6 Reasons It's Great to Travel Solo

Last year I took my first solo vacation and I loved it! It was relaxing and completely stress free. I thoroughly enjoyed the time by myself and have never been more relaxed!

My First Solo Trip

I'll start with a little about my first solo trip. My first thought, when I decided I needed a change of scenery, was to go away for a weekend. Maybe visit a small town I haven't been to. Then I decided what I really wanted, and needed, was to get away for several days so I could really relax and unwind. My favorite place to do that is at the beach! I love being on the water, the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air, and the sense of calm I get by being there.

I live in Houston, so Galveston Island isn't too far, but that isn't where I wanted to go. I looked at Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach, since I've never been to either. However, I really didn't want to deal with airport parking and everything that goes along with flying. I really don't like to fly. I will do it, but it isn't something I look forward to.

Then I thought of South Padre Island, Texas. It is about a six hour drive from Houston. The water and beaches are beautiful, and the hotels are reasonably priced. And, since it was the week of Labor Day, the rates were lower and it wasn't crowded. I prefer to travel before Memorial Day and after Labor Day for those reasons.

I did not have a schedule or plan, other than enjoying the beach. I took a walk on the beach and saw the sunrise every morning. The beach is so peaceful in the morning. The sunrise was beautiful and I felt like it was just me and the ocean. It was so calming. It was also humbling to be on the beach, pretty much alone, and look out at the vast body of water.

After my walk, I'd go to the hotel restaurant and get a light breakfast. Then I would go put on my swimsuit and sunscreen, grab my beach bag, and head to the beach! I got down there around 10 each morning and stayed there until late afternoon. The hotel was beach front, so it was a quick elevator ride and short walk to the beach.

I splurged each day for a couple chairs under an umbrella. The cost was $25 - $30 p/day and it was money well spent! I love being on the beach and soaking up some vitamin D, but I need a break from the sun too. I spent that time in and out of the water. Enjoying the waves and sitting on the beach listening to the ocean.

I did not get on my phone while I was at the beach. I was there to relax and unwind. The only time I had my phone in hand was to take pictures, then it went back in my beach bag. I didn't post to social media until I got home.

After dinner I would sit on the deck by the beach or at the open air bar on the beach. Then I would go to my room to watch some TV and read my book until I was ready to go to sleep. I would get up the next day and do the same thing again.

By the last day I had a little bit of a sunburn in some places, so I decided maybe it would be a good idea to do something different. I had to persuade myself, but I'm glad I did. There is a turtle sanctuary on the island, Sea Turtles, Inc. (Click here for to check out their website). I took a tour, which was just $10.

Sea Turtles, Inc. rescues turtles who are injured or otherwise struggling and keep them at the sanctuary until they are ready to be released back into the ocean. Those that are not able to be released are housed at the sanctuary for the remainder of their lives. It was an interesting and enjoyable experience.

I also scheduled a sunset cruise for that evening. It wasn't a dinner cruise, just a boat ride. It was a lot of fun! I met some really nice people that I visited with the entire time. And the sunset was beautiful and I am glad for the experience.

I had a wonderful time! I'm telling you, I have never been so relaxed and I don't remember ever feeling so rested. Being by myself at the beach was better than I could have imagined! And I wasn't the least bit lonely. I can't explain it, you just need to experience it. Whether your happy place is at the beach, the mountains, or wherever, experiencing it alone is an experience like not other!

I plan to take another solo trip this year or next! I have another trip planned this year with some friends, so the solo trip might have to wait for next year, if I can hold out that long! I will definitely be taking more solo trips!

6 Reasons It's Great to Travel Solo

1. Go on your schedule. Traveling solo means you don't have to worry about anyone else's schedule. You decide when you want to go and how long you want to be there. Schedule your time off of work when it is a good time for you. You can choose if you want to go to one place or visit two or more locations. You can stay overnight, a weekend, two weeks, or however long you want and are able to be gone.

2. Go where you want to go. This isn't saying anyone you would consider traveling with would make it difficult to choose a location (although there are some people....lol), but it can be easier for you to select a place that suits your budget and has attractions you are interested in. You can stay in one place or visit two or more locations. You can choose whether you want a leisure trip or one packed full of adventure.

3. Travel how and when you prefer. Do you want to drive, fly, or take a scenic train trip? A good way to save money on flights is to fly off peak days and times. You might prefer to save money on your flight by taking the red eye with an extra layover. A train trip could be a fun experience and of course there is always the road trip, if your destination allows for the time. However you want to get to your destination is up to you!

4. Stay where you're comfortable. Do you prefer luxury accommodations, a mid-priced hotel, an Air BNB, or is glamping more your style? If you don't plan to be at the hotel or in your room much, you might want to save money on accommodations by skipping the luxury hotel. Think about conveniences you want nearby.

You can select a place that is near the attraction(s) you want to see - beachfront, in the heart of the city, at the edge of or in the mountains, etc. Also consider if you want to rent a car or, if you want to drive at all. Maybe you prefer to have things within walking distance. Consider all of this when selecting where you want to stay.

5. Choose to have an itinerary or wing it. If you're a person who likes to have a planned itinerary, then you can pick what you want to do, when you want to do it, and how long you want to do each thing for. You can research restaurants and plan ahead where you want to eat. You can find the best shopping locations, historical sites, and attractions that interest you.

Or, you can take each day as it comes and see & do what you can get to. The latter is more my style - I'm a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl. Although when visiting a place other than a beach, there are usually one or two things I want to be sure to see or do.

6. It is a great way to nourish your soul. Getting away by yourself is self-care! Women don't spend enough time taking care of ourselves, even when we live alone. Also, everyone should be comfortable in their own company. Spending time alone, especially away from day-to-day life, is relaxing. It helps increase self-awareness - what you enjoy and things you want to do.

Taking a solo trip allows you to not focus anything you want or nothing at all. Traveling solo will also help you understand that being alone doesn't mean lonely.

If you're nervous about traveling alone but want to try it, you can visit a small town or big city near you for one or two nights, take a day trip by yourself, or get a room in your own city/town and act like a tourist. Step out of your comfort zone and just do it! You'll be glad you did!

Don't forget to always keep safety in mind, especially when traveling solo! This includes while traveling, at your hotel or wherever you're staying, and at any sites you visit. You can enjoy a solo trip, but always keep safety in mind!

Solo travel is all about you! Go when and where you want to go, do what you want to do, go by your own schedule, and stay as long as you want, wherever you want. Best of all, you don't have to worry about anyone or anything! A solo trip really is all about YOU! You deserve it and probably need it more than you know!

Until next time,

Melanie