Me, myself and I in Montreal
A recent solo trip (read: vacation) to Montreal, Canada, led me to reflect upon both the anticipated joys and unexpected challenges of travelling on one’s own. The following is a list of things to consider before you embark on a solo vacay:
- Consider your natural tendencies and personality. Are you more of an extroverted or introverted soul? Would you prefer to spontaneously meet other people along the way? What about travelling in a group (even of people you don’t already know)? Would you enjoy spending time alone, as well as having opportunities to meet others? Are you comfortable dining alone in cafes and restaurants?
- Think about your proposed season and location. Will it be over the off-season or quiet season? Bustling with tourists?
- Is personal safety a concern in your destination of choice?
- How are your decision-making skills? Do you enjoy getting up each day and spontaneously deciding what to see and do based on how you feel? Do you like a plan but enjoy setting your own pace? Or do you prefer to know in advance where and when to be for your next activity? Will the number of decisions that travelling alone requires drain or overwhelm you, or will you relish the responsibility and freedom?
- How do you feel about making a statement? You will get questions about who you are travelling with, and if alone, why?
Some of the many rewards of travelling solo include the following:
- A sense of empowerment. The feeling of doing something for yourself, no compromises.
- A chance to get to know yourself better. What are your preferences and natural routines? Do any of them need re-evaluation? Can you learn something about yourself to bring back to your “real” and daily life?
- An opportunity to hone your decision-making skills! Train? Metro? Bus? Taxi? By foot? Museum or concert? Fancy restaurant or picnic outside? Hotel, bed and breakfast (B&B), camping?
- The freedom to meet people along the way…or not. Your choice.
- A sense of accomplishment. Saving for, planning, and executing a trip requires decisiveness, tenacity, organizational skills, and confidence. You will exercise your muscles in all these areas!
Other advantages of a solo trip include creating new memories, not living in regret, and taking a break from other people’s needs to indulge in your own. You will break with the banal distractions of daily life to step into the world of an anonymous (and mysterious?) traveller…You are free to be the person you wish, in the place of your choice.
Exciting, isn’t it? Bon voyage!
Oh, and don’t forget to take your journal…
What is the best solo trip you have taken? What is your dream solo trip? What trip do you wish you had taken solo?