Page 32 June 2013 There’s something to be said about traveling alone By Kaley Kalil A friend and I recently were comparing traveling alone to traveling with a partner. My friend, along with most people, feels traveling solo can be lonely. She thinks vacations are more enjoyable having someone with you to share all of the miraculous sights, meals and special moments when out sight-seeing. My friend makes some excellent points, but I have done my fair share of traveling alone and would like to acknowledge some lesser-known reasons as to why traveling alone might be just what a wanderer needs once in awhile: It’s all about you When you travel by yourself, you get to call all the shots. Sleep in when you wish, stay up late when you feel like it. No fl ipping a coin to choose between restaurants. Eat wherever and whenever you choose. Feel like changing the plan last minute? No problem. You’ll soon discover a stress- free freedom because it’s all about you. Guilt-free How many of us, when traveling with another, have insisted on visiting a certain site or museum a good trek away, only to fi nd out it’s closed for repairs once we fi nally get there? The guilt experienced afterwards for “wasting” the other person’s precious vacation time is never any fun. Enjoy guilt- free expeditions when traveling solo, even when they do end up a bust. Additionally, how often have you been “the cheap one” in the group that holds everyone back from dining at an upscale restaurant or staying at a fancy hotel due to your budget? Conversely, maybe you’ve been the traveler being held back? All of that fi nancial peer pressure disappears when you go it alone. Splurge when you’re able to and skimp when necessary. A guilt-free conscience will give you tranquility and peace of mind throughout your travels. Focus on what you think When traveling with others, it’s easy to fi nd yourself lost in a fellow traveler’s excited shadow. Their ideal itinerary may not match up with yours, and that’s OK. By traveling alone, you’ll be unphased by the tastes or dislikes of others, allowing you to be fully and openly engaged in new experiences, unbiased. You shouldn’t have to feel pressured to visit all of the “must-see tourist sites” if they’re simply not on your list. Spend your time and money on whatever interests you, and don’t get caught up in the hype about what you “have” to see at your destination. Meet new people Traveling stag forces you to step out of your comfort zone a little, allowing you the opportunity to meet new people and carry on conversations you might otherwise have missed out on. Gaining new perspectives and encountering new people while traveling the world could do you a world of good. Got a travel tip? Contact Kaley via e-mail: kaley.kalil@gmail.com. C e l l : (6 0 2) 619 - 455 0 O f f i c e : (4 8 0) 2 8 7-52 0 0 7135 E . C a m e l b a c k R o a d , S u i t e 3 6 0 S c o t t s d a l e , A Z 85251 c i o n n e . m c c a r t h y @ r u s s l y o n . c o m w w w.C i o n n e M c C a r t h y. c o m w w w. F a c e b o o k . c o m /C i o n n e . M c C a r t h y No Deal is too Big or too Small, I’m Her e to Serve You! Enchanting ~ Charming Timeless Location, Location, Location! G ated French Country Estate built in 1940 located in the heart of central Phoenix. There’s plenty of room to roam & expand on this 2.29 acres estate, originally designed by an architect from San Francisco for his personal residence. The main house offers 3,350 SQFT & guest house offers an additional 1,423 SQFT. Full tennis court w/ lights, pool, horse facilities including barn, corral & tack room. 130 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012 H ighly coveted private end unit, perfectly located in the center of The Village at Camelback Mountain. Surrounded on two sides by lush green common area, feet from two community pools & seconds from private community tennis courts. Remodeled w/ superior contemporary materials & finished w/ bamboo wood & slate tile flooring. Views to Camelback Mountain & a large yard w/ garden. Seconds from residents’ only back gate, the Village Tennis Club, boutique retail shops, pharmacy, & bank. 4434 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85018 Call for more details www.TourFactory.com/742501 Offered at $650,000 MLS #: 4811581 ~ www.TourFactory.com/906881 version of Les Misérables , and hopes to be in a production of the musical someday. She also wants to be on the small screen, guest starring on one of her favorite TV shows, Pretty Little Liars, as “a creepy little girl.” Hayley points out she is inspired by Sutton Foster, who stars in ABC Family’s Bunheads and has won awards for her performances in musicals. “I would love to work with her,” Hayley said. “She’s my idol.” Hayley was introduced to Broadway Artists Alliance by her acting friends, and a few familiar faces will be traveling with her this summer. “I saw a lot of people at auditions I know,” she said. “Some of my friends are going for more than one week. You can go for three weeks, so my friend is renting an apartment and staying there for three weeks.” Luckily, the weeks overlap so Hayley and her friend will be there at the same time. When she isn’t acting, Hayley spends most of her time with her friends and family. “My friends are really good support systems, and so is my family,” she said. Since this is her fi rst time visiting New York, Hayley’s especially looking forward to seeing a Broadway show, which is part of the camp experience. She’s also planning on doing some sightseeing, which may include the miles of books found at The Strand, and the well- loved Dylan’s Candy Bar. Hayley said she plans to continue performing any way she can. “If I’m not still doing plays,” she said, “I’ll be on Broadway or in movies.” Watch for the follow-up article when we interview Hayley after she returns. Drama Continued from page 26

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