Why you need that Solo Vacation: it’s Self Care
Do you ever feel like you just need to escape from it all and and take some time for yourself?!
Well, taking a solo vacation might be just what you need – and not a solo vacation in the respect that you are traveling to attend a friend’s wedding or someone’s birthday party: but a real solo vacation that is purely for you!
In today’s fast-paced and busy world, it’s important to prioritize self-care and mental health.
And what better way to do that than by embarking on a solo adventure?
Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a nearby destination or a longer trip to a far-flung location, traveling alone can offer a myriad of benefits.
Taking a solo vacation allows you to disconnect from the noise and distractions of everyday life, giving you the opportunity to focus on yourself and your well-being.
It provides a chance to rejuvenate and recharge, away from the pressures and demands of work and personal relationships.
Solo travel also encourages self-reflection and self-discovery, as you navigate new places and experiences on your own. In my blog post, I’ll explore the various benefits of taking a solo vacation for self-care and mental health.
From increased independence and confidence to greater self-awareness and personal growth, find out why you need that solo vacation: it’s self care!
What are the benefits of solo vacations for self-care and mental health?
The most important benefit is that you have something on your calendar to look forward to without any other opinions involved and that can surely lift your mood.
Often when you travel with other people you need to make sure that their needs are being met by the plan whereas your needs are often overlooked.
With a solo vacation, you need to just have a plan that works for you! And only you – oh and maybe your furry pal if you chose to bring your dog!
Which leads me to my next point how to chose the right destination for a solo vacation.
Where are the best places to solo travel?
I often go on short solo trips outside of the Bay Area – near where I live and Roo (my dog) is always invited!
Some of my favorite places to solo travel near me are: Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Rosa – wine country! Most places in these areas are dog friendly – especially on the Sonoma side.
Don’t forget this trip is supposed to be a stress-free experience – here are some tips to help you enjoy your solo travel!
The benefit of going on a solo vacation for your mental health is really that it’s a time for your to get away from the day to day routine – be in a new environment and hopefully be able to take in some true relaxation.
Try naps, walks, sleeping in, indulgent meals, hot tubs and swims.
Being able to indulge in any of those activities is automatically going to boost your mood and prepare you to take on your day to day life again.
How to plan your first solo vacation:
I do get that it’s a privilege to be able to go on a solo vacation – many people have commitments they can’t get out of, or children and significant others, money doesn’t allow it.
I get that but I do implore you to think outside the box: perhaps a solo trip is a day trip somewhere – any easy drive for a long lunch, a stroll, then a return home.
Or if you are a points person or loyal to a company like One Key (formerly Hotels.com) – you might have points that have added up and now tally up to a free room! (This just happened to me in Sweden!)
Get creative with your solo trip because there is always a way to do something – even it it’s just a day trip!
Pro tip: when you solo travel and you want to get a good pic – make sure to bring a tripod with a remote (I took the above image that way!). It comes in so handy!
Activities to promote self-care and mental well-being during a solo vacation:
A message or mud bath
Yoga classes
A low impact hike
Group wine tasting
A swim class
A reservation for a fancy dinner
These are all great activities to keep your vacation stress free and totally indulgent!
The most important part of being on a solo vacation for self care is to truly take the time to connect with yourself and find some inner peace.
Try to put your phone away (this is a super tough one for me!) and just live in the moment – take a mental pic and have it in your heart forever.
I went on a yoga retreat in June – not as a solo trip but as a bachelorette party – which was a very creative idea.
This is not something I would normally do on my own but doing it to celebrate a friend was perfect. In any case: the leader and instructor of the program said something that resonated with me and I am paraphrasing:
When you go home and return to your day to day life remember that you’re going back but to continue moving forward.
The takeaway being that of course we go back to our lives and perhaps nothing has changed there – same job, same friends, same love life or lack thereof.
But what can be different is our perspective and how we approach it in a forward motion rather than in the same way we always have.
There are so many resources and support for solo travelers – I would start with googling travel bloggers – like myself – and see what they are up to and get ideas that way.
Find a place you want to go and then once there: sign up for a group activity there: so you have a resource for meeting new people and exploring.
Just because it’s solo travel – doesn’t mean that the entire trip has to be done by yourself.
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