8 things I learned when I sailed solo on my first cruise, from how to meet people to having to pay a 'single supplement'

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author smiles in a sunhat in front of a cruise ship.
Business Insider's reporter traveled solo during her first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The highlight of my trip to the Great Smoky Mountains was finding an epic ride to my Airbnb while stranded in the rain

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of an aerial tram above trees on a foggy day, and the author with an umbrella
Business Insider's reporter didn't expect to find a tramway above the Great Smoky Mountains.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took my first cruise solo, and 6 things surprised me

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author smiles in a sunhat in front of a cruise ship.
Business Insider's reporter took a solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I packed for a 7-day trip to Canada with just a backpack. Here are 6 items I'm glad I brought and 4 I wish I had.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of an aerial view of the authors packing items on a white sheet and the author wearing her backpack while taking a selfie in the mirror.
A Business Insider reporter took a weeklong train trip with just a backpack for the first time and learned a few things about packing light.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Every Pixar movie, ranked from worst to best

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Hoppers beavers
"Hoppers."

Disney/Pixar

I took a 7-day cruise with carry-on luggage and a backpack. See everything on my packing list and how I organized it all.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of the author standing on the top deck of a cruise ship and clothes inside a cabin closet
Business Insider's reporter shares her packing list for a seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent 2 weeks backpacking in Europe. Next time, I'll bring a carry-on suitcase.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author gets ready to board a Trenitalia train in Rome.
The author gets ready to board a Trenitalia train in Rome.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

21 times Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte wore coordinating outfits

Tech Insider : Style, Business
A side-by-side of Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte. On the left, Charlotte is a baby, and on the right, she is about 10.
Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte often wear coordinating outfits for appearances.

Andrew Chin/Getty Images/Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images

I explored an abandoned amusement park and found stunning art deco attractions and a thriving artists' hub

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
The author stands in front of the entrance to Glen Echo Park
The author visits a once-abandoned theme park near Bethesda, Maryland.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I explored the ruins of an abandoned zoo on the coast of Florida, and it was completely overrun by nature

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author in front of an abandoned zoo enclosure (L) and another abandoned structure in the Crandon Park Zoo's ruins.
The author in front of an abandoned zoo enclosure (L) and another abandoned structure in the Crandon Park Zoo's ruins in Florida.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Subscribe to life-insider-weekly