Recently I went on a solo trip to the Berkshires. I did not intend this to be a solo trip, but my friend got sick, and I would take advantage of this trip. I had fun exploring the area and got to do a few extra things that I might not have done if my friend had gone.
The thing is, I am not one to go to places alone. I always feel awkward and nervous when I go to events and parties where I don’t know many people. I have yet to go to a few events because of this. However, over the past few years, I have gone on a few self-dates ( going out to dinner or lunch alone). I even went to the movies alone once. All these things felt awkward, but I did them. I am sure you can relate!
When I went to the Berkshires, this was my first solo trip and my first time feeling confident to do something alone. I felt ready to have a fun solo adventure. How did I get more confident with doing things alone? It took some time for me to gain this confidence. It also took a jump in with two feet and did it moment. This solo trip was that moment. I have also recently been doing things I never thought I could do, like driving to Philly, Which is a 5-hour drive ( I never thought I could drive further than 3.5 hours on my own). Knowing I could do things I never thought I could do has boosted my confidence. What things have you done that you never thought you could do?
Sometimes there are things I want to do, but no one else wants to do them with me. So I have been doing them alone and enjoying them more. I have learned more about myself by spending more time doing things alone. Learning more about myself has helped me to feel more confident in myself. This has also helped me in relationships knowing what I want and how to say no to the things I don’t want.
With the proper knowledge, you can go on a solo trip and feel confident. I am sharing some tips I have learned over the years of traveling. These tips will help you to feel secure when traveling.
You, too, can go on a solo trip! I have some great tips for traveling solo and feeling confident.
Solo Trip Tips:
- Have an itinerary of places you want to see, eat and shop ( this way, you can know precisely what you are doing)
- When in a big city, walk as if you know where you are going with confidence. This way, you will look like you live there and are not a tourist.
- Sitting at the bar at a restaurant, you can talk with the bartender or someone else, and you get to see more of the action going on around you. (on my recent trip, I got to talk with the bartenders and learned more about the area I was in)
- Educate yourself on the safe areas when in a big city
- Find some group tours of the city, architecture, or a museum ( This way, you can learn more about where you are and get to spend some time with others ( you never know who you might meet)
- Be patient with yourself
- Bring a charger, so your phone does not die
- Take a bag that has a zipper and is big enough to put a sweater, umbrella or anything else you might need for the day
Armed with these tips, you can confidently go on a weekend or more extended trip on your own. So, where will you go on your first solo trip?
Xoxo- Nikki
