Solo Travelers of a Certain Age

12/04/2024

Booked my birthday trip to Caye Caulker for the end of May. I will be researching places to stay for this group. Who has been to Belize and who wants to go?

07/02/2024

Have you ever traveled solo? If so, where did you go?

27/09/2022

Solo travel in Mexico!! Day trip to Isla Mujures!!

23/08/2022

Still thinking about coming to Belize?? click the link for more information! Your gateway to paradise is open!!! Join me! https://www.wetravel.com/trips/you-better-belize-it-solo-travelers-oaca-belize-99823029

17/08/2022

This did not happen to me but This is a PSA-good to know!!

If you are traveling internationally, DO NOT travel with a damaged passport, no matter how minimal, under any circumstance. I was detained in Mexico this weekend due to a passport tear from a puppy chew- however it was perfectly scannable and I had no previous issues.

Austin and I arrived in Cancun this past Friday for a family wedding around 8 pm. We made it to customs and upon presenting my passport I was immediately escorted to the back. I was questioned if I had military or weapons training, what my purpose in Mexico was, and my criminal history.
I was entirely compliant, gave them proof of my return ticket and hotel reservation, and ensured them I would not be leaving the resort. I was still told that I would be detained and deported.

The officials took my cell phone, forced Austin and me to be separated, and refused to let me contact anyone. I was given an emergency blanket and a foam pad. Even though I had made it clear I spoke Spanish, I was not communicated with about any of my circumstances aside from being told I would be deported in the morning. I was locked in a room with a glass wall and guarded all night. I was not allowed to turn off the lights to rest, I did not have access to water, and I was terrified. I was not given hygiene items or access to any of my clothing. In the morning, everyone going through customs could see me through the window— it felt like I was on display.

After 9 hours of no communication, I was given a chance to contact my family. They had me sign a form that they had given me food, then had my phone taken and was locked in the room again. I was put on the first flight back to the states, but was not told until they escorted me to the plane that I would be flying to Houston, which was not my destination of origin. They told me I had a connecting flight but I did not, and I had to pay for another plane ticket to get to my final destination.

Austin, his sister, and my parents were in contact with the US embassy immediately and I am so grateful that they were advocating for me. I am not really sure what would have happened if I didn’t have a team of people both in Mexico and the States pushing for my safety. I was not able to get an emergency passport because it was after hours and there wasn’t anything the US could do except for keep an eye on me.

Thankfully I did not process how dangerous things could have been for me until after I came back to the States. The embassy and our resort both said that people are commonly held for ransom under these circumstances. I can understand not being allowed into the country, but my treatment was absolutely uncalled for. I am home and safe and all is well now, and I spent the rest of the weekend with my parents, but i would not wish this experience upon anyone. Please stay safe and make sure your passports are in good condition.

04/08/2022

You Better Belize It!!!

Join me for an informational zoom presentation about my group trips to Belize. no obligation, just a fun chat!

Shelley Kohagen is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: You Better Belize It
Time: Aug 10, 2022 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77542974254?pwd=txqwBfN5sThKJGr-NiwD7w0NBt3KlQ.1

Meeting ID: 775 4297 4254
Passcode: 133ab1

04/07/2022

Some pictures from my Solo trip to Hollywood Florida. Certainly an interesting weekend!

01/07/2022

Last minute solo trip to Hollywood Beach Florida. Looking forward to a long weekend of fun in the sun!!!

15/06/2022

08/06/2022

It’s time to travel!!

23/05/2022

Solotraveleroaca.com
The website is up and ready!! Anyone curious about the Belize trips starting next fall??

20/05/2022

This was a solo trip I took to Thailand. I spent 30 days there at a yoga retreat!! Please share a picture of your favorite solo vacation or a photo of yourself on any vacation!!!

19/05/2022

The website is now live!!

www.solotravelersOACA.com

Trips are posted and are ready for booking!!

I am so happy that you found my site! I look forward to traveling with you and making memories that will last a lifetime!

18/05/2022

Who is ready to join me in Belize??

05/05/2022

I have so much to learn!!!

03/05/2022

The most important story we’ll ever write in life is our own – not with ink but with memories. Where to next?
Who wants to join me in Belize?

24/04/2022

😂😂😂 Whatever you need to do to take the trip!!! 😂😂😂

21/04/2022

On my way home from 3 wonderful weeks in Belize!! I’ve been busy putting together an amazing trip for you all!! Took the water taxi back to Belize city and then a airport shuttle to the international airport and now I’m Sitting in the Houston airport with a 4 hour layover…. Reflecting on the trip…..So many high and very few lows. So grateful that I can travel and see the world. I’m truly blessed!!! Stay tuned for details!!!

20/04/2022

Just me….On a swing….by the sea. Having breakfast.

19/04/2022

On my flight back to Caye Caulker I met Judi. This beautiful women is 85 years young and traveling solo. I wanted to get to know her better so I met her last night for dinner and we talked for hours. She showed me travel pictures, told great stories and she was feeding a stray kitty some of her shrimp scampi under the table. She loves cats including lions. She helped start a lion rescue. She runs an orphanage in Uganda, has traveled to 35 countries, she went zip lining here in Belize 2 days ago!! After dinner she wanted to walk. I assumed we would go a few blocks but no, we walked all over town at least a mile maybe 2. What an inspiration!! Today she is going on an all day snorkeling tour. She told me she wanted to be the poster child for my Solo Travelers business!! So here she is….Judi.

Life is an adventure!! Live it!!

18/04/2022

I spent Easter weekend in Placencia, Belize. Here are a few pictures of this area.

18/04/2022

No regrets!!!❤️

16/04/2022

Some interesting facts about Belize! A very Interesting country!!

Got a minute? Okay – you’ll need more than a minute to peruse our list of 101 fascinating Belize tidbits, so allow us to thank you up front for taking ...

09/04/2022

Only tattoos that I want….

09/04/2022

This is why I love to travel!

04/04/2022

Spent some time today at Sip n Dip. It’s a fun hangout spot down by the split!

03/04/2022

Some pictures of Caye Caulker on my morning walk. So peaceful!!

02/04/2022

Spent the day at “The Split”. The water here is the perfect temperature and my favorite color of blue!! It’s perfect! Who’s ready to join me on a trip??

02/04/2022

The view from my condo roof!! The world famous “split” in Caye Caulker. The water color is amazing!!