Solo Travel

I am the coupled half of this BFF equation. Jay is my partner and the behind the scenes tech guy for our podcast. Jay and I have been together for six years. And I am not going to hide it, it hasn’t always been bliss. Relationships are work. And you reap what you sow. We had to work through our differences and give up our single life habits. We butt heads. We annoy each other with our weird little habits. We argue over petty things and laugh until our bellies hurt. And if you do this to, it’s perfectly normal. No relationships is Hallmark Movie perfect.

Don’t get me wrong I love Jay but sometimes a girl just needs time to herself. So I make time to take myself on a solo trip. Jay takes care of the cats and Cullen goes to his grandparents house. Cullen is an asshole and won’t walk for Jay, hence why he goes to Grandmas. I make sure to FaceTime with Cullen so he knows his mama still loves him. The cats and Jay can fend for themselves. Just kidding, I check in with Jay to let him know that I am alive. If I don’t he panics…..

I know a lot of people are afraid to travel alone. Don’t be afraid to do it! Just make sure you let people know where you are going, what you will be doing and when you are expected to return. If you rent a car send the car info and license plate number to your spouse or friend. Ride share, you can share your route in the app and they can watch in real time to ensure you arrive safely. Be smart. Be aware of your surroundings and have fun. This is your trip! You deserve that drink at the bar, walk on the beach, and dinner at a sidewalk cafe.

I am the trip planner for my family and Jay. Solo trips allow me to have a blissfully unplanned agenda. I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself. Plus I get a bed all to myself and I can set the hotel room temp to my liking. I can sleep in and order room service or I can wake up early to watch the sunrise. I can grab some OJ from the breakfast bar and sit in the courtyard watching the lizards run around. Groupon is one of my go tos for getting a deal on tours and activities in the city I’m visiting. Also check in with the front desk, they often have coupons for activities or insight on what’s happening during your stay.

Don’t be afraid to dine alone. We all have to eat and you can get fast food at home. Not sure where to go, Yelp is a good tool to find what’s good in the area. Walk into the restaurant and enjoy yourself, this is after all your vacation. While dining alone I’ve had a lot of great conversations with waitstaff and even shared tables with random strangers. Take photos of your food and fruity drinks. Talk to the waitstaff, ask if there is a must do activity/place to visit during your stay. But mostly enjoy yourself!

Worried about collecting photo proof of your trip? Hello!? Have you not heard of a selfie stick? Yes a selfie stick is your friend, use it and take beautiful photos of yourself. Take photos of the scenery, including the hot guy or girl you spy at the pool (just don’t be suspicious). Take videos! Take lots of videos. And girl, take yourself shopping. I love looking for products that are unique and made in the area that I am visiting. I like to look for little things like magnets, Christmas ornaments, and coffee cups. Oh and in case you are wondering, yes booze flies well, just put it in your checked bag. So go visit a local distillery, brewery, and winery. Bring some home and share it with friends or keep it for yourself. Buy whatever makes you happy.

Outside of shopping, sipping on wine, and sight seeing, I like just sitting and hearing my own thoughts. That’s what I love most about solo trips is just sitting and listening to my soul. I am able to relax which allows me to come home refreshed. A refreshed less stressed me is good for my real . I am thankful that I have a partner who understands and supports my solo trips. Now the only question is, where will you wander?

-AJ