Solo travel can be intimidating but also good for the whole family. I love my kiddos but it’s also nice to get away and have some “Me Time.” My kids don’t mind because they know I recharge, regroup, relax and come back with much more patience. My husband doesn’t see the fun in traveling alone and often asks me why I’d want to do it. Friends seem shocked when I tell them I’m doing a solo trip and ask me if I’m bored and what I could possibly do while I’m there to entertain myself.
Here are 15 things you can do when traveling alone:
Dinner
You’ve got to eat so why not make the most of it. This trip is all about you so find something the rest of your family may not enjoy. I always find it’s the perfect time for sushi, Thai, or Indian, since not everyone in my family will eat it. It is also a great time to get room service, pour a glass of wine, and eat pizza in bed without anyone asking if they can have a bite!
Get Lost
I plan everything out when I’m on a trip but when I’m alone I often leave down time to wander the streets or take a drive to see where it will lead me. I’m open to changes in plans and welcome last-minute adventures.
Language
Going somewhere where they speak a different language? Get a phrase book or an app that teaches you some key terms and try to use them while you’re out. “Hello, please, and thank you,” are always good terms to know.
Relax in nature
Head to the beach or a park and enjoy being surrounded by trees, flowers, or the ocean. The beach can be quite relaxing when kids are not begging you to build yet another sandcastle.
Learn something new
Have you always wanted to take a cooking class? Paint class? Go to a wine tasting? Now is the perfect time! Solo travel lets you focus on your own interests instead of making sure everyone is happy.
Spa treatments
When I go to the spa during a family vacation there’s always mom-guilt and I rush back to my family. When you’re alone you can take the time to use the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and relax in the spa lounge.
Museums
A museum is a great place to spend a few hours. You can see the exhibits that you want to see instead of worrying that everyone else is having a good time.
Shop
Grab a latte and poke into all those adorable boutique shops without anyone whining, “Can we go?” You can even try clothes on without having to drag everyone into the dressing room with you.
Tours
If you’re feeling a bit lonely during solo travel, a tour may be a great solution. It’s the perfect time to go out and see the city. It is also the perfect way to explore without having to put any effort into it.
Shows
Spend a few hours watching your favorite musical or a hilarious inappropriate play. Your kids may love plays, but The Book of Mormon is something you’ll want to leave them home for!
Meditate
Peace and quiet are not something I hear very often since I have two chatty girls. I love to hear everything they have to say…and they have lots to say, but sometimes it’s nice to be alone with my thoughts.
Work out
When alone, I sometimes use the gym at the hotel simply because it’s not something I can do when the girls are with me. This is the perfect time to try out a new gym class or wake up early to do a morning beach yoga class.
Books
I love to grab a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and find a spot outside to read a good book. I always bring a book on vacation but when I’m with the kids it sometimes doesn’t even get opened. These days I’m happy to be able to read a magazine from cover to cover!
Pool Time
Give me a pool and a cocktail and I can entertain myself for half the day! No games of Marco Polo and no need to blow up pool toys.
Absolutely Nothing
Sleep in, take an afternoon nap, soak in a long bath, eat cookies in bed, and binge watch the Real Housewives of Orange County! Do whatever strikes your fancy as long as you’re doing what YOU want to do!
