Happy Monday all!
As I start making my travel plans for the year, I know one of my destinations will be another solo trip. While the idea of solo travel is wonderful, I struggle with it. I struggle because honestly I don’t want to travel alone. In my perfect world I’d have a cool travel buddy to traverse the world with but unfortunately this isn’t the case. My desire to see the world is stronger than waiting for that buddy so the only way to go is solo. Whenever I think about traveling solo, my anxieties and fears bubble to the surface. I wish I could be super fearless and just go without any reservations like some of my favorite travel bloggers (I absolutely LOVE Oneika the Traveler). They make traveling solo look so effortless and intoxicating but it wasn’t that way for me. I found myself wondering who would I talk to? Are people going to look at me strange? Then the super self-conscious thoughts about my weight and race would start. Am I too big to travel? Will I fit in the plane seat? Are people staring at me because I’m black? (nine times out often, yeah they are! LOL) I would ruminate on these thoughts so much I’d start talking myself out of going. Last year I nearly talked myself out of getting on the flight to Dubai! I thought by going to Dubai solo it would stop these anxieties and fears but it didn’t. I felt like a failure because my issues didn’t magically disappear after my trip. So instead of beating myself up, I’ve decided to be real about my struggles with solo travel. It’s okay to have fears and concerns, the key is not allowing it to stop me from going. My goal is to become more at peace with solo travel because the reality is that a lot of my travels will be solo ones (that’s if I don’t meet Mr. Right and he doesn’t like to travel!). Not traveling isn’t an option for me so I have to work through my issues . I’m going to continue to travel solo (eek!) until I become that effortless traveler I know that lives inside me.
Right now I’m going back and forth between Barcelona, Toronto or Havana to visit this year. I can’t decide which place to go so can y’all help a sista out?
Have a great day!
HI,
I say go for it! You only live once. I have a great travel buddy, but we both do solo travel also. I am plus size, tall, and Black female. You don’t get that many looks, I did in China though, but that’s OK. I’ll go with you!😊
I really admire both your honesty about your fears and your determination to keep traveling solo. I hope you have lots of wonderful trips! People say to go to Havana now before it changes a lot, so maybe you should try that. Bon voyage!
Check out the Travel Divas group on Facebook. They are always traveling in groups where you can still be solo, but have traveling companions. There are also a lot of women in the group that post looking for a travel buddy. Good luck! Travel is a part of my 2017 plan as well!!
Hi Georgette,
I say go! I am in the same situation as you without the marvelous travel companion I would love, but rather than wait for her to materialize I just made reservations for two weeks in Bermuda as a single. I rented a lovely little cottage from a sweet young couple through Airbnb that’s a 5 minute walk from a grocery store, 15 minutes from the beach, and even less to a bus stop. They even have a cat! (I always miss my two cats when I’m away.) If I don’t want to dine out I can cook in the cute little cottage kitchen and eat on “my” patio gazing at the water. I honestly am looking forward to being solo–I can do what I want when I want. I chose Bermuda for my first solo trip because I’ve been there several times before and am familiar with the area. The people who live there are all so friendly and kind. I’ve stayed at resorts and privately-owned homes thru Airbnb, and really prefer the latter because I have the genuinely sweet company and tremendous knowledge of a Bermudian rather than being surrounded by other tourists. Something I noticed when reading Airbnb reviews of different properties is there ARE quite a few other people who have stayed at these properties as singles, too. Many give good info in their reviews for the other solo travelers. By the way, I would travel with YOU anytime :-)! Hugs, Lisa
If I were staring, it would be because I was trying to think of a way to tell you that I’m impressed by your style and wanting to let you know that I believe your life matters without coming across as condescending. I don’t know how to say that I’m an ally.
You are a courageous, honest and stunning woman. I hope you enjoy whatever trips you choose to make to the fullest. Keep us posted!
I get stared at for being Black in America – in places where the perceptions seems to be that I don’t belong there. So we just keep pushing forward. Thank you for being open – that alone is a sign that you will conquer your fears – and know that you are inspiring many of us as you go along the way. BTW, don’t think I ever said how much I enjoyed the feature about your mini-condo redo! Loved it and love you Ms. G! Looking forward to hearing about your new adventures, solo or not!
Georgette!!!! You MUST come to Australia and we can plan a two week girly road trip together! I’ve got the car and the tenacity and you can provide the laughs and the snacks and we can kill it! Simply let me know when and I’ll book time off work (a good year’s notice would be perfect hehe). Otherwise, this year, I’d say hit HAVANA! How amazing would Cuba be!!!! Toronto is just like America only more Canadian, and… where was your other option? I can’t even remember.
Travel while you can, the future is unpredictable. When my husband and I were younger we couldn’t afford to travel. Now we can afford to travel and our health prevents us from going. So please go while you can.
I would vote for Havana – it’s possible we will lose the ability to go there under our new administration, so I’d say go while you can. If that weren’t an issue, I’d say either Havana or Barcelona!
I echo Etta’s comment. Visit Havana before the new administration closes the door on us.
I say Barcelona or Havanna.. I have a girlfriend that travels solo often she has often extended her trips by another day because she is enjoying herself so much. I hope you find what you need to get the most out of your solo travel.
I’m from Toronto and we are probably one of the most diverse cities on the planet- but I am bias.- I have also visited Havana and loved it! So those are my votes!
I think your fears make total sense. I have only ever travelled solo once, when I accidentally ended up in Berlin on my own for the weekend. Once I stopped freaking out I actually had a good time but it really is intimidating. I admire you for taking so many great trips!