I've traveled for work alone. But that doesn't count; I'm there to work and I'm the client getting shuttled around and entertained.
This was a work trip, believe it or not.
I've taken a few trips to visit friends.
I had a pretty big trip planned for this Spring. For this week actually. Was supposed to race a marathon in Paris then poke around Europe. And every time someone would ask how the planning was going, I'd brush them off with "Eh, I'll get to it." But I never got to it. Relieved when I finally admitted to myself that I simply did NOT want to go, I cancelled what few plans I had made. Whew. The thought of spending 9 days In a foreign country, all by myself...well, that feels overwhelming right now.
I'm such a wuss.
Let's be clear, I am an introvert. Being around others for long periods of time just wears me out; I need my space. But I actually do *really like* my friends and spending time with them. But you have to be on the same page to travel with someone.
And yes, I am fully aware that in any pair, I'M the difficult one with whom to travel. Let's be clear. I don't like to eat out, I won't stay at nasty hotels (and yes, I bring Clorox wipes and wipe down the entire room before settling in) and my idea of "resting" is sleeping past 6 am.
It's been a long time since I've had a big vacation. Since I've gone somewhere new to explore. And I'm ready to get away. Yes, I've taken a lot of short weekend trips this year, and have several others planned but I want to really get away.
Do I want to go camping? Sure! Glacier National Park is high on my list. But am I ready to camp on my own with bears and moose? Hmm.
Do I want to go hiking by day and relax in town in the evenings? Mt. Elbert has been on my mind. Not too many moose on CO. Just bears, cats and well, that's scary enough don't you think?
Do I want to explore a big city? Well, even though I've been there before, I've got Chicago this fall. (hi Meghan!) One thing is for sure, I'd like it to be somewhere at least a little cooler than Texas in summer!
Tired of sitting around, I've got some decisions to make.
Do you travel alone? What are your tips for not getting lonely when riding solo in YOUR lolo?
Traveling alone is wonderful! I am very much an introvert and spent two weeks traveling around Europe 2 years ago completely on my own. It was so freeing and I had some amazing experiences and met people I never would have interacted with had I been there with someone else. Shoot me an email if you want details.
ReplyDeleteI get the introverted thing.... Around my friends I am the loud one but in other groups it takes me a while to feel comfortable. I need my doses of alone time or I am unable to function! Between being an introvert and my husband's weird work schedule I end up going a lot of places alone. When I had motorcycles, I would go out and ride for days. It felt very empowering to know I could do something like that on my own. Europe sounds like it would be a great adventure. You should rethink it and give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI understand that can be a little bit overwelming but it is totally worth it, you can travel at your own pace , last week I went to london bymyself and had a blast (I live in Barcelona) and I have planned a 4 days trip to Milan next month and a week to croatia. Always open to friends to come along but nobody can I will go either way.
ReplyDeleteI think its a opportunity to let go some fears that we all have and really enjoy what the world has to offer (whichis a lot). No mater where you decide to go, you will enjoy it. Also you can meet interesting people along the way
need details send me an email :)
I've really never traveled alone but once when my friends and I went to Paris, I decided to go on a day trip to Versailles. I was nervous but it actually gave me a TON of confidence in myself and I really had a blast...all on my time!!
ReplyDeleteI've traveled by myself while staying with people I know - it's a nice balance of being on my own, and getting some guidance on things like neighborhoods to avoid or places I should definitely visit. But I've got some solo trips on my wish list to places where I don't know anybody. I'm a little scared, but also excited.
ReplyDeleteI don't really travel alone because if I'm not going on a trip with girlfriends I'm probably going somewhere with Eric! I wouldn't be opposed to it though. I think it's good to go with your gut on things like that though! I'm sure you wouldn't have TOO much trouble fin-angling some friends into going to Paris with you, would you?
ReplyDeleteThe extent of my alone trips have been traveling to stay with friends. I've never really done a completely alone vacation. If I wasn't familiar with the place then I think I would feel overwhelmed quite easily.
ReplyDeleteCamping alone would freak me out I think, especially if there is the possibility of bears, large cats, etc.
I don't mind traveling alone but I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't think that you can come to CO and not hang out with @cisforcourtney and me! We'd hit Elbert with you and even take you north to RMNP and find you a moose
I don't mind traveling alone but I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't think that you can come to CO and not hang out with @cisforcourtney and me! We'd hit Elbert with you and even take you north to RMNP and find you a moose
I traveled Europe once by myself for about a week in between meeting people and a job, and it kind of sucked. I loved seeing cool stuff, but I hated being alone and meeting slightly creepy people but not having anyone to laugh about it with later. And no one to feel safe with when I was meeting those creepy people! I would probably never do that again. It's nice to have at least one travel buddy.
ReplyDeletecome visit me! oh wait, that wouldn't be traveling alone. but come visit me anyway!
ReplyDeleteI'm also an introvert. My only alone trips have been for work. I have often thought of traveling alone - I am an introvert with an adventurous (sp?) spirit! At the same time,traveling to strange place alone seems a bit scary. Maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteMy only alone trips have been for work. I am also an introvert, but one with an adventurous spirit. The thought of traveling alone sounds exciting, but it sounds a little scary at the same time. Maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteFairly Cretan you know my thoughts on this and there is a solid chance I will be solo traveling to Europe this summer, but, I would recommend anywhere in the UK. They speak English, have great hotels and little food shops and you can sit on a park bench and just relax.... Not that I've ever done that before or anything ;)
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