lesleymurphy

Living Out of a Suitcase 24/7/365 (& My Top 10 Countries for Solo Travel!)

July 27, 2016 by lesleymurphy 10 Comments

I’m on a plane every week. Sometimes I’m accompanied by my boyfriend who just so happens to be a great photographer and videographer. Other times I’m joined by friends. If I’m really lucky, my mom agrees to jaunt over to Asia with me. To fill in the gaps, I travel alone. Solo. By myself.

A frequently asked question by my readers is “How often do you travel solo?” The percentage of time I travel by myself is only increasing as time goes on. People are busy. Some have full-time jobs and others have routines they can’t up and leave. My schedule is a complete 180 of the traditional 9 to 5, so the reality of the situation is that I’ve learned to enjoy my own company (or company of the Chinese locals, who enjoy blonde hair as seen below.)

In the age of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, female empowerment and presidential candidates, more women than ever are traveling alone. Hell, if Reese can trek the Pacific Crest Trail alone, anyone can. The notion of GIRL POWER isn’t only something that the Spice Girls claimed in the 90s. And then there’s always Queen Bey who asks the critical question ‘Who run the world?’ of which she promptly answers: Girls.

I traveled to China alone and walked the Great Wall by myself. Okay, that’s a lie. I walked it with about 500 other tourists, but still. I train’d from Scandinavia through Germany and down to Switzerland solo. I hiked Canada’s best trails alone. Being at peace with my own company is freeing. While there is something to be said for sharing a beautiful experience with someone while traveling, I’m a firm believer that everyone, men and women, should travel solo at least once in their lifetime. If there’s a place you’ve always wanted to visit, there’s no need to wait on the perfect group to join. You are all you need. Don’t get caught up in the How Tos or the Dos & Don’ts. You will figure it out as you go, but be prepared. Be smart. Ask questions. Smile. Be kind. Make new friends.

Life is an experiment. The more experiments you create, the better. If nothing else, you just might learn a thing or two about yourself.

Top 10 Countries for Solo Travel

1) Canada: Talk about EASY. They speak my language, literally. Zero language barriers exist here (okay, unless you travel to Quebec and need a few French phrases to feel at home..). The amount of wilderness to get lost in or friendly Canadians to befriend are endless.

2) Thailand: From the gentle giant filled jungles of Northern Thailand to the vibrant beaches of the Phuket, perhaps it screams ‘honeymoon’ to many, and as it should. It’s also inexpensive with loads of backpackers and solo travelers throughout!

3) UK: Like Canada, the UK, of course, speaks English. Score. No translator app needed here! Get lost wandering through London or relax in Bath’s Roman spas or take up golf in Scotland. Options are endless.

4) Hong Kong: Who needs friends when you have enough varying cuisines to keep you company? Huge foodies that love a big urban city with an adventurous side: this one’s for you.

5) Australia: I’ve never felt so loved when I was so solo. Befriending Australians is quite possibly the easiest task on the planet. The continent is filled with many transplants from all over the world, too, so there’s that.

6) Switzerland: My favorite thing about Switzerland is that it’s always in season 365 days out of the year. Need a break from life in winter? Ski the Swiss Alps. Inspired to travel alone this summer? St. Moritz is calling your name ever so softly.

7) Germany: I hopped off the train in Germany and immediately met some (very drunk) very fun Germans! It wasn’t too long until I had a giant beer in hand as well. With good beer comes good company.

8) Peru: Ohh Peru. How I love thee. You bring out the best in me from your five-day adventure treks to inspiring Machu Picchu. If you’re looking for a different perspective on life, live like some Peruvian locals for a few days in the Ausangate Mountains.

9) New Zealand: Kiwis are some of the most genuine people I’ve ever come across. Arguably one of the most adventurous and beautiful places I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, both the north and south islands will leave you speechless (mostly from falling out of planes), and with new friends to repeatedly visit.

10) Norway: I started in Bergen and made my way to Oslo solo. I came across all walks of life on planes, trains, ferries and automobiles that made me blissfully aware of time spent alone. Had I been so engrossed in conversation with a travel companion, I may have missed some of those important instances otherwise.

Over to you! Ever traveled alone? Tell us about it!

Travel Tag: Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

July 25, 2016 by lesleymurphy 2 Comments

I’ve never been welcomed to such grandeur upon check-in. With upper management in line awaiting our arrival, we followed a staff member towards the pavilion. There was no traditional lobby within eyesight, no usual concierge desk aiding to guest’s every request. Then again, there was nothing traditional about this property thus far. I was handed a refreshing cup of tea and a cool towelette (a stark contrast to the oppressive heat index) as we headed towards our pool villa.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve begs the question…

“What makes a Ritz Reserve different from your typical Ritz property?”

I’m glad you asked. As only three Reserves exist in the world, these unique sanctuaries act as a place where all unexpressed wishes of the guest are fulfilled. As with any Ritz-Carlton, quality service and amenities are expected. At a Reserve surrounded by exotic beauty, that experience is elevated with a nature-based environment and extraordinary happenings that create a place where the guest feels that the hotel is completely his or hers. In this case, all mine.

The Villas

The concept is obvious when touring the 54 acre property. Romance, couples, and honeymooners thrive here. Take this Honeymoon Villa for example. The beds in each of the 54 villas at Phulay Bay are double the size of a typical luxury hotel: two California king mattresses sewn together, totaling two meters wide by three meters long. TWO BY THREE. You can do a lot of varying activities with that kind of generosity. Like play a full-court basketball game probably. Just sayin’. Their counterparts, the rosy custom-made oversized bathtubs, deserve some praise here. Note the rich, deep purple color that runs throughout the entire resort. Give me allll the Moroccan influences, pretty please, even if I’m confused on my whereabouts when I wake up. Am I in Marrakesh? Am I in Thailand? Am I in a dreamworld of pure magic? *Le sigh* Hopefully I’ll remember this room when someone, anyone, puts a ring on it. Does that sound desperate? I am already in dire need of a round two here, that’s all.

Alright. Enough with the honeymoon villa. My Royal Beach Villa did not pale in comparison. How can it when it totals almost 1,300 square feet of pure luxury? In fact, my bed was even bigger than the previous as it took approximately nine barrel rolls to get from one side to the next. Obviously, this is a super scientific and mathematical way of computing the true size of a mattress. If you can beat nine (highly unlikely and likely impossible), let me know. Phulay Bay is known for having the biggest beds in the world. If I’m spending 1/3 of my life in a bed as one typically does, I wanna go big or (not?) go home.

Moving right along into the bathroom, it’s difficult to find the words to adequately explain its splendor. Coming in at what I can only believe to be more square footage than the actual bedroom, there are two separate His and Hers sections on either side complete with walk-in closet, vanity, rain shower, etc. If that’s not enough to write home about, a zen rock garden and sitting area has been constructed as a backyard. I’m still not finished. Over on the west wing sits a moroccan inspired tub fit for two…or three or four or probably 10. The lanterns created an unparalleled tub atmosphere unlike any other (and I’ve been in a lot of tubs in my day!).

The Grounds

Bare with me. I have a lot of bragging to do in this section. First off, major props to all the landscape architects and gardeners whose jobs are never done. With so many acres to play with, it’s a tough gig but somebody’s gotta do it! The colors of the natural surroundings didn’t go unnoticed as we walked and buggy’d all over the grounds.

Now, we all know that it’s a tough day when your hardest choice of the morning begins with: Beach or pool? Here at Phulay Bay, that question is answered for you. With slim sandy shores, beautiful rock formations line the coast. Even more beautiful pools line the entire property. Taking lunch in this cabana was a highlight…

…but then again, so was having a few cocktails in here.

If you’re the ultimate beach goer, don’t let the rocky shores deter you. I was able to spend a sunny afternoon on Hong Island, a 15 minute long-tail boat ride from the property’s dock. I have the most beautiful image in my head when I think back on this particular slice of paradise. Turquoise waters, warm sand, towering limestone cliffs, fishing boats, good company…am I selling it yet? Goooooood.

To really drive it home, I’ll bring in the spa treatment. This soothing area of Phulay Bay will leave anyone in a blissful state, ready to take on the arduous day ahead (wink). My aromatherapy massage sent me into a state of unconsciousness (no really, I fell asleep) but not to worry – I was able to fully enjoy the amenities afterwards. Don’t miss the sauna, the lagoon and the tropical jungle views.

The Cuisine

With international flavors served on every plate, you can’t go wrong at any of the five different eateries on property. I’m here to explain my favorite: the arrival pavilion. Yes, you read that correctly. Leave it to a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to take dining to another level. During our first night on property, little did Hannah and I know that were in for a romantic date…

Here Hannah and I were, complete strangers turned best travel buddies, about to share in the most romantic setting of my life. HA! I couldn’t help but to laugh. Perhaps one day we will both be able to relive it with our significant others, but I was happy to be in that moment celebrating life with a new friend and a new favorite hotel. The Thai food was absolutely memorable, but the surroundings were unforgettable. Many thanks to all staff members for going above and beyond your call of duty to impress a couple of travel bloggers.

The Service

A 24-hour Butler service? What is life? I’ll tell you what it is. It’s perfectly in balance at Phulay Bay. To Tanya, the most knowledgable, friendly and all around professional staff member ever: Thank you for providing us with your expertise on the resort, your understanding of the surrounding areas, your unrivaled driving skills and most of all, your time and personalized service! Many thanks to everyone else who made my time on property so incredibly special!

See more images from my time at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve below!

The Road Les Traveled was welcomed to Phulay Bay as a guest, however, our opinion is as always our own.

My Go-To Picks for the Travel Obsessed: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Edition

July 22, 2016 by lesleymurphy Leave a Comment

Beauty Picks

Just because you’re jet lagged, doesn’t mean you have to show it.

Shoe Picks

Warning: Insanely cute (and comfortable!) options ahead!

Bag Picks

If you have the right bag, getting through TSA is a breeze.

Athleisure Picks

Yoga pants: Great for planes, great for hotel rooms, great for life.

Happy shopping friends!

Answering Your FAQs: All About Trading the 9 to 5 for the 24/7

July 18, 2016 by lesleymurphy 9 Comments

I am asked these questions every week, and they’re all great questions. Although I’ve touched on them in previous posts, I’m going to address them here as more and more readers seem to be very curious about travel blogging and how to get into the industry. After all, if I can inspire and/or educate even just one person with anything pertaining to travel, this was a very successful venture indeed!

What’s your job title?

On any given day, I could go from Expert Packer to Sun Worshipper to Photographer to Nomad. Jooookes. While I’m all of those things, I refer to myself as a Travel Blogger. Simple as that! I’m paid to visit various destinations and share them with the masses. I love experiencing new cultures, new cuisines, different views and viewpoints.

To me, this career path is very rewarding because I see it as a form of education, allowing readers the sense of wonder and awe and notion that they can, in fact, do the same thing and replicate my trips, as many have already done. Traveling expands your thinking, contacts, memories, and livelihood. If people didn’t allow the grass to grow under their feet and got out more, the world just might be a better place. It’s a good way to avoid misunderstandings, war and suffering. It’s simply a matter of not having a preconceived idea of what something or someone is, but rather going to see what something or someone is.

How did you get to where you are today?

This answer dates back to many years ago when my adoration for travel began at an early age. Family vacations to the lake turned into trips to the beach which turned into visits to faraway lands overseas. From humble beginnings come great things, and it’s the little moments that have made travel so impactful for me. My mom was determined to get me up on water skis at the ripe age of 4 by throwing me in the lake and bribing me with $5 to hold onto the rope and stand up. Little did I know that exchange was the best deal I would ever make, as it jolted my adventurous spirit into 6th gear.

Not too long afterwards, I met my best friend at the ripe age of 7. She’s an only child which sparked a never-ending love and travel affair as I became her sister from another mister, our bond growing stronger with each international ‘family’ trip I was invited on (or invited myself on, I forget). I also credit her for coming up with the name ‘The Road Les Traveled.’ I guess you could say she was always a counterpart to this crazy adventure.

I’ve wanted to start a blog for years, but I didn’t want it to be some half-ass project full of latte art and 101 Ways to Braid Hair. I wanted it to be full of pertinent travel info, funny situations with comedic relief and a plethora of pretty pictures. I wanted it to be an extension of who I am while also giving my readers what they want and need. Moving abroad to Argentina three years ago gave me that push I needed.

There, I managed a marketing team for a luxury hospitality company for a year and loved every second of it. The knowledge I acquired and the travels I had done over the past 27 years of life prepared me for starting my own website. It was just a matter of finding the best way to present it to my readers and inspire others to follow in my footsteps. I quit my job and put major focus and undivided attention on my own creation which took a lot of work, research and patience. My background in communications with a B.A. in Journalism (and B.S. in Psychology) was definitely an aiding factor.

How Do You Create A Successful Travel Blog?

Lucky for you, I already wrote about this one! Read The 9 Most Important Steps to Creating a Travel Blog. We can talk all day about the mechanics of starting a blog, but bottom line: you must exude passion. Throughout the long flights, the airport delays, the never-ending drives and the mind-boggling inefficiencies along the way, frustrations absolutely arise while traveling, but the passion always outweighs them.

How do you afford to travel so much?

Ah, yes. The age old question. I’m very fortunate to partner with hotels, airlines, tourism boards and brands in order to fund my travels. I work with companies all over the world that align with my brand and my goals. Nobody told me how this world worked. I began by reaching out to any and all travel-related companies and through trial and error, I realized what worked, what didn’t, and most importantly, what it took to build a brand. Additionally, in some cases my relationships and agreements with these brands go beyond my actual stay. I have experience advising brands on social media marketing and content strategy. I also serve as a freelance journalist on travel and adventure related subjects.

In terms of personal finances, I budget and save just like most people do! It’s all a balance, and the 9-5 Monday-Friday thing doesn’t exist. Travel blogging is a full-time (weekends too!) job that does not have set hours. Sometimes, I’ll write a blog article at 3am on an overseas flight. Other times I’ll have to jump on a call at 7am or 11pm due to time-zone issues. I don’t write this as a humble brag about how hard I work. I simply use it as an example to explain that blogging is not all daisies and rainbows. It takes dedication, perseverance and patience. Nobody builds a blog in a day, much less a brand in a day. By no means is it all glamorous or easy. I live out of a suitcase, but I believe there are far worse things than not having a closet of my own!

Some people collect stuff. I collect memories.

Travel Tag: Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

July 11, 2016 by lesleymurphy 5 Comments

After slowly driving through the gates and making our way past the temple, the spacious lawn and the horse cart, I immediately knew this was no ordinary luxury hotel. We weren’t in (Ar)Kansas anymore. After check-in, we drove via buggy to our sprawling villa on uneven roads. Roads weren’t meticulously paved way back when, so they weren’t meticulously paved now. Dhara Dhevi doesn’t miss a detail.

The property currently has 123 rooms spread out over 60 tropical acres with two main room categories of Colonial Suites and Private Villas. That’s the equivalent of choosing between Beyonce and Jay Z. You can’t go wrong. The only thing that could’ve made our Deluxe Villas with outdoor jacuzzi any better would’ve been if Bey and Jay had actually been partying in said jacuzzi upon arrival. Le sigh. Perhaps in another lifetime…

Suite Dreams

Ever wanted to take a rain shower after relaxing in a whirlpool tub after having a couple of Thai beers in an outdoor jacuzzi while getting excited to practice your rendition of ‘Mary had a Little Lamb’ for the family that night before slipping into an impossibly comfortable bed that evening? PHEW. That was a mouthful. Good news. Dhara Dhevi is your place! My private villa was spread over two spacious floors that included a kitchen, living area, piano and patio downstairs with a generously sized bedroom, beautiful bathroom and balcony upstairs. Can we talk about this beautifully tiled floor for a hot second, too? NEED.

Due to the sheer size of the resort, each guest is given a bike for the duration of their stay. While we chose this option most of the time in order to get around, the hotel’s buggy option was also ideal for getting from point A to point B while not breaking a sweat in the Thai heat!

Eats

Farang Ses should be on everyone’s dining itinerary when in Chiang Mai whether you’re staying with the resort or not. While my lobster was delicious, the interiors were even better. Set in a beautifully restored Lanna building with vaulted wooden interiors and sculpted chandeliers overlooking rice paddies, it was a memorable dining experience to say the least. Also highly recommended is Dhara Dhevi’s Cake Shop where macarons reign king.

Activities

Mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, baby, dog, cat, alpaca…the list goes on. Dhara Dhevi has something for everyone, and I mean everyone. Let’s start with the youngins’ since it’s no secret that Dhara Dhevi caters to families with their full-service Kid’s Club. Witnessing this in person made me want to be four-years-old all over again. The brightest, most colorful games were staring my in the face. Arts and crafts were around every corner, and a few alpacas even showed up for an impromptu petting zoo. Ahhh to be four-years-old again. The hotel also offers a baby-sitting service. It’s no wonder that The Bucket List Family turned me onto this one. Many thanks to my friends Jessica and Garrett!

Okay okay, now for the adults. If you’ve never tried Muay Thai boxing, Dhara Dhevi’s boxing pavilion is calling. I thought I was in shape, but oh my goodness no. Just no. Once you’ve pranced up and down a padded hallway with a pro boxer asking you to hit him as hard as you can, you haven’t really worked out a day in your life.

Alright, now for the fun stuff. With two palatial pools, fitness center, spa complex that’s out of this world, open-air shopping village and rice fields, you could shop activities ’til you dropped. My favorite was rice planting purely because I was able to put on full denim in 100 degree heat 😉

More in Chiang Mai

What’s an adventure in Thailand without elephants?! Bobby’s Water Runner Camp holds a special place in my heart ever since I visited while in Chiang Mai. With nine elephants and one baby (awww), the camp is small operation with a lot of love to give. Bobby didn’t agree with circus elephants, so he was able to rescue most of them from circus torture or logging. Only allowing about 20 visitors per day, the camp’s staff uses language and food to keep order and communication with the gentle giants.

Mae Ploy, my new BBF, is 30 years young. Originally from Myanmar, Bobby’s Water Runner Camp rescued her from logging and carrying wood her whole life. She’s the biggest elephant at the camp which means she has the most love to give!

A Quick Guide to Bangkok, Thailand

July 7, 2016 by lesleymurphy 3 Comments

Anywho, I digress. Bangkok is hot. I realized that much just from the jet bridge. By the time I made it to the hotel, a shower was my on my list. Then exploring. Then showering. Then more exploring. It’s a vicious cycle while adventuring through the capital of Thailand in the middle of summer!

Currency: Thai Bahts
Population: Over 8 million
Language: Thai (hello, language barrier!)
Nickname: Land of Smiles

SLEEP

While checking into the 140-year-old Mandarin Oriental Bangkok located in the historic riverfront Bang Rak district, I could hardly concentrate on the usual schpeel of “Breakfast is served from 7 to 10am every morning buffet-style outside by the river…” because, well, lobby goals:

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more aesthetically pleasing entrance to an establishment. A waterfall of fresh flowers into a fountain pretty much slays everything else. Free refreshments included. A walk around the hotel materialized the most beautiful lounge imaginable. Good news for ladies who lunch and bitches who brunch. This is what tea dreams are made of:

Continuing outdoors, I spotted the pool which I desperately wanted to submerge myself into but work called, as did the Mandarin Oriental traditional shuttle boat for a jaunt across the river where the spa resided, which brings me to a funny story. Hannah (the #BucketListWithLesley winner) and I were unknowingly booked for a couple’s massage that day. Seeing as how we’d just met and how this would be Hannah’s first massage, we were a bit hesitant on proceeding. If you follow me on snapchat, you probably already know that we went through with the appointment because by that time, we were already best travel buddies. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard as we ate our refreshments of sticky rice and ginger tea.

Our room looked out over the boat-filled Chao Phraya River with dotted temples in the distance. I couldn’t wait to get out there, even if the Weather Channel app read 102 degrees. All in all, I highly recommend the Mandarin Oriental for its innovative restaurants, friendly and beyond helpful staff, ornate interiors and location, location, location.

EAT

If I can advise you on any menu item while in Bangkok, it would be to eat copious amounts of Pad Thai. With chicken or shrimp or tofu or whatever additions you desire. I’m going to have to end this discussion prematurely before I drive to the nearest Thai restaurant and go HAM at 3pm in the afternoon. There are far more dishes to try that pay homage to the intense mix of spicy, sour, sweet and salty flavors. Spicy soups, chiles, rice and coconut milk crowd every menu as well. Try them ALL.

It may be fancy and it may be pricey, but after visiting Breeze Restaurant for dinner one evening, I’d recommend it to anyone. Set above Bangkok on Lebua Hotel’s 51st floor, Breeze is nothing short of beautiful while dining with a view and a WOW factor. The glass walkway will transport you inside the video game of Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road. Sure, Bangkok is hot, polluted, and busy, but to say it’s not vibrant is a lie.

After dinner, don’t miss getting a night cap at Sky Bar on the 63rd floor of the same State Tower as the Lebua Hotel. You’ll most likely notice that you’ve seen it somewhere before…which would be on the big screen during The Hangover II. Gotta love a good rooftop!

DO

There’s something about this hectic mess of a city that I love, and that love comes from its contrasts. Buddhist temples share space with neon lit streets. Traffic sits at a standstill while long-tail boats are on the go. Street food is often overlooked by rooftop restaurants. I’ll take the good, the bad, the ugly and the in between, please.

Damnoen Saduak has been Thailand’s best known floating market for a long time, but it’s also the most touristy one. Putting that fact aside, the market is vibrant and boasts boats full of locals selling colorful fruits. The raging heat turned my light blue romper into a dark blue romper that day, but the coconut ice cream made up for it. The market is only operated in the morning because the temps rise too high in the afternoon for anything to be enjoyable. It’s also 90km outside of the city, but the Mandarin Oriental made sure to set us up with the perfect small group to experience it.

The Grand Palace always leaves visitors in awe of its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Built in 1782, the 150-year home of the Thai King is now used for official events.

With more than 32,000 temples in Thailand and over 400 in Bangkok, temple time should most definitely be penciled in on the itinerary. The most popular are Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The BTS (or Bangkok Mass Transportation System) will take you all over the city.

My favorite activity consisted of taking a long-tail boat from the Mandarin Oriental at sunset to visit the Wat Arun Temple. Maybe it was being on the water and (somewhat) escaping the heat. Maybe it was the vivid colors of the sunset. Maybe it was the temple itself. I highly recommend this activity with a drink in hand.

Muay Thai boxing is always an option if you’re in for a crazy workout. Master Toddy’s is apparently where the sweat goes down.

Visit Asiatique, an open-air night bazaar on the riverfront that is easily accessible from the Mandarin Oriental. My best advice: bargain everything!

SPEAK

For your education, I’ve complied a list of the most important Thai phrases you should learn before landing in one of the most unique places on earth! Enjoy! (Sa-nook!)