Excited, Rejuvenated and Empowered
Solo Travel for Women. My husband introduced the concept to me some years ago – the notion of women stepping out of their comfort zone and experiencing the beauty of the world on their own. At first I thought, wow, that’s brave. But certainly not something I had the guts to do. Then earlier this year I took a leap of faith, all thanks to a European airfare sale email from American Airlines. London had their cheapest round-trip fare from New York. And just like that, my first ever solo trip was born.
I’ve always been fiercely (and sometimes dangerously) independent. But in the days leading up to the trip, I was a ball of all sorts of emotions and secretly hoping that my hubs or one of my BFFs was coming along. My mind was playing tricks on me and I came up with a nutty list of do’s and don’ts for the trip. Walk the streets with confidence and unless you’re about to step off a cliff, never look afraid or lost. Don’t tell anyone you’re traveling alone. Your hubs is “at a conference while you sightsee” or “your girlfriend is under the weather in the hotel room” or “you’re meeting relatives in 30 minutes”. If some creepy guy is trying to talk to you, get out of the discussion by saying you’re waiting to meet your husband. I won’t bore you with the rest of the really crazy ones. (Don’t make fun. I’ve watched too many Lifetime movies.)
Foolish thoughts aside, I boarded my flight. I knew a great adventure was in store and I could have never imagined how incredible it would be.
London is an amazing city and I was only able to see a small fraction of it during my short stay. Double decker tours, the theater, shopping, afternoon tea and a day trip to Paris kept me really busy. But the trip took on a whole other meaning for me. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Champs-Élysées and The Eiffel Tower re-energized me. Well, not really them per say, but more so exploring them on my own. It gave me a sense of freedom that I had never experienced. I was invigorated and saw myself outside the cloud of other people’s opinions and societal norms. I saw myself in a new light which helped me step out of my comfort zone in a major way.
Don’t get me wrong, there were quite a few awkward moments especially at meal times, which is when I missed having a buddy the most. However being alone forced me to interact with strangers and make new friends. Hey, I’m still a New Yorker. So I will always proceed into just about anything with caution. But I learned that not everyone is out to “get” me. Getting over that fear of the unknown is major for me and doing it on your my made me feel like a rock star!
Solo travel made me a stronger and more empowered woman. And because I have still have some foreign currency in my wallet, I’m holding to it for my next adventure.
Because the world needs more stronger and empowered women.
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Stephanie — May 3, 2011 @ 7:51 pm
Good for you! I bet the trip was amazing. I’m too much of a chicken to ever go on a trip alone. I don’t have a problem with being out and about alone in the city I live in, but something about traveling somewhere new freaks me out.
Brian @ A Thought For Food — May 3, 2011 @ 8:23 pm
This is just wonderful (and explains why you disappeared)! Sounds like a marvelous experience!
Hungry Sofia — May 3, 2011 @ 9:12 pm
Love this! I haven’t done that since college and this post is very inspiring!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic — May 3, 2011 @ 10:56 pm
That is so great!! I’m definitely gearing up for my next solo trip. Last year I went to Italy with my parents but they left a few days earlier and I explored Tuscany by myself. It was such an amazing experience and I couldn’t wait to plan my trip again – I loved the feeling of independence. Unlike you I am actually pretty dependent so it was a really big deal for me. This year, because of lack of funds and vacation days hehe, there won’t be any solo trips for me but hopefully next year I’ll get to venture out again!
Rosa — May 4, 2011 @ 2:34 am
Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to do that. I bet it is a wonderful experience.
Cheers,
Rosa
Bonnie — May 4, 2011 @ 8:12 am
A great trip and a good thing to do! My first solo trip was to London as well. It was nice to do what I wanted, when I wanted. It was also nice to return there with my husband.
The tea looks divine.
Best,
Bonnie
CookiePie — May 4, 2011 @ 9:19 am
Good for you!! Sounds like a fantastic trip. I went sort-of on my own on a hiking trip in Italy a few years ago (it was an organized trip, but I didn’t know anyone else and traveled to and from by myself, including navigating the Italian train system – yikes!), and it was a great experience. You’re giving me the urge to do it again!
Lynette — May 4, 2011 @ 9:24 am
Bravo for you! and your Hubby for encouraging it and for you stepping out on your own vacation,I think all women should have that time to themselves or with a bunch of friends.I can’t wait to go abroad on my own,have been dreaming about and living through these travel shows for years,it’s time! Good for you!!
Nora — May 4, 2011 @ 11:55 am
This post was wonderful to read, especially as I kind of did the same thing the other way around – as a Brit in New York for a few days. Though it wasn’t really my idea. I was there for work and felt I couldn’t fly all that way without seeing a bit of the place, so I spent a couple of days just sightseeing by myself. I too was actually quite nervous, but I completely and totally fell in love with the place. And I am starting to wonder whether it was in part because I was by myself. There’s something wonderful about being able to wander around at your own pace, doing exactly what interests you. I know what you mean about mealtimes, but I carefully researched street food type places (Shake Shack, Chinese food in Flushing, etc) so it didn’t feel too weird to be alone.
Oh, and how did you get on chatting to people in London? They are very famous (within the UK, even) as REALLY not being into conversations with strangers. Even eye contact on the Tube is going a bit far!
Eliana replied: — May 4th, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
Well the Brits weren’t too thrilled when I was lugging my suitcase during morning rush hour on the tube. But neither are NYers so I couldn’t blame them. Overall, though, they were quite charming! Don’t get me wrong – I didn’t go around tapping everyone I saw on the shoulder. But I did manage to chat with quite a few nice folks.
Jackie — May 4, 2011 @ 12:29 pm
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Good for you!! I hope you post some pictures! Jackie
Jennifurla — May 4, 2011 @ 3:47 pm
I think this is a great idea, plus even though your are branching out..no one knows if you are shy so you can just go for it.
Spike — May 4, 2011 @ 4:01 pm
That’s awesome! I love London too. It is kind of nice to travel alone because you always get to choose the restaurant (or just eat dessert for dinner). However,m difficult to get photos of yourself!
Amy (Sing For Your Supper) — May 4, 2011 @ 5:16 pm
Wow, you’re so brave! I would’ve had a panic attack before even getting on the plane! Sounds like you had a fantastic time! Get it, girl!!
Vanessa — May 4, 2011 @ 8:59 pm
Wao! That is something to be proud of. I would have been scared out of my mind. Yet sounds like something I’ll need to do. It’s on my bucket list.
Pamela — May 4, 2011 @ 9:31 pm
That is awesome!! You are very brave. I don’t know if I could do it, so Bravo to you!!
Celia — May 4, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
Love it! I wound up trying solo travel for the first time in Italy when I was 20 and doing art history research on a college grant…I still have some issues with meals, too, but I’m always proud to be independent enough to go it on my own. Welcome to the solo sisterhood!
Marcella — May 4, 2011 @ 10:46 pm
Congrats to you!! And you are so right — going to a new place by yourself really forces you to look at, not only the world, but yourself in a whole new way. I am currently spending my last college semester in Santiago, Chile (I am originally from LA) and I am having an INCREDIBLE time exploring South America!!!!
Joanne — May 5, 2011 @ 8:39 am
You know, I did feel like NYC had become a bit quieter…I should have known that it was because you had flown the coop! I think it’s so cool that you took a solo lady trip. I could definitely see it getting lonely at times, but I’m a pretty independent person as is, so I could also see the appeal. I want to hear about all the food you ate! And things you saw! We need to see each other.
Tiare — May 5, 2011 @ 10:31 am
VERY inspiring! I just started my adventure of going around the world this year, as you know, by going to COSTA RICA! It is the start of something BIG! eventually I will get to do these kinds of things once I’m out of college and start my career! And you are my inspiration for doing this! Thanks Tia!
JennyBakes — May 5, 2011 @ 2:52 pm
Good for you, sounds amazing. I’ve been wanting to do a solitary road or boat trip for a while now, but feel guilty spending money on it if we only have enough to pay for one vacation. Some day!
Velva — May 5, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
Awesome!!! Cheers to you. I think it is wonderful that you stepped outside your comfort zone, and took a leap into the unknown. Travel is an amazing way to grow and expand your reality.
Please tell me, that you are going to share a blog post about your London adventure with us?
Velva
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction — May 5, 2011 @ 9:26 pm
Good for you!! Sounds like an amazing trip!
Recently, I have done some traveling by myself… Usually just blog-related trips, but it was a new experience for me, and I have really enjoyed it!
Gloria — May 5, 2011 @ 11:26 pm
That’s awesome Eliana! I have a girlfriend who does lots of solo travel and I’ve always admired her bravery. Your post is truly inspiring!
Margaret — May 6, 2011 @ 11:24 am
How Exciting!1 How adventuresome!! And London is such a wonderful place to visit.
Closest I ever got to Solo Travel was to take my Daughter on a trip when she was 4. Almost Solo. We had a great time, tho.
Kerstin — May 7, 2011 @ 7:41 pm
Very cool, I’m glad you enjoyed your trip – are you going to share some pictures?
Baking is my Zen — May 10, 2011 @ 9:59 pm
Great story. Would love to see pictures! Hope you took some…
Mary — May 11, 2011 @ 9:58 pm
That is so cool! I have travelled alot overseas but always with sisters or friends. I think it would be neat to take a solo trip for the experience. Plus, you would have to worry about pleasing no one but yourself. So often when travelling with others, you wind up doing things you don’t necessarily have an interest in or not getting to do all the things you do want to do. It would be nice to be the one setting the agenda and not feeling selfish doing so.
Lori — May 16, 2011 @ 10:18 pm
So happy for you! I love solo travel as much as love travel with my husband. I will have to say I haven’t done exactly what you did though and I think it is fantastic. We haven’t been to London yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
vanillasugarblog — May 27, 2011 @ 7:03 pm
yeah chica where are the damn photos already? hmmm?
Bren — May 30, 2011 @ 3:38 pm
well good for you for LOVING urself enough to hang out on your own in a different country. I’m not really sure I could do it but somehow it seems to be so liberating. Kudos, amiga.