Ah, my first solo trip. How fun it is to look back and reflect on what a road it has been since then! Has the journey always been easy? Heck no! Has it been worth it? Absolutely yes, a million times over.
The Leap of Faith
It was late-2017, and I was at my desk at work when I received an email from Next Vacay advertising $180 RT fares to Palm Springs, California in January. Palm Springs had been on my list for so long. I was dying to explore nearby Joshua Tree National Park, walk through the desert, and admire the unique mid-century architecture that paints the city.
At the time, I’d been following solo female travelers on their blogs for quite a while. I knew I wanted to do a solo trip, but could never bring myself to actually making it happen. Advice I had heard from others that had been said time and time again was that booking the ticket is the hardest part. The rest is easy.
With that in mind, I threw caution to the wind, booked the ticket and decided I’d figure the rest out later. I was going on my first solo trip, and I was through the roof excited.
Coming in Hot
After booking, I felt amazing. I felt inspired. I felt like I was ready to take on the world (or at least Palm Springs). In fact, I felt so good, that when another deal came across my inbox only a week later, I jumped on that one too. I booked a trip to Saint Croix for the weekend after my Palm Springs trip.
Was I crazy? Maybe a little.
However, after conquering that hurdle of booking the trip once before, I knew I could do it again. My first two solo trips were going to be within two weeks of each other. I had a lot to learn, a lot to plan, and had no choice but to dive in head first.
Midnight Panic Attack
After a bunch of planning and mental prep, I was finally on the plane to Palm Springs. Ready to take on the Coachella Valley and conquer my first solo trip!
I landed, picked up my rental car, immediately went to the closest In-N-Out (obviously), and made my way to my Airbnb to settle in for the night. I’m not exactly sure what came over me as I laid there, but just the fact that I was thousands of miles away from home, in a strange bed, by myself… it hit me like a freight train.
I started to completely freak out. Frantically, I looked up everything I had booked for Saint Croix to check the cancellation policies. I was in California by myself, I couldn’t change that. However, I didn’t have to go through with my trip for the following weekend. Airfare was booked on points, I’d only lose 25% on the Airbnb, the car rental was completely refundable… my head was spinning. I had to lay there doing my breathing exercises to calm down for what felt like a lifetime. Eventually I drifted off to sleep (fortunately before cancelling anything) and woke up the next morning feeling completely different.
The Rest of the Trip
As soon as I woke up, looked around, and realized that I’m doing it, all the fears from the night before were instantly gone. I was way more focused on all the fun things I had planned for the day anyway!
It didn’t take long for me to realize what all the hype around solo travel was about. I got up when I wanted, left when I wanted, stopped at attractions when I felt like it, and had no one to run things by but myself. It was freeing, it was liberating, and it felt amazing.
I spent the rest of the day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneertown, and riding the Aerial Tram to San Jacinto Peak. Worries were the farthest thing from my mind- I was having too much fun! Later that night as I laid my head on the pillow that was drenched in tears less than 24 hours prior, I couldn’t help but laugh. At that moment, I couldn’t remember why I was so scared!
The rest of the weekend was packed full with more non-stop activities. And the plane ride home? Spent searching up additional things to add to my Saint Croix itinerary! Not only was I still going, but I was feeling even better about it.
Aftermath
Palm Springs will always hold a special place in my heart, as I am sure rings true to every solo traveler’s first destination. It was on this trip that I realized just how strong, smart, and capable I really am. This trip deepened my love for travel and my desire to see every corner of this big, beautiful world. It made me become more in-touch with myself, my interests, and my priorities. This trip pushed me to the absolute edge of my comfort zone, and I will be forever grateful for that. It really changed me.
I’m so glad I took the leap and just booked the ticket on a whim. For anyone out there who is struggling with this step as well, just do it. You won’t regret it, I promise.
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