"A Portable Mind"

Q: What inspired you to start your blog, "Portable Mind?"
I began Portable Mind when I was traveling on business a lot - once every month or so. I traveled to some incredible places and found that I had a lot of downtime to write about the places I was visiting.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about it?
Because I was traveling so often, both colleagues and friends asked (and still do) for my recommendations - hotels, restaurants, what to see/do, etc. I learned that the best way to endure business travel is to try and make the most out of the trip by taking time to immerse in local culture. For example, when I was in Prague I got up early, before my daily meetings, to walk through town and across the Charles bridge. I wanted to make sure I experienced the city. And, I have to say, walking across the bridge at 7am before the crowds arrived was a fantastic experience.

Q: Name the three most memorable places you have seen?
Beijing, The Great Wall
Sagres, the southwestern-most tip of Portugal
The island of Moorea, in the South Pacific

Q: Best way to approach new people when you are all alone in a foreign place?
Ask them about themselves (what brings you to a....what are you drinking...etc), and ask if they have a recommendation for a local place to see, eat or something to do.

Q: Favorite foreign dish?
It's not exotic - but the best food I've had while traveling is grilled whole fish in Portugal. Fresh, healthy and simple, perfectly cooked.

Q: Top three destinations for singles?
Some locations are just easier on the solo traveler. I think New York City is one of those places, even though I live here. Also:

1. Miami: An easy place to be, and the city is really interesting. Miami hits both ends of the spectrum - it's just as satisfying to do nothing at all in Miami as it is to spend all day exploring and all night immersed in the club scene.
2. Prague: People are very friendly, most speak English, there is a lot to do, and it is an utterly stunning city.
3. San Francisco. My favorite city. Even better if you rent a car, so you can drive to the wine country or the gorgeous Sonoma coast.

Q: Best places to stay solo?
Where you stay directly impacts the type of experience you have in any destination.
1. Hotel Monaco (Kimpton hotels) in San Francisco, California
2. Carneros Inn, Napa, California
3. The Four Seasons Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

Q: Funniest, craziest or worst solo travel story?

This is a tough one to answer. I've never had a bad experience while traveling solo. I have seen many crazy things (street food in Beijing immediately comes to mind), and there are always funny stories, but the best way to tell them is through photographs I think. Honestly, the worst thing that ever happened to me on a trip was when I went to Tahiti for 2 weeks on business, and found that I'd forgotten my swimsuit. I had to participate in several company-organized swim/beach outings, so I was forced to buy a suit in Tahiti. My choices were limited, to say the least -- string bikinis meant for perfectly toned Tahitian women. Even if I had wanted to buy one, it wasn't appropriate for a business gathering, no matter how casual.

I ended up with a very expensive, very unattractive one-piece suit in day-glo pink.

Q: Travel gadgets/products that are always in your suitcase?
Apple laptop, iPhone (with iPod headphones), camera. Wallpaper city guide. Moleskin notebook and pen. A pair of flats. Lotion, lip gloss, perfume oil. Pashmina.

Q: Many people are afraid to travel alone, what words of advice would you give to inspire them do so?

As I mentioned, I've never had a bad travel experience while traveling solo. I think the best things about traveling alone are the time and space you get to think. Traveling solo shows you what you're made of, reminds you of who you are, allows you to really take in what you are seeing and experiencing. And, I have met many incredible people while traveling alone.

One thing to keep in mind is that wherever you go, there are always people who can guide and help you. Before I travel, I make sure someone at home has my itinerary and knows where I will be; and I register with the US Department of state if I am traveling abroad (a precaution in case there is an emergency). When I arrive at my hotel, I always connect with the concierge or hotel staff to learn about local places to go and local services I can use, such as a guide, during my stay.

As a woman, traveling alone requires that you be aware of your surroundings. Of course one should take precautions, choose destinations with care, etc. but it's important to go without being fearful (or, choose to face your fears and go anyway). There is too much beauty in the world to stay home.