A girl with a backpack travel blog

13/02/2026

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and if you're going solo - you're not alone in that.

I'll be honest: the first time I ate alone at a restaurant, I brought a book I didn't read, ordered the quickest thing on the menu, and left as soon as I could. I felt like everyone was staring (they weren't). I felt awkward (I was). And I almost didn't go back.

But solo dining is one of the most empowering skills you'll build as a traveller. Once you can confidently sit at a table for one, you can travel anywhere without waiting for someone else's schedule.

So if you're thinking about treating yourself this Valentine's Day but feeling nervous about going alone - especially on the most couple-heavy night of the year - I've got you.

I've just written a complete guide on how to master the table for one:

→ How to shift your mindset from awkward to empowered
→ Choosing the right restaurant for your first time
→ What to bring (and what to leave at home)
→ How to actually enjoy the meal without hiding behind your phone
→ Plus cultural insights from Japan, South Korea, and beyond

This Valentine's Day, celebrate your own company. You deserve good food and great experiences - relationship status irrelevant.

See the link for the blog post in the comments 👇

12/02/2026

🔥 Budget travel hack alert! 🔥

I just came across this brilliant concept for solo travellers called Wonky Holidays — and it’s a total game changer for affordable exploring. ✈️🌍

Instead of sticking to traditional travel patterns (like the classic 7-night Saturday-to-Saturday trip), wonky holidays embrace unconventional but smarter ways to plan your trip:

✨ Flying on Tuesdays or Thursdays instead of weekends
✨ Choosing mid-week departures
✨ Trying 3-, 5-, or even 9-night durations
✨ Using alternative or regional airports

These quirky tweaks often lead to huge savings — meaning more money for experiences, food, and exploring! 🎒🍜

Solo travel doesn’t have to be expensive — sometimes all it takes is a little wonkiness 😉!

See my full blog post link in the comments below 👇

Who else is planning a “wonky” getaway this year? Let me know where you’d go! ✨✈️

10/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is this Saturday—and being solo doesn’t mean missing out. 🌍✨

Here are 5 ways to celebrate the day on your own terms:
1️⃣ Try a cooking class or foodie adventure
2️⃣ Explore a museum, gallery, or local exhibit
3️⃣ Get outside—hikes, city walks, or gardens
4️⃣ Learn something new with a creative workshop
5️⃣ Treat yourself to a spa or wellness experience

No date required—just intention, curiosity, and a little adventure. 💛

05/02/2026

Every travel company Instagram I scroll shows the same thing: couples at sunset, families on beaches, groups of friends toasting wine glasses.

Know what I don't see? Solo travellers.

Here's what makes this baffling:

The solo travel market is worth £482 BILLION globally

It's projected to hit £1.07 TRILLION by 2030

27% of people plan to travel solo on their next trip (double last year)
84% of solo travellers are women

People are taking 2-5 solo trips per year, spending £800-£1,600 per week

Yet the marketing? Still stuck in 2010.

I've written a full breakdown of what businesses are missing - and more importantly, what this means for you as a solo traveller (spoiler: resources are getting better even if the ads aren't).

Link in comments 👇

31/01/2026

Choosing Your First Solo Travel Backpack? Here's What Actually Matters 🎒

When you're travelling alone, your backpack isn't just a bag—it's your carry-on, your day bag, your security system, and sometimes your pillow when flights get delayed!

After years of solo adventures (and learning the hard way what works), I've put together a guide to the 6 best backpack brands for solo travellers.

Here's the breakdown:

✈️ Osprey (£120-200) - The all-rounder you can trust for most trips
✈️ Deuter (£100-230) - Maximum comfort for those long travel days
✈️ CabinZero (£60-150) - Lightweight and budget-friendly
✈️ Pacsafe (£80-300) - Security features for peace of mind
✈️ Timbuk2 (£90-220) - Perfect for urban explorers
✈️ Patagonia (£100-250) - Sustainable and built to last

What to look for:

✓ Carry-on sized (no checked bag stress!)
✓ Lockable zips
✓ Comfortable even after hours of wear
✓ Lightweight when empty
✓ Smart organisation

The right backpack makes solo travel SO much easier. The wrong one? You'll know by hour 3 in the airport when your shoulders are screaming 😅

Link in comments.

Which backpack would you choose? Let me know in the comments!

26/01/2026

Looking for an afternoon tea experience in Bournemouth that’s a little different? For solo travellers or anyone planning a day trip, Frieda’s Tearoom is the place to go.

Since 2011, this small, family-run tearoom has been serving freshly baked scones, homemade cakes, and properly brewed loose-leaf tea in a charming 1950s-inspired setting. It’s intimate, cosy, and perfect for enjoying a moment of calm—far from the tourist crowds.

What makes Frieda’s extra special? The attention to detail. Staff make sure your tea is topped up, and dietary requirements are thoughtfully accommodated. It’s not just food—it’s an experience.

Whether it’s a treat during a solo day trip or a little indulgence for yourself, Frieda’s Tearoom is the kind of place that makes memories as sweet as the cakes.

See full blog post in comments👇

25/01/2026

Happy Burns Night! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
I'll be honest - a year ago I'd never celebrated Burns Night. Didn't really know what it was beyond "something Scottish people do."

But here's the thing about travel and new experiences: they don't always require a passport.

Tonight I'm cooking veggie haggis for the first time (Tesco, £3.50, surprisingly good).
Tomorrow I'm having it for breakfast because apparently that's a thing and I'm here for it.

Robert Burns celebrated simple joys, honest living, and making something special from humble ingredients. Feels very aligned with the budget travel life.

You don't need to fly to Edinburgh to experience Scottish culture. You don't need a week off work to try something new. Sometimes inspiration is just about saying "why not?" on a random Sunday evening.

What's something new you've tried recently - travel-related or otherwise?

(Photos: Tonight's Burns Night supper + tomorrow's breakfast situation)

19/01/2026

💙 Let's talk about Blue Monday

You might have seen posts about "the most depressing day of the year" floating around. But here's something important to know: Blue Monday isn't based on real science. It was created in 2005 by a UK travel company as part of a marketing campaign.

That said, January CAN genuinely feel difficult for many people:

The post-holiday comedown
Cold, dark weather
Financial stress from the holidays
Pressure from New Year's resolutions
Less social connection than during the festive season

If you're finding January tough, here are some small steps that can help:
✓ Get outside during daylight hours - even 10 minutes helps
✓ Move your body in whatever way feels good
✓ Reach out to a friend or family member
✓ Limit your time scrolling social media
✓ Do one small thing you enjoy today
✓ Be kind to yourself - your resolutions can start any day

Remember: Progress isn't linear, it's okay to rest, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Blue Monday might be a myth, but your feelings are valid. Take care of yourself today and every day. You've got this! 💪☀️

17/01/2026

What is Sunshine Saturday?

If you've been thinking about booking trips for 2026, this is your reminder that now is the time.

Sunshine Saturday falls on 17th January this year, and it's officially the biggest travel booking day in the UK. Travel bookings started on 3rd January and continue to peak throughout January.

Why January? Simple - people are back at work after Christmas, January payday has hit, and everyone's looking for something to look forward to.
Here's how to make the most of it:

✓ Check your annual leave for 2026
✓ Mark out bank holidays
✓ Plan 3-4 long weekends (take Friday or Monday off)
✓ Book one bigger trip for summer or autumn
✓ Fill gaps with day trips

Whether you're a time-poor professional trying to maximise limited leave, planning your first solo trip, or looking to explore your local area - booking early gives you better availability and often better prices.

What are you booking this month?

05/01/2026