Welcome, Bienvenido, Bienvenue, Benvenuto, Velkom, Karibu to Soul-O-Travels.com. My name is Latonia, and this travel site/blog was crafted to chronicle my adventures and exploits as a solo female traveler. I began dedicated solo travel in 2016, and to date, my adventures have taken me to more than 40 countries (not including territories) across all seven continents.
On my site, you will find photos and commentary from my past travels, tips and tricks I use as a solo traveler, and resources and recommendations for the places I have visited. I hope that somehow my travels will inspire others to get out and explore new destinations. You ready? Click the dropdown menu above to experience more Soul-O-Travels.
Travel far, travel wide, travel safe, my friends!
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Ivory Coast (March 2026)
Malaysia & Indonesia (focus Borneo) (August 2026)
Churchill Polar Bears (October 2026)
Jordan (November 2026)
Seychelles & Mauritius (May 2027)
Greenland & Iceland (July 2027)
Thailand & Cambodia (November 2027)
Biete Meskel and Biete Denagel
In a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, 400 miles from Addis Ababa, stand eleven medieval monolithic churches carved out of rock. Their construction is attributed to King Lalibela, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from the end of the twelfth century to the beginning of the thirteenth. The layout and symbolism The buildings… Continue reading Biete Meskel and Biete Denagel
Biete Medhani Alem and Biete Maryam
In a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, 400 miles from Addis Ababa, stand eleven medieval monolithic churches carved out of rock. Their construction is attributed to King Lalibela, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from the end of the twelfth century to the beginning of the thirteenth. The layout and symbolism The buildings… Continue reading Biete Medhani Alem and Biete Maryam
Tukuls
Lalibela’s cultural landscape extends from the grounds of the rock-hewn churches to the surrounding environs. The traditional homes of Lasta, the district where Lalibela is located, were explicitly included and protected under UNESCO World Heritage documentation for the region. The homes, known as tukuls, are part of an ancient architectural tradition that evolved to suit… Continue reading Tukuls
Lalibela
In a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, 400 miles from Addis Ababa, stand eleven medieval monolithic churches carved out of rock. Their construction is attributed to King Lalibela, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from the end of the twelfth century to the beginning of the thirteenth. Interesting theory: some people believe the… Continue reading Lalibela
Simien Mountains and Gelada baboons
The Simien Mountains (spelled Semain, Simeon, and Semien) predate the Rift Valley and were formed from lava overflow between 40 and 25 million years ago. The mountains, located in northern Ethiopia and forming part of the Highlands, consist of plateaus and pinnacles separated by deep valleys. The highest mountains are Ras Dashen, at 14,930 feet (4,440 meters), and Kidis Yared,… Continue reading Simien Mountains and Gelada baboons
The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
The coffee ceremony is one of the most important social and cultural traditions in Ethiopia. It is not just about the act of drinking coffee; it is about hospitality, community, and conversation. The exact origin of the ceremony, or Buna as it is called locally, is difficult to pinpoint. It is believed to have roots… Continue reading The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
The Cross with Ostrich Eggs
When we visited Debre Birhan Selassie church, I noticed the cross on the roof appeared to be embellished with metal balls. As I got closer, I realized the balls were eggshells. Quite naturally, this piqued my curiosity, and I discovered that in Ethiopia, particularly among Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, the use of ostrich eggs on church… Continue reading The Cross with Ostrich Eggs
Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Debre Birhan is the best-preserved church of the Gondarine period. Known for its magnificent murals covering the walls and ceiling, it is a unique visual representation of Ethiopian Orthodox beliefs.
Continue reading Debre Birhan Selassie Church
Gondar
Gondar is a city in the Amhara Region that houses the remnants of five castles utilized by Ethiopian royalty. The castle complex, officially named Fasil Ghebbi or the Royal Enclosure, was founded in the 17th century by Emperor Fasilides.
Bahirdar
Bahir Dar is the third-largest city in Ethiopia, after Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, and has a population of 201,450. It is the capital of the Amhara region, and is inhabited by the Amhara people. The Amhara are the country’s second-largest ethnic group. Situated on the outskirts of the famous Lake Tana, 372 miles north… Continue reading Bahirdar
The Ethiopian spice rack
The blending of spices is a centuries-old tradition. Ethiopian spice blends, particularly Berbere, have a rich history deeply intertwined with the region’s trade routes and culinary traditions. Influences from diverse cultures and civilizations directly impacted local flavors found along these routes. Today, Ethiopia is a landlocked country, but two thousand years ago it was part… Continue reading The Ethiopian spice rack
Axum
The city of Axum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Central Zone of the Tigray Region in northern Ethiopia. With a population as high as 20,000, the city served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Aksum. Aksum was a major trading and naval power from the 1st to the 7th… Continue reading Axum
Tigray
The Tigray Region (or simply Tigray) is the northernmost regional state in Ethiopia. Tigray is the fifth-largest state by area, the fourth-most populous, and the fifth-most densely populated. Its capital and largest city is Mekelle. Ethiopia consists of 11 regional states: Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Gambela,… Continue reading Tigray
Erte Ale, Asale and Dallol
The Danakil Depression is a geological depression created by the divergence of three tectonic plates: the African, Arabian, and Somali in the Horn of Africa. Dallol, a locality within the Danakil, boasts the highest average, year-round temperature on the planet.
Continue reading Erte Ale, Asale and Dallol
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
In 1972, the Fiesta started with 13 balloons. Today, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon event in the world with more than 500 balloons and 700 pilots.
Continue reading Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Gabon
Gabonese Republic Gabon (formally, The Gabonese Republic) sits on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. The nation is bordered by Equatorial Guinea on the northwest, Cameroon to the north, and the Republic of the Congo on the east and south. As of mid-year 2024, the population is estimated at 2.5 million people. The capital and… Continue reading Gabon
Tambopata
“Tambopata” is derived from two Quechua words that mean “inn” or “place of accommodation” (tambo) and “high point” (pata). The Tambopata National Reserve is just over 1,000 square miles of preserved land in Southeastern Peru. Because of the Reserve’s protected status and secluded location, it is incredibly biodiverse. The reserve hosts over 1,200 species of…
Treehouse Lodge
The gravity-defying Treehouse Lodge allows guests to stay 35-75 feet above the floor of the rainforest.
Continue reading Treehouse Lodge
Peru: Lima and Cusco
The Republic of Peru has one of the longest histories of civilization in the world dating back to 10,000 BCE.
Continue reading Peru: Lima and Cusco
Amsterdam – canals, tulips and windmills
April of 2024, I slid over to the Netherlands for a short six day respite. This was another trip I had been putting off for several years as I tackled all my longer, more expensive jaunts. Well, Amsterdam was everything I expected it to be and a little more. The tulips were “tuliping”, the windmills… Continue reading Amsterdam – canals, tulips and windmills
The Republic of Ghana
With 34 million inhabitants, the Republic of Ghana is the second most populous west African nation behind Nigeria.
Continue reading The Republic of Ghana
The Republic of Singapore
The Republic of Singapore is an island nation and city-state in southeast Asia located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
Continue reading The Republic of Singapore
Tribe Profile: The Tambul
On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from my prior travels, as Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a place unlike any other. The culture, the tribes and the vibe are all unique. I spent just over three weeks in this country having some… Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Tambul
Tribe Profile: The Kumipana, Kunai and Mendi
On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from my prior travels, as Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a place unlike any other. The culture, the tribes and the vibe are all unique. I spent just over three weeks in this country having some… Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Kumipana, Kunai and Mendi
Tribe Profile: The Melpa
On August 8th, 2023, I had the pleasure of traveling to Papua New Guinea. This adventure was undoubtedly different from my prior travels, as Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a place unlike any other. The culture, the tribes and the vibe are all unique. I spent just over three weeks in this country having some… Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Melpa
Tribe Profile: The Black Mamas and Jiwaka of Papua New Guinea
While not very much is known about the Black Mamas or the Jiwaka tribes of Papua New Guinea, I found them very interesting.
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Black Mamas and Jiwaka of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Engan People of Papua New Guinea
Comprised of six districts and housing a quarter of a million people, Enga is very unique. Unlike other provinces in Papua New Guinea that speak a myriad of languages, the Enga region has only one major ethnic group and one language, both of which share the same name as the region. One of the more…
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Engan People of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Baining People of Papua New Guinea
While they live an otherwise quiet, unremarkable lifestyle, the Baining people are famous for one thing – The Fire Dance.
The origin of the fire dance ceremonies was to celebrate the birth of a child, the commencement of the harvest and remembering the dead.
This dangerous activity involves “Spirit Men” dancing into and…
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Baining People of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Kalam of Papua New Guinea
The Kalam tribe is known for their unique and impressive headdresses. Typically measuring more than a meter in height, the crown is made from the heads of thousands of emerald green beetles.
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Kalam of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Asaro Mudmen of Papua New Guinea
The Asaro Mudmen don helmet-like sun-dried masks with exaggerated features, cover their bodies with mud and act out a story with slow measured movements done totally in silence.
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Asaro Mudmen of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Skeleton Men of Papua New Guinea
The Highlands are regarded as the true heart of Papua New Guinea and home to the most renowned tribes.
The Omo Bugamo tribe is easily one of the most recognized groups because of their unique traditional body art. The men paint their entire bodies in black and white paint emulating the human skeleton, thus…
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Skeleton Men of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Huli Wigmen of Papua New Guinea
The Huli Wigmen have an extraordinary presence that exudes strength and masculinity. This presence stems from the combination of their physical stature and the fact that they always appear ready to go to war.
They are easily recognizable by their unique and colorful face and body paint and their ornate headdresses made of actual…
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Huli Wigmen of Papua New Guinea
Tribe Profile: The Crocodile Men of Papua New Guinea
The Crocodile Men of Papua New Guinea undergo a brutal rite of passage ritual involving skin cutting. The ritual takes over an hour and each initiate will receive more than 1,000 two centimeter lacerations across their back, glutes and chest. As the cuts heal, they form keloids resembling the skin of a crocodile.
Continue reading Tribe Profile: The Crocodile Men of Papua New Guinea
Haus Tambaran or Spirit House of Papua New Guinea
Haus Tambaran is a Tok Pisin phrase that translates into “Spirit House” and describes a type of traditional ancestral worship house specific to the Eastern Sepik region of Papua New Guinea.
Continue reading Haus Tambaran or Spirit House of Papua New Guinea
East New Britain, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a country unlike any other. It is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world with 839 recognized languages. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 600 indigenous tribes. Largely untouched by the modern world, the remoteness and isolation of the nation have served to preserve many ancient…
Continue reading East New Britain, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea: The Hagen Festival
Papua New Guinea is a country unlike any other. It is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world with 839 recognized languages. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 600 indigenous tribes. Largely untouched by the modern world, the remoteness and isolation of the nation have served to preserve many ancient…
Continue reading Papua New Guinea: The Hagen Festival
Papua New Guinea: The Paiyakuna Show
Papua New Guinea is a country unlike any other. It is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world with 839 recognized languages. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 600 indigenous tribes. Largely untouched by the modern world, the remoteness and isolation of the nation have served to preserve many ancient…
Continue reading Papua New Guinea: The Paiyakuna Show
The Papua New Guinea Highlands: A Place Like No Other
Papua New Guinea is a country unlike any other. It is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world with 839 recognized languages. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 600 indigenous tribes. Largely untouched by the modern world, the remoteness and isolation of the nation have served to preserve many ancient…
Continue reading The Papua New Guinea Highlands: A Place Like No Other
Papua New Guinea Culture and Tribes: A Place Like No Other
Papua New Guinea is a country unlike any other. It is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world with 839 recognized languages. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 600 indigenous tribes. Largely untouched by the modern world, the remoteness and isolation of the nation have served to preserve many ancient…
Continue reading Papua New Guinea Culture and Tribes: A Place Like No Other
Papua New Guinea – Who Knew?
Papua New Guinea is a country unlike any other. It is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world with 839 recognized languages. Papua New Guinea is home to more than 600 indigenous tribes. Largely untouched by the modern world, the remoteness and isolation of the nation have served to preserve many ancient…
Continue reading Papua New Guinea – Who Knew?
My Favorite Country So Far
To date, I have had the privilege of traveling to 30 foreign countries (not including territories) as a solo traveler. While many of the countries I have traveled to are not common destinations by any stretch of the imagination, I feel like I still haven’t REALLY traveled yet. To those of you who have been… Continue reading My Favorite Country So Far
Saving for My Adventures
Witnessing the wildebeest migration, spending time at Giraffe Manor and visiting Easter Island, just to name a few, were all amazing experiences. Traveling to these remote locations and having these once in a lifetime experiences would not have been possible if I had viewed those locations as unattainable simply because of the cost associated with… Continue reading Saving for My Adventures
Travel Insurance is Literally EVERYTHING
Seriously, if you only do one thing before heading off on vacation, please let it be getting travel insurance. Ignore those people who tell you it’s not necessary. It really is necessary, especially in this “post-Covid” world where flights get canceled at a moment’s notice, airline personnel shortages lead to massively delayed flights and long… Continue reading Travel Insurance is Literally EVERYTHING
Staying Connected While Abroad
When I first started my international travels, I gambled…A LOT with the reliability of my U.S. based cell phone carrier. Verizon Wireless often claimed they would provide coverage to the various countries I found myself in, yet they were never able to back up their claims. In fact, looking back, they often left me in… Continue reading Staying Connected While Abroad
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
This tip is great for all U.S. international travelers but, especially for solo travelers. Tip #19: REGISTER AT YOUR HOME EMBASSY PRIOR TO TRAVEL (STEP) The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or… Continue reading The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Flight tracking made simple
Hey, fellow travelers: At last count, I had a whopping 103 Travel Tips compiled. Each week I’ll highlight one or two tips based on the most common questions I’ve been fielding recently. If any of you have booked a flight recently you will have noticed that the price of flying has become exorbitant. Well, maybe… Continue reading Flight tracking made simple
More Travel Tips from Soul-O-Travels
PLANNING – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (Part II) -WHERE TO GO, WHEN TO GO AND WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU GET THERE 6. SO MANY PLACES, SO LITTLE TIMESettled on a destination but not quite sure where to start? I always do a search titled “not to miss in…” and fill in my desired city. This… Continue reading More Travel Tips from Soul-O-Travels
100+ Travel Tips from Soul-O-Travels
Since I started my solo journeys back in 2016, many of my friends and family members have been intrigued by the places I have visited and the experiences I have had. I think many of them now know to expect the unexpected when they ask the question, “Where to next?”. Quite naturally, with the more… Continue reading 100+ Travel Tips from Soul-O-Travels
Antarctica isn’t on many people’s bucket list but it definitely should be
Antarctica isn’t on many people’s bucket list but it definitely should be. It is a hauntingly beautiful region, so beautiful that it literally defies words. The pristine snowy landscape, the massive icebergs, the water that ranges in color from cerulean blue to India ink, the pitted glacial ice, the ice floes and let’s not forget…
Continue reading Antarctica isn’t on many people’s bucket list but it definitely should be
Conquering that beast called Jet Lag
Conquering that beast called jet lag. Jet lag, also called “time zone change syndrome” is a combination of fatigue and other symptoms caused by traveling abruptly across different time zones.
Continue reading Conquering that beast called Jet Lag
Australia & New Zealand
In February of 2023, I traveled to my seventh continent, Oceania, visiting Australia and New Zealand. Australia My first stop was Sydney. Sydney is the most populous city in Australia, with 5.2 million residents or 66% of the state’s population. Aboriginal Australians have inhabited Greater Sydney for at least 30,000 years (not a typo –… Continue reading Australia & New Zealand
How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
One question I get a lot is, “How do you survive all those long flights?” Before we delve into this question, I do have an admission to make. I have never flown first-class…I’m too cheap, er, frugal. I consider the price of the first-class seat as money better spent toward a future adventure. I know… Continue reading How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight
Why you shouldn’t be afraid to travel alone
Why you shouldn’t be afraid to travel alone
Continue reading Why you shouldn’t be afraid to travel alone
Solo Travel – why do it and why you shouldn’t be afraid (a two-part discussion)
Solo Travel – why do it and why you shouldn’t be afraid
Continue reading Solo Travel – why do it and why you shouldn’t be afraid (a two-part discussion)
Solo Travel Myths and Misconceptions
Anyone who has ever traveled alone can attest to the fact that there are numerous misconceptions or outright myths about solo travel. Some of them do contain some element of fact (which is the reason they have persisted in the first place, right?), however, the vast majority of them either center around fear-inducing, worse case… Continue reading Solo Travel Myths and Misconceptions
Welcome to my first blog!
I am Latonia Gray, owner and author of Soul-O-Travels and this site has been years in the making, literally.
Continue reading Welcome to my first blog!
Sri Lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in Southern Asia located in the Indian Ocean to the southeast of the Indian subcontinent. I became interested in this island nation after visiting India in 2019. I sincerely believed Sri Lanka would be almost an extension of India, but Sri was so much… Continue reading Sri Lanka
Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Botswana, known for its diverse wildlife and pristine landscapes, offers an unforgettable safari experience, particularly in areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
Continue reading Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe
India
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area; the most populous country in the world, and since its independence in 1947, the world’s most populous democracy.
Easter Island
Easter Island, a Chilean territory, is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. The island is called Rapa Nui by the natives and features nearly 900 archaeological statues called moai. These moai were created by inhabitants during the 13th–16th centuries. The moai are carved human figures with oversize heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called…
Continue reading Easter Island
Argentina
At the end of my magical Antarctic expedition, I spent four days in the lovely city of Buenos Aires. The day I arrived it was a balmy 80º with full sun, the jacarandas were in bloom and there was an empanada festival in full swing. What could be better? Background The Autonomous City of Buenos… Continue reading Argentina
Ecuador
Galapagos Islands In December of 2021, I jetted off to Quito Ecuador – my launching pad prior to hitting the Galapagos islands. I did a day tour of Quito prior to boarding our sea vessel, Eden, and while Quito was not the most beautiful city I’ve been to, it definitely had its charm. The territories… Continue reading Ecuador
Antarctica
A totally different holiday October 2022 was a totally different holiday for me. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am not one for cruises, but this was no cruise; it was an expedition, and I was fully aware that the rewards waiting for us after living on a ship for 20 days would… Continue reading Antarctica
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