How To Get Started...
I get it. Even the thought of solo travel can make you cringe. And you might have read my last post, and said ‘yeah, all that sounds great, but I’ll never actually do it!!! I’m too scared.” Or “People will see me alone and think I must not have any friends.”
None of these things are true. It all begins and ends in your own mind. So. Here are my top 5 tips to help you plan and execute your first solo trip!!!
No. 1: Know Thy Self.
You should start with a series of serious of questions. What makes you happy? What do you like to do? What have you always wanted to do? Are you an introvert who recharges by being alone or an extrovert who gets energy and strength from others?
Those questions will inform you of where you should look. If you are an introvert, maybe you should plan time at a smaller destination that fits you interests such as a small beach resort or mountain retreat. On the other hand, if you want to be around a lot of people, a big city that has tons of energy may be your vibe!
No. 2: Plan Your Trip by your Peronsality.
This is the absolute key to success. As just mentioned, do a deep dive into what you is relaxing to you. Is it a beach or a mountain adventure? Ask yourself, “when I am relaxing the most, am I at home by myself or out with friends at a crowded bar?” Do I love cities or hate them?
What is my spiritual element of recharge? Is it people? Solitude? Water/Mountains?These answers will inform where you should go. For example, maybe you want to pick a busy beach resort with lots of opportunities to socialize with others if you are extroverted. Or maybe you prefer a small mountain cabin where you can sit on the porch and read your book.
No. 3: Start Small.
So one of my biggest tips is to start small. Don’t jump into your first solo trip being a remote beach 3,000 miles from home with flight service once a week. But plan a three day weekend instead. This gives you a chance to “test the waters” and acclimatize to solo travel.
Depending on where you live, there may be lots of escapes you can find. Maybe a hot springs not far from your house, or a neighboring city you have always wanted to explore… Even better, find a spa and plan a weekend pf pampering! The possibilities are lonely limited by your imagination.
No. 4: Have A Plan for Loneliness..
When I embarked on this most recent journey, knowing I will be gone for several months to several years, I actually made a plan on how to keep in touch with my friends who are all in multiple time zones, all wildly different than mine. With one of my besties, we exchange WhatsApp voice texts daily. I also touch base with my family several times a week via WhatsApp.
If you are going on your first solo trip, have a plan in case you get lonely. Maybe your closest friend or relative is around and you can call them or send a text. Maybe your plan is as simple as “If I get lonely I will head to the resort bar and find the drunkest person who just wants to talk to anyone who will tolerate them.”
I jest. Mostly.
No. 5: Carry Something to Read.
Whenever I out by myself, which is almost daily, I always have an iPad or book with me. It serves two purposes.
First, it is a prop that gives me comfort and makes me feel as though people aren’t looking at me thinking “that dude has no friends.” Instead, they are thinking “that dude is just reading a book.”
Second, it does actually give me something to do if I end up not being able to talk to someone. But the reality is, I usually sit at the bar and 90% of the time I end up engaging in conversation with someone – the bar tender or another patron. However, maybe it’s my “emotional support iPad” but having it there brings me a sense of comfort!!! And it will for you to. Because if you start to feel awkward, just flip it on and start reading whatever you loaded. Within minutes, you will feel great again!!!
The Video.
Check out my youtube video on the advantages of solo travel!!!