Hiking has always been something that I really enjoy, and I’m lucky enough to live in a city that has so many beautiful trails close by. Whether you’re in the mood for a lite, easy hike or an all day adventure Ventura County has so many options to choose from. Ventura County has some of the most unique and beautiful hiking trails, and I’d like to share with you some of my personal favorite trails ranging from easy, moderate, and difficult.
Starting off with some easy trails, I would recommend the Ventura Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens has a pretty short, out and back trail with easy inclines located in the hills right above Downtown Ventura. Throughout the hike there are tons of unique plants and flowers to admire along the way. As you continue hiking the view just keeps getting better and eventually you get a stunning overlook of the whole city. Now, you can either be a member at the Botanical Gardens to have daily access or pay a small entry fee, but it is free to hike here on Fridays and the upper portion of the trail is always free to hike on.
Ventura Botanical GardensRose Valley Falls
Another easy going trail that I love to spend time at is Rose Valley Falls in Ojai. This trail is a short out and back trail with very little inclines. At the end of this easy trail is a beautiful waterfall. This is the perfect hike to do if you don’t feel like going on a long strenuous hike but still want the reward of a gorgeous view. If you’re wanting a nice, peaceful day in nature then I would definitely recommend going to Rose Valley Falls.
Moving on to some moderate level trails, I would like to mention the trails at Arroyo Verde Park. This is a loop style hike that’s a little longer than the trails I previously mentioned. I would say this is a moderate level hike because there is quite a bit of gradual uphill involved. In my opinion, this hike is definitely worth it because the trails are surrounded by wildflowers and the view gives you a unique perspective of Ventura.
I would also like to mention the Ventura Hills Nature Preserve trails that recently opened up earlier this year. These trails are on a more moderate level, as they are a bit lengthy and have some areas that are pretty steep. I really enjoyed checking out these new trails mainly because of the unique perspectives throughout the hike. The ocean view is obviously stunning in itself but I also found it pretty cool that about halfway through the hike you end up behind the hill giving you a really cool view you don’t normally see. So overall this hike gives you stunning views and great exercise.
Ventura Hills Nature Preserve
And finally, if you’re looking for a full day adventure I’d recommend hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains. All of the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains are unique and memorable in their own ways, however, I’d like to put some spotlight on the trails that take you to Boney Peak. This hike is pretty difficult and strenuous yet it’s one of my favorites. A couple years back my mom, brother, and I did this hike and it was very memorable. I recently revisited the memories we had on this hike with my mom and got some of her opinions and asked her about her favorite parts. In this conversation she says, “I’ll never forget how diverse the terrain was throughout the whole hike.”, “I loved how almost every turn you make transports you to a different place.” And I couldn’t agree more, this was one of my favorite parts of this hike as well. The frequent change of scenery definitely motivated me to keep going. Although this was a very strenuous hike, the scenery and the view from one of the highest points in the mountain range made it all worth it.
Boney Mountain Trail, Santa Monica Mountains
Overall you can’t go wrong when picking a trail to hike in Ventura County. There are so many other really cool hiking options here as well that I wasn’t able to mention in this article. If you are interested in other trails in the area (or anywhere really) I would highly recommend getting the Alltrails app. This app is super helpful when looking for new trails and finding up to date reviews on them as well.
Here’s a hard truth; In this day and age, almost everyone- if not struggling themself, knows someone that is struggling.
10 years ago, mental health was talked about a fraction of the amount it is talked about now. It has become a bigger conversation than ever, especially for students. Between school, work, relationships, the pressure to “have it all figured out”, and just trying to be a decent person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even isolated.
But one thing keeps coming up in these conversations: community matters.
The term “community” can mean a lot of things, so it’s important we define it before we start valuing it. Community is found in the people we spend time with, the spaces we feel comfortable in, and the interactions we have daily. And while many people think of community as a big, obvious display of connection (clubs, organizations, large groups), it can also be a lot simpler. For most students it can look like a friend you can talk to between classes, a local barista that knows your order, a phone call with someone you trust, or a teacher that checks in on you. Living in a small town, and especially one as warm as Ventura, most of these aren’t foreign concepts.
According to conversations with several Ventura College students, one of the hardest parts of struggling mentally isn’t always the stress itself, but it’s feeling like you have to deal with it alone.
I talked with a senior named Relle; she shared,
“I don’t think I realized how much I needed people until I stopped seeing them regularly.”
It’s a feeling that’s more common than we think.
While there isn’t a “twice daily pill” or quick fix to struggling with mental health, connection does make it more manageable. It is our human nature to need places where we can let loose, laugh, talk, and not feel like we’ll be voted out like “Survivor” for being ourselves.
Building real connection can start with small, consistent choices. Here’s some ways students are already doing it:
Becoming a “regular” somewhere. Coffee shops, a study spot, walking around campus, showing up consistently creates familiarity, and with enough effort, connection.
Invite. Be the first to reach out! If everyone always waited for someone else to include them, no one would be invited anywhere. Take the initiative, even if it’s scary, it’s better than not trying at all. Here are some suggestions from VC students,
“Do you want to grab coffee? Would you want to study together? Can I give you a ride somewhere?”
3. Put your phone down! (Sometimes) Most people’s phone is their digital implant- hardly ever leaves their hand. Feeling that someone cares enough about what you’re saying to give you their full attention doesn’t go unnoticed and means so much more than you think. Think back to any time you’ve been talking to someone that’s on their phone. I bet it still conjures up just as much frustration now as it did then. Now think back to a conversation you’ve had with someone that looked you in the eyes. I bet you felt much more listened to, much more cared for, and much closer to that person. Listening is how we build connection, and therefore, community.
4. Low pressure. If you feel that every interaction you have to have with a person has to be meaningful, deep, and groundbreaking, that can be a lot of pressure. And chances are, you don’t always have the energy for those types of conversations. So keep it light, take the pressure off, and meet people where you are. Taking the steps to reach out, even causally, ensures you don’t slip away to an island of isolation, and that you continue to build reliable relationships.
Having “Go-to” spots also helps. Ventura naturally creates opportunities for connection (you just got to take advantage of them).
You can try: Any one of our beautiful beaches or walking paths, coffee shops (Daylight and Moon, Freedom Coffee, and Room Service are some of my favorites), places on the VC campus (the library, student center, outdoor benches/quad), local parks or lookout spots (Cemetary park, Arroyo Verde park, Surfers Point).
Having places you can depend on makes planning so much simpler. One student said,
“Something about being out in nature makes it so much easier to open up.”
I couldn’t agree more, and Ventura makes that extremely accessible.
If there’s one takeaway, let it be this: you’re not supposed to go through everything yourself. When things feel hard, or stressful, or completely overwhelming, it feels easy to push people away and deal with your problems alone. But trust me when I say, that won’t solve anything. Building community, especially in the hard times creates relationships to last. Community won’t solve all your problems, but it will help you remember that you’re seen, supported, and not the only one figuring things out. You don’t have to completely uproot your life and change your schedule, or friendships, or habits. You just have to put in a little effort. Text someone. Sit with someone. Invite someone. It might matter more than you think.
some places sell plants. others help you grow a home. explore this garden center located at a hardware store in midtown ventura.
Do you like plants, but feel unsure of where to start? I wanted to focus on this small garden center located at Franklin’s Ace Hardware in Ventura. Miss Jackie is the wonderful human who runs it, alongside Stacey and Nick. She has helped so many clients with great tips and by boosting their confidence to start digging and planting. This is a family owned franchise. I love supporting local businesses and feeling like a part of their community.
Ace Hardware is known for their amazing customer service and that is definitely experienced at this location. They opened their doors back in October 2024. Their garden center is a newer addition. It’s only been one year of serving the community this March 2026.
As college students, we are always looking for budget friendly places and I believe this place is a great start. Miss Jackie takes amazing care of the plants and they have a small “plant recovery” section where they sell plants for a huge discount so they may be nursed back to health.
I’m not necessarily a plant guru but this place has my heart because it brings me so much peace even just walking through it and admiring all the beautiful plants and listening to the bubbling coming from all the fountains. There are disco balls glistening and birds enjoying the bird baths. It truly is a tiny magical oasis.
“I enjoy the uniqueness of our plant selection and helping customers with which plants would suit their garden the best.” – Stacey
“I love coming out here during my breaks to listen to the fountains and birds chirping in their bird baths. The ambience is everything.” – Mary
From succulents, tropical plants, jasmine trees, to petunias and marigolds, their plant selection is very vast and Miss Jackie is always taking recommendations. Come on in and get started on your gardening journey with customized picks and tips!
You might be like most college students, experiencing a specific type of broke that comes in the form of realizing that you have exactly enough money for gas… and maybe laundry. Between classes, textbooks, and trying to have some sort of social life, “fun” starts to feel like a luxury you might not be able to afford.
So I decided to test something: Could I spend and entire day exploring Ventura with just $20?
In the words of Sia, “I love cheap thrills.” This challenge felt like the perfect way to find them. The day started as a budgeting experiment but became a reminder that Ventura is uniquely suited for inexpensive fun. We’ve got ocean views that don’t cost a thing, locally owned coffee shops that still feel personal, and small businesses that remember your face.
Preparation: What you actually need
Before setting out, I kept it simple- A $20 bill, a jacket (because Ventura is a bit unpredictable sometimes), a water bottle, and a small packed sandwich to hold me over.
Packing something small ahead of time helps stretch the budget without taking away from the experience. We’re not trying to “go without”, just spending intentionally.
Morning: Donuts, Coffee, Views
First stop – KD Donuts on Telegraph Road. Not only are you getting what I will confidently call the actual best donut in town, but you’re also supporting a family-owned business that has been part of Ventura for nearly 40 years. It’s a win-win, you get an awesome treat, and you can feel good about where your money’s going. An insider tip: If you’re nice, she might throw in a few donut holes. And let me be clear — it is a requirement that you order the apple fritter. It’s massive. You won’t feel cheated once you feel the weight of it in that little paper sleeve. At $1.75, you kinda feel like you’re getting away with highway robbery. As soon as we drove up, the owner smiled and said,
“I haven’t seen you guys in a while. Did you move? How are you? Come back more often.”
That one comment says everything about why local businesses matter. It doesn’t feel like a transaction, it feels like building community. Our total came to $1.89.
Stop #2 – Daylight & Moon cafe on Loma Vista Road. The space is bright and clean, the staff are genuinely friendly, and they actually care about the quality of what they serve, even if it’s just drip coffee (which is what we’re getting). The coffee is strong and punchy which is perfect to pair with our sweet treat. My drip came out to $3.77.
Running total: $5.66
Stop #3 – With coffee and donut in hand, we set out for Cemetery Memorial Park. This might be one of Ventura’s most underrated spots. There’s something about the grass, sunshine, and island views (all completely free might I add). That’s the thing about this challenge: the best parts of the day were free. We sat, talked, took our time, and genuinely enjoyed it.
Afternoon: More Views, Treasure Hunts, Wandering
After our slow morning, it felt right to lean into another one of Ventura’s natural beauties. We headed up to the Botanical Gardens (which are free on Fridays). If you can time your visit right, it’s one of the best free experiences. The trails wind up the hillside with ocean views that will force you to come back at your earliest opportunity. And if it’s not Friday? I recommend Arroyo Verde Park. Still beautiful. Still completely free.
Stop #5 – The $3 thrift challenge. A challenge within a challenge. To keep things interesting, I added a rule: If you’re going to buy something, it has to be under $3, and it HAS to be something you love – not just something cheap. So you either get to walk out proud that you saved your money… or you find a hidden gem that you really treasure. After scanning shelves and digging a little, I found what I’m pretty sure is a shot glass. But for me, I will be using my $2.14 tiny mug to pot a succulent. If you aren’t as successful as me, you still get some great entertainment and to browse with a purpose.
Next was wandering through downtown. We continue the browsing- but window shopping only this time. Downtown is built for strolling, so you won’t feel like you stand out for not buying anything.
Now’s a good time to bring out that jacket. We made our way down to Beach House Tacos along the promenade. Tacos and ocean views are always a winning combination for me, so this felt like the right place to close out the day. The menu has plenty of options, but this is where things got interesting. While we were in line, I mentioned the $20 challenge to another customer. She immediately leaned in and said,
“Order the kids street tacos. I got them for my kid once and they were so good I started ordering them for myself too. It’s the best deal on the menu.”
And she was right. The kids street taco plate was $6, simple, flavorful, and more filling than expected. Add a coke for $4, and dinner came out to $10.78. And best of all, it still felt like a real “going out” meal.
Talking to people, exploring your options, and staying open, will all help you find better ways to spend your money.
We took our tacos further out on the Ventura Pier and sat watching the waves roll in as the sun set. Tacos and ocean air. Not bad for laundry money.
Another great thing about this day was noticing how much Ventura offers when you slow down enough to look for it. Supporting family-owned businesses, talking to strangers, walking instead of rushing, hunting instead of impulse buying. If you’re a VC student who feels like fun is getting too expensive, I’d encourage you to try something like this, maybe not the exact same stops, but your own version. Pick a number, pick a jacket, bring a friend, see what you find. Ventura makes it easier than you think.
Here at home in Ventura County, a family-owned flower distribution company has grown into one of the largest companies of its kind in California. What some may not realize is that behind the warehouses, cold storage units, and daily shipments is a former nursing student whose career path did a complete 180 in 2020.
Channel Islands Flowers began in August of 2020 during a time of extreme uncertainty for Manuel Ayala and his family. After the company where he had been working for many years shut down, Manuel Ayala, my best friend’s father, was suddenly left without a job. When his former boss offered him the opportunity to purchase the suffering business, it was a major risk, but one he was willing to take. A few months prior, his daughter, Valerie, had moved back home from Santa Barbara, where she had been studying nursing at Santa Barbara City College. As the pandemic completely interrupted her education, she enrolled at Ventura College to continue nursing while also nannying full-time. At the same time, she began helping her father rebuild the newly purchased business from the ground up, a decision that would ultimately alter the entire trajectory of their lives.
Reflecting on those early days, she describes the company as something that needed to be rebuilt almost entirely. “We had about 11 employees at the time, and we rebuilt and expanded completely,” she said. “Now we have over 100 employees, multiple field locations, and a warehouse. Back then, it felt like we were gathering the marbles that were dropped everywhere.”
For the Ayala’s, their growth came about from years sacrifice. “When they got here, they started working super young,” she said about her parents’ immigrant journey from Michoacan to the United States. “They have always had a strong work ethic, and without that, they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything they have so far.” That same mindset shaped her own turning point in early 2022. While balancing nursing school, nannying from 7AM to 3:30PM, evening classes at Ventura College, and late nights working for her family business, she realized that she was no longer able to spread her time. “My workload with the business became so much that I had to quit my nanny job and shortly after, I dropped out of school,” she said. “That’s when I realized, this is what I am doing now.”
Today, Channel Islands Flowers is recognized as one of the largest distributors in California. On a scale of one to ten, she rates the company at an eight. The business supplies florists and other flower companies with stems like Ranunculus, Calla Lilies, Lisianthus, Delphiniums, Hybrid Lilies, and a variety of other seasonal flowers. A majority of their products are sold throughout various sellers in the Los Angeles Flower Market, one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the country. Additional distribution is sold in major grocery stores like Trader Joes and Vons. Despite the company’s scale, Valerie remains very humble about her position. “It’s very eye-opening,” she said. “I think we’re still in the stage of imposter syndrome… but our family is very supportive, which allows us to continue to do what we do.”
What started as a risky decision during the pandemic has grown into one of Ventura County’s most successful distribution companies. From balancing nursing school and long workdays to stepping fully into leadership, her journey reflects the unpredictable nature of growth. Channel Islands Flowers continues to bloom each day because the Ayala family chose to plant those roots.
As a college student, I find that I spend a lot of time sitting down; whether it’s in front of my computer or in class, I don’t really give my body the movement it requires on a daily basis. I enjoy scrolling and watching countless hours of media on my phone as much as the next person. Recently I realized the negative impact all of this lack of movement was having on me both mentally and physically, so I decided to act. I conducted some research on various hiking trails in Ventura County, and I’ve been tackling them one by one, feeling incredibly motivated as each week passes by. The moment I reach the highest point of elevation in a trail truly feels liberating, and the scenery is unlike anything else. The fresh breeze is genuinely the best de-stress tool out there. As we enter the last month of this spring semester and stress levels increase with final projects, assignment due dates, and exams, I thought of sharing some of these hiking trails with everyone in hopes that someone finds it beneficial.
I currently own zero hiking equipment. I’ve used my Hoka running shoes up until now because they’re incredibly lightweight and comfortable (not an ad), except for the previous two falls in which those features didn’t help much. But in all seriousness, for my future safety, I will be purchasing some highly recommended slip-resistant hiking shoes. Now I’m not saying everyone should purchase some quality shoes because that comes down to individual opinion; I’m simply sharing my experiences.
Preparation Suggestions:
While indulging in some vitamin D brought to you by the sunny California weather, it’s crucial to take sun-protective measures seriously. Apply your sunscreen, wear a hat, and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Personally, I try to embark on these trails in the mornings to avoid the midday heat. I highly encourage everyone to carry water at all times to avoid heat exhaustion. Preparation is the key to enjoying the outdoors.
Remember to respect the park rangers and the signs; please do not litter. In simple words, respect nature at all times.
Now let’s get to these hiking recommendations! PSA: These trails are not arranged in any order of difficulty.
Mugu Peak
Located:Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 2.0 miles
Time to Complete:2 hrs. approx.
Pet Friendly: No
Trail Route Type: Out & Back, or you can take this 0.8-mile longer loop trail.
2. Ray Miller Backbone Trail
Located:Pt. Mugu State Park (off the PCH)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.4 miles
Time to Complete:2 hrs. 40 min. approx.
Pet Friendly: No
Trail Route Type: Out & Back
3. Arroyo Verde Trail
Located:Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.3 miles
Time to Complete: 1 hr. approx.
Pet Friendly: Dogs on a leash
Trail Route Type: Loop
4. Paradise Falls
Located:Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.1 miles
Time to Complete:1 hr. 50 min. approx.
Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash.
Trail Route Type: Loop
5. The 102 Trail and Price Family Loop
Located:Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura
(Offers many paths, but some aren’t currently accessible; this one is!)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.3 miles
Time to Complete:2 hrs. approx.
Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash; they’re not allowed past the 1.8-mile mark.
Trail Route Type: Loop
Overall, whether I’m out there by myself or with others, hiking truly gets rid of every ounce of anxiety and stress in my body. There are numerous trails out there to embark on rather than simply sit around and worry about what can go wrong. I hope this article has sparked some interest in you; don’t be afraid to take some time to create some memorable outdoor moments.
Any hiking trail recommendations are welcomed. Thank you!
In this first project I get professional advice on how to build a raised flower bed for my patio. Construction veteran Kirk Coffield from Coffield Construction answers my questions while I get a crash course in carpentry.
Have you ever wondered which coastal destination is next on your vacation list? Sometimes deciding can feel overwhelming when two destinations are fairly close to each other. Baja California Sur is home to a number of Mexico’s well-known, lovely beach destinations, two of them being Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—these locations are separated by an estimate of 30 minutes, and they offer travelers completely distinct atmospheres. Cabo San Lucas is prominent for its energetic atmosphere, active nightlife, and luxury resorts. On the contrary, San José del Cabo offers a serene atmosphere, cultural richness, and local artistry. This blog post will provide informative details gathered through personal experience where I compare these coastal towns in hopes that an interested traveler finds it convenient.
Atmospheres, Aesthetics, and Tourist Popularity
San José del Cabo’s center offers colorful cobblestone streets made up of numerous restaurants, boutique shops, drinking bars, and cafés, all within walking distance. You will spot small numbers of tourists walking these streets during the day and only increase slightly towards the night. The town presents an Instagram-worthy aesthetic with its marvelous and vibrant wall art. As someone who loves to capture moments, I was constantly mesmerized by all of the story-telling art I encountered in this town.
Having said that, sky-high luxury hotel buildings cram the town of Cabo San Lucas. The powerful beach waves send an ocean breeze scent that fills the air. Music-filled streets add to the lively atmosphere. Both high-end restaurants and food stalls fill their cobblestone streets. This town is perfect for the socializers out there because it is often busy with a diverse mix of visitors. Peak seasons might feel overwhelming when trying to book reservations of any type.
Things to do
San Jose del Cabo offers a variety of activities, from beach clubs to art galleries; here are just some personal recommendations:
For art lovers out there, here are some art galleries recommended by other travelers.
Veleros Beach Club is located at La Playa, and it is one of the very few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. Its low tourist population contributes to its relaxing atmosphere.
San Jose Del Cabo Art Walk is an open air even that’s free to attend every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, from November to June. Indulge in art galleries, food, and live music.
Cabo San Lucas offers an assortment of activities, from outdoor water ventures to laying beachside; here are some recommendations:
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas, or “El Arco,” is a captivating natural wonder carved by wind, waves, and erosion millions of years ago. I suggest walking through the harbor if you prefer booking a boat tour in person.
Corazón Beach Club is located at Medano Beach, and it offers delicious food and drinks, but I will say the multitude of tourists can become overwhelming if your intention is to relax or catch an unobstructed view of the ocean.
Book a whale watching tour from January to March (abundant in early March) for a spectacular experience.
Check out this seasonal calendar that may influence your decision on the timing of your visit!
Restaurants and Nightlife
Cabo has a mix of affordable and pricey restaurants; it simply depends on your cuisine interests. As previously mentioned, you will have fun anywhere you decide to go, as Cabo’s energetic and active nightlife is alluring. But please take precautionary actions if you’re planning a night out.
Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:
The Office is an unforgettable beachside restaurant that offers scrumptious food at a reasonable price. Highly recommend making a reservation around sunset to enjoy a beautiful view.
Edith is an astonishing restaurant with savory dishes. Their prices are considerably high, but their service is impeccable.
La Vaquita—if you’re a fan of old school R&B, reggaeton, and Latin music, it’s safe to say you’ll enjoy your time here.
El Squid Roe is party-central. Enjoy your time here as you order a rib eye with a side of bottle service.
Just as Cabo, San José offers a variety of cuisines for a multitude of palate interests. Prices range from high to low. I suggest searching through Yelp, as many restaurants include their prices on their online menus. Opposite of Cabo, San José’s nightlife is mellow and typically involves going out for some drinks and ending the night right after.
Here are the top 3 personal recommendations on lovely dining and nightlife attractions:
Visit Jazmin’s Restaurant for some delicious authentic Mexican food. Though it is on the pricier side, I loved my breakfast chilaquiles and thought the restaurant interior was beautiful.
Osteria 107—Visit this Italian kitchen for some flavorful pasta, fresh seafood, a glass of wine, and a picture-perfect interior.
Nomada Bar De Origen—this bar offers a mellow atmosphere where you can grab a drink during the nighttime. Imagine catching up with someone else on a warm night and house music playing lightly in the background. I don’t know…it seems pleasant to me!
Top 5 Accommodation Options:
Now, I think this will be the section that will conclude your decision-making. Price rates vary by season; expect higher prices during high season. Below you will find rates for 1 room, 1 night.
Only take car rides from licensed taxi drivers or Ubers (I used Uber during my entire stay and had no issue with the service).
Watch for pickpockets in the nightlife areas.
It is crucially important to not beach walk at the water’s edge on the Pacific side, as huge waves may come ashore with little to no notice!
In short, both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo welcome multitudes of diverse travelers every day. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a couple, or as a family, I hope this has helped you finalize a decision by now. If you are still undecided, do not worry, as their accessible distance makes it simple for everyone to get a glimpse of both. Lastly, I invite you to visit these coastal towns and create your own memories.
Feel free to contact me for any further questions.
Have you ever wanted to travel but felt like something was holding you back? Maybe you want to go with friends or significant other, but there is always an excuse. Do you want to prove that you can be independent? Or maybe you want to take a break from people and the drama. Well, how about I share what I have learned from my time abroad? Within the last seven years, I have completed twelve countries alone. I will share the pros and cons, smart and dumb choices and decisions that I have made, and finally, some tips and tricks. Traveling by yourself is not easy and can be very stressful, but it can be very rewarding and exciting. But this is why you have me, and in this article, I’m going to share the nitty and grittiness of solo adventures. Now, let’s see if you got what it takes to be a solo traveler!
Let’s start with the pros and cons of solo traveling:
For the pros, individuals can go at their own pace. Maybe you want to do something relaxing and lounge at the beach, or you might want to go sightseeing and see as much as possible while being fast and efficient. This can help you realize what is important to you personally and do what you want. Continuing to gain more insight about yourself, if you do your research and figure out the logistics, you can get more of a feel of what it can be like to be a local.
Now, to move on to the stressors of traveling, AKA the cons:
I want to point out or remind you that things do not always go to plan, so be prepared to have a backup plan or two! An example might be how you thought about the logistics of how to get from one place to another. What if you missed that train, or what if your phone is not working because your phone is not covered in that location? The moral of the point is that things can be very stressful, so be open-minded and try to think ahead! This is something that I have learned the hard way. Another lesson I learned is that not every situation is black and white. If you only focus on the negative outcomes, you’ll miss out on many things. Maybe you might get distracted and get lost, or maybe you might miss an opportunity to do something unique.
To help you change your mind frame, think about the moral of the story. Try to see if there is a lesson that can be learned, that way you can prevent it from happening again. I know this is easier said than done, but it is possible, you just need to be patient with yourself. Try to think that something can always be learned from any stressful situation. I now tend to think about what opportunity this frustrating event created in a positive manner.
Here, let me give you an example!
I went to Europe for the first time by myself. The first place I went to in Europe was Paris, France. Things went smoothly until there was an issue with the plane, and the flight landed at Heathrow Airport in London, England. I had no idea what to do or where to go. I had to figure out how to get from Heathrow Airport to London St Pancras International Station to take a high-speed train to Paris Gare du Nord station within four hours!
I dealt with two additional issues I did not expect. First, my phone was not working, so I considered it a “paperweight” because it did nothing. I knew my cellphone provider worked there, but I had no idea what was wrong with it. But I made due by asking employees how to get to the next place. My second issue was that I had to make the last train from London to Paris, or I would have to wait until morning to get the next train. To make things even more stressful, the only tickets left were for business class seats and I had to run to make that train. Along the way, my backpack somehow got unzipped while running to make the train, so I lost half of my things on the train track. Luckily, an employee saw this and delayed the train since objects were on the track. I ended up getting all of my things back and making the train.
Although this was very stressful, and to be honest, I cried a lot once I got to my seat and sipped on my complimentary business class champagne… But this is where I realized I needed to find the positive out of the negative moments. Without this event, I would never have gone through the English Chunnel. Yes, “Chunnel,” not “channel.” This is because the channel is the water above, and the “chunnel” is the tunnel under the channel. Here’s a diagram of the tunnel!
Now, going back to other cons, I learned how traveling alone can be lonely. I knew this going in, but I knew I needed it. This might sound odd, but I needed to learn how to not depend on others, and I also needed to have some self-discovery. If solitude is not something that might not phase you, you need to remember that being alone can make you a target. What I mean by being a target is not just about taking the risk of being kidnapped, but even things such as scams. So don’t wear your earbuds when you’re bored, you will seem distracted and honestly will be with the loud music. Knowing this, you must always be careful and “stay on your toes” even if you are bored.
It is easy to make a bad choice when making decisions abroad. So, let me tell you what I learned about decision-making. To start, here are some smart choices to make and why.
It should be safe to say that not every place will be the same. So, it’s good to do your research to determine the local scams and crimes. Let’s use Europe again as an example. It is well-known that in Europe, there is a lot of pickpocketing and people stealing purses. Some not so well known scams are when locals try to give you, whether that be a bracelet or flowers, trick you into thinking that is a kind gift they are giving you, but once you take the object, they demand that you give them money for it or they will get the police.
Another example is when you mind your own business walking in the city, and you have to be careful of where you walk, or you might step on someone’s artwork; this is another cause of scam because if you step on the artwork, you then have to pay for it.
Here’s one last example: have you ever heard of throwing the baby? This scam is a common scam among gypsies in Europe. What they will do is they will literally throw their child at you in hopes that your reaction is to catch the baby to prevent them from falling onto the floor. If you do have that reaction of grabbing the child, this is when another person will pickpocket you because you got distracted saving the baby.
Moving onto dumb decisions, One of the dumbest things I did and immediately learned from was not looking at what was going on at the place I was planning to travel to. This can include different things such as holidays, religious events, sports, political conflicts, Etc.
My example is when I was in Brussels, Belgium, in 2022. I did not consider if any significant events were going on, such as when Belgium was against Morocco for the World Cup for football, AKA soccer. The day this tournament was held was my first day in the city. Morocco won the game, and anyone celebrating this victory got way out of hand. There were many riots and many different types of violent behavior. The city became very scary as people were driving on the sidewalks, throwing bottles, shooting fireworks, and many other behaviors that ended up resulting in a gas line blowing up. This crazy behavior obviously needed local law enforcement and their K9s to be deployed. It got to a point where the police ended up using teargas and water cannons to break up the violence.
So please learn from this scary and dumb mistake and research what is going on before going.
Now moving on to some tips and tricks to make your adventures easier. Let’s start by having apps pre-downloaded and set up so you’re good to go. Some beneficial ones I constantly use are Google Maps, Google Translate, Currency Exchange, Uber, Expedia or Viator, the airlines I would be using, and Fountain Finder.
Here’s a fun tip for you to stay safe: lie. Yes, lie. Growing up, you get told that lying is bad, but not this time. For me being a young solo female traveler, people have asked me where my group is. Lying that you are meeting up with someone means you are to be expected soon, and if you don’t show up, people get involved. More than likely, these people don’t need to know your business. So, in this case, lying can keep you safe. So, the trick to making lying work is to have a loose story planned out in advance. I do not like to give out my first and last name when traveling, so I come up with a different last name and use my middle name as my first name. Then, to top it off, I changed how I talk by using an accent and changing my terminology and phrasing. You might wonder why I would do this and make things even more complicated versus just telling the straightforward truth because I do not want to sound American. I do not want to sound like a tourist and have others use stereotypes against me, like being naive and stupid, and so on. Not every culture likes Americans. I learned it is best not to act and look like an American. You can end up being perceived as naive or be targeted for a list of many reasons. So this trick is not to look so American. So smile rarely, have a stern and confident demeanor, be careful of what you say and how you say it, respect customs, and finally, don’t wear your athletic wear and flip-flops everywhere.
Now, let’s move to the fun stuff, shall we? Why is going traveling alone actually awesome!
Well,I love how I get to customize my adventures. I greatly enjoy history, nature, interacting with different customs, seeing museums with all the art, and trying different food. You can say that I like to do a lot of everything. I like to learn, which sometimes means I must get out of my comfort zone. The empowerment I have gained has helped me immensely because of the unforgettable memories and valuable life lessons I learned. One goal of mine is to improve myself constantly. I change myself for myself, not for others. I want to create my happiness and realize that solo traveling has helped me. When I am alone, I do not have to deal with the drama in my life, and I can gain peace. I love staying in a state of “aw” and “wow”!
For example, last September, I was in Europe. Who would have thought that I would be back in Europe? Isn’t this so shocking?! Moving on. So the plan I had made with friends ended up getting canceled when I was already there in Europe. Instead of being mad, I went into a rapid brainstorming session about what I could do. So I decided to do a “holiday within a holiday,” one might say. I learned in that research binge that the Aurora borealis season had just started, and I knew right away that I had to go to Norway to see them. So I did just that and saw them!
I felt like I was in heaven because this whole experience happened because of canceled plans. If it weren’t for the change of plans, I would never have gotten to check another thing off of my bucket list. I am so grateful for the cancellation because I would never have gotten this! Never did I think that I would get this beautiful opportunity.
I can easily keep going and share more experiences with all of you, but I will save them for another time. I hope this was helpful and made you consider if this is something you want to explore! The world is exciting and oh-so beautiful because of all the many cultures and what makes them. So don’t let anything hold you back if it is something you really want, just remember to be smart and stay safe!
If you have any comments, questions, or just want to hear more. You can contact me at:
A new small and local business that just recently opened in the Market Place in Oxnard, CA is waiting for business to take off!!
Do not let the name mislead you. Surfko is a general clothing store that sells primarily women and men’s clothing. They also sell children’s clothing. Surfko is a store for all beautiful ages. This store recently launched men’s shorts for the beach. These shorts are two in one. Not only are they every day walking shorts, but they are also board shorts. Wait until you hear how affordable these one of a kind shorts are. For only $10, you get stylish every day lounge wear and waterproof swim trunks!
Gray Surfko shorts: $10Green Surfko shorts: $10
The prices at this store are out of this world. Not only are the prices cheap, but everything in the store ranges from $2-$10. There is nothing in the store that costs more than $10! These prices are like no other 💸.
History 📜
Surfko’s very first location started back in 2012 at the Camarillo Outlets. The store was located by the well known UGG store and the food court. The company first started off as a surf company that manufactured T-shirts and sweatshirts. As business was growing, Surfko was able to expand to a more general clothing selection. Thanks to being at the Camarillo Outlets for 12 years, they are now able to have a wide variety of affordable clothing. Some clothing products that Surfko sells in store includes:
Hawaiian shirts
Jackets
Denim Jeans
Joggers
Fleece pants
Sweatshirts
Hoodies
T-shirts
Pajamas
Tank tops
Leggings
Skirts
Shorts
Dresses
Unfortunately, due to recent inflation and rent prices sky rocketing the owner decided not to pay the expensive rent prices at the Outlets. This is the reason they are at a new location in Oxnard, CA. They need all the support they can get right now!
🗣️Surfko’s Motto 🗣️
At Surfko they believe it is important to have good quality, fabrics, and great designs. Plus, the best deals on clothing items, so that we as customers can save money.
💵Forms of Payment 💳
Surfko accepts many forms of payments via:
American Express
Apple Pay
Visa
Venmo
Google pay
PayPal
Mastercard
Shop
Meta Pay
Cash
Don’t forget to check out surfko whenever you are in oxnard, ca… guaranteed you will find something you like + it is affordable 🎉!
Feel free to follow Surfko’s social media to help their business grow 🙂
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