On traveling WITH yourself...
I love traveling on my own. I love spending time with my BFF (me!) to think through big life questions, to stroll a new street without an agenda, to make new friends in unlikely places, and to let travel do what it does best – to teach + inspire me. Heck, I love it so much that I built a business around the idea! So suffice it to say: I’m a BIG fan of solo travel.
But I also know that the thought of setting out on a solo adventure is about as scary as it gets for some people. But if you’re open to working through that wall of fear/anxiety/nerves to make an adventure happen, we’re pretty darn confident you’ll be glad you did! Here are a few tips, and some things to think about, if you’re contemplating an adventure ‘with’ yourself:
DON’T FORGET: you get to decide what the experience looks like, and just how far you stretch your comfort zone on your first solo adventure. This could be…
Spending 1 week in a foreign city without set plans each day.
Getting on the airplane solo, but joining a tour, workshop, or pre-scheduled experiences when you arrive.
Spending a few nights in a hostel or renting a private room in an AirB&B so you get comfortable interacting with new people.
If safety is your main concern, think about ways to isolate your concerns. Such as…
Pre-schedule evening plans, such as cooking classes, pub crawls, theater tickets, etc. that put you in a group setting, and look for experiences that include transportation.
Make plans to connect each day with someone at home. This might give you (and family at home!) peace of mind.
Tell someone at your hotel, hostel or B&B where you’re heading and what time they should expect you back. They’ll have your back!
Don’t leave your street smarts at home! Exercise the same caution when you travel. Don’t flaunt your cash, be mindful of your surroundings, walk in well lit areas at night, etc.
If spending time alone is what you’re worried about, find ways to proactively seek a community, such as:
Stay in a hostel. They’re always full of fun independent travelers, and generally offer activities that guests can opt-into.
Join a class/workshop/tour with a high amount of inclusivity, including evening meals.
Snag a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation with the bartender.
But take it from us: if you’re open and curious, it’s hard to be alone!)
Go ahead, and give it a try. We promise there will be growth on the other side of the effort!
XOXO,
Mary