This time last year I got accepted to complete an internship in NYC - I was so excited, and to make the most of the expensive airfare I wanted to do some traveling before coming home. However all of my friends had either "been there, done that", were broke, or couldn't get time off work. I started scrolling through my Facebook friends trying to find ANYONE to travel with, because the thought of traveling alone petrified me.
Yet on November 24th, I set off on my 9 week solo-yolo USA adventure. And I am SO GLAD I did. I had the most incredible time, have amazing memories and am already saving for my next trip! Why was my solo traveling experience such a success? Read more below for my tips:
Pros: I could do what ever I wanted, when I wanted. I was only restricted by my own interests and bank account not anyone else's. I saw 4 broadway shows in NYC, I went scuba diving in Hawaii, Biked the Golden Gate Bridge. The week I got sick, I stayed in bed watching netflix without feeling guilty of letting someone else down. I didn't have to make compromises with anyone else.
My trip was also a success as I had some connections in two of the cities I visited, and ended up running into a few more friends by sheer chance / Facebook status updates. So even though I didn't plan to travel with anyone, running into people I knew did make me feel less homesick and made my trip more enjoyable. So if you have an old friend staying in the area, go grab a coffee or invite them to do a touristy activity with you. Everyone loves visitors!
Cons: I love photos and being alone, meant a lot of selfies. I refused to buy a selfie-stick, however I did buy a cheap tripod which came in handy in less crowded touristy spots. On tours It was easy to find someone to take your photo, however I am such a perfectionist they didn't always turn out (I have amazing photos of me on the golden gate bridge, but they are all overexposed!)
If you are a foodie then you might get lonely eating in restaurants alone. I only ate to survive, so I cooked or got takeaway and ate my hostel.
I went to another english speaking country, with very similar culture to my own. However had I been alone somewhere else, there is the potential to feel isolated. It may also be dangerous to travel alone as a girl in some places so choose your destination wisely.
If you have any questions about traveling alone or about what to do in NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago, San Fran or Maui - send me a message!
