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Why the Best Solo Trip I Took Was a Disney Cruise; Good for Adults

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I was stressed, sun-starved, and desperate for a break when I impulsively booked a last-minute Disney cruise just four days before it set sail.

It was December, and the Pacific Northwest’s gray skies and cold rain were weighing on me as the holidays loomed just around the corner.

I hadn’t planned to go anywhere, but when I spotted a deeply discounted cabin on a Christmas-themed Disney cruise leaving from Florida, I booked it and planned to set sail solo.

A few days later, I flew across the country in search of sunshine, rest, and maybe a little bit of magic. One thought kept nagging me, though: Would I feel out of place going alone on a family-oriented cruise at Christmas?

I pictured myself wandering the ship alone, sitting at dinner surrounded by Mickey-ear-wearing families, while I was quietly sipping a cocktail in the corner.

Fortunately, my fears were far from reality.

I didn’t feel out of place, and I even made friends with other solo travelers

One of the adults-only pools on the Disney Dream had a swim-up bar.

Chantelle Kincy



Once I was on board, the trip just felt easy. The staff was warm and never once made me feel like being a party of one was unusual.

Dinner time was one of my biggest anxieties — would I be eating each meal alone or awkwardly paired with a family? Instead, staff thoughtfully seated me with a group of five other solo travelers.

Our conversation flowed easily, and by the end of the night, I had new friends and familiar faces around the ship. I could spend time with them when I wanted or slip away whenever I needed. It felt like the best of both worlds.

Although there were many children on the cruise, there were plenty of activities for adults and kid-free areas that I made use of daily.

I booked spa treatments, lounged in the Rainforest Room (complete with hot tubs and saunas), watched Broadway-worthy shows, and curled up on a quiet deck with a book.

I explored the ship, wandered into the adults-only pool, stopped for coffee in the lounge, and took a long nap just because I could.

Plus, I got to partake in activities I wouldn’t have done with my husband

I enjoyed my time at Castaway Cay and the other stops.

Chantelle Kincy



The cruise sailed from Fort Lauderdale with stops in Nassau and Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.

I had initially planned to stay on the ship in Nassau, but that morning, I changed my mind.

My husband doesn’t swim, so I rarely get to snorkel when we travel together. This time, I was free to do as I pleased. I booked a catamaran excursion and spent the day swimming in clear Bahamian waters, surrounded by fish and sunshine.

At both private islands, I also explored adults-only beaches with turquoise waters and wandered quieter paths away from the crowds.

My trip was incredible, and I’d absolutely recommend a Disney cruise to other solo travelers

I enjoyed the heated loungers in the Rainforest Room.

Chantelle Kincy



There’s a special kind of joy in solo travel — the freedom, the clarity, the quiet confidence. Fortunately, Disney really delivered on ensuring that cruising alone was an absolute blast.

I laughed at shows, found serenity in the spa, and watched fireworks light up the ocean sky with people I’d just met. I was never lonely. I never felt out of place. I was just … happy.

Disney cruises may be marketed to families, but there’s a quiet kind of magic waiting for adults, too, especially those who come alone. It’s in the thoughtful touches, the calm corners, and the unspoken permission to enjoy things simply because they spark joy.

I came home rested, recharged, and reminded of something important: I don’t need anyone else to have a meaningful experience.

I can trust myself to take the trip, find the magic, and enjoy the ride, even when it looks a little different from what I expected.





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Solo Travellers

The Middle East Is Getting a New Budget Airline

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Just as Wizz Air announces its exit from Abu Dhabi, a new low-cost airline is preparing for take-off in the Middle East, promising to unlock a raft of new routes for regional travelers.

Saudi Arabia has officially granted an operating license to the yet-to-be-named budget carrier, which will be headquartered at King Fahd International Airport in the eastern city of Dammam.

The joint venture—backed by Sharjah-based Air Arabia, KUN Investment Holding, and Nesma—plans to serve 24 domestic and 57 international destinations by 2030, with the official route network set to be announced in the coming months.

According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, the airline is targeting 10 million passengers a year by the end of the decade on a fleet of 45 aircraft.

The regulator said the move is part of a broader push to boost air connectivity in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, ramp up seat capacity, and offer travelers more affordable flight options across the region and beyond.

While a formal launch date has yet to be confirmed, the new carrier is Saudi Arabia’s second major airline debut in recent years, with Riyadh Air set for take-off later this year. Based out of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, the new airline will open up more than 100 destinations by 2030, making it easier for travelers to fly directly between Saudi Arabia and major cities in Europe, Asia, and North America.

The new budget carrier will be Saudi Arabia’s second airline debut in recent years, with Riyadh Air scheduled to begin commercial flights by the end of 2025.

Courtesy Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air has already ordered dozens of Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliners, which feature the largest windows of any jet currently in the skies, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, large overhead bins, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

At the Paris Air Show in 2023, Riyadh Air revealed its official indigo theme, with striking lines inspired by the twisting canopies of traditional Bedouin tents and the elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy. The bold look features a sweeping cockpit window design, with the signature color palette contrasting against a light iridescent fuselage that reflects “purity and the future-focused vision of Saudi Arabia.”

The launch of Riyadh Air coincides with the construction of a futuristic new airport for Riyadh, which is set to be one of the largest in the world and will welcome more than 120 million passengers annually by the end of the decade.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.



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I Turned 35, Took a Solo Trip to the Jungle, & Cried the Whole Time — In a Good Way – Refinery29

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I Turned 35, Took a Solo Trip to the Jungle, & Cried the Whole Time — In a Good Way  Refinery29



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19 Comfortable Men’s Loungewear Sets to Travel In

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Look around any airport or any major city these days and you’re likely to find a preponderance of travelers wearing some sort of a loungewear set. Matching your shirt to your pants these days is, in fact, the hip thing to do. What was once something worn only in the privacy of one’s home is now not only socially acceptable or encouraged, but downright cool (we can thank Gen Z for that one). There’s something about the right men’s loungewear set that telegraphs an unfussed savoir-faire—not to mention they’re easy to pack in your carry-on.

Here, we’ve searched the market for more than a dozen comfortable men’s loungewear sets to add into your travel rotation. From silky, breathable bamboo fibers ideal for warmer climates, to luxurious cashmere knits that deliver warmth in the chilliest of climes, each of these are worthy travel companions—whether you’re hopping on the private jet or boarding in Group 5.

Jump to:

Cozy Earth

Often, the softest materials tend to trap heat, which can spell trouble for guys who run on the warmer side—but that isn’t the case with bamboo. This sustainable fiber is smooth, cool to the touch, and breathable for all-day, all-season comfort wherever you’re traveling. (The joggers also come in a Tall version for those with longer legs.)

Cozy Earth

Bamboo jogger pant

Todd Snyder

Leave it to Todd Snyder to reinvigorate an all-American recreation brand like Champion into something stylish and highly desirable. This top has all the comfort of a sweatshirt, but the stripe detail and collar add a degree of sportswear-inspired polish. The coordinating shorts are the perfect length for summer travel plans. An added perk: These pieces are knit to resist shrinkage, so you can wash and dry them with confidence.

Champion

Relaxed sweatshort

Vuori

For those who prefer a short sleeve in their loungewear sets, Vuori has some solid options. This particular set is made from its best-selling DreamKnit fabric, made from recycled materials and in a high-performing four-way stretch that keeps you cool, comfy and dry all day long–for when you need to go from bed to plane to party without missing a beat.

Eberjey

If anyone knows how to make a reliable loungewear set, it’s the pajama experts at Eberjey. This coordinating hoodie and jogger combo is the perfect choice for the guy who cares about his environmental footprint: it’s made from 100% recycled materials, and verified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which means it was produced without using any chemicals harmful to humans or the planet.

Alex Crane

If a seaside Positano vibe is what you’re after this summer, look no further than Alex Crane’s luxurious European Linen pieces. The shirts come in long and short sleeve versions, and there are a number of colors available so you can mix-and-match, or commit to the head-to-toe look. When you’re wearing one of these, you’re basically one negroni away from feeling like you’re summering in the Mediterranean.

Jungmaven

The soft hand-feel of this hemp and cotton blend is irresistible. It has that textured, vintage-y look of broken-in cotton, but with a much lighter, more breathable weight. Hemp is a sustainable, durable fiber, and this unisex style comes in a wide range of colorways that will suit any closet.

Jungmaven

Zephyr sweatshirt

Jungmaven

Pacific Coast pant

Outerknown

Pro surfer Kelly Slater serves as the brains behind this eco-friendly and sustainable brand, so it should come as no surprise that this set telegraphs the perfect amount of California surfer cool. It’s made from a French Terry knit that has the perfect combination of comfort and heft—not too stiff, not too flimsy, but just right.

Quince

Just look at the name of these pieces. They’re called “Supersoft” for a reason. This feathery-soft set is made from a breathable fleece material that’s warm without being stifling. This is a great option for the conscious consumer, too: they’re made from recycled materials, and use eco-friendly dyes for reduced water consumption during the production process.

Houdini Sportswear

Introducing the tech fleece set of your dreams. These Houdini pieces are made from a Polartec fabric that is built to last, with hydrophilic properties that pull moisture away from your body (read: keeps you dry and warm in cold conditions), as well as two zippered side pockets where you can leave your cell phone and passport with confidence. The fabric is Bluesign certified, meaning that its production is free from harmful chemicals.

Houdini

M’s Outright “Houdi”

Buck Mason

Buck Mason–known for its dreamily soft fabrics–consistently creates loungewear that’s as perfect for the plane as it is for relaxing at home. This matching set comes in a “welterweight” fabric, a nod to the classic boxing term of the weight class between lightweight and middleweight. In other words, this set feels just right.

Buck Mason

Crew sweatshirt

Buck Mason

Welterweight sweatpant

Abercrombie & Fitch

Gone is the heavily-logo’d Abercrombie we knew 20 years ago. The brand is back and better than ever, offering pared-back and classic American styles built to stand the test of time. This coordinating loungewear set comes in a few colors so you can stock up—we’re partial to the handsome shade of spruce.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Essential half-zip sweatshirt

Abercrombie & Fitch

Essential sweatpant

Tracksmith

Boston-based Tracksmith was born with runners in mind, but in recent years has segued into a lifestyle brand for anyone who enjoys getting their pulse up outdoors. We love this set because it is made from the same kind of high-quality, high-performance material that the brand is known for, but offers a more put-together look than your average sweat set. Whether you’re sprinting to catch a train or preparing for a marathon, this versatile set has you covered.

Tracksmith

Rapid Transit popover

Tracksmith

Rapid Transit pants

Free Fly

As a more lightweight fiber, bamboo tends to be found in sleek, silky fabrications–but Fly Free uses a plush, fleecy one. That means you get the best of both worlds: a loungewear set that’s warm enough for any plane ride, but cool enough for when you arrive in warmer climates.

Free Fly Apparel

Bamboo Lightweight Fleece hoodie

Free Fly Apparel

Bamboo Lightweight Fleece jogger

Free Fly Apparel

Bamboo hoodie

Free Fly Apparel

Bamboo jogger

Mack Weldon

The issue with many travel sets is they tend to be loose-fitting and unflattering. If you’re looking to show off all those gains you’ve been making at the gym, consider this matching set from Mack Weldon. Not only is it made from a micro-brushed French terry that is buttery smooth, but the hoodie features stretch rib side panels that flatter your figure without hugging, and the sweatpant comes in a tailored fit that feels more sophisticated than a standard pair.

Mack Weldon

Ace sweatshirt

Reigning Champ

You know when you pick up an item of clothing and it feels high quality? That’s how I would describe the Textured Terry pieces from hip Vancouver-based brand Reigning Champ. This fabric offers both warmth and moisture-wicking properties–perfect for frigid air-conditioned plane rides, but comfortable enough that you won’t break a sweat walking across jumbo-sized airport terminals.

Reigning Champ

Midnight Fleece track jacket

Reigning Champ

Midnight Fleece track pant

Reigning Champ

Textured hoodie

Reigning Champ

Textured short

Mackage

Searching for a matching set with an uber-cool streetwear vibe? Search no more—this set from Mackage is made from a double-faced jersey that is smooth to the touch, but has a heft that lends itself to those oversized silhouettes that feel so on trend at the moment. The pants offer an effortlessly cool, elevated take on the cargo pant.

Mackage

Marvin-R sweatpants

Sunspel

Few brands give as much attention to its fabrics as high-end British brand Sunspel. If 007 had a matching set for the plane, it would be this one. It features an elegant slim but not skinny fit, ribbed cuffs, and an expensive-feeling zipper.

Sunspel

Loopback zip hoodie

Sunspel

Loopback sweatpants

Everlane

Eco-conscious brand Everlane is a smart option for travelers who seek sustainability at an affordable price point. The ReTrack matching set is made from a super soft blend of recycled cotton and polyester. The hoodie features a classic fit—neither relaxed nor slim—with contemporary details such as side panels with a hint of elastane, lending the hoodie a flattering silhouette and helping it maintain its shape after even the longest of travel days.

Everlane

ReTrack sweatpant

Canada Goose

If you know and love Canada Goose for its expedition-caliber parkas and cold weather gear, you won’t be disappointed by its leisure apparel. The quality on this matching set is excellent, the insulation is real, and it features the brand’s signature logo disc on the hoodie sleeve and pant leg. Both pieces are made from a sturdy yet soft 100% cotton that has been selected for reduced water consumption and its overall sustainable footprint.

Icebreaker

On behalf of warm men everywhere, I would like to propose this matching set—a merino T-shirt and matching pant, because not all loungewear sets need to include hoodies! If you’re like me, even the lightest-weight hoodies can feel stuffy and restrictive, especially when worn while walking through an airport terminal. Some of us are perfectly content wearing a T-shirt in most environments. This set is made from a performance blend of lyocell and merino, offering great temperature-regulating properties and softness for all-day comfort.

Icebreaker

Cool-Lite Sphere T-shirt

Icebreaker

200 Shifter pants

Luxome

If you’ve ever craved the sensation of wearing your pajamas in public, this might be as close as you can get without wearing actual PJs on the plane. Luxome is best known for its luscious bath towels and comfy bedding, and this matching set is a great complement to those bestsellers. It’s made from modal fleece that not only looks great and drapes beautifully, but also perfectly captures the sensation of being curled up in your favorite sheets.

Rhone

Another fashion credit we can attribute to Gen Z? The return of good old-fashioned tracksuits. But this one has a key difference from the scratchy ones of yore: it’s made in a lightweight polyamide fabric that has a hint of stretch, so it keeps up with your every move.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.



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