People are always a little surprised when I tell them how much I enjoy traveling alone. I guess it could sound lonely, or even a little scary – especially when traveling internationally. But I really love it. (And I’m a total scaredy cat, by the way.) Meals can be a little awkward/lonely, but the last time I traveled alone, I spent my meals writing postcards or reading a book… (or in some cases, I made a few friends along the way.) But overall, it’s just really nice. I love the thrill of going somewhere new on my own… and the feeling that I can do whatever my little heart desires. It’s a little selfish, but it can be really nice not worrying about what your traveling companion wants to do, and if you want to sleep in or spend a day by the pool you don’t feel guilty about it! The last time I traveled alone was four years ago… I spent two weeks island hopping in Greece. I was between jobs and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done for myself.
So now, in just six days, (at Viv’s recommendation) I’m off to Playa del Carmen for a week. I”m really looking forward to it. Some time to myself in the sun… lots of reading + relaxing on the beach… a day trip or two to Tulum to explore the rainforest and Mayan ruins. Maybe some snorkling, maybe some outdoor yoga… who knows! Really, I just can’t wait.
PS – If you’ve been to Playa Del Carmen or Tulum before, I will love you forever if you could leave your recommendations below!
I know exactly what you mean about travelling alone – I once spent a day by myself in Istanbul before my boyfriend arrived on a separate flight, and it was an amazingly liberating experience, especially for someone like me who is also a total a scaredy cat! Now I plan trips by myself, and none of my friends really get it – some of them think it’s a snub. But it’s not! It’s just sometimes nice to enjoy one’s own company in an unfamiliar place. You can learn as much about yourself when travelling alone as you learn about the place you’re visiting. 🙂
I once spent a long weekend in Miami with some girlfriends and it was a terrible experience. So much unnecessary drama. I had the most amazing time once I stopped spending time with them and explored the city on my own.
I love that you’re doing this! Can’t wait to follow along. Have a fun and safe trip!
So cool , I have to try traveling alone! Must be so relaxing.
http://www.whatsashawears.com
Getting married at age 20 didn’t leave a lot of time to travel alone, but I think I would love it. I’m more of an introvert. I like to just wander around and do whatever I like. I’d love to take a scenic vacation and just get lost in taking photos. When I’m with the family it’s all about getting photos of everyone and I don’t get the time to really take in the scenery. I went to Las Vegas with my sister a couple of years ago and while she was in a conference, I roamed the strip by myself. I thought it would be lonesome, but it was quite the opposite.
Your vacation sounds awesome. Safe travels!
I find this incredibly inspiring! Good for you for traveling alone. Have a wonderful and amazing trip!
Hope you have a wonderful time, Grace!!! <3
I have a friend at work who travels alone often, and she said she prefers it. I haven’t tried it, but I imagine that I would enjoy the aspect of doing whatever you want. I admire you for planning a trip for yourself. A big part of the reason why I haven’t traveled much is because I don’t have any friends who are big-time travelers to plan a trip with. I always think oh, if I ever get married I’ll travel then…but that’s kind of a dumb way to think. Doing it alone is definitely the better way to go, and I bet you’re going to have a great time!
I drove cross country on my own in 1979 when I was 24 before I met Dad! It was an adventure and put me on track for where I was going when I got back! Love you-
Before I was married I would travel all the time by myself. I have traveled to many different places. Sometimes I would meet up with others for a bit but then I would go back to being by myself. I think I learned to depend only upon myself and also to be sure I was safe.
I love this! I’ve only recently become comfortable with going solo – even did dinner alone the other night. Turns out that not only was it not bad, it was really nice! Now you’ve inspired me to plan a trip. Have the best time!
So excited for you!
Traveling alone is so fulfilling. I’ve missed out on so much by traveling with others who don’t have the desire to see the same things I do. Enjoy your vacation! You’ll have a wonderful time.
i love to travel alone! it’s such a good way to clear your head, do exactly what you want to do (which sometimes for me involves copious amounts of room service), and regain perspective.
tulum is amazing! if your plans are flexible, i’d recommend you stay at coqui coqui for a night. if not, head there for the day, go to coqui coqui for a massage and to check out the gorgeous perfumerie (i bring their candles back in bulk!), and stroll the strip behind the hotels for great shopping – josa tulum has the best cover ups, made in mexico. and eat dinner at the hartwood or if you are there for lunch get ceviche at coqui coqui!
have an amazing trip! xx
I’m travelling through Italy alone at the moment – over two weeks solo then I head to London to see friends so I get the best of both. I love that I can do EXACTLY what I want but agree meals can be challenging (I do the same, write in my travel diary or as I’m doing now, read blogs). Enjoy your trip Grace, I’m sure you’ll have a ball x
There are a bunch of options of places to eat, drink and explore in both Playa and Tulum. In Playa: Maíz de Mar, Canibal Royal, Almirante Pech for drinks, Diablito Cha Cha Cha just to name a few… Now in Tulum obvi the ruins and dinner in Hartwood. Close to Tulum you have to go snorkeling in Akumal, lots of sea turtles. Enjoy!
This is going to sound really weird, since most people want to enjoy the local cuisine while on vacation, but the best Italian food I have ever had in my life was in Tulum (and I’ve travelled to Italy twice!). It’s called Posada Margherita (http://www.posadamargherita.com/) and is on the main drag in Tulum, right on the beach. The food isn’t super fancy (although nicer than a lot of the restaurants-Tulum is pretty causal), but they hand make the pasta to order and everything and is so, so good. We went twice! The friendliest staff as well-the owner comes up to your table and sits down to chat with you and everything! If you like Italian food, I definitely recommend it. The Mayan ruins in Tulum are incredible as well, and I’d definitely encourage you to check them out if you make the trip to the town. I’m sure you’ve probably heard a lot about the cenotes in the region too, and they are neat but we found them to be a huge let down. Hope this helps!
Hi Taylor! I went to Posada Margherita tonight. You were right… it was sooooo good! I am a little full of pasta right now but I loved every bite! Thank you for the recommendation!
Sounds amazing Grace! I’ve never been to Mexico before so can’t offer any advice but my friends went to Mexico recently and their blog is here http://www.hellocitizens.com/portfolio/ideas/
I love travelling on my own too. Have fun! xx
I’d probably be terrified to take that long of a trip by myself. But now that I think about it, it kind of sounds delightful! Enjoy your trip Grace! 🙂
Hi Grace,
Super exciting about your trip sounds amazing!
2/3 of us were in Tulum the April before last, here are our top Tulum tips:
http://www.3badmice.com/2012/09/mice-advice-time-out-in-tulum.html
And our fav Tulum boutique:
http://www.3badmice.com/2012/04/trendsetting-tulum-josa.html
Have an amazing time!
x
The Mice
You’re going to have the BEST time! I think it’s great to take some time alone to travel and explore and just enjoy your own company.
http://www.fashiontruffles.com
I actually used to live in the Puerto Morelos area, which if you are going to do snorkeling that is the best place to do it. If you venture there, go into the restaurant called Los Pelicanos, and try “pulpo en su tinta” and agua de tamarindo or jamaica (tamarind or hibiscus water) they are right on the beach (now this is not a super fancy restaurant but it’s authentic and the food is awesome), they also run a snorkeling shack and they have the best guides.. I swear I always go there and ask for Armando, I was actually there in March, and he is the best snorkeling guide! If you are going to Tulum, I would say be there by opening time and you will for sure avoid the crowds and really enjoy the site, which is breathtaking, get the guide, so you can actually understand what you are seeing, they have a beach so you can swim there, bring your suit (preferably on!). I hope you enjoy your trip, I might be biased but Mexico is one of my favorite places in the world; especially that area.
Ohmigosh-Grace!! I was just in Playa Del Carmen/Tulum this summer and I loved, loved, LOVED it!!! Where are you staying? We were on the Playa Maroma stretch, just outside Playa Del Carmen. You are going to have SO much fun!!!
And you’re also not alone (figuratively speaking)-I love traveling alone, too, and if I could swing a trip back there I totally would. Tulum is breathtakingly gorgeous!
It’s my dream to travel alone! Not that I’m socially awkward or something, I just can find some kind of beauty and harmony in traveling alone. You see things more differently , I think.
Traveling alone is one of the most freeing things I have ever done. I have traveled by myself to both France (I lived there a few times in my life ) and Italy and I have learned so much no only about the world, but myself. It should be a great time!
I so wish I could do this! When I was a little younger I could have never imagined going anywhere on my own like that, but it sounds like such a peaceful, relaxing time that I’d love to plan a trip by myself. Have a great trip! xo N
I love traveling! I have traveled alone before. a little scary at times but totally worth it. you can definitely find yourself.
Have fun!!!
Xo,
Belen
New post on my blog: http://www.androbelinsider.blogspot.com 🙂
I was in Tulum for a destination wedding — it’s beautiful there! We didn’t do much beyond the resort since we were working, so I have no grand recommendations, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy your trip! Have a great time!
-Kodi
grey et al
I’ve had limited opportunity to travel alone, but would love to do so over a longer stint of time! Safe travels and enjoy!!
Now that i am also single I have been forcing myself to do a lot of things alone. I know my friends would be more than willing to tag along for many of my adventures but doing things by myself which we once did as a couple is oddly therapeutic. I backpacked through the Yucatan when I was in my second year of university. I really enjoyed the ruins near Tulum, snorkelling through the caves and swimming with sea turtles.
-Emily