"Oh, I could never do that!," exclaimed one of the participants in my Live Alone and Thrive workshops. She was reacting to my enthusiastic account of traveling by myself to Paris to celebrate my 50th birthday. And, she was right of course - she will never experience the fun and fulfillment of traveling solo, as long as she holds onto that attitude.
Traveling alone, just like living alone, requires the right frame of mind for it to be successful and enjoyable.
But why travel alone in the first place, you might ask. Why go to Paris alone? Why not grab a friend or two and make it a shared experience? And to that I answer, because the potential for self-discovery and savoir-faire that comes with solo travel is absolutely priceless. I'm not suggesting an exclusive diet of solo travel, but I am encouraging those who live alone (and even those who don't) to consider this mode of travel for two really good reasons: you'll gain confidence and you'll gain wisdom from your experiences.
Are you on board? Ready to take off? Here are a few tips to make your solo adventure as rewarding as possible:
Adopt a new attitude. It starts here. You can do this, even if a spouse or significant other has taken care of all the travel plans and details in the past. Like most everything else in life, you can accomplish almost anything - if you believe you can. Traveling solo isn't "rocket science." It's automobile, train, and plane science and you can make sense of it. Triple A or a travel agent can help.
Plan. Plan. Plan. I started planning my excursion to Paris three years prior to take off. I opened a "Paris" savings account and deposited $150 dollars a month for 36 months. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to return from my trip, free and clear of credit card debt. Instead, I arrived back home with cherished memories and mementoes of Paris, including an exquisite pair of leather shoes and a Parisian scarf to die for.
Select your hotel accommodations carefully. I scoured the travel literature and asked everyone and their brother (and sister) about where to stay in Paris. I had criteria: the hotel had to be in a "good" neighborhood; it had to be centrally located; it had to be very "French;" and it had to be convenient to transportation. I found Hotel de Fleurie, which was situated on a charming side street in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Whatever your criteria and final selection, make contact by phone or e-mail with the hotel front desk staff before your arrival. Let them know you are traveling alone and under what circumstances. My experience has taught me that hotel staff - with an understanding of your situation - will be extra helpful and vigilant. And it can pay off in unexpected ways as well: I was surprised (and delighted!) to find a bottle of Champaign and "Happy 50th" greeting when I arrived in my hotel room.
Follow your heart. Have you read or heard of the book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List? Many of us have secret hopes and dreams of visiting exotic places or destinations that have a special, personal significance. As I approached my mid-life milestone, I knew I wanted to do something really special to mark the occasion. I wanted it to be meaningful. I wanted it to be memorable. I wanted Paris! And I wasn't going to let the fact that I was divorced and on my own, keep me from visiting one of the most romantic places on the planet. Who said Paris was just for lovers! My advice? Don't limit your travel aspirations just because you are on your own.
Get or update your passport. This is a life staple, in my book, because . . . you just never know. You just never know when - by choice or by change - the trip of lifetime might arrive at your doorstep and you'll want to be able to grab it by the suitcase handles and take flight. It can take up to six weeks to get a passport, so don't delay!
I often describe my solo trip to Paris as "the best 10 days of my life." And I mean it. I spent day after glorious day exploring Paris on foot, with relentless curiosity and wonder as my guide. Every quaint, historic neighborhood was more fascinating than the last, and each day more surprising and thrilling than the one before. I came home changed, fulfilled, and richer for the experience (plus a few pounds heavier!).
Whether it's a one-day, a weekend or weeklong adventure, I encourage you to go it alone and embrace the joie de vivre that traveling solo can inspire.
