Solo travel is my jam. I get to decide exactly where I want to go, what I want to do, and when I want to do it. I travel solo all. of. the. time
Solo travel can be for anyone. If you’re single, solo travel makes a lot of sense. But if you’re partnered up, have a big family, and/or enjoy travel with friends, solo traveling is absolutely an option for you, too. Whether you’re looking to make solo travel a regular part of your plans, or you’re just wanting to give it a try and see how you like it, there are some key things to keep in mind as you plan and enjoy any trip.
- Go do cool shit. You don’t have to accommodate a spouse’s preferences, make sure the kids have something to do, or find a location that works for everyone. Get out that travel wish list and start ticking things off. Don’t know where to go or have any idea what kind of “cool shit” you want to do? Look on the internet, Pinterest, Instagram, Tik Tok, etc for “most unique travel destinations”, “the coolest thing I did while traveling”, “must see travel destinations”, “travel bucket list”, etc.
- Take a trip that aligns with your hobbies and interests. Go on a writing retreat/yoga retreat/crafting retreat/meditation retreat/white water rafting retreat/etc. Take a foodie trip with cooking classes. Learn qigong from a buddhist. Take a creativity class from a favorite musician. Often these organized retreats/trips are perfect environments for learning and being in community with others.
- Decide what you want to splurge on and what you want to save on. Hate coach seats on an airplane but know you won’t be in your hotel room much? Buy a first class ticket and stay in a modest hotel. Don’t care about the comfort in your transportation but know the location of the hotel is key to the travel experience? Do the reverse.
- Do a little pre-planning for possible uncomfortable situations. If you dislike eating alone, find a restaurant with a community dining table, sit at the bar, or eat at off hours when restaurants aren’t as crowded. Rehearse a few exit strategies for disengaging from unpleasant situations, anything from an overly chatty person to stranger danger. Think about a creative/funny/sarcastic group introduction when the tour guide asks you to describe how you met your travel partner.
- Be open and have fun. Say yes, get cozy with your thoughts, plan and dream, relax, and hold gratitude in your heart for the opportunity to travel. Life is for living and taking up beautiful space in the world, so pick a place and get to it!