Vacation Alone??

millions0fpeaches

I went camping alone earlier this summer and it was awesome.

flyingwrite

The best vacation I've ever taken was a 3-day trip to New Orleans by myself. You get to see and experience so much more because you aren't focused on the person you're there with. I'm a writer so it was a heavenly trip for me. I love my SO, but given the opportunity, I'd gladly go by myself again.

Illona88

I always go on vacation alone and I love it.

You can do whatever you want and you get to meet different people way easier than if you were with someone else.
Just make sure you are in a youth hostel, camp site or something, so that you can get easy contact with other travelers. That way you will have most fun and won't feel lonely at all.

Also traveling light is a good idea, because that way you are a lot more "mobile" and can change your plans easier when someone you met comes up with a good idea or when you don't like the place you are staying at you can just pack up and find another place.

Also, if you are really adventurous and want to travel cheap and meet new people, I would recommend http://www.couchsurfing.org/.
On that site you can find people, where you can just stay in their home, so you really get to meet the locals and they will show you around (they know all the good spots). Only thing you have to do in return, is to open up your house to "couch surfers" as well. It's a community trade kind of thing.

corn63

I guess I am in the minority. I took a trip last year to TN alone and I came home thinking that I would not do that again. Seemed like everywhere I went, I was the only 'lone one' among families and couples and I began feeling homesick and lonely.

Maybe I can learn something from you guys. lol

Totally depends on where you go. I went to a highly tourist/student populated area. I wasn't the only one traveling alone.

Illona88

The best vacation I've ever taken was a 3-day trip to New Orleans by myself. You get to see and experience so much more because you aren't focused on the person you're there with. I'm a writer so it was a heavenly trip for me. I love my SO, but given the opportunity, I'd gladly go by myself again.

I'm a writer, too . Maybe it's a thing writers love to do.
I love traveling on my own, because I get to walk around and let my imagination wander, while I see new things and experience new cultures.

IamBlackMamba

The beach for one week every summer. Completely, utterly awesome.

allisona28

Yes....and it is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

LifeChangingExp8512

That sounds awesome. Id do it. All u need is a drink, a book, a chair on the beach and sunglasses so no one can notice you starring at the boobs everywhere.. its rude ya know.

menletti

I love vacationing alone. Besides visiting the states around me, I've also taken myself to Alaska, Mexico (several times) and to China. I've never gone with a group or stayed at an all-inclusive so I can't comment on the pros and cons of those. I just go, find a place to stay and start exploring.

cmriverside

Do it! All my best trips have been alone. There are always people to talk to - or not - that's the perfection, right there.

neverstray

I LOVE to go on vacation alone. I've taken solo trips to South Africa, Thailand, Switzerland, Poland, France, and throughout the US. Some places (like Vegas or Napa) are better with friends, but lots of places are better alone.

Resorts are especially great alone - so much more relaxing. You always hear about people coming back from their vacation more stressed than when they left. That never happens when you go alone! Pick a flight time that you prefer, get up when you want, leave the beach when you want, and schedule that massage in the middle of the dinner hour if you feel like it.

My tips for a solo vacation:

-take lessons for sport activities such as windsurfing or sailboarding to make it more interactive

-get a room with a view (feels more important when you're by yourself)

-eating at the bar gives you a chance to chat about your day with the bartender

-when eating at a table, always bring a book or magazine or tablet. Even if you don't read it, it gives you the option. Don't automatically sit at the first table the hostess offers. Often they try to seat you near the kitchen or next to a loud family. Scan the restaurant and ask to sit where you see a nice view. Most places will accommodate.

-Join a day tour when you want to go somewhere remote, such as hiking. People are usually very friendly and inclusive to singles on a day tour if you introduce yourself. Also, the guide is almost always extra nice to single travellers and then you get extra inside info.

-don't set an alarm. You'll get the best sleep ever!

these are really fantastic suggestions. Thanks.

iAMsmiling

I'd kill for a week wandering the southwest in my car with my cameras.
Unfortunately, I'd have to literally kill my wife and kids before I could make it happen.


Go for it while you can.

iamshells

great place..playa del carmen!! not too much of a party spot though. stay at the occidental resort!!!!

lour441

My family goes on vacation without me. I stay home, take care of the pets, and work. Actually, that means I AM on vacation.

^^^^ Best week of my summer.

Sharon_73

I have vacationed alone a few times. It is fantastic becuase depending on the type of trip you want you can meet so many incredible people. I did a volunteering trip to Peru where I met people from so many different places. I also did a solo trip to Cypres where I spent most of my time alone and taking in the scenery, food and culture.

I think everone should go on a vacation by themselves at least once. It is a great experience.

I hope you have a fantastic time!

cbenno97

Yes--was in Jamaica. Talked to people I may never have before, did some guided tours--fantastic. Stayed at some amazing places. It can be fun, but you will need to make the effort to connect to other people if that's your interest. Otherwise, you can enjoy being solo for the trip too!

TropicalFlowerz

Solo vacation is pretty awesome. It gives you time to really ponder upon things in life that you normally don't think about. Not only that but the silent moments really drive you to enjoy what is around you. It's like living unfiltered.

well put!,....& yes,I've often dream of a long week end in a cottage on the beach of Maine,...cold,...brisk air,waves crashing,me, a good book,and some great wine!...I say go 4 it!!

myfitnessval

i go on day trips alone all the time. its nice to enjoy some peace and quiet and do what YOU want to on your own time table.

Laddiegirl

I did, I went to Hawaii for my 30th birthday for one week. A friend was originally supposed to come with me but a couple months before she had to cancel and I decided to just go on my own.

It was amazing. I snorkled, swam in the ocean, hiked all kinds of trails, woke up when I wanted, tried all kinds of new things and it was the most restful vacation I have ever taken because I wasn't tied to any schedule and had no plans. I had been through a very difficult time the previous 2 years and for the first time since then I was finally able to let go and just relax.

It goes down as one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I highly recommend that everyone take a solo trip at least once in their life.

PapaDunx

Ive always travelled alone.

I went to Greece once, stayed one day, burned my return air flight ticket, told my boss back at home I quit and stayed 9 months!!

Ive lived in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Egypt, and almost every European country there is. All done by travelling alone.

When I graduate, Im moving to Latvia - on my own.

It is awesome to get there on your own and get in contact with the locals. Not the tourist locals, the real locals. Get out of the resorts and get into the real world.

I dont speak much Arabic, but a couple of nights a week, I go play backgammon with the Bedouins in the Sinai, where I live. They dont speak much English, but its awesome fun.

Do it!