown afterward.
    • Get Directions

• Light walk or museum stop
  • Texas Capitol Building – Free entrance and free guided tours daily. There’s some sick details in all of the architecture that you don’t want to miss.

• Last-minute souvenir or snack run

• Easy checkout

Austin works best when you don’t overpack it. Leave space in your schedule for wandering.

Feel free to reach out to me via email (hello@sarahtravelsalot.com) or instagram (@sarahtravelsalot) for more tips or recommendations.

You can also find me on fiverr where I can build out an entire custom itinerary specific to you and/or your group!

Happy Traveling

The post Austin Weekend Itinerary appeared first on Sarah Travels Alot.

Whether I’m sipping coffee in Madrid or soaking up the sun in the Dominican Republic, there are a handful of travel accessories I never leave home without. As a solo female traveler and journaling obsessive, I’ve learned that the right gear can make or break a trip — and the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to travel well.

Here are my absolute favorite travel accessories all under $25 that I personally use and love on every single trip!

1. Portable Charger

There is nothing worse than being lost in Madrid with a dead phone and no map! A portable charger is hands down the most important travel accessory I own. I never leave for the airport without it fully charged.

• Keeps your phone alive on long travel days
• Essential for solo travelers for safety
• Lightweight and fits in any bag

VEGER Portable Charger with Built-in AC Plug and Cables – Check Price on Amazon

2. 3-in-1 (or 4-in-1) Multi Charging Cable

One cable that charges everything? Yes please! I discovered this game changer before my trip to the Dominican Republic and I will never go back to carrying multiple cables again.

• Charges multiple devices with one cable
• Saves so much space in your bag
• Perfect for international travel

Multi Charging Cord for Travel Essentials – Check Price on Amazon

3. Packing Cubes

If you are not using packing cubes yet — this is your sign to start! They completely transformed the way I pack. I went from an overflowing suitcase to fitting everything perfectly for my week in Madrid.

• Keep your suitcase organized & tidy
• Makes unpacking at your hotel so much faster
• Compresses your clothes to save space
• Color code by outfit or category

BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes – Check Price on Amazon

4. Travel Pillow

Long haul flights are no joke — especially when you’re traveling solo and there’s no one to lean on! A good travel pillow makes all the difference between arriving exhausted and arriving ready to explore.

• Perfect for long flights & bus rides
• Supports your neck so you actually sleep
• Compact & easy to attach to your carry on

napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling – Check Price on Amazon

5. Turkish Towel

A Turkish towel was honestly one of the best discoveries I made traveling through the Dominican Republic. It’s lightweight, dries super fast and takes up barely any space in your bag — but it works as a beach towel, a scarf, a blanket on a cold flight and so much more!

• Lightweight & compact — fits in any bag
• Dries incredibly fast — perfect for beach & travel
• Works as a beach towel, blanket, scarf or sarong
• So much more versatile than a regular towel
• Comes in beautiful colors & patterns

BAY LAUREL Turkish Beach Towel with Travel Bag – Check Price on Amazon

My Honest Take

These five accessories have saved me so many times on the road — from long layovers to navigating new cities alone. As a solo female traveler the right gear gives you confidence, keeps you safe, and lets you focus on what really matters — soaking up every magical moment of your adventure!

Ready to Pack Smarter?

Want more solo travel tips and inspiration? Join The Writing Wanderers and grab your free journaling prompts for solo travelers — perfect for your next adventure!

Newsletter link to come soon!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Sarah Travels Alot! Read my full affiliate disclosure here.

The post Top Travel Accessories Under $25 Every Solo Female Traveler Needs appeared first on Sarah Travels Alot.

Looking for the best travel journal? Here are my top picks based on years of solo travel journaling — from classic lined notebooks to dotted journals perfect for ticket stubs and souvenirs.

This post contains affiliate links. See my full Affiliate Disclosure for details.

Introduction

I have a journaling problem. And I mean that in the best possible way.

Over the years of solo traveling I’ve filled hardcovers, softcovers, planners, dotted pages, lined pages, and everything in between. I’ve journaled on trains, in airport terminals, in tiny hotel rooms, and on beaches where the wind kept flipping my pages.

What I’ve learned? The type of journal you travel with matters more than you’d think. The wrong one sits untouched in your bag. The right one becomes part of the trip itself.

Here’s my honest breakdown of the best journals for solo travelers based on real experience, not just research.

1. Classic Lined Hardcover My Personal Favorite

If you’re new to travel journaling, start here. There’s a reason lined hardcover notebooks have been around forever… they just work.

The hard cover means it survives getting tossed around in a backpack, sat on in overhead bins, and shoved into overstuffed day bags. The lined pages mean you can just open it and write. There’s no thinking required, no setup, no system.

For me, writing in a lined hardcover feels professional. Like what I’m writing actually matters. And when you’re processing the emotional experience of solo travel. The loneliness, the wonder, the moments that catch you off guard. That feeling matters.

When traveling solo I always go for a smaller size — something that fits in a crossbody bag or jacket pocket so it’s always with me.

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover — Check price on Amazon

Moleskine Classic Hardcover — Check price on Amazon

2. Softcover Journal Best for Ultralight Packers

When every gram in your bag counts, a softcover journal is your best friend. They’re flexible, lightweight, and surprisingly durable if you choose a good quality one.

I love softcovers for shorter trips or as a second journal. I’ll usually have one hardcover for my main writing, one softcover for quick notes, poem drafts, or random thoughts throughout the day.

The flexibility also means they bend and squish into tight spaces in your bag without taking up precious real estate.

Papier Softcover Travel Journal — Shop here

3. Planner-Journal Combo Best for the Organized Traveler

This one is underrated and I will die on this hill.

A planner that doubles as a journal is an absolute game changer for solo travel. Instead of carrying a separate planner AND a journal, you have everything in one place:

• Your itinerary & bookings
• Daily reflections & memories
• Travel goals & bucket lists
• Budget tracking
• All your thoughts and feelings in between

I used one on a particularly long solo trip and it completely changed how I organized my travels. Being able to flip from “what am I doing tomorrow” to “here’s how today made me feel” in the same book is incredibly satisfying.

For solo travelers especially, where you’re making all your own decisions, having your planning and your processing in one place just makes sense.

Clever Fox Travel Journal — Check Price on Amazon

4. Dotted Journal Best for Creative Travelers & Souvenir Keepers

Oh, the dotted journal. I resisted this one for a long time. I was a lined journal purist, but then I tried it and understood immediately why people obsess over them.

The dotted grid gives you just enough structure to write in straight lines, but it also gets out of your way when you want to:

• Sketch a quick map of a neighborhood you wandered through
• Draw the view from your hostel window
• Paste in ticket stubs, museum receipts, metro cards, and paper souvenirs
• Create little layouts that are half journal, half scrapbook
• Draft poetry in any direction you want

That last point is what converted me. For solo travel specifically, you collect so many little paper memories like boarding passes, café receipts, museum tickets, pressed flowers. The dotted journal is the perfect home for all of them because you can design each page however you want around whatever you’re sticking in.

No two pages look the same. It becomes a truly personal artifact of your trip.

Leuchtturm1917 Dotted A5 — Check price on Amazon

5. Blank Journal Best for Artists & Free Spirits

No lines. No dots. Just pure white space and possibility.

Blank journals are not for everyone — and that’s okay! If you need a little structure to feel comfortable writing, skip this one. But if you’re someone who sketches, paints, does watercolors, or just wants total creative freedom on the page, a blank journal is everything.

I’ve used blank journals specifically for trips where I knew I wanted to draw and write in equal measure — where the destination was so visually stunning that words alone weren’t enough.

Moleskine Blank Classic — Check price on Amazon

My Honest Recommendation by Traveler Type

What I Always Look For in a Travel Journal

After filling more journals than I can count, here’s my non-negotiable checklist:

• Small enough to carry everywhere — if it doesn’t fit in your bag it won’t get used
• Durable cover — it needs to survive a backpack
• Good paper quality — no bleed-through
• A closure — elastic band or clasp to keep pages safe
• A back pocket — for storing ticket stubs and little mementos
• Feels inspiring — because you want to open it and write

Final Thoughts

The best travel journal is the one that makes you want to write in it every single day. Whether that’s a classic lined hardcover that makes you feel like a serious writer, a dotted journal full of ticket stubs and sketched maps, or a planner combo that keeps your whole trip in one place — trust your instincts.

Your journal will become one of the most treasured souvenirs you bring home. Not because of what it looks like on the outside, but because of everything you poured into it on the inside.

Start there. The rest will follow.

— Sarah

The post The 7 Best Journals for Solo Travelers appeared first on Sarah Travels Alot.