How Traveling Solo This Summer Can Up Your Self-Care Game
by Briana Gabrielle
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July 18, 2024

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How Traveling Solo This Summer Can Up Your Self-Care Game

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It’s summertime, arguably the best season of the year, the sun is shining and the people are outside. From the rooftop parties to the strolls in the park, something about summertime makes most people feel happier.

This is also the prime time to use your PTO days. If you’ve been wanting to visit a certain place I’m here to tell you that you don’t always have to wait on other people to plan a vacation. You can go to that place you’ve been dying to go to alone. There’s a certain stigma or pressure to always do things with other people. It’s only up until recently that the idea of solo dates or just cultivating a relationship with yourself has become less taboo. There’s been a rise in social media content of people traveling the world solo. Traveling alone can be daunting because you’re going somewhere unfamiliar for the first time but it can be very fulfilling.

This is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and get to know yourself. You get to see how you naturally are when you travel. You’re not stuck dealing with other people’s agendas, budgets, or overall opinions. It’s all about you and what you want to do. The most important opinion is yours and traveling solo can be a major boost to add to your self-care game. 

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Why should you have to wait for the vacation to make it out of the group chat? Make it happen yourself! Now this is not to say that traveling with friends, family, or a partner isn’t fulfilling. It’s just a different experience that can make you feel more connected to yourself.

Going somewhere simply because you want to and feeling confident enough that you can still have fun on your own will have a positive effect on your overall well-being.  Here are some things to consider when thinking of traveling solo for the first time.

Start Locally to Get The Hang of Things

If you’re concerned with safety and things of that nature, starting small and traveling within the states could be a great starter option to get used to the idea. You could start with a day trip and visit the next town over or take yourself to a beach you’ve been wanting to go to that may be a few hours away. There are a lot of places in your own state that you probably haven’t seen. This could be a great way to essentially get your feet wet with traveling alone.

@sojournies Replying to @Chey yaaaas I love solo travel too! #solotravel #solofemaletraveler #solofemaletravel #usatravel #neworleans #sandiego #chicago #solotrip ♬ original sound – Sojourner

Do Your Research

With any type of traveling, research is always important. Some things to think about while planning a solo trip would be the walkability of the place you’re going, the demographic, and the top activities to do in the destination you choose. A great way to successfully solo travel is by watching how other solo travelers operate. They can serve as inspiration for your future travels and you can watch their content for guidance. Solo traveling influencer Hey Ciara is a great person to start following. She quit her 9-5 to travel the world and has been sharing her top travel tips and destinations for years.

“I’m just a regular Texas girl who is simply curious about the world, but I never believed I would touch 60+ countries before 30,” Ciara says on her blog. “I took the leap after two years, and I’m ecstatic to say that my courage has led to me living an extraordinary life as a globetrotter.”

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“I have doubts every time I take a solo trip,” the travel influencer adds. “Solo travel doesn’t necessarily get easier or less scary, at least not for me. These thoughts still sit in the back of my mind because let’s face it, anything can happen anywhere at any time. Even still, I refuse to let that stop me from living and seeing this great big world. I choose to acknowledge the fear, be vigilant, and enjoy everything as much as possible.”

@hey_ciara Replying to @Nette Childe Cuba is an island frozen in time, a place of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and classic cars cruising down Malecón. While your trip might include these dreamy experiences: Strolling through the architectural wonders of Old Havana Cruising in a vintage American car Learning the sizzling moves of salsa dancing Exploring the colorful streets of Trinidad Being captivated by live music and performances Immersing yourself in the Cuban countryside Watching the sun melt into the horizon on a pristine beach Savoring the rich flavors of Cuban rum Connecting with the friendly Cuban people Remember, Cuba is a socialist country with its own unique rhythm. There might be power outages, limited wifi, and long lines to navigate. But with a little patience, these unexpected moments become part of the adventure! Cuba will challenge you to slow down, appreciate the little things, and embrace a different way of life. S/on to @Cuba Travel Services & @Passporter for showcasing the best of Cuba #cuba #cubanos #cubatraveltips #cubatravel #cuba2024 #havanacuba #thingstodoincuba #havanacuba #trinidadcubq #vinalescuba ♬ CUBA – Cavendish

Be Present and Take the Leap

Once you decide on your destination, really stick to your choice. It’s going to be a little scary doing something new for the first time but that is how you grow as a person. You have new experiences and you get to take in a new place on your own. 

@daniellesderive 3 beginner-friendly countries for newer travelers who want a smooth transition from life in the U.S. 🌎 I recommend these level 1 destinations for those who are a little nervous about traveling internationally for the first time. in my experience, all these countries were affordable, safe, and easy to navigate as someone coming from the United States! let me know if you want more recommendations based on your travel level🫶🏽 #travelagent #traveladvisor #beginnertraveltips #fyp ♬ original sound – danielle | travel advisor

It’ll be a leap of faith but it’ll be so worth it. As you engage with the new destination and different cultures, you might discover a new version of yourself in the process. Being present while you’re there and focusing on how you can enjoy yourself will ultimately make this one of your best trips yet.

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