Get away, run away

Do you have a runaway place? A specific location you have bookmarked in your mind that in a time of crisis you can call upon. Somewhere to get away from it all, a site where you will find inspiration, serenity and hope?

This may seem like a strange idea, most people probably don't forecast a crisis in their life, they don't prepare for a doomsday, a catastrophe, a life changing event, or even a slight break down.

I have.

St John's Lake, Co Leitrim
(c) fifiheavey

I know there will come a point in my life when I will need to escape, maybe for a few hours, a day, weekend, a week or even in the extreme six months. I know this because the universe is guaranteed to throw some rotten eggs along life's journey. And when something happens, something that unhinges my normal daily rhythm I will need to stop, think and re-organise. In order to this I will need to runaway, to my chosen place and ponder.

Tasmania
(c) fifiheavey

Hence, my runaway place. But I can't just have one place, depending on the problem, the time, my budget, life circumstances, I need to have a few options:

A few hours - this place needs to be close by, easily assessed and cheap. For me it is on top of a no longer used reservoir tank beside my homeplace. I have used this place quite often to ponder things over, from it I see into at least four different Irish counties, I see towns, mountains, roads, houses and cars. The air is clear and fresh and with almost no disturbance. All I need to get there is a pair of wellies!

A day – a whole day to discuss the pros and cons, to debate with myself. A place of beauty and serenity is needed here and most importantly silence. In Ireland the best place for all three is Glendalough, Co Wicklow. The valley of the two lakes has a monastic site and round tower and is perfect place to listen to your inner self while taking in the rugged landscape.

A weekend- a few days to really indulge in deep thought. With this amount of time I need to really evaluate life. Here I have a choice of two destinations: Athens and Rome. Both places hark back to the beginning of civilisation. Ancient ruins, deep excavations, narrow streets and excellent food. Perfect places to seek inspiration and yet also realise how small me and my problems are in the scheme of things.

Trevi Fountain, Rome
(c) fifiheavey

A week- a mini break down, a need for escape and a quest to find answers. To re-discover what is important, to re-organise priorities. Israel is a must. It amazed me in a few days, imagine a whole week? If I went looking for answers, I believe I could find them here, here in the Holy Land, where the majority of world religions converge and intersect. The country, although controversial is special.

Dome of the Rock and Wailling Wall, Jerusalem

Six months- this must be serious! Things must have really went belly up and I can only imagine that my mind is in a jumble, that there are plenty of voices shouting to heard, but no one is listening. This sort of situation demands only one location: India. I have not been there, I know very little about it but have heard and read about people who have had some amazing experiences there. Thousands of people seek spirituality here, submerge themselves in prayer, meditation and thought and re-emerge the better from it.

So if you see me packing my bags for India – stay clear and wish me well!

Do you have a runaway place?

No photography allowed

You have waited in line for a few hours in line, saved for years, sacrificed your social life, left your loved ones behind and travelled over seas and continents to see (insert landmark, painting, iconic, historic item etc) only to be greeted with the “no photography allowed” sign.

What do you do?

Option 1: “Yeah fair enough, I suppose the (*insert item*) is a really big deal and I don't want to disrespect the (Gods/ ancient tribe/ locals/ museum management) by taking a picture. The memory of seeing this (*insert*) will last forever, the feeling of being here, of standing it it's presence – nothing can take that from me, the pictures in my mind will be 100 times better than any measly effort to try and capture the essence of this (*insert*).

Option 2: “What?!? – no F**ing way – I don't care I am going to take a sneaky photo anyway.”

In my case, both of the options have applied in different circumstances.

My illegal photo of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Rome
(c) fifiheavey

I understand that flash photography can ruin ancient manuscripts and I can also understand that museums and such places need people to come and see their items instead of just looking at a photo. They also don't want any crap blurry shots circulating around the globe ruining their reputation.

And I respect their ideals.

Skulls from Kutna Hora, Sedlec Ossuary, Prague
(c) fifiheavey 

But sometimes, it just doesn't cut it with me, as I have described above there were times when I sacrificed and put in a hell of a lot of effort to go and see items and therefore feel I deserve to take back a picture.

Right of wrong (probably wrong) I know I am not alone, everyone does it. And with sophisticated camera phones now, looking inauspicious has become a lot easier. Photos are taken and nobody knows – no one gets hurt.

Check out http://www.strictlynophotography.com for all the illegal photos of things you are not allowed to photograph!

As I said I do respect the ideal of no photography and a lot of the time I obey it, but it depends on my frame of mind and the amount of respect I hold for the place or item (or how scared I am of the security people!)

Sometimes it is better to reflect on the memory of the visit, than to stare at an illegitimate photo or video footage – it gives it more meaning.

No photography allowed inside the passage tomb at Newgrange.(c) fifiheavey

So what do you think let me know do you obey the no photography sign?

Go it alone!

So you have decided to travel solo this year, whether it is a weekend away, a holiday, a GAP year or career move the most essential thing you need to bring with you is confidence.

Going along can be daunting, but it will be an experience well worth it. A trawl through the Internet will give you lots of handy tips and advice for travelling solo, here I will part with some of my own gems which I have gained through my unique adventures for one.

Also if you are undecided about where to go, below is a list of my favourite solitude treasure locations.

• First of all be confident and sure about your decision to go travelling solo and the destinations you have chosen, if you are just doing it to strike it off some mental list then step away and look a little deeper.
• Organisation is key, make sure you have your trip itinerary well worked out in advance, make sure some family or friends know where you will be and keep them updated on any changes.
• 

  Making Friends in Dresden (c) fifiheavey

  Finance – travelling is never cheap. Always try to budget more than you expect to spend, you don't want to be caught out short. My tip would be to always carry a little of the local currency in cash. Split cash and bank cards and credit cards between different bags, pockets – so you are never left without if the unfortunate happens.
• Flash jewelery and accessories are not an essential part of travelling, try not to draw attention to yourself.
• Blend in – this is always easier said than done. But head in a guide book gives the game away, so too does snapping away at everything with your camera, but you will need to do both to find your way and to document your stay. Try to research your area and get direction in private and the smaller the camera the better, try not to keep it on show also. Also for most destinations a suitcase is better than a backpack.
• Dress appropriate – I have seen this tip exclusive for women on other sites but it applies to males too, take a glimpse at locals and everyone else around you and find something in between.

• 

  Try not flash your cash, but always a carry a little local currency (c) fifiheavey
  

  Many people find it difficult to eat alone, but you will get used to it, bring reading material along, a local newspaper will help you blend in, sit outside or at the bar – confidence is important here!

• Keep a journal – for no other reason but to document your journey. I kept a load of info in mine and it used to refresh my memory when needed – like what was the name of that nice man in the shop etc.
• For the ladies: if you feel a little uncomfortable in a strange country wear a ring on your wedding finger.
• Start inventing stories, about your boyfriend, friend, family etc you need to have excuses ready.
• Learn the basics of the local language.
• Make friends
• Upload photos from your camera regularly so if you lose or break it your whole trip is not wiped.
• Leave your ignorance and innocence at home, come prepared mentally to see and be involved in things you wouldn't usually be, don't' try and inflict your culture on others.
• Relax and enjoy!

If you are looking for a great solo travel destination, I would urge you to check out some of these:

Rome, Italy – you will never feel alone here, among the throngs of tourists discover this ancient city and all it's treasures.

Solo feels so good! Rome, Italy (c) fifiheavey

Paris, France – Known as the most romantic destination in the world, it is also a haven for solo travellers, cut through the mush and experience the city of lights.

Berlin, Germany – This city surprised and intrigued me every day of my visit, day exploration and a night life to beat no other.

New York, USA – It is impossible to be spotted as a solo traveller in this fast paced city, see everything and do it all on your time!

Melbourne, Australia – Unforgettable. Culture vultures will love this place which has drama and art on every corner.

Queenstown, New Zealand – Looking for adventure and want to make friends? This is your destination!

Go Your Own Way: Women Travel the World Solo