Summer is rapidly approaching, and I am itching to take a tropical vacation somewhere far away. However, the process of rounding up a group of friends and agreeing on what to do sounds miserable. Vacations have become a series of compromises, waiting on others, and trying not to let your anger show. Luckily, Pinterest, the purveyor of trends, shows that there is a serious uptick in women pinning solo travel ideas.
While the idea of going on a self-indulgent trip by myself sounds wonderful, I have to admit it is daunting. And since I find myself surrounded by strong, independent women, I turned to my colleagues for their best advice on traveling solo. Who better to help you plan your own eat, pray, love moment?
Stephanie Theis
Digital Marketing Specialist
Destination: Paris
Q: What are some of the things you did day-to-day?
I started my day with a café noisette and a croissant with extra butter (no shame!). I tried different cafés at first but eventually ended up becoming a regular at a cute café not too far from my Airbnb. I even started writing a diary, which went hand in hand with my frequent café visits. I explored the various museums, galleries and churches. I went for long walks imagining how much history has passed through the same streets I was walking.
Q: What was the best part?
The food, the fashion, self-empowerment … everything. This trip changed my perception about myself and life in general. I realized how much I enjoy my own company — it’s quite magical when you don’t feel lonely while being alone. Get out of your head, no one except you is thinking, “Why is she alone?” Learn to enjoy your own company.
I [also] met an elderly lady who was so poised and elegant, the type of woman you read about in a novel. We ended up having champagne while she shared her life story … it was incredibly inspiring. Also, have I mentioned a warm baguette with butter?
Q: What did you learn about yourself?
Everything is relative.
Q: Was safety ever an issue?
Never.
Mylan Torres
Visual Editor
Destination: all over, most recently Portland and Seattle
Q: What are some of the things you did day-to-day?
Lots of food and hiking! I made it a point to look up some cute restaurants and dessert spots and treated myself to dinners I wouldn’t otherwise (looking at you, The Pink Door 👀). While it’s nice to have a few things planned ahead, I think the best way to get a feel for the city is to kind of just wander aimlessly around.
Q: What was the best part?
Honestly, it was just being on my own. Being able to do whatever I wanted when I wanted and essentially practice all the self-care. If I didn’t want to get up early one day, I could sleep in a bit and it was fine since I had no one waiting on me. You get to just take care of yourself and are able to de-stress/go at your own pace.
[And] the people I met. When you travel alone, you have to put yourself out there, you know? Not be too shy to ask someone to take your photo or whatever. So, I’ll go on random bar crawls and talk to strangers and have met the best people that way. One girl I met, I’m still in touch with and she even visited me in New York a few months later.
Q: What did you learn about yourself?
That I’m okay on my own and it’s okay to be left alone with your thoughts. Traveling alone is really good way to check in with yourself and where you’re at in life.
Q: Was safety ever an issue?
Not as of yet. I try to be watchful of my surroundings if I’m out at night and will make sure to take an Uber/Lyft if I’m out late. [Editor’s note: make sure to ask ‘who are you here for’ when approaching your Uber/Lyft. Safety first!]
Q: Any tips?
Download the offline map for wherever you’re going on the Google Maps app. So, if your phone service ever cuts out, you’ll still know where you are and how to get back to your Airbnb. Super helpful when you’re driving! Also, always have an emergency fund/card to use when traveling. You never know what’s going to come up. Once I went on a day trip to Brno when I was living in Prague that turned into an accidental overnight trip when I missed the last bus out of the city. I definitely had not budgeted for that but luckily, I had my credit card on me and was able to book a hotel room at the last minute. And portable chargers! Definitely never travel without them.
Christy Kang
International Marketing & Business Development Manager – APAC
Destination: Italy, including Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna and Venice
Q: What are some of the things you did day-to-day?
Visiting “must-see” sites, art museums, [eating] gelato (two or three times per day!). Italian cuisine, shopping, people watching [and wandering] into streets and discover[ing] interesting boutiques.
Q: What was the best part?
The opportunity to self-reflect and have quiet-space. We live in a society with a lot of noises and stress, so it’s great to spend some quality time abroad. Also, the ability to improve my Italian [thanks to] interaction with locals. One time at dinner in Milan I was seated next to an adorable grandma who was eating alone. After dinner I asked her if she [could] recommend a good gelato place nearby. Her personality was so warm and kind — she even walked me out and showed me which direction to go (you know it will be good because she lived in the area for many years!).
Q: Was safety ever an issue?
I would avoid quiet streets and return to the hotel before dark just to be on the safe side. Also be careful with your belongings. I usually don’t carry backpacks around but made sure my jacket had multiple pockets for storage.
Q: What did you learn about yourself?
Go into something without expectations and experience it with a clear mind and heart. That’s when the best things happen. Get out of your comfort zone and buy that ticket!
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