Years ago, I had unknowingly placed a limit on my travel experience potential based on my relationship status. I told myself and others that I was going to wait until I was married to travel overseas. I was “saving” bigger travel expeditions as an opportunity to make memories with my future husband.
While this may have seemed like a noble, romantic notion in its conception, it was complete foolishness. Why wait for a relationship to build new experiences and memories? I’m embarrassed to admit that I used my relationship status as a reason not to try something new and exciting. Perhaps out of fear . . . definitely out of ignorance. I had no idea what I was missing out on.
I traveled domestically every month for work or personal reasons, so I considered myself adventurous-enough. However, I kept getting the nudge to see more of what the world had to offer. I had completed the obligatory island-destined vacations to Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico, but yearned for more.
It wasn’t until my trip to South Africa that I realized how much of the world I was missing and what “more” really looked like. An adventurous girlfriend who was living her best, single life at the time invited me to join her, so I figured there was no time like the present.
A bit anxious about the ten-hour flights and long layovers, I occupied my mind by reviewing the jam-packed agenda. I daydreamed about seeing the city architecture, tasting the local cuisine and wandering through the art galleries. Next thing I knew, I was in Turkey and unable to sleep for all the people-watching. I quickly learned that most travelers in that airport were just as curious about me as I was about them.
Once in Johannesburg, I was welcomed with such beauty, sincerity and culture from people who reflected much of what I see in the mirror. The simplicity in which some lived combined with the immense art and history of the land changed my perspective on life outside of the United States. I savored stews, braai, seafood, and delicious vetkoek then haggled with locals for authentic souvenirs and African-print garbs.
I also met interesting people who, like me, wanted to see the world, one country at a time. We soared high above the mountains, intertwined with clouds in my first hot-air balloon ride. We watched antelope and giraffes traipse across the land and hiked our way to the Origin of Mankind. We then basked in the aftermath of a week well-spent.
After this trip, I was officially bitten by the travel bug. I was thinking about my next excursion before my feet returned to U.S. soil. I even had a new lens when traveling domestically. How could I travel like a local while still exploring the must-see spots that helped shape the history and culture of the area?
This trip helped me realize that new boo or not, traveling to new places will no longer be dictated by my relationship status. I’m chasing new destinations to educate and shape me into a better human being — one that embraces her journey while making the most out of this season in her life.
I have put new destinations on my bucket list and am slowly making plans to check them off one by one. I was grateful to experience Santorini in 2018.
Italy and Paris are next on my list. In the meantime, domestic travel is just as important. I recently made plans to visit Hawaii for the first time and want to get back to some of my favorite spots like New York, D.C., and Phoenix- the list goes on.
Of course, I realize that traveling while single can be expensive, intimidating or time-consuming. Therefore, here are some recommendations to help you conquer some travel goals on your own:
- Be Planful – if you have travel goals for the year, make plans now! That way, you can save up, do the extra work, rally the friends, book the babysitter or simply buy tickets and reserve hotels far enough in advance that you save on the overall costs. Last minute travel really drains the bank account. Also, not everyone has the ability to drop everything and go on a whim’s notice. Plan ahead so you can travel with no worries.
- Sign Up for Travel Alerts – almost every travel site has daily, weekly or monthly travel alerts that can be sent to your phone or your email. For example, after you do a search on Travelocity or Cheaphotels.com, you can opt-in to receive updates on when your particular destination has deals.
- Read the Reviews – I appreciate the opinionated people who take pictures and leave reviews about their hotel or a restaurant. It helps you get a realistic picture of what you’re walking in to. This also helps you plan safe, enjoyable trips that meet your expectations.
- Utilize Social Media – this is when scrolling through IG actually works for your benefit. Find some travel bloggers or influencers that share similar interests or have been to destinations you are eyeing. There are so many bloggers who tell you where the top spots to eat are on your favorite island. Or, they may recommend the ideal Air B&B that accommodates you and your friends.
- Start a Travel Account – there is no rule about how many bank accounts you can have. As long as you have a checking and savings, why not add a travel account? This can be where you shift your extra funds that will ensure you have flight, hotel and spending money for that special trip. Instead of buying your lunch for a week, drop $75 into your travel account.
- Don’t be Afraid to Travel Alone – solo-travel is one of the most liberating events. You get to choose where you want to go, where you want to stay and what you want to do. It doesn’t have to be a long trip either. Even if its a road-trip and you bury yourself in a relaxing hotel bed with a good book, it’s what you want to do. This way, you are not bound by anyone’s itinerary or surprised by the discomfort that can come when traveling with others. Some people do local activities well which doesn’t translate well outside of the city. That’s ok! You can also join a travel group. You may not know everyone in the group but you all have the same intentions- see the world. You could also meet some really cool people.
Instead of living by an “I will when I’m boo’d up” philosophy, following some of these recommendations will help you live by a “where is my passport?” reality. Safe travels!
