My Serenities

When people think about solo travel, I feel like they imagine someone super fearless who just books a flight and goes without thinking twice.

That definitely was not me.

I was nervous at first, and honestly, I think that is normal. Walking into a restaurant alone, going to the movies by yourself, booking a hotel for one person, all of that can feel uncomfortable in the beginning.

What helped me the most was not starting with some huge trip across the country.

It was learning how to date myself first.

That is honestly the biggest advice I would give anyone who wants to start solo traveling.

Start Close First

I always tell people to start somewhere close, but not too close.

Pick a place maybe about an hour away that has enough to do. Somewhere with good restaurants, shopping, parks, maybe a cute downtown area, bookstores, coffee shops, or even somewhere you can walk trails or rent bikes.

For me, that started with a small city about an hour away from home that has more to do than my immediate area.

It was far enough away that it felt like I was doing something for myself, but close enough that it did not feel overwhelming.

I think that is the best place to start.

Before you plan the big trip, learn how to enjoy your own company first.

Learn How to Date Yourself

One of the first things I started doing was going to the movies by myself.

At first, I was so nervous.

I remember thinking everyone was going to notice I was alone and think it was weird.

But honestly, nobody cares.

Everyone is focused on themselves, their own plans, and their own life.

Once I realized that, it got so much easier.

And honestly, it started feeling really freeing.

You get to do exactly what you want, when you want, without asking anyone else what they feel like doing.

You can change plans, stay longer somewhere, leave early, grab dessert, skip dinner, whatever you want.

There is something really peaceful about that.

That is what I really like about dating myself.

Get Comfortable Eating Alone

This was another big step for me.

Sitting down at a restaurant alone can feel so awkward the first time, but I really think every woman should do it at least once.

Personally, I love getting a booth.

As an introvert, that feels way better to me than sitting at the bar.

Some people love the bar because it feels more social, but I like a booth where I can just relax, eat, and enjoy my own time.

I would recommend either starting with a booth or sitting at the bar, whatever feels less intimidating for you.

And afterward, you just get up and go do whatever you want next.

There is something really empowering about realizing you do not need to wait on someone else to enjoy your life.

Then Go a Little Further

Once you get used to solo dates and those smaller day trips, then I would start going a little farther.

Maybe somewhere four hours away instead of one.

That way it feels like a real trip, but it is still manageable.

You can make it a day trip, a weekend trip, stay a few days, or even stay a full week if you want.

I loved doing this with Greenville and Charleston just recently.

Greenville is about four hours away for me, and Charleston is about eight.

I even broke up the trip up that way, staying in Greenville first before heading farther south.

That made everything feel easier and honestly more enjoyable.

It made the trip feel less overwhelming and gave me something to look forward to in stages.

You do not have to go from zero to flying internationally overnight.

You can ease into it and feel mentally more prepared.

Planning Is Half the Fun

Honestly, one of my favorite parts of solo travel is the planning.

Sometimes I think planning is almost more fun than the trip itself!

I love searching Pinterest and TikTok for things to do, finding hidden coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, parks, walking trails, and all the little spots locals love.

I also love making itineraries and creating Google Maps lists so I can save everything ahead of time.

And of course shopping before a trip while I’m planning everything out is always fun.

It gets me even more excited for the trip. I like making sure I have the basics covered, whether that is a portable charger, a good weekender bag, or just those little things that make traveling easier.

That part gets me really excited.

It makes the trip feel real before it even starts.

And honestly, that excitement is part of the whole experience.

Why I Think Every Woman Should Do It

I really believe every woman should solo travel in some way.

Not because it is trendy, but because it teaches you independence.

It helps you trust yourself more.

It helps you stop waiting for someone else to go with you or make plans for you.

You realize you can just go.

You really do learn a lot about yourself when you are alone in a new place. That’s not just me talking in cliches, I really mean that in so many ways.

Every trip I’ve been on I have learned something new about myself.

You figure out what you actually like, what makes you feel peaceful, what makes you feel confident, and what kind of life you actually want.

It helps you form your own thoughts and become more yourself.

I am still learning too. I still get nervous sometimes. I still have bigger trips I want to take.

I have thought about flying out west next, maybe Colorado or Arizona.

And eventually, I want to go even farther.

Ireland, Scotland, maybe Italy.

Places I have always wanted to see.

But I honestly do not think I would feel ready for those bigger trips if I had not started small first.

That first solo movie.

That first solo dinner.

That first little drive an hour away.

That is where it started for me.

And honestly, that is where I would tell anyone else to start too.

I hope this helps motivate you to start planning your first or next solo trip!

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->Link to portable charger

=>Link to weekender bag

->Link to travel essentials