7 tips for traveling alone for the first time

Travel

7 Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time

Drescription

If you’re like me (a chronic worrier and overthinker), the idea of solo travel can be a daunting thing. From going out at night alone to not speaking the language, there are lots of potential questions that may be preventing you from booking a trip. But while the scariest part of solo travel is that you’re in charge of everything, the most rewarding part of solo travel is, well, that you’re in charge of everything. Whether you like to have a loose itinerary or one packed as tight and seamless as your suitcase, you have no one to tell you differently. And as someone who has now experienced it personally, I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing more exhilarating and introspective than a solo adventure. To help you step out of your comfort zone and prepare mentally and physically for your next trip, here are some tips for dealing with travel anxiety.

01

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Do your homework.

For your first solo trip, it’s probably a good idea to choose a destination with a developed tourist infrastructure. Locals will be used to dealing with visitors and many people will also speak English, which will be helpful if you don’t speak the local language. Wherever you choose, make sure to research the locale beforehand to get a lay of the land and a sense of where you should (and should not) go. Are some places dangerous to go alone past 9PM? Is it going to be pouring rain the whole time you’re there? What time do things close? How does public transit work? These are all things that you’ll want to go into knowing.

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Look for all-inclusive resorts.

If this is your very first international solo trip, I recommend choosing an all-inclusive resort to stay at. This will be great if planning an entire itinerary is daunting to you or you’re intimidated by navigating directions in a foreign country. You can get everything you need without going far, and there’s comfort in knowing that you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Don’t worry—you’ll still be able to meet a lot of people on the property and you’ll feel entirely immersed in another world. For example, Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by a variety of zen pools in the remote mountains that makes you not want to leave, but you also have the option to take their shuttle to relax by their nearby Beach Club if you want different scenery and a bit more bustle. It also has a variety of cuisines for dining options and a couple bars that will allow you to meet tons of locals there for staycations and fellow travelers passing by.

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Be open to talking to people.

Speaking of other people, while traveling alone might sound lonely, the best part of traveling alone is you actually end up being way more social and meeting new people you wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. Don't shy away from the locals who know the place much better than you and can help you explore some cool places that are unheard of. Engaging with other travelers on a solo trip can also make your trip more enjoyable—and who knows? It may lead to lifelong friendships and future travel partners for future trips.

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Ask the hotel for itinerary recommendations.

First time traveling solo at all? In that case, it might be a good idea to start with something domestic where you can get a foreign cultural experience without actually leaving the country. Look for hotels with options onsite that you can partake in. For example, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach offers cultural experiences like Japanese whiskey tasting, Japanese tea ceremonies, origami lessons, and Japanese calligraphy that makes you feel immersed in a completely different culture without traveling abroad.

05

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Split up cash and cards.

I always recommend keeping your passport in a hotel safe since that’s the worst thing you can lose, but you’ll also want to keep some of your cards separated too. It’s surprisingly easy to misplace your things when traveling, and since you’re in an unknown environment it makes it even harder to track something down once you realize it’s gone. If you happen to lose your purse or fall victim to a pickpocket, having backup cash and cards in your suitcase or hotel safe can really save the rest of your trip (can you tell I’m speaking from personal experience?).

06

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Be prepared.

It’s true that it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared, especially when you’re by yourself in a foreign city. Make a small list of things you’ll want to carry around with you when exploring, and don’t forget to check it off before leaving the hotel. My must-haves: a small battery charger (there’s nothing worse than a dead phone when you’re by yourself), medication, Airtag (this has saved me so many times), and some extra cash if you’re in a pinch. Another hack? Download the place you’re going to on Google maps-—you never know if you might run out of data or signal, so it’s super useful to have your maps offline.

07

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Learn the language.

Before you go anywhere, learn a little of the local language. Even if it’s just ‘good morning’, ‘thank you,’ and ‘a coffee please,’ it will go a long way and make it more likely to get help or recommendations should you need it.

Here’s What Your Bathrooms Will Look Like In 2025 & Beyond (At Least If These Stunning Trends Are Any Indication)

It’s funny writing a trend post every year on a room like the bathroom. This is, of course, a space that wears some fairly permanent and expensive decisions. In fact, it’s common for true “trends” in kitchens and bathrooms to run the length of about a decade (or more). And surely, there are some design decisions that look good for a lifetime. But you wouldn’t be here reading about home aesthetics if you weren’t an enthusiast of sorts, wondering what’s next. So while I kind of cringe at the idea of trends for the sake of newness, I do also know there is a time and place for fresh ideas. If you’re embarking on a home reno or new home journey, you’ll likely need some concepts to chew on, whether you’re after just a few special details to add to your traditional design plan, or are looking to create something completely drama-filled. And just like Jess said in her trend observations for kitchens in the coming year(s), I also don’t take these kinds of posts lightly. We research for weeks and often months (heck, sometimes the whole year) to see what other designers and firms have dared to do. What might stick? What could be fun to dream about? What feels like an entirely new idea? What feels like a classic detail done in a crisp way? So, without further ado, here are the seven design “trends” I’ve taken notice of that I think have some serious legs. Moody Boutique Hotel The whole moody vibes thing really started to take hold maybe five-ish years ago, and with the color-drenching trend that exploded in the last year, it just makes sense this would make its way into the bathroom. It’s kind of always been a thing for powder baths where people are more comfortable taking risks, but this boutique hotel slash members-club aesthetic is primed to also make its way into primary baths. First up is this absolutely gorgeous space by Life of Plenty Home. I especially love how subtle the contrast is between the dark lime-washed (or possibly Roman clay) walls and the more cream-leaning marble-fluted sink basin and rattan mirror. This keeps the design super interesting and layered without coming off overly glam. Here’s the treatment in a full bath, by our friend A1000xbetter. This one is a bit more retro in vibe, between the terrazzo floor and the wood paneling, but the feeling is the same. It feels like the kind of room you can enter at 2 am when your bladder can’t make it to the morning, and your eyes won’t be smited by brightness. I’m screaming this is so good. Forgive me for being graphic, but it’s kind of like the inside of a uterus in the absolute best way (girl power!). All jokes aside, it takes a very daring person to let their designer (Crystal Sinclair Designs in this case) implement something like this and I applaud this homeowner. And while that custom red marble sink is likely the cost of a hospital bill after giving birth, you can get a similar—if not so bold—look by opting for a deep burgundy wall or tile color, adding some thin picture frame molding, and going with an antiqued mirror finish on multiple surfaces. A bit less glam is this powder back by Laura Brophy, achieved with a rough, possibly vintage or antique stone basin. Contemporary touches like the streamlined wall-mounted faucet, sconces, and the thin-framed mirror keep this space feeling forward-thinking rather than overly rustic. Natural Spa Vibes On the complete flip side of “moody boutique hotel” is the warm, natural spa aesthetic. While your mind might go to something very clean and white, this trend is far more rooted in earth tones and materials. Marble is replaced with wood, limestone, and slate. Surfaces are cohesive—meaning the same finish is seen across ceilings, walls, even vanities. It’s calm, luxe, and rich-looking while also down to earth. While I was only really able to get two images approved for use, don’t let that make you think this isn’t having its moment. Because it is, and big time. In the last decade, we’ve seen a lot of colorful bathrooms, eclectic and glam spaces, charming English cottage looks, but I think this is where modern design is heading. More “quiet luxury” than in your face (but expected) spa. I especially love how Yond Interiors mixed the nearly velveting mushroom finish of the walls, ceilings, and pony wall (that houses the vanity) with a thick grouted slate and a stunning wood surround for the tub. I’m not sure how a wood like that would hold up to water over time, but I have to imagine that was thought through. (Also, you heard it here first: Slate and terra cotta floors are having a comeback…) Here’s a fairly different look, from Studio Utkan Gunerkan but the serenity they both serve is unmistakable. I think this is accomplished by picking just a few materials and using them all over. Here, the concrete-like material on the walls, floor, ceiling, and vanity is balanced by a pinkish clay-hued tile in the walk-in shower. That’s it. It’s simple but powerful. Raw Edge Vanity This is more of a detail than a full-room design move, and also kind of an offshoot of the warm natural spa look from above. I’ve been seeing so much of this lately, executed both in stone and in wood. Raw edges are particularly interesting when juxtaposed with the cold and pristine nature of a stone like marble. I originally pulled this image to illustrate the previous trend, but then I couldn’t stop finding bathrooms with wood or stone with raw edges, like this one by Anke Design Studio. And while I’m sure this detail isn’t for everyone, it lends a one-of-a-kindness that doesn’t feel like it can be replicated. It’s uniquely yours and celebrates the beauty of stone. If you told me to close my eyes and picture a bathroom with rough-hewn and scraped wood on every surface besides the sink vanity, which was a boulder-like chiseled stone, I’d struggle to come up with something this refined in my brain. But Alessandro Isola somehow managed it expertly. This feels like a 5-star resort, as many of Isola’s spaces do, which typically feature raw-edged rock and stone elements where most tend to lean in linear, clean-cut marble and wood. A bit less grand but no less beautiful. I love this bathroom by Susannah Holmberg Studios because it feels both incredibly special but somehow attainable. The live edge counter that flanks the plinth stone basin really grounds the room. White Plumbing Fixtures Gold and brass has had a chokehold on metal finishes for well over a decade at this point, and we’ve toyed with wondering what’s next. Chrome maybe? Polished nickel? Bronze? All of those are great options, but strangely white fixture finishes are kind of having a (niche) moment. Now, I don’t see this replacing brass in any way, but it’s a good contender if you’re after something new and modern. A white faucet really plays to the youthfulness of this bathroom (this is actually a design in collaboration with Domino for surface company Concrete Collaborative). It doesn’t cut through or juxtapose anything about the checkered tile or the bobbin-esque mirror, but rather complements it perfectly. Here, by Lizzie Green of Popix Designs, the white faucet is more of a contemporary foil to the earthenware thin stacked tile on the wall. A brass fixture would have been beautiful, but this is unexpected, cheerful, and feels like an eternal spring. And while I know this isn’t a faucet, I couldn’t skip over including the white finish on the metal doors of this shower (the space was designed by Handelsmann + Khaw). It’s such a cool look that we don’t see often. Interesting Trimwork We’ve been seeing picture frame molding everywhere, but it’s taken its time to make it into the bathroom in the same way it’s applied in living spaces. In addition to that, there’s also so much fun being had with subtle tile and marble trim work. Think contrasting colors, stripes, and barely-there stone. It’s really the kind of thing that can take a fairly subtle room and take it to the next level. You don’t often see so much molding in a bathroom, but I love it! Now, keep in mind that in a powder bath like this one by Carlos Garcia Interiors, there isn’t much to be concerned with in terms of moisture, but in a bathing space, you may want to consider a PVC molding to avoid any warping or deterioration over time of the wood. The image I’m referencing here is on the second slide (in case it doesn’t default to that for you). This is a bathroom in Le Grand Mazarin Hotel, which was designed by Martin Brudnizki. As if the peachy tile with a subtle darker peach stripe every four rows wasn’t punchy enough, they added a black and white vertical stripe prior to the bullnosing. I think almost every room can stand to have some black sprinkled in, and this is a highly effective and quirky way to do it that’ll draw the eye and make you smile every morning and night. Heidi Caillier Design knows just how to take a fairly serious (and seriously beautiful) room and add that je ne sais quoi to make it feel new. In this instance, it’s the thick, lacquered green trim at the baseboard and around the opening to the bathtub nook. Another one by A1000xbetter, I almost missed the delicate marble trim along the top line of the tile and around the threshold of the shower stall. I can’t stop looking at it and it’s such a surprising, simple detail in a room with so much else to look at. Brown, Black & Dark Gray Natural Stone Move over white marble because darker pigment natural stone is here to take its seat on the throne (and no, I don’t mean the toilet…or do I?). There’s such a gravitas to opting for an Emperador Marble or Nero Marquina marble over the more commonly used Carrara or Calacatta, and also feeds into the moody boutique hotel look I shared earlier. My jaw is on the floor here, and if ever I would allow my mouth to touch the ground, it would be on this gorgeous creamy and dreamy stone floor in a space by Montana Labelle. And look, I know that marble tub is something few could fathom for themselves, it’s great inspiration for the power of dark stone. Hard to go back to white stone after laying eyes (and jaw) on this. I’m fairly certain this stone is actually a red marble, but when I first earmarked it, I thought it was dark brown, so I’m letting it slide anyway. Isn’t this just so gorgeous? Thank you Style House LA for this marvel. For those not inclined to go so potent, darker gray marbles might just be for you. It’s stormy, modern, and plays nice with both warm and cool tones on other surfaces. I especially like it against a grey-washed wood like the one in this bathroom by Lark+Palm. Color Drenching Surprise, surprise…said no one. We can’t get away from color-drenching (I mean, I’m not ready to anyway), so it’s no wonder it’s sneaked into the bathroom. I love this one because it’s a fairly simple way to make a huge impact with some pretty affordable materials. Of course, like anything else, it can also read luxurious, modern and personality-filled, all depending on what you pick to get the point across. Another Human‘s Leah Ring is no stranger to creating spaces that make you smile while simultaneously leaving you thinking “wait, why didn’t I come up with that?” In white, the classic square tile and floating flat-fronted vanity would feel sterile, nearly clinical, but in sage and mint green, it’s just so dang pleasant. Color drenching doesn’t always have to feel contemporary, either. Erdem Hamza went monotone (with white for contrast) but in a way that is organic, worldly, and chic. Don’t be afraid to look at sinks and fixtures in colors other than white, and then match it to your wall paint and tile selections. Talk about happy! This is what I call color-drench-light. Meaning, yellow isn’t on every single surface, but it’s on just enough to get the point across. Tamsin Johnson varied a buttery yellow on the cabinets and mirrors and a darker ochre on the tile. Even the antiqued brass faucets seem to play into the color scheme. And finally, a mauve moment by Decus Interiors. This is similar to Leah Ring’s green bathroom in that it’s a straight-forward square tile with a painted flat-front floating vanity, but it feels very different with the swirling stone that picks up on those purple hues, and the linear color-matched cabinet handles. It’s hushed but speaks volumes. — There you have it. Overall, there’s definitely a trend toward deeper, more personality-filled bathrooms, replacing the cold, white spaces that were the norm for decades. I hope these rooms inspire you, even if they wouldn’t be something you’d choose for yourself. Heck, may they push you to think outside the box for any room in your home, not just your bathrooms. But well, especially your bathrooms if you have the inclination to work on yours. Until next time friends…

How to Plant a Tree the Right Way So It Thrives for Decades to Come

Trees are important landscape components that grow slowly but often outlast most other plants. They offer visual height, shade, and a habitat for birds, and well-planted trees could very well outlive you. Adding a tree to your property is a bit more complex than adding a small shrub or garden bed, but that doesn't mean it's too difficult for a DIY. You'll just need to invest time and resources into doing the job right if you want to leave your property more shaded and beautiful than you found it. Here's how to plant a tree the easy way and help it flourish for future generations. How to Plant a Tree Select Your Tree Type The best way to set yourself up for success is to choose a tree that will thrive in your local climate. Look up your region's USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and select a tree that is likely to grow well under local conditions. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Choose a Location Aesthetics isn't the only thing to consider when selecting the best spot for a tree. To figure out where to plant it, start with the process of elimination. You'll need to consider the following: Underground utility lines: Make sure you research your state laws before digging and contact the proper agencies and utility companies to mark underground lines. Sunlight: Most trees need six to eight hours of full sunlight to grow well, so avoid any shaded areas in your yard. Mature size: You'll also want to consider the full size of the tree when it matures, so don't select a location that's too close to structures like your home or other mature trees. Prepare Your Starter Tree If you're relatively new to gardening, planting a starter tree rather than a seed can help give you better results. You'll get to bypass the initial growing stages where more things can go wrong. Before planting a bare-root starter tree, you'll need to soak its roots in a bucket of water for a couple of hours to help them stay moist during the process. For potted starter trees, make sure to water the tree as soon as you get it home. Place it outside near its future dwelling place to allow it to acclimate to the conditions for a week. When you're ready to plant it, gently remove it from its container. Prepare the Hole Adjust the soil: Start by checking your soil's acidity and assessing its health. Most trees prefer loose, loamy, and well-draining soil with a neutral pH. However, you'll want to research your specific tree's needs and adjust the soil accordingly to make it more acidic or to raise the pH. Incorporating organic matter via compost can make the soil looser, more loamy, and better-draining, but it also raises the acidity. It's all about balance. Dig the hole: Dig a hole in your yard that's at least twice the width and about one inch deeper than the starter tree's root system. Set the excavated soil aside: Don't discard the extra soil you've removed from the tree. You'll need it in the next step. Transplant the Starter Tree To transplant your tree, place it upright in the prepped hole. Shovel the excavated soil back into the hole, tamping it gently as you go. Reposition the tree as needed during the process to ensure it stays upright. Add extra soil to the base of the tree in a mound shape, and create a moat around the perimeter for extra water to collect and keep the tree moist as it matures. Apply a thin layer of mulch, leaving a three-inch ring around the base of the tree to allow for air flow. How to Care for a Newly-Planted Tree While a young tree is establishing its root system, it needs some extra attention. Follow these care tips for the first two to three years after planting your tree. Water frequently:Water the tree daily for the first two weeks to prevent root shock, and slowly reduce the frequency after to every other day and then weekly. Once your tree becomes more established, you only need to water it every two to three weeks during dry periods. Keep it mulched: Keeping a young tree mulched will help its roots retain moisture better. Reapply the mulch on an annual basis. You can drop the frequency to once every two years when the tree matures. Stake it: Sometimes, a young tree's root system isn't established enough to support it. If you notice your transplanted tree bending, stake it to prevent it from snapping from the top weight or heavy winds. The Best Time to Plant a Tree You'll want to plant a starter tree into the ground when the weather is mild and when the plant is entering or just starting to end its dormancy period. For most regions, this is during fall or early spring. Both seasons have their pros and cons for planting a tree. Planting a Tree in Fall Planting a tree in the fall gives it ample time to establish its root system before the summer heat kicks in. Since the tree is on its way towards entering dormancy, it can channel its energy into root growth rather than leaf growth. However, you want to make sure you don't plant the tree too late in the fall, or you run the risk of below-freezing temps causing damage to the tree's root system. Planting a Tree in Spring Local nurseries often get a fresh supply of trees delivered in spring, so you should have a great selection to choose from. Just be sure to wait until after the ground has thawed from winter, but don't put it off too long. The warmer temps of early summer can cause the tree to go into shock.

I Just Spent a Month in Spain, and These 7 Tech Gadgets Kept Me Safe, Prepared, and Entertained

I recently went on a month-long trip to Spain, and let me tell you, packing for such a long trip is not easy. It requires a lot of planning and hoarding of travel toiletries, and since I tend to think about every potential thing that could go wrong, it causes a lot of stress, too. But I found some tech gadgets that helped give me peace of mind, like a personal safety alarm for emergencies and a portable charger to keep my phone ready in any scenario. Check out my picks below, starting at only $9 at Amazon—including a luggage scale for overpackers (aka me) and Apple AirTags that are beloved by Real Simple writers and editors. Writer-Loved Travel Tech Gadgets She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm, $30 Charmast Small Portable Charger, $15 (was $22) Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine, $24 (was $30) Apple AirTag 4-Pack, $80 (was $99) Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones, $40 (was $60) Ceptics International Travel Adapter, $24 (was $25) Etekcity Luggage Scale, $9 (was $11) She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm Feel secure while traveling with this safety alarm. It’s super easy to use: To set off the siren and flashing LED light, just pull out the top of the device (and to turn it off, reinsert the top). The compact size won’t take up much space in your bag, and it even comes with a brass carabiner clip to attach to a keyring, so you’ll always be able to find it. Plus, you can take the device with you on trips since it’s safe to carry on planes, unlike other safety tools, such as pepper spray. Charmast Small Portable Charger There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar place with a phone battery on 10 percent, which is why this portable charger will really come in handy. I never had to worry about my phone dying while walking around all day with this charger. It plugs directly into your phone, so you don’t have to deal with extra cords floating around in your bag. The charger is compatible with multiple iPhone types, including the iPhone 14, 13, 12, and 11. Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Machine I’m a light sleeper, so having a portable white noise machine (and ear plugs) was key for me to get a good night’s rest. With three sound options and adjustable volume, you can customize this machine to fit your sleep preferences. It has a low LED night light that makes it easy to find in the dark, too, if you need to turn the noise up or down. The white noise machine comes with a USB cable for charging, and it can operate for up to 24 hours on a single charge (it has to be turned off and unplugged every 14 days to keep it running smoothly). Apple AirTag 4-Pack I’m paranoid about airlines losing my luggage, so I finally bought these Apple AirTags to keep track of my belongings. The AirTags connect to an iPhone with the Find My app, and on certain models, there’s a Precision Finding feature to tell you exactly where your items are. They also have a built-in speaker to help alert you to where they are if you’re having trouble finding them. Shop more of my recommendations for must-have travel gadgets below, starting at just $9. Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones Ceptics International Travel Adapter Etekcity Luggage Scale

Is Your Strawberry Plant Wilting? 5 Causes and How to Save It Fast

Strawberries are easy to grow and nothing tastes better than a warm, ripe strawberry picked fresh from the plant. Perfect for garden beds, vertical containers, and hanging baskets, strawberry plants require nutrient-rich soil, full sun, and the right amount of water. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can be devastating to your plants and cause wilting and possibly death. Learn five reasons why your strawberry plants are wilting and what you need to do to fix the problem. Overwatering It is easy to get overzealous and provide too much water to strawberry plants, especially those grown in containers or compacted garden soil. Overwatering is evident if there are brown circles on the leaves, droopy or wilted leaves, smelly roots, or moldy fruit. Check if the issue is overwatering by sticking your finger into the soil at least 2 inches deep. If the soil is soggy, you're watering too much. Solution: Stop watering for several days. Consider repotting container-grown plants with better-draining soil with more sand or vermiculite. In the garden, add compost or sand to improve drainage. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Underwatering Strawberry plants need the equivalent of one inch of rainwater per week to produce fruit. If the rains don't come, the first sign of underwatering is crispy, brown leaves and withered stems. Solution: The best way to monitor springtime rains is with a rain gauge. If the rains don't come, a soaker hose or drip system in the garden is ideal to keep the leaves and fruit dry while providing moisture to the roots. Check container-grown strawberries daily to be sure the soil is kept consistently moist but not soggy. Leaf Spot Fungus Phomopsis leaf spot usually develops in the fall or spring shortly after planting. It spreads rapidly and remains active as long as there is green foliage on the plants. If plants become dormant in winter, the disease will start again in the spring. Early signs are one to six circular, red to purple spots on leaflets. The spots enlarge, develop gray centers, and cause the leaves to wilt and die. Solution: Apply a fungicide when the fungus appears. For strawberry beds that have had previous problems, apply the fungicide before symptoms appear as new growth begins and continue applications throughout the spring following the product label directions. Fusarium Wilt Fusarium wilt caused by a soil fungus affects strawberry plants and causes wilting, stunted growth, and drying and death of older leaves. Plants bearing heavy fruit loads or subjected to stress often show the most severe symptoms. Solution: Select strawberry varieties that are resistant to Fusarium wilt. Practice good plant management including watering the plants appropriately to reduce stress and ensure proper development. Control spider mites that cause excessive stress to plants. Rotate planting site at least every four years. Powdery Mildew You can quickly identify powdery mildew on strawberry plants by the fluffy, white patches on stems and leaves. If left uncontrolled, the edges of the leaves will begin to curl up and wilt. Solution: A fungicide should be applied preventively if you had problems last year or at the first sign of disease to control powdery mildew. This is especially important when using a protectant fungicide, such as elemental sulfur. How to Prevent Strawberry Wilting Since strawberries are one of the first fruits to appear in the spring, take advantage of those first days in the garden and monitor your strawberry patch. Attention and quick corrective action will help keep plants healthy. Water correctly. Provide an appropriate amount of irrigation to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Inspect plants for pests. Spider mites love strawberries and can stress plants. Check the plants regularly and control the pests. Treat strawberry diseases as soon as they appear. Rotate planting areas. This is true especially if strawberries are grown near brassicas (broccoli or cabbage). Clean garden tools and gloves. This prevents the spread of diseases.