Do it Afraid: 10 1st Time Solo Travel Ideas

Solo Travel Jump Start

Travel Daily News reports a 42% increase in solo travel bookings for the past four years.

Have you thought about where you can fit into those numbers?

If you haven’t attempted solo travel, you may need ideas on how to get started.

The goal is to do anything you would with another person.

Of course, that’s easier said than done!

How bad you want it?

I wanted it badly enough that I didn’t let indecision or even finances get in the way.

My first blog talks about overcoming fear. Sometimes you have to GO FOR IT afraid.

Grab all of your baggage and come along for the ride as I list 10 activities to give you a jump start to carefree solo travel.

1. Go see a Movie

Like others on the list, this one is not technically traveling but it’s a great way to start small.

The key is learning to be comfortable being alone in a public setting.

When I first started going to the movies alone, it took some getting used to. Now it’s not even “a thing”.

I’m a talker at the theaters so being alone is a different experience.

I don’t miss talking to another person, I just reserve it for when I’m with someone.

Going to the movies solo has fewer distractions and don’t think you will enjoy the movie any less.

I’ve left the theater after being moved to tears in one movie.

It was almost funny hearing the staff asking if I was ok.

It may bring you some comfort to know that you will most likely see other solo moviegoers.

Sometimes I feel like a movie critic on the job minus the pay and note-taking.

TIP: Go during a matinee or less busy time for a better experience.

2. Go out for Dinner/Drinks

If you’re contemplating traveling solo and are comfortable with doing numbers one and two, you’re well on your way!

Again, it’s simply a form of practice.

We live in a society where doing anything alone is often frowned upon.

Some may think you have deep character flaws that translate into eating at a table alone.

The curious and nosy stares will come!

You can take baby steps and start at a bar then graduate to a table/booth.

If you thought that you were the type of person that didn’t care what others think, this will be a huge wake-up call.

Sometimes, when you tell a host or waitress “party of one” they may quickly flinch in surprise.

You eventually get used to it.

At first, I would use my phone as a distraction. Now I put it down and focus on my meal.

I try to acknowledge any thoughts of insecurity. In a group setting, they’re easy to ignore or placed on a shelf.

Don’t overlook the feelings coming to the surface. There has to be a decision made that you will not allow them to rule over you!

You almost make them powerless this way.

I use the rest of the time to people watch.

3. Take Public Transportation to a New Place

Public transportation can include a bus or train ride.

Make sure to have an activity planned along your route and that the trip lasts at least an hour each way.

You will be amazed at how much your confidence will grow when you only have yourself to rely on.

If you get lost, you will either have to ask a stranger for help or figure it out on your own.

The average person does not intentionally put themselves out of their comfort zones.

I would say that is the epitome (basis, meaning) of solo travel.

4. Take a trip with an organization

If you are part of an organization (political, religious, work-related, etc.) most likely they will have outings.

My 1^st solo bus trip was with the NAACP to the 50^TH anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech.

A few years later, I traveled with the Nation of Islam to the 20^th anniversary of “The Million Man March”.

In both cases, I wasn’t a member of either organization.

You can also look into your alma maters’ (high schools and colleges) activities.

My high school has very active and involved alma mater. I’ve used the opportunity to take solo trips to away football games.

I went not knowing a soul. I still felt a bond because we were all on the same team.

It was no different than rooting for family members.

I try to do this as often as possible.

Since solo travel is about stepping out of your comfort zone, I make sure to speak to the people around me.

It’s always an enjoyable time filled with laughter and great conversation.

5. Go to a professional sports game

If you read my About section, I made reference to being the number one Miami Heat fan.

I love attending games solo.

There’s a camaraderie in being among like-minded fans. Both the cheerings and unfortunate groanings act as connective glue.

These games can be so interactive. It’s up to you to be a willing participant

You’re singing songs, dancing and having an awesome time with total strangers next to you.

If you wear your team’s merchandise, who knows, you may be even dressed like another fan.

6. Attend a Festival

My 1^st solo festival trip was done in a different state. I flew to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

Whitney Houston is my all-time favorite singer. When she died suddenly, I regretted not seeing her perform live.

I promised myself that I would not miss any other artists even if I had to go see them solo.

When I heard Anita Baker was making a “farewell tour” appearance at the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival in Miami Gardens, I had to go!

Long story short, they double-assigned my seat and I got upgraded to the very front for free. That may not have been possible with a group.

7. Take a Day Trip

I’m fortunate to live in Miami. There’s so much to do.

My 1^st solo local day trip was to Key West. I rode a tour bus so I didn’t have to drive.

You can rent a car or drive your own to do a day trip.

Google is filled with “things to do” in every city. There’s no excuse to not explore.

Think about your own hobbies or a small bucket-list that you’ve been putting off and do those things.

If you’re a shopper like me, visit an outlet that’s out of your way.

You can conquer two things on this list at once. Add “#2” to your buying spree.

There is a new mall that opened about 30 minutes away from me. That is a future mini day trip.

8. Go to a Day Party

Essence Festival has many day parties.

You get everything that comes with a night party except the timing.

Day parties may be casual or fancy. One of the perks is that you have natural lighting for your pictures!

These days you can go to day parties on a boat and through brunches at restaurants.

Check out Groupon, Event Brite, and Facebook for day parties near you.

9. Take a Scenic Boat Ride

Downtown Miami has an area called Bayside Marketplace where you can take boat rides to see celebrities’ mansions and get a nice aquatic view of the city.

Fort Lauderdale has a cheesy tourist trap called “The Jungle Queen” that has a similar tour. You can choose the optional ribs dinner and island show.

TIP: It’s an open-aired boat, make sure to go during the “cooler” months (November to February) if “old man winter” is cooperating in Florida.

10. Go to a Concert

The purpose of this list is to get to a place where you can comfortably do “group” things alone.

Concerts are no different.

At the Essence Festival, there are 3 nights of concerts and I’ve attended each one alone.

I wear my finest, do my make-up and get as excited as I would with a “squad”.

Solo travel teaches you that you can become your own squad.

I’ve gone to four local concerts alone. I wasn’t about to miss Janet Jackson or Xscape.

The Miami Dade Youth Fair had a concert series one year. I attended two nights solo.

The tickets were under $20. I invited someone. They canceled at the last minute and “the shows (for TLC and Ginuwine) went on”!

Initially, solo travel will bring all insecurities to surface!

You will war with yourself and others around you.

Once you breakthrough, it gets easier and easier.

Your actions will prove that you don’t care what others may think.

Solo travel has been a great confidence booster!

I’m a great person to be around, who better to find out than myself?

Stop missing out on getting to know yourself on a deeper level! DO IT AFRAID!

~Poof…Bee Gone

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