On Traveling Solo
I love traveling solo. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind traveling with others, and I have in fact orchestrated a few trips with multiple travelers, but for me, there’s nothing like traveling alone.
If I could get paid to travel and write, while sustaining my current lifestyle, I would be ecstatic because I’d be doing two things I’m passionate about. I’m aware there’s such a thing as a travel blogger but a.) unless you continually bust your butt chasing freelance gigs to compensate for the money you’re not making as a travel blogger, the job doesn’t pay enough and b.) there’s hella competition, much like the book writing game. I actually read where one travel blogger rents out their apartment through Air BnB at least two weeks a month just to be able to make rent. Hats off to them for being diligent and finding a way to chase the dream, but it ain’t that serious for me. Guess I’ll have to find another way to get paid to do what I love to do.
Here are a few things I like about traveling solo.
- You can do what you want, when you want.
If you want to schedule your vacation down to the minute, you can. Or, if you want to go without a plan at all, and literally wander around from day to day, you can do that too. Neither requires the approval of anyone else.
- You don’t have to plan around some else’s tastes or budget.
I don’t need a multi bedroom suite, a personal concierge, or half naked guys with palm fronds to fan me as they feed me grapes, but I do like comfort when I’m away from home. And while I am the Queen of finding a deal, there are others that only require a place to shower and get a few hours sleep. Call me high maintenance but I’m not a Ho Jo, Travelodge, or Motel 6 kinda girl.
- I like having my own room.
Even when I travel with others I prefer to have my own room. Don’t get me wrong, depending on the situation, there are times I don’t mind sharing a room, but I like being able chill in my own space. If I want to walk around butt naked, or wake up early, or stay out all night, I know I’m not bothering anyone else.
- You don’t have to worry about anyone else’s actions, decisions, or moods ruining your vacation.
I for one am not a happy camper when I’m tired. Or hungry. Combine the two and I can be pretty hard to love. However, I have self awareness, so if I’m with someone who isn’t tired, or hungry, and engaged in something they want to do, I will ‘suck it up’ and probably get very quiet as I patiently wait to eat. But even still, my attempt to manage my mood by getting unusually quiet may put someone else off, causing friction or tension. You don’t have to worry about any of that when you’re alone.
- I’m usually more interested in what the locals do than the typical ‘touristy’ stuff.
I will never understand people who travel to a different city/state/country just to eat at a chain restaurant that’s available in their hometown. Or, people who spend their entire vacation ‘hanging out,’ drinking, and chasing the opposite sex. If those are the kinds of things you’re into that’s cool, but you can do that at home for free. I want to find that local hole in the wall that serves the best <insert dish name here> in the city, or that local shop that makes unique handmade items you can’t buy anywhere else.
- I’m into trying new things.
The last time I was in New Orleans I was with friends, and I took a bike tour that was a lot of fun. Part of the group wasn’t comfortable with riding a bike, so they didn’t go (which was totally ok). These are the types of things you have to take into consideration when you’re not traveling solo. So if you’re into seeing or doing things that others aren’t, like taking a road trip to see the world’s biggest ball of yarn, try going solo. That way there’s no one there to say “I can’t believe you dragged me here for this.“
I love traveling solo so much, what other’s may see as cons I see as pros.
- What in the world will I do with myself without a travel companion?
I’m a very social person and I can assure you, you’ll get over that urge to turn to someone and say “did you see that?” Have fun spending time with yourself. You’ll learn a few things and build a little confidence to boot. One of my favorite things to do is people watch. It’s always entertaining and completely FREE.
- I feel like people will be staring at me, or think I’m some kind of weirdo because I’m alone.
News flash: no one is paying any attention to you. Unless you have a stalker, but we’ll talk about that in a minute. Most other people you come across will be focused on the people they’re with. Or staring at their phones. If you’re super uncomfortable about eating alone, eat at the bar, or take some reading material with you. It’s very easy to download an eBook to your phone. Better yet, chat up the wait staff and figure out your next adventure. Locals have the best tips on what to do and what not to do.
- You think you won’t have anyone to talk to.
Unless you’re painfully shy, you’re more likely to meet people because you’re alone. You’re typically much more approachable when you’re alone because you’re not engaged in conversation with a travel companion. If you’re not shy, like myself, strike up a conversation with someone. If you ask a local for directions, follow that up by asking for a suggestion for a place to eat dinner. If you know the person is a tourist, ask them their opinion about the things they’ve experienced so far.
- How will I get any pictures with me in them?
Think of this as another opportunity to meet new people. Simply ask someone to take your picture! I’ve actually had people offer to take pics for me without asking. Other times I’ve asked staff members to take my pic, which they’ve always happily obliged (see the pictures below, pre weight loss, from my solo Vegas trip a few years ago). There’s always the selfie route, but sometimes that can feel a little awkward. Try acting as if you’re taking a picture of something in front of you when you’re really taking a pic of yourself (if you’re absolutely self conscious about selfies). There are selfie sticks, but you’re on your own with that one. If you decide to travel with one, just know some places don’t allow them (Walt Disney World comes immediately to mind).
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The key to traveling solo is research, research, research. Learn as much as you can about your destination before you get there. Google Maps is a great resource, especially the street view feature, because it allows you to see a place virtually, before you even get there.
Understand the local area, as it relates to where you’re staying, and figure out where you’re going (or have a general idea) before you leave your room. Then, head there with confidence, just as you would in your own home town. Do not walk around with your face buried in a guide book or your phone. In other words, don’t LOOK (or DRESS) like a tourist. Know before you go.
Listen to your instincts. If it looks wrong, or feels wrong, it probably is. And don’t worry about being rude to someone who is being overly friendly or persistent, it may keep you out of a bad situation.
If you choose to go out at night, stay in areas that are well lit and well populated. Catch a cab versus walking if necessary.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Always. That includes people (remember I mentioned stalkers?). Use the reflections in mirrors or windows, when available, to see what’s going on behind you. Know how to get back to your hotel at any given moment. If you need to check your phone for directions, try to do so while eating, or in the privacy of a bathroom, for example, not in public.
If you’re unsure about a particular event or destination, talk to hotel staff and literally ask the question: is this someplace that you would consider unsafe for a tourist traveling alone? In my experience, they’ll be completely honest with you.
Personally, I’ve never felt the need to carry any type of protection, but if you choose to do so, make sure it’s legal. Even pepper spray has different legal restrictions from state to state.
Make sure someone knows exactly where you are. I don’t mean every second of every day, but where you’re staying and a general idea of where you’ll be. I like to post occasionally on Facebook for two reasons (and it’s not to brag about being on vacation); so my family is assured I’m ok, and if something were to happen to me, at least the cops will know where to start their investigation. And yes, I’m completely serious about that. Check in occasionally with someone by text or phone call if social media isn’t your thing.
Traveling solo has never really been a big deal for me. I’m one of those people who can be very outgoing, but I am also content with being by myself and enjoying my own company. The only thing I have not figured out is how to deal with post vacation blues. I admit I’ve shed a private tear or two on the way home from a trip. If you suffer from PVB, and you did your solo trip right (ventured out, took lots of pictures, and met new people), reliving those memories should help soften the blow!
Your Solo Travel Concierge,
Angela