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Tag: solo travel

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Welcome to Scotland sign with Scottish flags at the England Scotland border layby on the A1.
England

England and Scotland Border Layby on the A1

I stopped at the England and Scotland border layby on the A1 to photograph the flags and welcome signs that mark the historic crossing between the two constituent countries.

aspietravels 4 January 2026
Tanfield Railway platform and track view at one of the stations on the worlds oldest railway
England

Visiting Tanfield: The World’s Oldest Railway

I visited the Tanfield Railway in County Durham, widely recognised as the worlds oldest railway, and explored its origins as an early coal wagonway built long before passenger rail travel.

aspietravels 3 January 2026
Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead viewed from behind, showing the steel wings and exposed hilltop setting
England

Angel of the North in Gateshead

Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North stands beside the A1(M) in Gateshead on the former site of Team Colliery. This guide covers its history, setting, accessibility, parking, and what you notice when standing beneath the sculpture.

aspietravels 2 January 2026
Exterior of Holiday Inn Newcastle South at Boldon Business Park with Holiday Inn by IHG signage
England

Holiday Inn Newcastle South Review

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Newcastle South, formerly the Clarion Hotel, and share my experience of the refurbished rooms, free parking, leisure club with pool, gym and sauna, plus dining and IHG elite benefits at this Boldon Business Park hotel near Newcastle.

aspietravels 31 December 2025
Close-up of a Philippine tarsier sitting on a branch at Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area surrounded by green leaves
Asia

Visiting Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area

My visit to the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area in Bohol, Philippines, shows what to expect on the silent trails and explains why the Philippine tarsier is a prosimian primate, not a monkey.

aspietravels 9 December 2025
View of the Atomic Bomb Dome from across the Motoyasu River in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Asia

Visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima stands at the heart of the Peace Memorial Park and is one of Japan’s most important historic sites. This post explores its significance and the surrounding memorial spaces.

aspietravels 30 November 2025
A pair of clay-covered hands shaping a round pot on a pottery wheel in a workshop.
Asia

My Visit to RG Jar Factory in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

I visited the RG Jar Factory in Vigan City and experienced traditional pottery at one of the last surviving jar factories in Pagburnayan. I tried the wheel myself, explored the handmade clay pieces, and discovered why this workshop remains a cultural highlight in Ilocos Sur.

aspietravels 27 November 2025
Calle Crisologo in Vigan City with Spanish colonial houses and kalesas along a cobblestone street.
Asia

Historic Vigan City: My Visit to Ilocos Sur’s Heritage Capital

I explored Historic Vigan City and its Spanish-era streets, plazas, churches, and trading heritage. This guide shares my experience of Ilocos Sur’s cultural capital and what makes it such a unique destination in the Philippines.

aspietravels 27 November 2025
Freddie Gilroy sculpture on North Bay Scarborough seafront at sunrise, with an added person for scale looking out over the ocean.
England

Freddie Gilroy Sculpture on Scarborough Seafront

The Freddie Gilroy sculpture on Scarborough seafront, officially titled Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers, stands at North Bay in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. This powerful coastal artwork is a striking landmark and a moving tribute that adds historical depth to a walk along the seafront.

aspietravels 28 October 2023
Shinkansen bullet train with Mount Fuji in the background, text Japan Rail Pass Guide, tagline Your ultimate Japan Rail Pass guide, and Aspie Travels logo.
Asia

An Aspie’s Guide to Japan Rail Pass

A practical guide to the Japan Rail Pass, with clear advice on train travel, seat reservations, and navigating Japan’s rail system from an Aspie perspective.

aspietravels 28 October 2023
Airline Reviews

Emirates Business Class review: Manchester to Dubai

This Emirates Business Class meal review takes you on a gastronomic journey from Manchester to Dubai, starting in the Emirates Lounge at Manchester Airport Terminal 1. I share what the dining experience is like in the lounge and onboard, and whether it lives up to expectations.

aspietravels 25 October 2023
riekonlinna-hotel-saariselka-lapland
Bucket List

The Northern Lights, Saariselkä, Inari, Finland.

Finnish Lapland is a fantastic, autism-friendly winter destination for witnessing the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. In Saariselka and Inari, I experienced the Northern Lights in a calm, remote setting close to the North Pole, making it one of the most accessible and unforgettable places to see this natural phenomenon.

aspietravels 1 October 2023
internal view of the cloister garden of san agustin church, intramuros, manila
Asia

Exploring Intramuros: Manila’s Historic Walled City

Intramuros is Manila’s historic walled city and one of the best places to explore the Philippines’ Spanish colonial past. Walking through its cobbled streets, historic churches, and old fortifications offers a fascinating and essential experience on any visit to Manila.

aspietravels 30 September 2023
This shows a view from the Rathausplatz looking down a cobbled street towards the Old Town, Riga, Latvia.
Latvia

48 Hours in Riga: Exploring the Best of Latvia’s Capital City

Spending 48 hours in Riga is the perfect way to experience Latvia’s vibrant capital, from cobblestone streets and striking architecture to its rich cultural heritage. This guide shows how to make the most of a short visit while exploring the very best of Riga.

aspietravels 26 September 2023
the pink building on suomenlinna island
Finland

Suomenlinna Island, Helsinki, Finland: A UNESCO World Heritage Hidden Gem.

UNESCO Suomenlinna Island may sit in the heart of Helsinki, but it feels like a peaceful oasis from the moment you arrive. Exploring this historic sea fortress reveals a unique mix of rich history, open green spaces, and calm landscapes, making it an ideal escape from the busy city.

aspietravels 25 September 2023