In February of 2017, I was lucky to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I had planned a trip to visit my sister in San Diego, CA, and thought I'd stop in Las Vegas first then bus down to the Canyon on the way there. The first time I had ever traveled out of the state by myself was for the Essence Festival in New Orleans, in 2016- that was my first solo trip.
Honestly, I was a little apprehensive to make such a big trip-by myself to the Grand Canyon, this time. It was a long bus ride from Las Vegas to the Canyon, about 5 hours. Also, my friends and I had talked about going for years and it seemed to be a place where you'd want to travel with others. But, I was really eager to go, so I decided to just make the trip, solo! It was amazing and an experience that I will never forget. Here are three reasons why traveling solo is such a great experience.
1. Traveling alone is such a unique opportunity to be with and to enjoy yourself. It's a unique opportunity to recharge and to enjoy your own company on a larger scale. You get to do things that you truly enjoy and not have to compromise any of it. You also have to be completely present in order to navigate yourself! If you're anything like me-navigating successfully is a big deal (it's not my forte, lol). You feel brave, you feel free! Solo trips always inspire me. I feel alive. I get to meet and talk to people I probably wouldn't have gotten to meet if I were with a group of people and most of them become friends.
2. It's a time where you can stop and really experience your surroundings, at your own pace. I'm always enchanted by the people I get to meet and the things that I get to see. You get to be on your own time schedule, no rush, no set itinerary- where ever you are is literally YOURS to experience. It's a great time to just focus on yourself and explore!
3. It's liberating! I think that one of my favorite things about traveling alone is telling someone that I'm by myself. Most people are shocked to hear that you traveling by yourself but their skepticism quickly turns into admiration- as they express that that is something that they only "wish they could do"... They can and if you haven't already, you can too! I met some great girls, a group of friends at the Grand Canyon (they took pictures for me lol) who I still keep in touch with on social media. One of them is actually planning her first, solo trip this upcoming year and reached out to me some inspiration!
See, sometimes, your trip ideas don't line up with places where your family or friends want to go. Or some times the trip may be outside of another person's budget or schedules don't seem to line up. For me, I enjoy the alone time, the space to explore, and recharge. When you're on a solo trip you quickly learn that being alone does not mean lonely, at all. I was relaxed and so content in my own space. I'm not telling you to go to parties and just dance by yourself, (unless, that's your thing lol) but solo trips with purspose and the intention to recharge and explore are amazing. Or maybe it's just a dinner for one. Sit at the bar or get a table with a view and do your thing! So, the next time you want to go on a trip- grab your coat or a bathing suit and just go! Do what makes your heart happy, always. The independence is liberating!
With love,