Mature Solo Travel

Monday, May 25, 2015

Travel Books NOT for Tourists

Meet the Locals and Learn About your Destination

I asked Gigi to introduce herself to Mature Solo Travel because travel is not a 'age' it is an attitude.

Hey all! My name is Gigi Griffis and I'm a world-traveling entrepreneur and writer with a special love for inspiring stories, new places, and living in the moment.

In May 2012, I sold my stuff, gave up my lease in Denver, Colorado, and took to the road with a growing business and a pint-sized pooch named Luna.

Since then, I've been traveling full-time mostly in Europe. I've spent quiet months in the Italian countryside, long summers in the Swiss Alps, and surprisingly sunny Novembers in places like the French Basque country or Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.

So, how do I support my travels? I'm a freelance writer for travel magazines and I write and publish a series of unconventional guidebooks called the 100 Locals series.

The idea behind the books is that the best travel advice comes from locals. They know where to find the hidden-away pizzeria with no English menus, how to locate the quietest, most beautiful hiking trails in the Alps, and--just as important--how to fit in with the local culture.

And so my books are collections of interviews with people who live in and love Italy, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, and now Switzerland.

http://gigigriffis.com/book to obtain your copy

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/resonant/17211213105/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/resonant/17023862239/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/resonant/17003777407/sizes/l

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Gigi Griffis
Travel Writer & Guidebook Architect at gigigriffis.com
Facebook I @gigigriffis

Going to Italy? Paris? Prague? Barcelona? I wrote a guidebook series for you

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Off the Beaten Track in Germany

Munster: Famous for Beer, Bikes, Churches NOT Cheese

There is so much to see on this whirlwind tour of Western Germany's towns that may not be on the list of top tourist locations. My visit started in Dusseldorf with a side trip to Cologne. I wanted to test my solo skills of navigating the train system without any knowledge of German.

Stories on the 'woman in the tower', the oldest cake store and the bike garage to follow!

Munster: My first adventure was two filled days exploring this busy college town north of Dusseldorf. There appears to be more bikes than cars and I found there are 'bike rules' that give bikers the right of way.
I explored by foot and the helpful 'hop on hop off bus' that gave me a city overview on a rainy morning. The tourist office in the center of town gives you great maps and information on what to do and what to see.

The cloister at the Dom (cathedral) in Munster

Ms Brugete Nygkebgiff, a licensed tour guide in Munster agreed to forgo the 'bike tour' for a fast walk that showed me all of Munster and made many suggestions for food and activities that a solo traveler might enjoy. The library in Munster is a perfect place to take a break from the weather and hours of walking. There is a WC in the lower level, public computers on the second floor and a lovely café I tried on my second day in Munster. A great spot for individual travelers or groups.

Juliane Unkelbach with Munster Marketing hosted my dinner at a wonderful beer hall! This beer was GREAT and although I had to ask Juliane what each dish was called, it was all wonderful.

Who said German food was all sauerkraut and hot potato salad? And please note the size of the water glass and beer glass

-I enjoyed "Kalbsrückensteak westfälische Art".

large plate of vegetables was inluded

Westfälischer Pfefferpotthast

The owner of Pinkus Muller

The entire staff was very welcoming and a solo traveler could easily enjoy a meal here. Later in the evening (after 8pm) the restaurant did fill up. They must come for the food or the beer?