How to start solo traveling
OK, first let us admire baby faced 2015 Sarah in Austria. Back when we had no idea what was in store for us five years later….sigh. I haven’t touched international soil in 8 months. But I’m fine. No really I’m FINE… right. Moving on.
This post is really exciting for me because it has a personal touch. As you all know, I frequently go places by myself, it’s probably becoming a problem how independent I am (sorry future husband!) lol.
As I was sharing on my instagram stories of my latest weekend trip to Disney, one of my very good friends had messaged me with a simple yet profound question:
“How do I start solo traveling?”
To be honest, I have always been taught how to be independent and felt safe traveling by myself from a young age because I had traveled so much with my parents internationally, then studied abroad. I never really thought about the fear aspect or concerns with traveling by myself because I knew the benefits outweighed them and I was an experienced traveler. Check out all the Pro’s of solo travel HERE.
So here are a few ideas if you’re feeling overwhelmed, nervous, or just don’t know where to go or what to do!
Start with something small and local.
I told my friend to go somewhere within a three hour max driving distance so that if anything went wrong she can just go back home. I think having that “out” could help those who are nervous on their own. Also keep it to a long weekend max to see if you enjoy being alone.
Think of activities that your friends or significant other wouldn’t want to do.
Look at this as an opportunity to do things only you want to do. When I went to Salzburg, Austria by myself, I went on a sound of music bike tour as you see pictured above. To me, it was a blast! I love The Sound of Music & I tend to do a bike tour in every city I go to. But I specifically chose this because if I was dating someone, they probably wouldn’t want to go do that with me….or maybe they would drag me to something I didn’t want to do. So find something for you!
Always keep safety in mind.
Tell a friend where you’ll be, hotel name, etc. I would also stay in a hotel if it’s your first solo trip. While Airbnb’s are super cool, they can be off the beaten trail in weird locations and have less security than a hotel. This is especially true if you are going somewhere that you don’t know the language.
Plan a few tours.
This helps you map out your trip better & can be a great way to meet people (socially distanced right now of course!) Again, find something that interests YOU.
Go at your own pace
Because you are by yourself, you are on no time schedule except for the one you create for yourself. Want to spend an extra hour at that museum? Go for it. Want to only ride soar’n 12x at Epcot and then go home? Guilty. Want to stay in the hotel & get room service watching chick flicks because it’s dreary weather outside? Done that too. But it doesn’t matter because it’s YOUR trip. You set the tone.
Bring a book.
If you aren’t used to eating at restaurants alone, this is your superhero cape to make it look like you are there alone with ease. It’s also better than being on your phone. Eventually, I would challenge you to just enjoy your meal without any of that arsenal.
Change the way you look at “solo" travel
After brainstorming some ideas for my friend, I realized many probably are afraid of solo travel and think it has to be this big elaborate two week backpacking in Europe adventure. Honestly, to me solo travel is just going to Disney by myself and staying at a hotel on my own. It’s going to a theatre show by yourself because you know a significant other wouldn’t want to. It’s not waiting on other people to go and see the world.
I think the biggest take away from our conversation was that it starts more as a staycation ya know? You want a day or two away from your normal routine & space, which you don’t have to look far to do. Then once you build your confidence, you’ll want to expand your horizons to a new location & explore more. All you need is to do something on your own.
Voila! You are a solo traveler now. :)
Sincerely,
Sarah
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to get more updates on future travels and tips!
