Solo Travel...

About 5 years ago, I went on my first solo vacation to Jamaica; oddly enough, it is where I just returned from another solo trip.

It was the first Christmas my son wasn't going to be with me and frankly I just wanted to escape the holiday all together. I still remember the disparate reactions from men and women. Once men figured out I was alone, their reaction was fearful (worried for my safety) or one of pity ("awww that's so sad"). In my conversations with women, the reaction was distinctively different...comments like - "OMG I'm so jealous," "I wish I could go by myself," you're so brave," "good for you," etc. I find it amusing women are often described as needy when it seems men struggle more with being alone than women do. 

 

I've traveled alone a few times since and it's always extremely beneficial. As much as I love my travel buddies, traveling alone frees you of any obligation and allows you to just be...no schedules, no compromise, no expectations. It's a wonderful way to recharge. I load up my iPad with books and TV shows/movies before I go and transition in to beach bum mode as soon as I drop my bags. Most of my time is spent on the beach...I pick a prime spot first thing in the morning, then spend my days reading, watching shows, people watching, napping, eating, and drinking. I've even started a few book ideas that I haven't finished on some of these trips...may be one day. 

Although I went to Jamaica with serious R&R intentions; my plans changed at check in when I met 3 wonderful spirits. It was still rest and relaxation, just not how I'd envisioned. We laughed, drank, ate, and made plans for the future; they embraced me like family. We even met a really cool couple from Montreal and Paolo became our protector for the remainder of the trip. 

Funny how subtle fluctuations can change your life's course, both my flight and transport were delayed. That only equated to about an hour’s difference; however, if those delays had not occurred, I may not have meet the beautiful ladies I had a blast with this Labor Day holiday.

A few solo travel tips...

§  Be very careful about who you tell you are alone; have a few canned statements about where your travel mates are (I was running behind, I'm meeting them in a few a minutes)
§  Know the route from the airport to your accommodations and about how long it should take to get there so you can sense if something is off (the cab driver is definitely not someone to tell you are alone; your travel companions are already at the hotel waiting for you to arrive)
§ Have someone you check in with back home on a schedule so they know to take action if you don't check in
§ Take a door jammer in case your hotel doesn't have appropriate security features; mine also has an alarm
§ Know your limits; don't drink to the point of intoxication because you must be fully aware of your surroundings
§ Sisterhood; when you are not traveling alone but notice someone is, keep an eye out for her

Solo travel not only pushes you out of your comfort zone, it also pushes you out of the zone of others' expectations. - Suzy Strutner

Every woman owes it to herself to travel alone at least once in her life! Safe Travels…