When I took two weeks off and left to Paris I was ecstatic. I was supposed to be going with a friend but in the end it didn’t work out and I ended up going alone. I’ve always dreamt of going to Paris. Even though I’d never been I always felt at home there. So I continued planning and I went….alone. It was the best thing I’d ever done. I wasn’t worried about what if anything should happen, I’d be alone…blah blah blah. I’m an excellent trip planner. Ask my friends! I can have a trip planned in 2 hours. Any who I went, I sat alone at dinner, I went to the monuments, I people watched, I met people, I danced, I walked in the rain, I sat in parks, I rode the train, I cried, I laughed. It was perfect.
The older you get the harder to coordinate your life with those of your friends. People have jobs, they have to give notice, they have to save and it all becomes a waiting game. I’ve never really been afraid to travel alone. You learn a lot about yourself when you are alone. In 2012 I planned a trip to Spain alone and at the last minute a friend decided to come. One day we wanted to do different things so she went her way and I went mine. When you travel alone its very freeing. You depend on yourself. You can do what you want. You don’t have to compromise or wait for anyone. My solo trip to Paris was the best of my life.
I plan on doing a lot more solo trips. I didn’t have any problems making friends. The first week in Paris I spent discovering and seeing the sites and eating the foods. the second week was fashion week and I spent time going to shows and making friends with other bloggers and show attendants. It was really a whirlwind of fun. I’m no idiot though, my mother knew exactly where I was staying and a number for my host. I didn’t go out past midnight alone and I always knew how to get to wherever I was going thanks to googlemaps.
It takes some balls to go on an international trip alone but I highly recommend it. Its better than sitting around waiting to do and go the places you want to go in life because no one can go with you. This year I want to visit Italy and if there is no one to come along with…I will be there solo as well.
xx
Monroe
See this is what I am so afraid to do. Afraid of traveling internationally by myself, especially to a country where I do not know the language at all or very well. Hell, I am afraid of traveling to another state on my own. This is a very inspirational post and i hope that I find the courage to travel alone because I am finding that I am watching my life pass me by because I don’t have someone to tag along on trips with me.
Author
Hi Alyssa,
If you plan well it takes a lot of the worrying out of the trip. I speak only a little French and I find that most tourist destinations everyone speaks at least “a little” English. And I was starting to feel the same way, like my life is passing me by and I keep putting off the things I want to do because there is no one to do them with me. Its not a good way to live…life is short. You can do the things you want alone.
xx
Monroe
Good for you. My mom would kill me if I tried to go abroad alone. But one of these days I’ll do it.
Author
haha! don’t worry I spoke to my mom everyday while in Paris. lol
OMG, I’m so happy you posted this! Last year I made the decision to visit a different country every year. My 2013 trip was to Italy and a friend was able to travel with me. This year I want to go to England and maybe even take the train to Paris and spend a few days there, except I don’t think I will have any friends that can take the trip with me. I’m a worry wart and am very afraid of traveling by myself. After reading this post I realize as long as I plan well I will be fine. Thank you so much.
Author
You can do it. It is so freeing and as long as you plan well it should all work out. It takes a lot of courage to do it but you will definitely learn a lot about yourself and how strong you are when you do. Don’t put your life on hold waiting.
xx
Monroe
Great post. I can’t say I’ve traveled solo internationally yet, but I’ve certainly done my fair share of weekend getaways in the states. Great points on making sure someone knows where you’re staying and the thing is to have common sense. Like you said, not staying out by yourself too late, making sure you know how to get places before venturing out and if you have an ounce of personality you will certainly meet people in your travels. I’ve made some great acquaintances on my trips. Here’s to more solo travel in 2014. Look forward to seeing how Italy plays out…
I often think that a woman traveling on her own was safer in the world back then. That’s my biggest concern about traveling alone is safety. I completely agree with you about friends schedules not aligning with yours. Definitely something to consider when it comes to living your life not just existing.
How inspiring is this post !!!! I believe this is god talking to me … Thank u for this doll
Hey girl! This was an awesome post and it couldn’t have come at a better time cause I will definitely be doing some solo traveling in 2014 🙂 Cheers, Icela
Monroe, I love this post and I think going to Paris alone is amazing! I admire the gusto and wish I could do the same!
I’ll go to Italy with you!!!
And hope to see you in 2014!!
Xo , bee
I enjoyed this post, I’m always inspired by solo female travelers and you’re SO right we could be waiting forever if we wait for a companion.
Love this! I agree that traveling alone is a great thing, but Paris is a big step and a little scary when I think about it. This post makes me consider it though.
Amazing Monroe, so glad you had a great time! I want to plan a trip this year as well, for the big 3-0, I feel Greece is calling my name and if I must go alone then that is what it shall be. Thanks for the insight doll and I might be hitting you up for those trip planning skills cause I am THE WORST!
xoxo,
Naja
Traveling solo is one of my favorite things to do. It’s probably my biggest expense outside of basic living. Out of all the countries I’ve visited in the last 13 years, I’ve only had someone with me 3 times; my brother, my best friend, and my boyfriend. It’s one of the greatest feelings and gifts to yourself when you can take a significant amount of time off and see the world. The insight you receive about yourself through being in an unknown environment is something that can’t be replicated on the home front. I have 4 trips planned this year so far and I couldn’t be more excited 🙂
I hope you have some good travel plans for 2014!
P.S. GO TO ITALY, haha..it’s the most breathtaking country I’ve been to and the source for so many blessings in my life 🙂
OMG! I can totally relate. The same thing happened to me last year. I was supposed to go to London with a friend and she ended up not coming so I went alone. I was my first alone trip outside of the country but I had the best time. I enjoyed the freedom of doing what I wanted without consulting with someone else. I will be in NYC next week for another solo trip. Hopefully I’ll bump into you while in the city lol.