Road Trip Towards Self Discovery

Traveling solo is not a luxury reserved for the unattached. A solitary journey is one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself when you start to get overwhelmed with the prescribed expectations that come with adulthood. Once you shut the car door, put on your seatbelt, and shift into drive, the decisions you make will be yours and yours alone. There might even be some surprises you didn't know about yourself or remnants of who you once were may join you for the ride. Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan an adventure for one.

Be Intentional

Take your time to plan out your destination. What is the adventure you want to have? I am passionate about being outdoors, so my excursions need a destination with a hiking trail or ski hill nearby. What are you passionate about - music, art, food, nature, ect.? Choose a location that will cater to your desires. There will be people who will try to shape your journey by providing good-willed suggestions of places to go and things to see. Listen intently and politely, but ultimately give yourself permission to make your decision based on what you want to do.

Premeditation

Now that you have your destination it is time to plan your adventure. This is where you can fall into the comfort zone trap, especially if you have chosen a location you have visited previously. Make a list of everything you do when you travel with your family or friends. Analyze the list and only circle the ones that speak to you. Review it one more time and star two to three that excite you. Now it's time to add a few that are unfamiliar and will push you out of your comfort zone. These could be as simple as dining alone at a fancy restaurant or as extreme as signing up for surfing lessons. You do not have to commit to anything right now. Just make a list of possibilities. The best part of solo travel is that you get to be flexible.

Be Selfish

This is your trip. Don't schedule an itinerary (unless that is what excites you, then by all means schedule away.) The decisions you make need to be based on what you want to do with this window of time in your life. There will be a pull towards familiar activities you like to do with your friends or family, but make sure these are things you actually want to do alone. Visiting your kiddo's favorite restaurant might find you at a local pizza buffet when what you are really craving is tofu pad thai in the hipster part of downtown. There will be a draw towards the usual outings with family or friends; however, it is essential to focus on doing the things you never get to do. Finally, forget about the image you portray on social media. Make sure the experiences you engage in are uniquely yours. It is up to you if you want to share your venture on Facebook or Instagram, but make sure you don't let a filtered image of yourself shape your adventure.

Enjoy Your Own Company

You have made it to your destination. Now what? It's time to explore, pamper, and spoil yourself. Make reservations for one at a fancy restaurant, visit a local museum where you get to linger on the exhibits for as long as you want to, or picnic at a local park with a good book. Whatever fills your cup, now is the time to do it without interruption.

I know sitting in a restaurant alone can be a little intimidating, and visiting a museum without someone to share the experience can be a little lonely, but give it a try. You will discover it is only awkward for the first few minutes. If you take the time to truly engage with your server or the other people around you, you will discover a new beauty of being among strangers and not feeling alone. Another hint is to take a journal with you. I find myself journaling or sketching while waiting for my food or when I'm inspired by the sights around me.

One more important suggestion is to make your mornings your own. If you are used to rushing out the door to all the responsibilities adulthood has thrown at you, take this time to slow down and devour the delicious hours of the morning. If you have a room with a view, take the time to sit on the balcony or at the window and savor a cup of coffee or tea. Soak it up and be fully present with your thoughts and reflections.

Time to Go

It's time to press pause on your busy life and schedule just a little time for yourself. Traveling solo is one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself. We give so much to the people around us; why not give a little of that to ourselves? What are you waiting for? Go find yourself out there!