During my spring break, I took a solo trip to New York City. I had always dreamed of visiting the Big Apple but never had the opportunity (or the dough) to do so. But I finally decided that Spring Break 2016 would be the perfect time to fulfill this lifelong dream and I began planning my trip to the city that never sleeps.
Solo travel can seem scary, and trust me, it was intimidating. But it was the experience of a lifetime and I highly recommend doing it for yourself sometime. Here are six things I learned on my first solo travel excursion.
1. AirBnb is the way to go.
When looking for accommodations, I had many options to choose from. I looked at hostels and even checked out couchsurfing.com. During my search, I found several positive reviews for Airbnb.com, so I began looking there. Not only did I find an affordable place to stay during my visit, I met an incredible family who acted as a guide for my first trip to the city. Airbnb is a great way to find budget-conscious accommodations and make life-long friendships.
2. Uber adds up.
Don't get me wrong, Uber is awesome. But my mom didn't think it was so awesome when she saw $174 worth of charges on her credit card. Use Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other such transportation as sparingly as possible or you could blow through all of your spending money a little too quickly.
3. Figure out public transportation beforehand.
If you are directionally challenged like me, you know how difficult it is to navigate yourself sometimes. On my trip, I spent most of one day lost on the subway, switching back and forth between two trains before I gave up and found an Uber. Get a subway map and study it long before you ever leave. It will save you the headache!
4. You're never alone in a big city.
This is good but it can also be terrifying. Yes, being on a solo adventure means you are alone, but there are always other people--locals and other tourists alike--constantly surrounding you. Be careful who you trust to ask for directions. And remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable, find a safe place to duck into, such as a coffeeshop or other store, for a few minutes until the coast is clear.
5. Find free stuff to do.
"Free stuff" is one of my favorite phrases. There are plenty of things to do in big cities that won't cost you a dime, you just have to do a little research. Taking a stroll in Central Park or seeing a taping of your favorite late night show can bring just as much fun and excitement as that $300 ticket to "Hamilton."
6. Get to know yourself.
When I would tell someone I was going to New York City all by myself, I was often met with comments like, "Why would you ever want to do that by yourself?" or "Won't you get lonely?" My answer was always the same: This is something I've always wanted to do and now I am doing it for myself. Yes, it was scary. Yes, my mom worried about me every second I was gone. But I had an adventure. I treated myself and I had an amazing time with just me, myself, and I.
