Posted on July 11, 2009 - by Guest

First time for solo travel? Try a short retreat

Thinking of solo travel for the first time? If you are contemplating it and feeling gun shy, I would suggest a short retreat as your first trip. Short retreats are great because they give you a taste of what it’s like to travel solo without the big commitment. They’re liberating — a real confidence-builder.

Before I embarked on my own for long trips, I took weekenders to different locations to see what it was like. One example: I live in Toronto, so I Googled “retreat in Ontario” and found Thirteen Moons This is a fantastic vegetarian retreat for women located near Peterborough Ontario. When I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by Louise the owner and her lovely dog Red-Dog.

Louise is a fantastic cook, the grounds were beautiful and it was a tranquil experience. It definitely made me feel prepared for other solo travel experiences that I have since accomplished.

Wherever you are, try traveling solo somewhere close to home for a your first solo travel adventure. You will be surprised at how easy it is…. and wonder why you hadn’t tried solo travel sooner!

Until next time,
Liz

Here’s a few posts on safety and tips that you might find helpful as you set out to travel solo for the first time:

Travel Safety: 50 Tips for Solo Travelers
Travel Solo and Save
Reflections on Women Traveling Solo
Travel Alone and Love it: 50 Tips
Packing Light Even (especially) for long trips

Have fun. Meet people.  Discover new cultures. Stay safe.

Travel solo.