Meera Devotta
Freelance Travel Writer, Travel Lemming
Meera Devotta is a writer and communications professional based in Prague, Czechia. When she’s not brunching her way through her favorite neighborhoods in Prague or exploring the Czech wine scene (yes, there’s more than just beer!), she loves browsing local farmers’ markets, catching sunsets at the best viewpoints, and scoping out the best pet-friendly spots in the city so her pup, Riško, can join the adventure too.
🏠 Local to: Hockessin, Delaware
📍 Currently: Prague, Czechia
🌟 Favorite Destinations: Madrid, Spain and Goa, India
🎓 Education: The George Washington University (BA, International Affairs, 2019), Charles University (MA, Communications and Media)
✔️ Fun Facts: I knew I wanted to live abroad after a high school exchange program in Valladolid, Spain; I’m a geography enthusiast and love memorizing maps of the world; I rarely leave the house without my dog and my travel-size hot sauce!
Meet Meera
📚 What was Your Favorite Travel Experience or Story?
In 2019, I had last-minute plans to meet a friend in Prague to celebrate New Year’s, but she ended up being unable to arrive until later in the week. I was still new to the world of solo-travel and although the thought of spending a major holiday by myself in a different city was slightly terrifying, I’ve always been a sucker for a flight deal. The ticket price was simply too good not to take the risk — and what better way to start a new year than conquering a fear (on a budget!)?
I arrived in Prague on New Year’s Eve and somehow worked up the courage to welcome 2020 alone at a party later that night. Little did I know that standing in line for that party would be where I’d meet my now boyfriend and travel partner. Three years later we decided to move to Prague, and now, nearly six years after that New Year’s adventure, we’re still lucky enough to call the city where we met our home.
Moral of the story? Just go! You can never know what a trip has in store for you, and more importantly, what you may miss out on by waiting for other people to join you.
🗺️ What’s Your #1 Expert Travel Tip?
I always recommend catching the sunrise at least once during a trip — especially if the destination is typically busy during the day or you’re traveling during peak season. It may require forfeiting a late night out or powering through a particularly tough wake up call, but experiencing a new place at sunrise will give you a completely different perspective of it.
For all of the planning and research so many people put into their trips, this simple (and free!) activity is usually left off the itinerary. Exploring in the early morning hours allows you to notice the details you miss while navigating through afternoon crowds, linger at incredible viewpoints you are otherwise hurried past, and snap what will undoubtedly be the most iconic photos of your trip.
Main attractions that feel overwhelming and overrated when you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with swarms of strangers have a unique charm when you’re one of just a handful of admirers. I promise you’ll be surprised at how early many popular attractions open — and some even have discounted morning admission rates!
Even if you do nothing but find the perfect spot to sit and take it all in, there’s no feeling like having an entire city to yourself.
🧳 Backpack or Suitcase?
Suitcase…at least until I overcome my need to pack for every unlikely scenario.
✈️ Window or Aisle Seat?
Window!
