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Happy May!

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May showers bring May flowers, or travels I should say! It’s officially spring and the warmer days are here. Not only am I excited to be outdoors more but this month will be the final month for my blog. I’m determined to get the new and improved blog up and out there by the end of the month!

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This month, I’ll be sharing some things I’ve done in April, my past travels from Guatemala, May travel news, tips for solo backpacking, and my future intentions for the rest of the year. As always, there will be a May freebie for you!

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Solo Backpacking Guatemala: 30th Birthday!

Towards the end of 2023, I made a decision to go on a solo backpacking trip for my 30th birthday in 2024. I’ve seen many vlogs, Instagram posts and reels, TikToks as well, on those who’ve backpacked solo.

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I was so inspired by this that I told myself, for the big 3-0 I’m going on a solo backpacking trip. Because I have a full-time job, I couldn’t just take 6 months off to do a big backpacking trip. But I figured a 10 day trip would do. So, I started looking at countries in Central America; comparing prices, accessibility to transportation, accommodation, etc. Finally, in December 2023, I decided that my backpacking trip would take place in GUATEMALA!

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I spent the next year planning, preparing, saving my money, and brushing up on my Spanish. I was super nervous about this trip. There was something about backpacking in a country that spoke Spanish as their first language, for 10 days, with areas that weren’t fully developed, that was making nervous. Not because of safety necessarily, but nervous about my ability to do such a backpacking trip.

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I had questions about my capabilities. But either way, the time would come where I’d have to board that plan and make my way through this whole trip. And you know what? I had an amazing time! The locals were super friendly and helpful when I needed help, I tried my best communicating in Spanish and Google Translate helped me with what I didn’t know. I took the chicken buses (local buses), participated in activities I wouldn’t normally do, and hiked the most challenging trail of my life!

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I came out the other side, much stronger and more confident in myself. I overcame my anxiety, met some amazing travels along the way, and saw some amazing areas in Guatemala. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. I learned more about myself and what I’m capable of. This gives me even more confidence to go on yet another, hopefully longer, backpacking trip in the future.

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Solo Backing Tips for Guatemala!

While solo backpacking Guatemala, I learned some things along the way which I think would be useful to anyone looking to solo travel Guatemala!

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Travel Tips!

• Contactless payments are more apparent, even at smaller vendors
• Some places/accommodations are still CASH ONLY
• You can use public transportation (chicken buses) – cheaper and easier but they don’t speak English
• Guatemala has rideshare apps – I used Uber a few times
• You can use GuateGo for transportation to other areas as well
• Read fine print for GuateGo packages
• Google translate is your friend for translating conversations
• Download the currency before arriving in Guatemala – GTQ
• Set up your eSIM before arriving in Guatemala – I used Airalo
• Bring bug spray – especially if you’re going up North· Bring sunscreen
• Note that areas like Lanquín, Semuc Champey, Flores take 8+ hours to get to from Guatemala City
• Bring 2 pairs of shoes – comfy walking/hiking shoes and water shoes/waterproof shoes
• Pack comfy but versatile clothes
• Book at least a 1-night hike on Acatenango – it’s a lot of hiking to do in one day
• Acatenango is challenging – pace yourself, take breaks, snacks, and walking poles
• If you’re hiking Acatenango, give yourself at least 1 day to acclimate to the elevation in Antigua
• The tour guides (from my experience) at some point would walk ahead of group – didn’t always stay with the group so be mindful
• Be safe – I found Guatemala safe to travel solo but practice solo safety
• Respect the culture

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Future Travel Content Intentions

I’ve had an exciting opportunity come up in the beginning of April! Only in Your State, which is a site that’s meant to showcase hidden gems, local finds, unique hikes, and much more from travelers in their local area(s), reached out to me on Instagram looking to work together.

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I graciously accepted their invitation to work together, and now every month I’ll be creating reals which showcase local and cool things from my area in Pennsylvania. Or any state I’ve traveled to that has some cool, hidden gem type of things that you wouldn’t normally see or would make your for your page. A big bonus is that I’ll be getting paid for each reel I create (as long as it’s accepted). Such a wonderful opportunity and I’m excited to create content, get paid for it, and share some local finds with you!

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If you didn’t know, NewsBreak’s Creator Program went through a few changes where they had to migrate the platform to a new application-based contributor program. With that being said, I had to reapply to be in the creator program again. I just received the email earlier this week that my application was ACCEPTED! So, I can continue to create articles and get paid for them as well!

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In addition, I’m going to try my best to look into freelance writing for travel content and other content related to my degrees (political science, criminology, criminal justice). I LOVE writing and I’m always looking for ways to continue to write.

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Finally, I’m going to continue to revamp my blog and create new digital products, while including more affiliate links as well! I’m forever grateful for the money I earn through these links and products, and I have my blog to thank for that. I want to continue to grow and expand on that, once my blog is finished being revamped.

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News in the travel world

​Thailand will need a digital arrival card for travelers starting May 1st​

​Travelers need an ETA to enter UK​

​New ETIAS system for travelers entering EU to start Q4​ 2024​

​Real ID needed for US domestic flights​

​New requirement for airlines to refund canceled flights​

​New travel advisories​

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May Freebie!

As always, here is your May freebie! Here’s the May Travel Vision Board.png freebie! ​ I hope you have a wonderful month, enjoy the Spring weather (if you experience Spring in your area), and enjoy your travels!

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JoJo Hall

JoJo's Cup of Mocha

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