Monthly Archives: June 2024

The joys of traveling solo are endless. It is freeing to explore new places aloneyou can go where you please, eat when you want, and enjoy quality time with yourself uninterrupted. The interest in solo travel has been slowly rising for a while, in tandem with the desire for deeper, slower, more connective travel. For many, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve thisit provides an opportunity to trust your instinct, go with your gut, and get lost in the experience. You rely on yourself rather than on others whims or desires.

But, if youre not a seasoned solo traveler, it can be a daunting prospect. In an age of constant connectivity, the idea of being alone for an extended period of time is stark. Below, we spoke to travelers who frequently book solo trips about their golden rules for traveling alone.

For most people, the thought of dining alone is one of the biggest barriers to traveling solo. But once you get past the conviction that everyone is noticing or judging you, its a totally freeing experience. Dining alone isnt as uncommon as you might imagine, says Este Lalonde, a creative director and influencer with a passion for solo travel. I personally find it empowering! Sometimes I bring a book with me or watch an episode of my favorite show on Netflix with my headphones on, but other times I just enjoy the atmosphere and end up chatting to the people at the table next to me.

If you are someone who does feel uncomfortable about dining alone, opt for a bar or counter seat. Its much less intimidating than having a whole table to yourself, and you are more likely to end up chatting to the staff or the person sitting next to you. "The first time I went out for a meal alone, I went to JG Melon on the Upper East Side of New York City, Sarah James, Cond Nast Travellers deputy digital editor, says. I took a book, and nervously shuffled onto a bar stool for my burgerbut ended up chatting away to the charming bartender and the women sat next to me. Now I often opt for a counter seat when eating alone, and no longer take a book with me. Either I end up talking to someone or just enjoy the peace. A general rule I live bywe're all so wrapped up in our own lives, no one is paying much attention to other people."

Not only are hostels affordable, but they're also great places to meet fellow travelerswhether they're in the same solo boat as you or not. Many have a cheap bar onsite that allows you to fall into natural conversation with compatriots who may become friends, or at least will have great tips for things to do.

Most people feel nervous about meeting new people, and introverts especially struggle to make the first move when in a new place. But remember that everyone is in the same boat, and most solo travelers will have experienced those same emotions. The first five seconds are the hardest, but once youve introduced yourself, youll quickly realize it wasnt as big a deal as you originally thought. Youd kick yourself if you let a bit of shyness ruin your trip, so use that as the motivation you need to approach a fellow traveler. And remember, if you present with confidence, that will showfake it til you make it is a reliable life rule to follow.

This is a lesson that I learned the hard way after getting pickpocketed in a crowded Jerusalem marketplace, says global digital director Arati Menon, I had stupidly carried all my credit cards and cash with meluckily no passport!in a single wallet and as a result, had no way of paying the hotel bill later that day when I checked out. Now, I always split my cards and cash (and IDs) across various places: wallet, purse, luggageand if possible, store at least one of these in a locked safe back at the hotel.

Remember that a bit of loneliness can be bracing and character-building, says Toby Skinner, Cond Nast Travellers features director. My experience traveling is generally that people are decent, kind and interestingand you found that out most acutely by being alone (whereas everyone leaves couples well alone.) Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been on my ownlike when I was stranded in Nanjing at 2 a.m. by a delayed train in 2001, and a local student let me bunk in his dorm room for the night.

While even the most extroverted of travelers avoid chit chat like the plague on a plane, I have found traveling by train to be a much more social means of transport," says associate editor Hannah Towey. "Last summer, I traveled solo on the Amtrak Coastal Starlight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and spent the entirety of the 9-hour journey in the communal observation lounge, where fellow travelers rotated in and out, sharing tables and playing cards while admiring the views. As the sun set on the second half of the trip, a few musically-inclined passengers formed an impromptu band complete with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Word slowly spread and others trickled in from other parts of the train to take turns singing songs in different languages. It might take a few more hours than a flight, but who knows, you might even find the Ethan Hawke to your Julie Delpy and spend a spontaneous evening together in Vienna.

Arriving at a destination just as the locals are gearing up for an important cultural event can be an incredible way to immerse yourself straight away. Look up religious festivals, bank holidays, and street parties to see what time is best to visit and plan accordingly. Youll get a real flavor of the people, the food, and even the music, and you might end up making friends along the way.

As obvious as do your research sounds, its an important step to remember. Look at online forums and speak to people who have previously visited the destination. What safety precautions should you be taking? Is it safe to walk between locations, or is it better to use taxis? Are taxis easy to find? What is the destination's culture like after dark? For women, in particular, it is best to plan ahead to avoid getting stranded in remote neighborhoods after dark.

It can feel daunting waking up in a brand new destination and not knowing where to start, so make sure to create vague itineraries for your trip. What are your non-negotiables in this destination? Any big attractions you want to tick off? Restaurants youve been desperate to try? Beaches youve always wanted to visit? I like to have 3-5 little activities in mind for each day, like visiting a particular store or trying the local cuisine, Este tells us. If you have a bit of direction you can leave space in between each activity to be spontaneous and discover the local area.

Booking tours and group events is a great way to meet other travelers. Most hostels have a list of activities available for guests to sign up for, and if not, then there are walking tours or live music events at local bars. Try to see people as opportunities," Toby advises. I'd build in communal activities to your itinerary and remember that youll probably never see these people again, so you have nothing to lose in almost any interaction and possibly a lot to gainthough there might be a touch of male privilege in that.

Sometimes when I travel to a new place, I can be nervous to leave my bed as a solo traveler, Este admits. As soon as I get outside and start walking I feel betterlike Im part of the city and that I belong there! Exploring by foot is a great way to get to know the bones of a destination. Youll soon create a mental map of the area nearest your accommodation and might stumble upon some hidden gems you wouldnt have come across otherwise.

On that note, try to allow yourself some spontaneity. Having a rough plan is definitely advisable, but dont stop yourself from following your gut if you have a sudden urge to pop into a shop, follow the sound of the crowds or head for the beach. Its often the spur-of-the-moment decisions that result in the best experiences.

Its easy to whip out your phone and rely on scrolling when youre by yourself, and while that is a great way to decompress if youre feeling jittery, there are few things more romantic than settling in at a street-side cafe and getting lost in the pages of a good book.

Journaling has become a popular pastime of late, and keeping a travel journal is a great way to combine the mental health benefits of getting out your thoughts and feelings with the memories and emotions of traveling solo. I find all of that time alone enables me to clear my head, and journaling is a great way to regulate those emotions, Este explains.

Sounds old school, but in lieu of printing out paper copies of all your bank details, phone numbers, and accommodations details, try keeping a document of all your information and emailing it to yourself. This way, if you lose your phone, you can ask the reception of your accommodation or staff at a hotel/restaurant/bar to borrow a phone and log into your email account to access anything you need. Its also worth memorizing your card details and any emergency phone numbers (both personal and local emergency service numbers).

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself when traveling alone. Sharing your location with your friends and family back home is a lovely way to keep in touch without having to actually message themthey can watch your journey from afar and keep track of your whereabouts if you havent contacted them for a while. Remember to bring a padlock for your backpack and lockers if youre staying in hostels, and study basic phrases in the language of your destination, just in case you get lost and need some help.

Theres always something that doesnt go to plan on any trip, and as a solo traveler, youll want to make sure you mitigate any stress that comes from changing itineraries. Buying travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from any transport cancellations and unforeseen circumstances, and will cover any costs from injuries or thefts. Sounds scary, but itll be worth it if the worst happens!

A version of this story originally appeared on Cond Nast Traveller.

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The Golden Rules of Solo Travel | Cond Nast Traveler - Cond Nast Traveler

(Credits: Far Out / Exclusive Media Group)

Wed 29 May 2024 21:00, UK

While all rock stars are rock enthusiasts or at least should be Dave Grohl seems to be the most humble and reverent. Like the musical Keanu Reeves, the Foo Fighters frontman never shies from applauding his fellow musicians, whether its The Beatles or an unknown teenage band in Washington trying to make their first mark on the world.

From the days of his youth, keeping his parents awake as he drummed along to Led Zeppelin albums, Grohl dreamt of becoming a rock star. When he joined Nirvana to replace Chad Channing in the run-up to Nevermind, he achieved just this but was seemingly never blinded by fame and fortune.

It is difficult to say how much the hardship of Kurt Cobains 1994 death influenced Grohls down-to-earth, humble demeanour. What we can be certain of, however, is that the tragedy had an irrevocable impact on the young musicians life, most evidently in encouraging him to re-establish his career as a singer and songwriter in Foo Fighters.

Speaking to the NME in a past interview, Grohl reflected on his eureka moment while mourning Cobains death. That was a funny time with me musically because I just didnt really want to hear any music, he said. Then I realised, Oh wait, its music thats going to heal me. What am I doing? I should be listening to music. I should be making music that will make me feel better. And it did.

Over time, Grohl worked exceedingly hard to reconstruct his career, battling against stressors in his personal life. In 2022, he once again endured unspeakable tragedy when Taylor Hawkins, his longstanding drummer in Foo Fighters, passed away during a tour stop in Colombia.

The endurance of pain is a fact of life, and it isnt distributed equally. During such times, it is nigh on impossible to divine a positive, yet, as Grohl has shown, hardship and resolve create the perfect environment for wisdom. People who have had to deal with certain issues are usually best equipped to offer counsel and support to those enduring similar woes.

When Grohl looked to form the Foo Fighters in late 1994, he received an outpouring of support from fellow musicians, including Tom Petty, who offered him a place to drum in his band, The Heartbreakers. In a recent interview with Fearne Cotton, Grohl reflected on his decision to stick with the Foo Fighters plan.

In his reasoning, Grohl revealed his golden rule for a life without regret and the key to satisfaction. I usually steer myself towards things that Im not entirely sure I can do, he explained. Because its so much more fun. Theres no safety net. Why the fuck not? Lifes too short to just do the thing that you know how to do all the time. Fuck that. Lets do something that we have no idea whats going to happen.

Later in the conversation, the Foo Fighters frontman remembered a punk band from Washington, DC, called The Bad Brains, whom he adored as a teenager. The band promoted the idea of a PMA, which was positive mental attitude. Grohl recalled always feeling that he could achieve what he set his mind on. I do believe that if you put the thought or that energy out there, there is some sort of return, he added, importantly. Concluding the point, the pair agreed that childhood dreams fall to the flames of adulthood fear. Presumably, the trick to a happy and rewarding life is to dream like a child and throw logic to the wind.

Originally posted here:

Dave Grohl reveals his one golden rule to live by - Far Out Magazine

You dont have to listen too intently to hear the drums beating when it comes to the state of the game. Even if you have a passing interest in footy, youll be aware that people are not happy.

Its not a new thing, either every year there seems to be something that has people up in arms about where the game is headed and how it is losing too much of what it once was, in order to cater for what could well become.

However, when there are people complaining, you usually get a good helping of others who see sense in what the league is doing and how they are managing the game. It balances things out.

This is not the case, this time.

Not at all.

At the moment, there is as close to a consensus as youre going to find amongst the players, coaches, media, and supporters that the game is on the verge of a crisis. And that crisis revolves around what constitutes holding-the-ball.

Now, I know there will be some who scoff at that notion. Crisis? A bit melodramatic, HB, right?

Perhaps I do have a tendency to get a bit caught up but what were seeing over the past few seasons is a radical change in the way the rule is being interpreted, and it is having a profound impact on how individual players are playing the game, how coaches are planning, and how supporters are viewing the spectacle.

And it all seems to revolve around frustration.

The frustration of seeing good tackles go unrewarded.

The frustration at good tackles actually being punished.

And the frustration that there seems to be a push more towards careful and soft tackling than the aggression that made the sport so bloody great to begin with. People are standing in tackles and being afforded the opportunity to dispose of the ball because the tackler doesnt know if he can really take the ball-carrier to ground without facing suspension.

Its a lottery. And like all lotteries, you lose way more often than you win.

This past weekend, Chad Warner laid a good, hard tackle on Laith Vandermeer, who saw him coming at the last second, braced, got nailed, and somehow ended up with the free kick. From what I saw, the umpire paid the free kick against Warner for too high, but it really looked as though he was penalised for tackling too aggressively.

Umps are jumpy about concussions. Anything that even remotely looks high or dangerous is bring punished. So much so, that they are penalising tackles that dont actually impact the head.

We move onto the Carlton v Gold Coast game, where there were a combined 131 tackles laid by both teams. In anyones language, thats a shitload. Of those tackles, just four resulted in a free kick awarded for holding-the-ball or incorrect disposal. The umpires seemed more interested in giving the player with the footy every chance to spin around, check out his options, smile about it, do a little dance, make a little love, and either hold the footy in or eventually get a disposal away. Or worse, simply allow the footy to spill out.

There are some players in the league who are not exactly Rhodes Scholars (Mike Fitzpatrick retired a long time ago) but theyre not silly. They know how to manipulate the rules and how best to work around whatever interpretations the umpires are instructed to use. As a result, we have a game where tackling has been relegated to being as important as affordable food prices at the venue. Its like a professional cuddling club, and damn it, if I want to watch that, there are sites that cater for it.

Or so Ive heard.

Watching the decline in rewarding tackles is like watching a part of the game die.

Or be killed, more to the point.

The league has in its possession a Golden Goose. Its a privileged position. Theyve been afforded a gift like no other.

The product that has been so good over the life of the AFLs custody of it that they have been given numerous passes by supporters on so many aspects of the game theyve tinkered with.

The highlights, the close results, the great teams, and the amazing players they continue to draw people to the sport. But so does the physicality of the game, and as that continues to be the target of the league, are we nearing the point where the AFLs mismanagement of this aspect of the game could see people switching off?

Could they be strangling the Golden Goose as they attempt to care for it? Are they fixing the sport until its broken?

The numbers indicate thats not the case at the moment, with several rounds posting record attendances early in the season, but there is a growing sense of resentment toward the games administration, currently, and I reckon the league is lucky to have such a loyal and committed supporter-base. People are almost bred into the game, with teams allocated at birth, just as regularly as middle names. That might be the AFLs only saving grace having a team is almost part of the Aussie lifestyle.

But things change, and there is a generation of people who see the game slipping away from the sport they loved into something that may end up resembling Gaelic Football.

And I dont know about you, but I am not at all interested in watching Gaelic Football.

A couple of years ago, I made the decision to analyse a good sample size of games for the purpose of seeing how many holding-the-ball free kicks were paid. From Round 5-23 in 2022, I watched every single game of footy. Suffice to say, a commitment of that magnitude ate up a lot of time and was not well-received in the Mongrel household, so the experiment ended after the 2022 season, but I have retained the data for moments such as this.

The results were alarming, even back then.

In Round Five, 2022, a total of three holding-the-ball free kicks were paid in a game pitting St Kilda against Gold Coast in which 99 tackles were laid.

In Round Eight the same year, the Collingwood v Richmond game saw another three paid. This time it was from 87 combined tackles. Thats 3.44% of tackles that were rewarded. The Saints v Suns game had 3.03% rewarded. And this weekends Carlton v Gold Coast game saw 3.05% of tackles rewarded.

Pretty poor, huh?

Why bother tackling?

I also used the data to discover which players were actually effective at laying tackles that were rewarded with free kicks. The most effective turned out to be Liam Ryan at West Coast. Over a period of 18 weeks, Ryan was successful in 27.8% of his tackling attempts.

The biggest loser was Matt Rowell, who had a 1.5% success rate at that point. My guess is he is more effective now.

But that is just an interesting aside.

So, where do we go from here?

How do we get a balance between rewarding good tackles that get an opponent cold or cause an incorrect disposal, without the umpire yelling he tried like he is adjudicating an Auskick session?

What are the answers?

To that, I throw it open to you you are the people who keep this league alive. You are ones who feed the Golden Goose, even as the league, its rule-makers, its officials, and its potential litigants wrap their hands around its throat and squeeze ever tighter.

How do we fix it?

I am eager to hear your takes. Youre the ones who pay to watch. In the end, the game without you well, how do you like your goose cooked?

Like this content? You could buy me a coffee I do like coffee, but there is no guarantee I wont use it to buy a doughnut I like them more. And I am not brought to you by Sportsbet or Ladbrokes or Bet365, or any of them.

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Strangling The Golden Goose - The Holding The Ball Rule - The Mongrel Punt