Who IS she, anyway?
No matter where in the world she goes, UrbanTravelGirl is never very far from a good glass of "vino rosso."
She’s madly in love–with her passport!
Over the years, this well-worn treasure has taken former newspaper reporter and "citizen of the world" Maureen Jenkins from Montreal to Monaco, from Barcelona to Buenos Aires, and many points in-between. Thanks to a full-time corporate communications job for a global company, a freelance food and travel writing career – and a personal bank account that’s helped keep many an airline, hotel and bed-and-breakfast in business — she’s traveled the globe and realizes that it really is a small world, after all.
Maureen lives in downtown Chicago — purposely close to a CTA "El" subway stop that’ll take her to O’Hare International Airport in less than an hour. Her motto: You’re never more than one flight away from an amazing adventure!
1.
urbantravelgirl | December 5, 2009 at 1:06 am
Ciao, Michael –
And I’m THRILLED to see a guy is following UrbanTravelGirl! LOL Thanks a bunch for visiting and subscribing — and I’ll look forward to checking out Darn Good Digs in much more detail! Keep on traveling, my friend!
Maureen
2.
darngooddigs | December 4, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Maureen,
I just discovered your blog, and I’m thoroughly enjoying reading your posts. Keep writing, UrbanTravelGirl, and glad you’re so close to O’hare.
Best,
Michael
3.
urbantravelgirl | October 24, 2009 at 11:32 pm
HEY there, Rachna!! Mo told me that she’d told you about my blog — thanks SO much for stopping by! As you know, my sister’s a huge fan of yours and keeps us posted on your cool accomplishments. We’ve seen some of your photos — absolutely GORGEOUS!!
Send me your Web site address so I can check out your latest work. Let’s keep in touch — and hope we get to meet in person someday (perhaps on an overseas trip!)!
Maureen
4.
Rachna | October 24, 2009 at 10:44 pm
What a great blog you have! Monetta passed this along to me! I have heard about so many of your wonderful adventures from your sister. I will be visiting this blog often
)
5.
urbantravelgirl | October 17, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Bonjour/bonsoir, Kamey! So glad you visited my blog — and that you’re planning a trip to my favorite place on Earth! Let me think of some don’t-miss spots and e-mail you back… but in the meantime, congratulations on your conscious decision to be a “citizen of the world!”
Maureen
6.
Kamey | October 17, 2009 at 11:07 am
Wow… been reading your blog and I’m truly inspired. Having turned 30 this year I’m ready to see the world different from the Baltimore suburbs i grew up in and the NYC streets i work in now. I am heading to Paris for a 10 day vacation next month and would love any pointers on what not to miss while I am there. Thank you in advance.
7.
urbantravelgirl | October 16, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Hmmm… that new book sounds interesting, Sharona (and one you and I could have written, no?). I’ll have to check it out — and so should you, UrbanTravelGirls!
Grazie,
Maureen
8.
Sharon | October 16, 2009 at 11:08 am
Just wanted to share info on a book I just read about (I have NOT checked it out) that sounds promising. . .It’s “100 Place in Italy Every Woman Should Go,” by Susan Van Allen. . .
9.
Lena | August 24, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Thank you so much for all the great information! I will do some research and pick a place to go next year. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you again and I love your blog
.
LENA
10.
urbantravelgirl | August 22, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Lena, one other thing: You probably already checked this out on my blog, but I wrote a post earlier this summer with some tips on women traveling on their own. Just in case you missed it:
http://urbantravelgirl.com/2009/07/05/want-to-fit-in-as-a-solo-female-traveler-meet-the-locals/
Good luck!
11.
urbantravelgirl | August 22, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Ciao, Lena — great to hear that you’re interested in checking out this big, wonderful world of ours. And how cool that you’re open to doing it on your own! It can be a bit scary, but also very rewarding.
Since this will be your first trip overseas, I’d suggest that you might want to consider starting in an English-speaking place — that is, unless you’re comfortable speaking a different language. If NOT, I’d recommend somewhere like London — or if you’re in the States, perhaps Toronto or Vancouver. While Canada isn’t “overseas,” it IS a foreign country that’s still very different from the United States. Or, if you’ve got the cash or airline frequent-flier miles, perhaps Australia’s a good bet.
But if you’re determined to visit Europe, Asia, or Africa your first time out the gate, you might want to consider a guided tour that is open to solo travelers. I’m personally not a “tour person,” so I can’t recommend anywhere on firsthand knowledge. But you might want to check out BlackGirlTravel.com (http://www.blackgirltravel.com/), which offers tours all over the world for adventurous black women.
A couple other solo-chica travel resources I DO know and love: TangoDiva.com and a GREAT book called “Fly Solo: The Best 50 Places on Earth for a Girl to Travel Alone” (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399533109?ie=UTF8&tag=tangodiva0a-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399533109) by TangoDiva founder Teresa Rodriguez Williamson. Not only is the book a super-fun read, but Teresa’s infectious, sassy style will give you the confidence to get out there and do it!
And don’t miss WanderlustandLipstick.com (http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wandertips/solo/), which has a great section for women traveling solo. Founder Beth Whitman’s group ALSO does travel-around-the-world tours (http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/wandertours/) for women who want to get out there, but not completely on their own.
Lena, you’ve got me thinking: One of my next posts will be tips for black women who want to travel abroad for the first time. Thanks for the great idea … and let me know where you decide to go, and when!
Travel well,
Maureen
12.
Lena | August 21, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Hello Maureen, My name is Lena, I’m 27 years old. I have never been outside of the country and I desperately want to travel. I’m apprehensive about setting out on a trip on my own though. Do you know of any travel groups or resources that I could use as a solo traveler. Any information you give will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
13.
urbantravelgirl | August 18, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Hey there, Geotraveler Lola!
So glad you found my blog… and glad I got a chance to check yours out! Hope it’s OK for me to add Geotraveler’s Niche to my blog roll — and would love it if you don’t mind doing the same. Looking forward to keeping up with your adventures!
Maureen
14.
geotraveler | August 18, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Hey Maureen!
Just stumbled unto your blog. Will add to my RSS feeds.
Cheers
Lola
15.
urbantravelgirl | June 22, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Hello there, American Black Chick… and thanks so much for visiting my blog. I just got a chance to check yours out — LOVE it!
Ah, tips for getting to France … Are you a writer? Copy editor? How are you hoping to make money while you’re there? You could always teach private English lessons, but the bigger issue is the VISA thing.
Since you’re just finishing school, you might be able to get some type of student visa so you can come and go from France without hassle. There’s a relatively new one called “Competences and Talents,” which is a three-year visa for artists, writers, athletes and professionals in various fields. But if you go to the French Embassy Web site, you’ll find all the details on various types.
Not sure how easy it is to stay in France under the table, but I’d think it would be constant stress, worrying about if you’d get caught and if you’d be able to re-enter the country if you didn’t have proper docments. When moving to Florence back in 2004, I went the long, complicated freelance-worker visa route. It’s a pain, but worth it so you don’t have to worry about hassles at customs. I don’t have to tell you this, but as comfortable and great as Europe can be, I still think we black folks attract “second looks” (until we open our mouths and they hear our American accents) from customs officers and officials wondering who we are and where we’re coming from. So it’s ESPECIALLY important for our “papers,” so to speak, to be in order.
Be sure to keep me posted on how your plans progress! Hope to see you soon in France!
Maureen
16.
American Black Chick in London | June 21, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Hi! I just wanted to say I love your blog! I’m finish up my MA in London right now (as of the end of August, I’ll be done!) and likewise I’ve been fortunate enough to do quite a bit of travelling. My wanderlust has reared its head once again and I’m trying to find a way to move to France for a little while without breaking my meager student bank. I’ve been looking at applying for English teaching jobs at universities (since I missed the English teaching apprenticeship deadline), but I’m wondering if you have any other tips for getting to France? Also, do you mind if I add you to my blog roll?
17.
urbantravelgirl | April 21, 2009 at 3:04 am
Ciao, Katie — so glad you found my blog, too!! I’m also glad to hear you’ve already discovered the joys of traveling alone — so often I feel like I’m trying to convince girlfriends and others why they need to pack their bags and run off by themselves!
As for your question about how you might be able to work for a few months in Italy… I’m afraid I’m stumped. I don’t know of any specific programs where you can do it. And if you DID work, you’d probably have to do it under the table and unofficially. One thing you might want to investigate, however, are long-term Italian language schools that include (basic) lodging and some meals as well as classes. Some schools are cheaper than others (i.e., those outside of major tourist towns like Rome, Florence, Venice), and could give you a way to learn italiano while spending time in this beautiful country.
But let’s throw this open to other UrbanTravelGirl readers: Anyone have “Work in Italy” advice for Signorina Katie??? Please chime in if you’ve got ideas!
Buona fortuna — I hope it works out!!!
Maureen
18.
Katie | April 20, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Hello! I too found out about you through the Tribune, and while reading the article felt the very familiar pangs of Wanderlust! After undergrad I participated in a “Work in Britain” program that allowed me to work and live in London and Oxford, and travel to Ireland, Scotland and Paris. I went on my own and the sense of independence was exhilarating, probably the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
I’ve always dreamt of taking a similar trip to Italy- I would love to go for a few months and explore the country. Unfortunately my starving artist income feels like a blockade…do you (or any of you) know of any “Work in Italy” programs or exchanges? Any tips on how I might be able to take an extended trip without totally extinguishing my savings account?
Thank you so much, I’m excited to have found this site!
Ciao,
Katie
19.
urbantravelgirl | April 20, 2009 at 1:16 am
Ciao, Sonya! So glad my Trib article helped encourage you to pack your bags and travel solo! Getting around with others can be cool, but I SWEAR by seeing the world on your own. I’m actually RETURNING to Villefranche-sur-Mer (the adorable French Riviera village I mentioned in the Trib piece) by myself later this week. More adventures await!!
I’ll be sure to blog about the while I’m there to keep you ladies inspired!
20.
Sonya | April 20, 2009 at 12:51 am
Loved your article in the Travel section of the Chicago Tribune a couple Sundays ago, finally remembered to check out your blog! I have been traveling with friends since the age of 16, around the the USA and Europe, and I am ready to take a solo trip before I turn 30, you have inspired me to make that a reality sooner rather than later!
21.
UrbanTravelGirl | April 15, 2009 at 2:38 am
Ciao, Kristine — and thanks so much both for reading my Tribune Travel piece and for visiting my blog! SO glad to hear you’re a kindred spirit when it comes to traveling alone. I think one reason women hesitate to go off on their own is that they don’t truly ENJOY their own company. And that’s a shame. (I know many never-been-married women who fall into this category.)
So where have YOU gone by yourself? Do share!
Maureen
22.
Kristine | April 15, 2009 at 12:55 am
Just wanted to tell you how very much I enjoyed your article in Sunday’s Tribune. We are very much on the same page, and I very well relate to what you said. My friends often think I’m crazy for taking a solo vacation to new places. Agree that we have more unique and real experiences with the locals when we are solo!! Thanks for the great read!!
23.
urbantravelgirl | April 14, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Greer,
What wonderful choices your daughter has!! I guess her decision depends on what sort of overall cultural experience she wants. What does she ultimately want to do? Study? Where does she want to live?
I love London, Florence AND Madrid, so I think she can have a great time in any of these. Obviously she won’t have to deal with the language barrier in London, but the UK’s culture is still quite different from the States… she DEFINITELY won’t feel like she’s at home!
Florence is beautiful, elegant and has great culture… and I lived there for nearly one year! BUT there are TONS of English-speaking students studying there — and lots of tourists — which may mean that she won’t pick up Italian as readily as she might in a smaller, less English-spoken place. Perhaps that’s not her main reason for going abroad, though. But she shouldn’t be lonely with swarms of American, British and Australian students to hang out and speak with!
Madrid is REAL — it’s big, busy, bustling, and urban… and if she really wants to learn Spanish, it’s a great place to be. I’ve traveled here a few times for work and have had a GREAT time (even considered moving here before I got bitten by the Florence bug!)… but I didn’t run into a bunch of English speakers. So she’d be forced to really learn and use the language.
But let’s open it up to UrbanTravelGirl readers… where would YOU suggest Greer’s daughter go for her study-abroad experience and WHY?
24.
Greer Gilmore | April 14, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Have a question? My daughter has an opportunity to study abroad next year. She is trying to decide between Florence, London or Madrid. Which city would you recommend?
25.
urbantravelgirl | March 12, 2009 at 6:26 pm
And LaShawn, good luck with your entertainment blogging! Perhaps someday our subjects will cross (entertainment, sociology, travel)… be sure to send me your blog address once it’s up and running!
26.
LaShawn | March 12, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Hi, Maureen!! It was so wonderful to meet you at the Theatre Building last night! I LOVE your site–keep it going! Good luck and I will be in touch with you soon!
27.
Karen | January 26, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I happened to have joined Maureen on one of her adventures — to lovely Italy, just over a year ago. And what a time we had. I’m looking forward to many more adventures — some I will take and others I will read about through this blog.
Ciao for now…
28.
Antoinette | January 13, 2009 at 1:13 am
I am so glad that you’ve rolled out the blog. It will be wonderful to travel with you around the world, since I cannot go now, but soooon! I am inspired.
It so sad that you have to have that huge glass of wine just to go back to work:) Ciao!
29.
Diane | January 8, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I love this blog! Keep writing — I’m living vicariously through you, Maureen. Since I’m not able to go anywhere but the exotic city of Chicago, I definitely look forward to seeing photos and reading about your next adventure.
30.
Kelly | January 8, 2009 at 4:47 am
I met Maureen a few years ago when we both lived in Italy and we really connected because of our wanderlust. I look forward to reading her thoughts as she hip hops around the world and learns how to say red wine in various languages.