go on your next solo trip
When I travel alone, everyone always assumes there’s an older rich man behind the camera who paid for the trip, when in reality it’s my tripod or a friendly stranger I asked to snap a picture of me. I love solo trips for many reasons and the biggest reason is to reset and remain grounded.
Many people are scared to travel alone due to personal fears, lack of where to start and not being able to enjoy their own company.
Here’s my few tips when traveling alone to different states:
Pick the Main Attraction
Being born in Oklahoma, I crave what I don’t have here to where I want to go. From the east coast in Fort Lauderdale for beaches to the west coast in Seattle for rain and hills. I base my travels around what sets the tone for me and my mood. I love the outdoors so activities on Viator help me choose a city to stay in or near.
Attractions I’ve chosen in the past are concerts, camels, buildings, helicopter rides, mountains and beaches. Typically the surrounding areas are entertaining enough to plan a weekend alone.
Get the Plane Ticket
One of the most expensive expenses is the plane ride to wherever you are going and checking your bags. The earlier you purchase, the cheaper the ticket as well as if you use a payment plan, such as Affirm, it allows you time to begin making payments.
I like to get my ticket about 2 months in advance as well as a reasonable priced rental car I get on Turo, the only car rental company I use now. All this locks in my plans and reservations for making the trip official.
Airbnb
My favorite part about leaving is choosing where I will sleep! Do I want a pool? Is the kitchen big? The yard spacious to sit outside and sip wine?- it’s like I plan a romantic night with myself. Choosing the Airbnb is important because things sell out a few weekends before the weekend and I want to make sure I get the place I want, not too far from the airport, but not too close to things I do not want to visit.
I always book Airbnb’s noting two visitors will be staying so no one can assume I am traveling alone. I communicate the privacy needed and car parking regulations so that there’s no unexpected check- ins. In addition, booking a guest suite, renovated basement room or full home in a nice neighborhood guarantees any issues that arise will be addressed immediately.
Excursions! Excursions!
If you know me, I am the friend that HAS to do at least ONE huge thing when traveling, I do not want to sit on the beach or in a club every day. I have done ziplining, helicopter rides, camel ride, camping in the desert, farmers market, space needle, jet skiing, parasailing, whale watching, tequila tasting and visited Instagram famous restaurants and shopping centers. Viator has always been my source of activities because they offer group options and discounts, safety precautions because it’s run by a business and a local independent tour guide that enjoys hiking.
My purpose is to gather things I can take with me when I am gone, memories. Memories with people I may never see again and photos that will make me smile forever.
The Pre- Expenses
As a woman, it’s not the trip that costs the most, sometimes it’s more expensive BEFORE you go on the trip. I have to get my nails done, a wax, hairstyle, new clothes for some reason, as well as matching bags, shoes and accessories, restaurant reservations, hookah lounge spots and definitely some shades.
It is very easy to spend more before the trip for me because I pay everything off and ahead of time that it feels like I still need to do some things to get ready, when in reality I do not.
I also make sure to have extra money and expenses for emergency situations, Ubers, eating out, tips, unexpected souvenirs and more. You never want to not be prepared when traveling alone, especially alone where you do not know anyone.
Reset. Restore. Refresh.
As a single woman currently trying to find her way in life, sometimes the downs in life take a toll on me and I want to get away to reset and remind myself that my problems are not as big as I really think. This time away is a way that I restore my sanity, taking breathes of fresh air in new air, with new people and new experiences. Traveling is refreshing to my mental and emotional state, taking in the beauty of different parts of the world, slowing down my life to reflect and actually live life.
Some people find it dangerous, risky and careless, but I make sure to post anything I capture and post it on social media a day or days after I have already left the location. This forces me to live more in the moment while not giving anyone the opportunity to do me wrong.
To- Do List:
PICK A PLACE TO TRAVEL
BOOK YOUR PLANE TICKET
RESERVE A HOTEL OR AIRBNB
RENT YOUR CAR
BOOK YOUR EXCURSIONS
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Take the trip! Do it alone and learn more about yourself and the world around you. You can’t wait around for the group chat to get on board or the next day off, make life work for you and meet new people, in new places— the world has so much to offer— you just have to book it!