Going to the Bahamas alone was an eye-opening trip in more ways than one. You really learn a lot about yourself when you step away from all the things that keep you content. I realized in moments of quiet reflection that I have taken comfort in my comfort for entirely too long and I happily immersed myself in experiences I never would have had if I had just waited for Bryan or a girlfriend to take time off to come along with me.
One woman in the Bahamas called me brave (though I’m not sure that’s entirely true). Another resort employee told me she could never travel alone but applauded my decision. Here are a few reasons why I think it’s important that we take that initial step and book a solo travel vacation.
- You’ll never regret a once-in-a-lifetime experience the way you might a pair of shoes, a handbag (guilty), or that Friday night movie that you knew would be a rental.
- You’ll come back with great stories. On the day I took a shuttle downtown to the Straw Market, I met a sweet man who offered to take me around “his” island (he also happened to be a licensed cab driver). He drove me to the fish stands where the locals lined up each morning to pick up dinner for that evening, he showed me where the first fort in the Bahamas was located (and he graciously pulled over so I could snap pictures of the surrounding islands), and he told me all about the history of the Bahamas. He also offered to cook me dinner when I came back (I noticed it was incredibly important to the locals that you don’t just visit once, but that you intend to return). Okay, so maybe he was hitting on me a little bit. That part was flattering, too.
- You’ll watch as couples hold hands and your first instinct is to work on the relationship(s) you left behind.
- You’ll gain confidence. Walking into a dining room and saying that YES! You are a proud party of one takes major cajones.
- You’ll have the freedom to do whatever you like, whenever you like. If you’re one to give up the prime seat at a restaurant to your partner, you’ll enjoy the views in a whole new way. Want to take a nap in the middle of the day? Have at it! You’re on your own time now.
- You have the choice to meet people or use this opportunity for quiet reflection. There were times when I wanted to make conversation, and so, I did. And when I wanted to meditate on the beach or be left alone, I simply stuck my nose in my journal or a book.
Here’s the best part: only you can decide on your next travel adventure. As they say, the world is your oyster. If you could go anywhere right now, where would you choose?
This sounds wonderful! I really would love to travel alone someday. I’d love to get away for a weekend to the Baltic Sea, just me and no one else to care for! But if I could go anywhere I wanted to right now, it would have to be Chicago, my second home!
Happy Wednesday xxx
I am planning my first trip alone sometime this year. I just finalized a divorce a few months back…..a painful process that took nearly a year and a half. Along the way I decided, when this is over…I’m taking myself to Hawaii. I can’t wait to experience all of it and to give myself this gift.
What a wonderful experience that must have been. So jazzed for you that you had such a great adventure taking time away on your own
I’d go to Hawaii in a heartbeat.
If I had the cash and cajones.
I’m proud of you and I’m so glad that you were able to enjoy it and learn so much about you in the process xoxo
It sounds perfect, and yeah, I give up the seat with the best view. Need to work on that!
I’ve never vacationed by myself, but it sounds like a wonderful adventure 🙂
“At least once” should be “more often.” Perhaps because I’m all too familiar with having a vacation or trip ruined because of obnoxious travel partners, but traveling alone is not just an eye opener but truly liberating. It’s one of the few instances of “doing what you want, when you want” and I find traveling with someone becomes more of a burden because it seems both of you have to decide what to do next (I only had 1 travel buddy who was not adverse to breaking apart and meeting back up after a set amount of time).
How awesome that you did this! I was in NYC on my own for 2 days, back in 2008, after spending 4 days there with a friend. It was wonderful, and I would absolutely do it again.
Oh man, I can be so shy I’d be scared that I’d just hide in my room the whole time!
Yes to all of these! I am traveling alone to Chicago to surprise a friend in March but driving and taking my time, and I can’t wait!
Found you on SITS Girls Sharefest, BTW. 🙂
Couldn’t agree more. Some of my best memories are traveling through Europe and South America by myself. Now I travel alone all the time for work, and it’s always nice when my husband comes along. 🙂