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Nourishing the Soul Through Solo Travel

By
The Weekend Pages
-

Whenever someone mentions setting out on a solo travel adventure, it’s almost certain that the response from those around them is, “Aren’t you brave?” This reaction encapsulates a common perception. While many of us fantasize about wandering through the charming streets of an Italian city alone or soaking in the sun on a tranquil beach free from distractions, very few of us have genuinely tapped into our inner exploration, akin to the journey depicted in “Eat, Pray, Love.”

The encouraging news is that solo travel is witnessing a remarkable surge across the globe. Recent studies indicate that bookings for solo travel have soared by over 40% in recent years, as a growing number of people seek the freedom and empowerment intrinsic to solo adventures. This trend spans generations, with millennials cherishing their independence while retirees chase long-held dreams; solo travel transcends age and demographics, captivating the adventurous spirit within us all.

Stepping beyond the confines of our comfort zones often aligns perfectly with what our souls desire. A solo journey provides a unique platform to establish new connections, craft memorable experiences where you take center stage, and broaden your perspective. This guiding principle motivated me to undertake my first solo trip to Italy. Through this adventure, I gleaned invaluable insights about the distinct experience of traveling alone compared to sharing it with others.

You have the liberty to chart your course. With solo travel, there’s no need to cater to the whims of a partner or to appease children; your holiday is entirely about you. Want to lounge by the pool for hours? Go right ahead! You can eat whenever and wherever you choose. The autonomy of making choices solely based on your preferences allows for a truly liberating experience where you learn to trust your instincts.

This journey is a profound opportunity for self-discovery. When was the last time you genuinely relished some quality “me time”? It’s quite rare in our busy lives to find that blissful state free from constant chatter or mental clutter. Traveling solo brings minimal distractions; you’re on a literal voyage of self-discovery, with you at the helm, and you’ll soon find joy in your own company.

Moreover, there’s no guilt involved in your decision-making. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely morning in bed or a refreshing nap by the pool, you won’t have to contend with anyone rolling their eyes. The pressure often found when traveling with others to engage in activities you’d rather avoid simply dissipates.

Embarking on a solo journey also opens up the chance to learn a new language. Increased social interactions will naturally lead you to pick up essential phrases (“Can I have a glass of white wine, please?” springs to mind), enhancing your confidence along the way.

This experience promises to be life-affirming. Whether zip-lining in Costa Rica or exploring temples in Bali, you will undoubtedly find yourself undertaking activities alone that you once believed were beyond your capabilities. What’s not to cherish about that?

And even though you’re on your own, you’re rarely alone in spirit. Unless you’ve ventured deep into an isolated jungle, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by fellow explorers while relaxing or discovering new sights. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much more open the world feels when you embark on your journey solo – it invites new people, captivating stories, and unexpected opportunities into your path.

However, it’s essential to remain vigilant. While the allure of solo travel is undeniable, it requires mindfulness and preparation to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are some invaluable tips:

  • Conduct thorough research on your destination, delving into local customs, cultural norms, and crucial safety advisories.
  • Stay connected with friends and family by sharing your itinerary and maintaining regular check-ins.
  • Trust your instincts, prioritizing personal safety, especially in unfamiliar environments.
  • Choose reputable accommodation and transport options that prioritize security and reliability.
  • When navigating nightlife or traversing remote areas, consider the buddy system for companionship and added safety in numbers.

Ultimately, the most remarkable gift of solo travel lies in the profound sense of connection it fosters—connection to oneself, to the present moment, to the world around us, and to the loved ones who exist in our thoughts. Whether you’re embarking on your inaugural solo adventure or reflecting on past journeys, may the spirit of solo travel inspire deeper connections and enhance the richness of your experiences through life.

Rae’s ribollita

By
The Weekend Pages
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olive oil

75g smoked higher-welfare pancetta

1 pinch of dried red chilli flakes

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 large carrot

2 sticks of celery

1 large red onion

½ a bunch of fresh rosemary

1 x 400g tin of quality plum tomatoes

1 x 660g jar of quality cannellini beans

400g cavolo nero

400g stale bread

cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat, finely chop and add the pancetta, chilli flakes and fennel seeds, then fry for 3 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, dice the carrot and celery into 1cm chunks, and peel finely chop the onion. Tie the rosemary sprigs together with string.
  3. Add the chopped veg and rosemary to the pan, then reduce the heat to low and cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until softened and caramelised.
  4. Tip in the tomatoes, squashing and crushing them through your clean hands, followed by the beans (juice and all), and 1.8 litres of water. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the veg is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
  5. Meanwhile, strip the cavolo nero leaves from their stalks and roughly chop them, adding them to the pan after 10 minutes.
  6. When the veg is tender, pick out and discard the rosemary.
  7. Tear the bread into small chunks, dot it into the pan, and continue to simmer gently for around 10 minutes, or until the bread has broken down and the soup is thick and creamy, stirring regularly.
  8. Season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper, then drizzle lightly with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Gluten-free one-cup pancakes

By
The Weekend Pages
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Gluten-free one-cup pancakes

1 large free-range egg

1 heaped cup of gluten-free self-raising flour (250g)

1 cup of milk (300ml)

olive oil

  1. Crack 1 large egg into a large mixing bowl then add 1 heaped cup of gluten-free self-raising flour (250g), 1 cup of milk (300ml) and a tiny pinch of sea salt.
  2. Whisk everything together until you have a lovely smooth batter.
  3. Drizzle ½ a tablespoon of olive oil into a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, carefully tilting the pan to spread the oil out evenly.
  4. Add a few ladles of batter to the pan, leaving space between each one so they have room to spread out slightly – each ladleful will make one pancake, and you’ll need to work in batches.
  5. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until little bubbles appear on the surface and the bases are golden, then carefully flip them over.
  6. When the pancakes are golden on both sides, remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding a little more olive oil to the pan between batches, if needed.
  7. Serve the pancakes while they’re still hot, with your favourite toppings.

Sweet potato & chickpea curry

By
The Weekend Pages
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Sweet potato & chickpea curry

160g frozen leaf spinach

½ a mug of basmati rice (150g)

1 onion

4cm piece of ginger

2 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons tomato purée

1 heaped teaspoon curry powder

vegetable oil

1 green chilli

1 small sweet potato (200g)

1 x 400g tin of chickpeas

2 tablespoons natural yoghurt

  1. Take the spinach out of the freezer and place on a plate to start defrosting.
  2. Place the rice in a 2-litre microwave-proof dish or bowl with 1 mug of water (300ml) and a pinch of sea salt and cover the bowl with a lid or a side plate. Cook in the microwave on a medium heat (400-500W) for 8 to 10 minutes (depending on the strength of your microwave), then remove and leave to steam with the lid on.
  3. Meanwhile, peel the onion, ginger and garlic. Place a box grater in a microwave-proof dish and grate the onion and ginger on the coarse side, followed by the garlic on the fine side.
  4. Add the tomato purée to the dish, along with the curry powder, a pinch of sea salt and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and stir everything together. Prick the green chilli and sweet potato with a sharp knife, then add both to the dish and cover with a plate or lid. Set the microwave to high (800W) and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Carefully lift the dish out of the microwave and uncover. Using tongs, remove the sweet potato, place on your board and slice into 3cm chunks, then stir back into the bowl. Add the chickpeas (juice and all), along with the frozen spinach, stir together, then cover and cook in the microwave on a high heat (800W) for another 10 minutes.
  6. Carefully lift the dish out of the microwave, uncover and stir everything together, breaking up the spinach with your spoon. Carefully taste (it will be hot), season to perfection with salt and black pepper, then stir in the yoghurt.
  7. Remove the chilli to your board, finely slice and stir back into the curry for added heat, to your taste, then fork up the rice, to serve.

Sweet potato chilli

By
The Weekend Pages
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Sweet potato chilli

Ingredients

6 sweet potatoes (250g each)

olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 x 95g jar of chipotle chilli paste

500g fresh or frozen chopped mixed onion, carrot & celery

½ a bunch of coriander (15g)

3 x 400g tins of black beans

3 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes

60g feta cheese

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Put a large deep casserole pan on a medium-high heat. Peel the sweet potatoes, placing them in the pan as you go. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until starting to get golden.
  2. Push to one side, add the cumin, let it sizzle, then spoon in the jar of chipotle chilli paste and add 2 jars’ worth of water. Tip in the chopped mixed veg, finely chop and add the coriander stalks, reserving the leaves, then bake for 1 hour.
  3. Remove from the oven and add the beans, juice and all, then the tomatoes, scrunching them in through clean hands, along with 1 tin’s worth of water.
  4. Stir well, then roast for another hour, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Season to perfection, then – if enjoying straight away – crumble over the feta and tear over the coriander leaves, to serve. Enjoy as is, batching up extra portions to stash in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

#WIN The Halloween Hamper, Limited Edition Worth £300

By
The Weekend Pages
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#WIN The Halloween Hamper, Limited Edition Worth £300

The witching hour is nearly upon us and lurking inside this hamper are all the sweet, savoury and mouth-wateringly morbid treats needed for a truly frightful feast. Lift the lid – but only if you dare…

To enter simply fill in the form below and follow us on socials.

#WIN The Halloween Hamper, Limited Edition Worth £300

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Winner will be announced via email

This offer is open to all UK residents only.
Strictly you must be aged 18 and over
You are only entered into this competition if you enter your full and correct email
address and follow all steps above
The winner will be informed via email and will receive our newsletters which you can unsubscribe from at any time.
You are only entered into this competition if you enter your email address via the form as we email the winners
The prize cannot be transferred to a third party nor can it be redeemed for a cash
alternative.
We observe the right to withdraw this offer if needed
Booking dates are subject to availability
Country and value of price may be changed
Closing date 25.10.24

Are You Struggling with Emotional Trauma or PTSD?

By
The Weekend Pages
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Are You Struggling with Emotional Trauma or PTSD?

You can’t change history, but we can help you to change the way you feel about it! Discover The Manse Retreat

Imagine a retreat designed specifically for those grappling with the symptoms of PTSD, where every aspect of your requirements is tailored to your unique experiences and needs. Here, overcoming symptoms means delinking the emotional connection to the past unpleasant experiences and memories, giving you hope for the future. Best of all, unlike talk-based therapies, we work content-free, which means you don’t have to talk about the negative memories!

Unlike traditional retreats, which typically focus on group sessions and activities, The Manse Retreat, located in the serene English countryside one hour from London, offers an exclusive retreat just for you or you and a friend/family member. Here, the emphasis is entirely on you, ensuring dedicated attention throughout your stay.

With locally sourced ingredients for home-cooked meals and a welcoming atmosphere, you can unwind in our tranquil surroundings or in your ensuite bedroom with sustainably friendly Temple Spa products.

Addressing the underlying causes of trauma

Our methods, including hypnotherapy, various eye moment techniques, and psycho-sensory techniques, specifically tap into the brain’s ability to rewire itself, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. These methods enable us to assist individuals in detaching the negative emotions associated with traumatic memories and experiences.

The couple behind the success of The Manse Retreat

As partners in business and in marriage, our shared vision and complementary skills have made The Manse Retreat a unique and highly respected international destination for those seeking to heal from trauma and achieve lasting personal transformation. With over 30 years’ experience in teaching individuals and groups to overcome the debilitating symptoms of emotional trauma.

Your healing journey begins here.

Are you ready to break free from the symptoms of PTSD and emotional trauma to move forward with your life?

The Manse Retreat’s bespoke approach provides a haven where healing is not only possible but profound.

For more information or to take the first step to booking your exclusive retreat.

www.themanseretreat.com

Instagram: @themanseretreat

STEPS TO MORE MINDFUL TRAVEL

By
The Weekend Pages
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When planning your next holiday there is always so much to do. Tickets, flights, itineraries, packing, etc. can very easily overwhelm the experience of adventure and wanderlust. We often choose the “easier” accommodation or perceived bucket list activity to be ticked off, but what was once a common and well-sought out itinerary for your parents most likely isn’t as woke or mindful as it could be.

With social media being a current source of travel content and inspiration, what might look impressive in a story (a selfie with a tiger) can often create more harm and ultimately a ripple effect (when you post someone else will do it etc). Yes, embrace the beauty, culture, and spirit of travel, but by shifting your perspective to one of mindfulness, you will have all the benefits of ensuring your imprint is creating a positive impact. Jordan Ashley, Founder of Souljourn Yoga, shares her top 5 tips to more mindful travel.

Downsize

Choose places that are locally owned (as opposed to a huge chain hotel) to ensure that you are contributing to the local economy. Any kind of ethical or green policies that your accommodation have is always a plus.

Buy local

Anything that you get at home, you can purchase in your destination as well. This goes back to supporting the local economy by purchasing bug spray, shampoo, sunblock, etc. that can easily be found at a local market or pharmacy. Your business goes a long way, so pack light and donate what you don’t use.

Do your research

Have the intention of why you are doing a certain activity and do your due diligence before any kind of volunteer work. Unfortunately, orphanage tourism exists and pretend animal sanctuaries that are actually roadside zoos are common. If you are going to engage with any kind of philanthropic work, make sure you do a ton of research beforehand. One pointer is making sure that the NGO does background checks which is usually a good indicator that their hearts are in the right place. What might take a few extra hours of internet scrolling will ultimately lead you to being a more compassionate traveller.

Always ask

Don’t take people’s pictures without their permission. What might look like a really cool shot and seemingly harmless action, but it can be offensive. So simply, ask.

Be kind

Most likely, there will be hiccups on your adventures and having a “go with the flow attitude” means practising patience, compassion, and gratitude to be the ultimate global citizen.

Vincci Seleccion Estrella del Mar

By
The Weekend Pages
-

Nature, relax, exclusivity and character. The Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar represents the largest luxury accommodation on the Costa del Sol: a 5 star hotel in Marbella with oriental inspiration and full of details, with all kinds of specialized services to offer its guests the best of experiences: Beach Club , spa, golf, gourmet cuisine, rooms for weddings and events … 15,000 m² of gardens and facilities, where you can find a family atmosphere, quiet and exquisite taste.

Book now your stay at our hotel with Beach Club in Marbella and enjoy an authentic luxury holiday at unique prices. Here on the website Vincci Seleccion Estrella del Mar.

Address: Urbanización Estrella del Mar Carretera A7, km 190,5, 29604 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 951 05 39 70

 

Top 2 Luxury Hotels in St Marin – St Maarten

By
The Weekend Pages
-

Top 2 Luxury Hotels in St Marin – St Maarten

Belmond la Sammana

Overlooking the tropical paradise that is the Baie Longue from western St. Martin, Belmond La Samanna lures lovers of finery, luxury and sun to its premises with its promise the best sands on the island.

https://www.belmond.com/hotels/caribbean/st-martin/belmond-la-samanna/

The Westin Dawn Beach Resort

Situated on Dawn Beach along St. Maarten’s eastern coast, this resort pampers guests with the brand’s signature Heavenly Beds, stunning, spacious decor and private patios.

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