Are You Ready for Some ‘Me’ Time?
Photo Credit - Alejandra Mavroski on Flickr
You’ve already been approved for the time off work, have set aside a personal travel budget, and are determined to go somewhere. Anywhere. So you do your research, and after sifting through hundreds of online deals, you finally find the perfect destination spot. There’s one problem, however. You can’t find anybody to go with you.
So, what now? Maybe 10 or 15 years ago with limited options for single travelers, I may have reluctantly encouraged you to take a rain check. However, times have changed, and so has the stigma against traveling solo. Think of single traveling as extended ‘Me’ time; time which we all so desperately crave but can never seem to fit in our busy schedules.
Once you embrace the idea of taking a vacation by yourself, you’ll want to decide what kind of vacation best suits you. Here are a few suggestions:
1) Book a Hotel Room All to Yourself – Just relax. Schedule a spa treatment and then lay sideways on your king-size plush down comforter in your PJ’s. You should even be able to find a sale somewhere online – Orbitz currently has select hotels up to 40% off
2) Join up with a Singles Group – Companies like Singles at Sea organize special mix and mingle events for single passengers on select itineraries. It’s a great way to meet other single travelers and avoid having to venture out on your own. You’ll also find that a number of these singles agencies offer roommate matching if you’re looking to save money and don’t mind bunking up with a stranger.
3) Take an Escorted Tour – Perhaps you’re feeling adventurous and independent, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of arranging your own hotels and transportation. Escorted tour packages allow you to explore and discover with the convenience of a pre-arranged itinerary and while in the safety of a group. This 3 Day Tour from Rome to Sorrento offers a slice of Italy at a minimal single supplement cost.
I feel obliged to mention the importance of being aware of your surroundings, using your common sense and always following your gut instincts if you’ll be traveling alone. Solo Traveler has an article about helpful safety tips that I’d encourage you to read before you go.
If you’re not quite ready to take a trip by yourself, or just prefer to travel with a companion, I completely understand. But if you are up for the challenge, go for it! The world is waiting for you.
When’s the last time you traveled alone? Where did you go?
