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If you wonder what it’s like to travel solo or have always wanted to visit San Diego, California, then take a listen as I speak with my guest, Carly.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Carly enjoys hiking and is an avid traveler, having visited all over the US and 20+ countries. After a years-long love affair with San Diego, she finally made the move and is now based there.
In this episode, Carly shares some of her favorite spots around San Diego. She also speaks on some of her history of mission group based volunteering and how she ultimately transitioned to a backpacker style of solo travel. After the interview, I’ll share some helpful tips on how to prepare for your first trip!
Main Points & Some General Points/Stories Discussed
Location: San Diego, California
Travel Topic: Solo Travel
Main Points
- Guest and Topics Intro (1:22)
- Get To Know Carly “The Person” (3:42)
- Insight on San Diego, California (10:54)
- Get To Know Carly “The Traveler” (25:42)
- Carly speaks on Solo Travel (37:15)
- Rapid Fire Questions & 30 Seconds of Glory (1:14:04)
- Post Interview: Triston shares more about the Laos slow boat & tips on how to prepare for your first trip (1:18:00)
General Points/Stories
- Carly’s volunteering background overseas (25:50)
- Carly’s mentality on travel (30:39)
- Carly’s initial challenges shifting to a backpacker style of travel (32:24)
- Triston shares his story of waiting to travel (40:20)
- Carly asks Triston how long he’s been on the road. (41:28)
- Carly talks about the Laos slow boat (43:40)
- Carly shares more about her US travels and the backpacking culture there (51:29)
- Carly explains and shares her stories on the downsides of Solo Travel (58:33)
- Triston’s missed flight story (1:02:15)
- Positive lessons Solo Travel taught Carly (1:05:51)
- Carly shares tips for females to travel solo (1:08:52)
Things to See and Do
San Diego, California
Ocean Beach (OB) – (hippy spot, typical Southern California vibe, laidback)
- Samesun Ocean Beach (Hostel, formerly USA Hostels Ocean Beach)
- Mike’s Tacos (“best” tacos)
- Winston’s (bar with live music & karaoke nights)
- Farmer’s Market every Wednesday (4 pm-8 pm)
- Sunset Cliffs (Mediterranian feel)
- Santa Cruz Cove Beach (kinda hidden, more locals, at end of Santa Cruz Avenue)
- *First four all on Newport Avenue
Pacific Beach (more party/bar scene, good surfing)
Coronado (very nice homes/area)
- Cowles Mountain (hiking, best at sunset)
(General)
- Gaslamp District
- North Park (hipster area)
- Juneshine (spiked kombucha brewery)
- La Jolla (more expensive area)
- The Cove (more touristy area, get dinner, see seals, snorkeling)
- Torrey Pines (watch people hand-glide, hiking)
- Blacks Beach (nude beach, can hike down to from Torrey Pines)
- No Surf Beach
- Tecolote Canyon Trails
- Mitch’s Seafood in Point Loma
- Dog beach
Resources Mentioned
- Wandering Earl (blog by Earl Barron)
- The Runaway Guide (blog by Leif Harum)
- Skyscanner (mainly flights)
- Norwegian Air
- Rome 2 Rio (all modes of transportation)
- Redwing 50 Backpack (Kelty brand)
- XE Currency App (money exchange)
- Maps.me (offline maps)
- Hostelworld (find hostels)
- Workaway (volunteering opportunities)
- Airbnb/Airbnb Experiences
- Couchsurfing (community to find free couches (beds)/activities worldwide, free or paid verified account)
Connect With Carly
Instagram: @Carlymcclave
Connect With The Backpacker Society
🎒 Explore more travel conversations at backpackerssociety.com/
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▶ Watch on YouTube
📸 Follow on Instagram: @backpackers_society
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