I don’t know about you but I’m feeling a bit worn lately and would benefit from a bit of downtime. I need some time to sit in a simple place with just one or two things, like sand and water. With just one or two sounds, like waves and wind. And let all the other noise that clogs my mind go silent. Maybe then I can remember what it is to be the me that I found over and over all those times ago. Yeah, that’s it. I’m not finding. I’m remembering. Solo travel will be vital to that.
And I believe it’s important that we take the time to prioritize solo travel for ourselves. I participated in a women’s business retreat last year down in Costa Rica. And when I arrived I had a glorious day all to myself before the conference started and spent it just decompressing. I sat under a palapa listening to waves crash on the beach. The house I stayed at was so close and the impact of the waves so hard that the ground shook. It was amazing to be in the presence of something so powerful and ongoing, timeless. That one couldn’t help but let all the little day-to-day stuff that had piled up on my shoulders fall away bit by bit like dead leaves to a breeze. The knot between my shoulder blades began to untangle. I was still. And that was glorious.
The Many Benefits
Freedom – By traveling solo there are no voices to answer to but your own. That freedom and flexibility are so enchanting when your daily norm is running around answering to as many people as there are hours in the day! Want to see the museum but not necessarily spend all day inside of it? No problem! Just take a walk right on by and leave the inside for another trip. Loathe to make a reservation because you just don’t want that kind of commitment? No problemo. See where fate takes you. For those of us who are committed to a life of family and friends with a fierce sense of loyalty and commitment, a chance to enter the world solo may be refreshing. The liberation of being physically in another place alone makes these obligations move to the back burner for a bit. And that break may be just what you need.
Money saver – Budgeting tends to be a bit easier as well. Keep on track by skipping where you want to splurge where you want puts that flexibility I mentioned above to good use! You also are only paying for one. One dinner, one ticket, one ferry ride. Maybe you taking the lead in where money is spent is a novelty and you rediscover financial priorities that got lost in compromising with others.
Recharge – If you have to keep the LED burning bright, you can recharge those waning batteries and do as little or as much as you’d like because there is no one else’s agenda to adhere to. This is a guilt-free, and much-needed, indulgence. Solo travel leaves a ton of space to think, reflect and process. Yes, there might be that moment of longing to share a special moment with someone else. But there are also a ton of moments to just reflect on your wants, needs, and gratitude for a change. We don’t often get to do that when in a group or with a partner. Maybe the routine of day in and day out is getting to you. A change is what you need to re-energize yourself.
Because if I didn’t I’d never go – Maybe if you didn’t travel solo you just wouldn’t go. And for some of us that’s not an option. Not all of us have friends we want or can take that adventure. As much as they’d love to come along, maybe they have other commitments right now and just can’t. And we’ve worked hard to save the money to go, so solo travel is the answer. Maybe we’ve watched someone struggle with a personal battle and lose. Or we’ve watched as a dream went unfulfilled. Whatever moment happened that pushed you to want to do this thing that you’ve never had the nerve to do before, it’s motivated you now to travel on your own.
A gift for me from me – creating special moments for yourself by yourself can be both liberating and empowering. There doesn’t need to be a justification or someone special that you are doing this for. You are the special person and you are taking this trip for yourself. Taking that time to travel solo brings out strength and ingenuity you did not know you had. You may meet amazing people whom you can call friends who connect you to special moments all around the world. Maybe you want to stare at a painting for 30 minutes without someone talking to you or tapping their foot because what you are doing does not fit their schedule. That liberation from another’s sense of schedule can be a nice break from reality.
How to Make it Easy
Using tech to support planning and communication is huge. Tech has come so far since my solo travel in Europe when I had to use a phone card to call home! Anyone remember those? Now not only do we have international phone plans, but we also have online tools that allow us to share our itinerary as well as live updates. For example, if you want to share your complete itinerary with someone back home, Wanderlog planning features and sharing lets you share your itinerary with loved ones so they know where you are.
Don’t forget to include a single supplement in your budget when necessary. Sometimes vendors apply a single supplement to accommodations. Ask if you are unsure to avoid surprise additions to your overall budget.
When packing for solo travel, it’s essential to prioritize versatility, convenience, and safety. Start with the basics: a sturdy, lightweight carry-on or backpack that’s easy to maneuver on your own. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for various occasions and weather conditions. Don’t forget essentials like any necessary medications (plus a bit extra in case a flight gets canceled or switched unexpectedly), a portable phone charger, a universal adapter, and a small, secure bag for valuables are also must-haves. Additionally, if you are checking a bag consider packing a travel-sized flashlight, a multitool, and a photocopy of important documents like your passport and emergency contacts should be kept safely tucked away in your carry-on, and a copy back home with a trusted someone. Lastly, pack a journal or notebook to document your adventures and that recommended good book you’ve always been meaning to get to for entertainment during the downtime you are treating yourself with.
Taking specific steps to ensure safety during travel is a sure way to feel more confident about your solo trip. There are several strategies to mitigate risks and enhance peace of mind. Thorough research into potential destinations is a great way to build comfort, including understanding local customs, laws, and potential safety concerns. Staying connected with loved ones through regular check-ins or sharing itineraries can provide an added layer of security. Additionally, participating in selected small group activities and locally led tours not only offers enriching cultural experiences but also fosters companionship with fellow travelers and knowledgeable guides, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing overall safety. By combining these approaches, solo travelers can enjoy their adventures with greater confidence and peace of mind.