If you are reading SIN PRISA for the first time, welcome. If you are returning, welcome back. Mil gracias (a thousand thank yous) for being here.
In case you missed it, check out last month's newsletter A Little TLC in Bali, on tending, loving and caring for the whole being. I hope you enjoy :)
I have a confession.
Group trips make me cringe. Yep, I said it and it feels incredibly freeing.
If there is a phobia for group travel, I probably have it.
The issue is not spending time with my friends or family, rather the anxiety-inducing experience (and hassle) of planning and traveling in a group.Â
The never-ending decisions on where to go, what to do, where to eat, and where to sleep are a huge turn off for me.
In comparison to planning solo trips, group trips feel like organizing the Olympics Games. In fact, my family is hosting our first international family reunion this summer and I am reading the messages in the chat like…
I knew I reached my threshold for group travel when I questioned why I voluntarily agreed to such conditions while on a trip.
I needed to find a sweet spot between traveling with a group and traveling solo.
So I traded in group trips for travelmates.
Travelmates are friendships made for the friendly skies. Without a doubt in your mind, they are the friends you know you can travel with. Travelmates have amazing qualities but above all, they are easy going and reliable.
One of my favorite travel memories is with my travelmate who came into my life way before we dreamt up our trip to Singapore.
We worked together as residential advisors (RAs) in college, studied abroad in the same country, and since remained joined at the hip.Â
Though we’ve been rockin’ for over a decade, this was the first time we took our friendship out of the country.
Singapore welcomed us with warm temperatures and friendly smiles upon our arrival in mid-August. Though the country is known for strict laws including the infamous ban on chewing gum, we found the culture incredibly laid back.Â
We experienced Singapore for all of its beauty, futuristic hype, and cultural diversity from Chinatown to Little India and back to Kampong Glam (Arab Street/Haji Lane).
We got a taste of every-day-living shopping at grocery markets, mastering the public transportation system, eating with locals, and somehow still found time to rest.Â
We celebrated a decade of friendship enjoying life's simplest moments together like we always do – sharing meals, cups of hot tea, and laughing until we were teary eyed with stomach aches. Â
None of these memories would be possible if I traveled to Singapore in a group or alone. So thank you my dear amiga/sister/travelmate for an unforgettable time and most importantly, ten wonderful years of friendship.
The travel apps could never. I wholeheartedly can’t wait for the next one.
So why should you consider finding a travelmate?
Less planning and more presence.
Less maps and more memories.
Less itineraries and more intention.Â
If traveling in groups causes you stress that is more than enough reason.
Finding travelmates has significantly decreased the stress of planning. My nervous system certainly prefers the 1:1 ratio versus cramming quality time with multiple people.
If you are still not convinced, may our memories from Singapore inspire you to decline the next group trip invitation and find your travelmate(s).
If you’ve already found your travelmate, let me know in the comments.
A beautiful evening in Kampong Glam
A cultural hub where Malay, Arab, and Indonesian cultures blend to represent Islam with pride. Arab Street/Haji Lane is home to a mix of art, cuisine, and modern fashion influenced by Islam with a southeast twist.Â
Healing @ Singapore Botanical GardensÂ
Two and a half hectares of space designed as a tranquil retreat with medicinal plants and herbs? Yes please!
Wondering through Chinatown + our luxurious stay
ParkRoyal Pickering, an eco-friendly garden concept hotel with sweeping views was a treat. Shoutout to my travelmate for her exquisite taste.
Exploring Little India @ NightÂ
Not pictured: our night time adventure through Mustafa Centre, a 24/7 wholesale store made for the every-day consumerist. We lasted a whopping 2 hours but I am convinced one could literally shop until they drop.
Eating our way through Singapore
A round-up of the best eats in Singapore, the pictures speak for themselves.
SINGAPORE @ A GLANCEÂ
Budget: $$$$
Best time: Mid August - OctoberÂ
Best transportation: Train, bus, or taxi
Best neighborhoods: Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India
Primary languages: English/ Malay/ MandarinÂ
Best eats: Annalakshmi, Komala Vilas, Poulet Brasserie, Seiwaa Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki
Next month, we head to my second home, España. To know me, is to know my love for Spain. We’ve had an ongoing love affair since 2014.
Each time I return, I find another reason to move back. This time, a little city called Sopelana off the coast of PaÃs Vasco stole mi corazón and I have yet to recover.
Until next time, take it slow 🦥Â
E
Questions? Send me a note sinprisatravel@gmail.com.Â
Need support or want to chat? Book time with me here. I’ve curated 20+ trips for solo, couple, and small group travelers across the globe. I’d love to hear about your trip dreams!