Hey Reader,
It's finally happened. I got notice that my housesitting gig is coming to an end. Considering I arrived a year and a half ago expecting to only stay a couple month, I'd say I had a good run!
It's amazing the stuff I've accumulated! For one thing, I own a Crock Pot. What kind of self-respecting nomad owns a Crock Pot??? It was my mom's so I held onto it, along with her Pyrex bowls from the 70s. They've been quite useful. But still.
Here's what I have for you this week:
✈️ Travel Spotlight: Christmas in Europe
💻 Digital Nomad Life: Solo Female Travel Tips
🐾 Travel With a Dog: Handling Emergencies on the Road
💰 Discounts and Deals: NordVPN
✈️ Travel Spotlight
This Week: Best Places in Europe for Christmas
It's already time to start thinking about Christmas! One thing I want to do is spend Christmas in Europe. I'd love to see the big Christmas markets and learn about different countries' traditions.
Since I love planning, I've thoroughly researched the best places for Christmas in Europe. Take a look at my list and let me know what you think.
Have you been to any of these places for the holidays? Tell me about it!
👉 Related Read: 25 Best Places for Christmas in Europe
💻 Digital Nomad Life
Topic: Solo Female Travel Tips: Staying Safe
Traveling alone is one of the most rewarding ways to see the world, but it does come with unique challenges.
Here are a few of my top tips for staying safe and confident as a solo female traveler:
Do your homework: Start with Nomads.com for safety stats, check government advisories (but take them with a grain of salt), and join local expat Facebook groups for real-time updates.
Stay connected: Get a local SIM or eSIM so you always have data for maps, rides, and emergencies. Share your location with a trusted friend when you’re moving around. I like Airalo for eSIMs.
Choose smart accommodations: Look for places with strong reviews from other women, safe neighborhoods, and good security features like strong locks and lighting.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, whether it’s a street, a ride, or even a rental, don’t second-guess yourself. Walk away, cancel, or move on.
Build your safety net: Travel insurance, an emergency contact who knows your plans, and a few safety tools like a doorstop lock or personal alarm can go a long way.
Solo female travel isn’t about being fearless, it’s about being prepared. With the right mindset and tools, it can be both safe and empowering.
Want more details? I share the full breakdown in my new article.
👉 More on this: Solo Female Travel Tips: How to Stay Safe on the Road
🎒 Gear I’m Loving
For someone who loves to travel alone, I'm a big scaredy cat. Probably because I'm a fan of murder mysteries and crime dramas. So I travel with several things to keep me safe and give me peace of mind. These are my favorites:
Door lock - small and lightweight.
Door stop - I like this one becase it works with doors with different-sized spaces at the bottom.
Personal alarm - I actually have several - in my purse, by my bed, and in my backpack. I once scared the crap out of a taxi driver when I accidentally pulled the pin out!
🐾 Travel With a Dog
This Week: Handling Emergencies on the Road
Most trips with your dog go off without a hitch, but when something does go wrong, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re far from home.
Here are a few simple ways to prepare before you hit the road:
- Pack a small dog first-aid kit with basics like gauze, tweezers, saline rinse, and vet-approved meds.
- Save local emergency vet contacts before you travel so you're not scrambling.
- Keep your dog’s health info (vaccinations, microchip number, medications) handy in both digital and printed form.
You don’t need to be a vet or overpack. Just having a plan in place makes emergencies easier to handle and helps you stay calm if the unexpected happens.
👉 Check this out: Traveling With a Dog: How to Handle Emergencies on the Road
🦴 Gear Shelby's Loving
A dog first aid kit like this one is essential for traveling with your dog. It's not always easy to find the specialized supplies your dog needs in an emergency.
💰 Discounts and Deals
This Week’s Deal:
- NordVPN, get up to 77% off + 3 extra months with a 2-year plan. Sale goes until October 15. Learn more here.
🥸 Joke of the Week
Why don’t mummies go on vacation?
They’re afraid to unwind.
I want this newsletter to be as useful as possible. What topics would help you most? Reply and let me know!
Happy travels,
Sherry
Digital Nomad and a Dog
P.S. Be sure to follow me on Facebook!
My general travel page is Digital Nomad and a Dog
I have a Facebook group specifically for travel in the Yucatan Peninsula called, you guessed it, Yucatan Peninsula Travel
I also have a private group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads (you don't need to be over 50, but you do need to be a woman)
You can also follow me on Instagram