Most people fear that taking a vacation alone will result in judgements and strange looks from others. I won't lie, that does happen. Traveling alone also means only having one schedule to worry about- your own.
From Birthright to the Disney College Program, I have friends living all over the country. I've gone on short trips here and there to visit, but since I was staying with friends it never felt like I was traveling alone. It wasn't until I took a week-long vacation to Orlando, Florida to visit some of my Disney friends that I learned the realities of traveling solo.
1. The flight
Many think your solo vacation begins once you take off, but it really begins when you book your flight. This is when the commitment is made to travel alone. Unlike traveling with friends and family, when choosing your seat you can pick from the center, window, or aisle. Personally, I choose the aisle because I don't want to sit next to two strangers and if I need to use the restroom, I can with ease. If you're like me and fall asleep as soon as the plane takes off flying alone is no big deal, but otherwise, flights can be lonely and feel longer than they are with no one to talk to.
2. The arrival
Once you arrive at your destination, your vacation kicks into full gear. After checking into your hotel room and you begin to unpack, the realization of having the room to yourself hits. For someone who over packs, like myself, this is great! I have all the draw and counter space for my clothes and toiletries. I don't have to worry about someone being in the bathroom when I want to shower or turning the lights on before I want to wake up. However, once you're in for the night, the empty presence of other people makes it lonely. It's upsetting not having anyone to discuss the fun events of the day with.
3. The day to day events
One of the biggest causes of stress on vacation is making a schedule of events that pleases everyone. This usually results in tears or arguments of some sort. Luckily, traveling solo eliminates this problem. Unless you're visiting friends and you have to make plans around their work/class schedule, the only agenda you have is of what you want to do. I'll admit, it was much easier walking around Magic Kingdom without being dragged in multiple different directions. However, it was lonely watching the shows without having someone to make comments to. Waiting in lines for rides and characters also felt much longer because I had no one to pass the time with. Fortunately, Disney World provides complimentary wifi for their guests- I was able to check up on all things social media.
4. Eating alone
This aspect of traveling alone is one that makes people the most uncomfortable. There is the fear of being judged by others in the restaurant or simply asking for a table for one. Eating alone can be peaceful. After a busy day of sightseeing or visiting old friends, you can sit and unwind. You don't have to worry about slow eaters or being rushed to move on to the next event. It is also the perfect opportunity for people watching. After eating alone at school, often due to a busy schedule different than that of my roommates, eating alone on vacation is something I dread. To eliminate the amount of times I found myself alone at a table in a restaurant, I packed snacks and sandwiches to eat throughout my days in the parks. This also saves a lot of money!
5. Wanting that insta-worthy picture
If you're traveling solo, chances are you avoid being in any pictures because you don't want to sound awkward asking a stranger to take it for you. Honestly, yeah, it's uncomfortable. I've received strange looks from other guests, but why should I deprive myself of a potential perfect insta-worthy picture?
Traveling alone teaches the importance of independence. Regardless of what you do or where you go, someone will give you strange looks. Ignore the judgment and don't let it affect your vacation. After all, you are enjoying yourself!
