Solo travel?

[JustaMom]

Just returned…US based
If you’re new to solo travel, or are on the fence about trying it, I (female, late 60s) just returned from an an amazing 3 day 2 night tour of 3 national parks - I was impressed by the experience, and even more delighted when there were 4 other solo female travelers (2 from Australia and one from San Francisco, I’m from Southern California)! I had never been to Grand Canyon area before and was happy to not have to figure out the logistics.

It was a small group (maximum 13 passengers), our group was 7 plus a driver.

I’ve done bus tours before and it’s often felt like we drive for an hour, hop out for 15 minutes, take some photos and back in the bus. Or we all herd together and everyone does the same thing. It was not like that at all -

We first drove to Zion National Park (Utah) and had around 3 1/2 hours to explore on our own. I took the Zion shuttle (free) and stoped at stop # 5, hiked the Emerald Pools trail - the waterfall was cool, but sadly the “emerald” pools were more brown on this day. But it was still great! After my picnic lunch, we met back at our bus, and headed to Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) which was otherworldly! After a nice solo hike on the Navajo Trail (which took about 90 minutes), I strolled from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, and simply marveled at the magical landscape. I think we were there around 3 hours. Back on the bus we were all pretty exhausted, and headed to our hotel for the night, Ruby’s Inn (I paid the very modest single supplement as I want/like my own space). Dinner was on our own, and the Inn has a great restaurant that has a buffet as well as a menu. The selection was good, but not particularly great for vegans (something I noticed throughout the trip as we are predominantly vegan). Also at Ruby’s was a fantastic general store so I picked up some healthy snack items and a couple of things. Had a great night sleep.

The next morning it was zero degrees (Fahrenheit) and frost on the ground. I was glad I packed layers and a very warm puffer! We were provided a breakfast voucher for the buffet, which was plentiful. On the bus we made our way to Antelope Canyon (Arizona)! The tour was optional ($), but worth every penny! We were guided by a Navajo who took their time going through the (75 feet) underground tunnels of sandstone (only natural light) and gave us plenty of background information and lots of time for pictures. He even took some for us and was amazing. I would say this was a true highlight for me, and I would urge everyone to take the opportunity. From there we made our way to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center near the Glen Canyon Dam with views of Lake Powell and the Colorado River (Arizona), where we took a good hour to enjoy our picnic lunches, and had time to check out the center. On to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park where we were met by another Navajo guide and taken on an open air 4x4 ride through the amazing 17 mile loop. Our guide talked about growing up and what it it was/is like being Navajo. He also was helping us take photos and was great! The history here is one to delve deeper into. After the tour we made our way to our hotel, Goulding’s Resort. Dinner was on our own, and everyone opted to sit together. After dinner 2 of us walked to the nearby grocery store and then watched the sunset. Every room had a balcony overlooking some of the mesas and buttes. I woke myself up after midnight to stargaze & I set my clock for pre sunrise and it was definitely worth it!

Day 3 Breakfast was on the bus! We had yogurt, fruit and muffins available. After a short ride we stopped for coffee. We had a few hour drive to our next destination, Grand Canyon National Park (south rim) (Arizona). I opted for the ($$) option of a 50 minute helicopter ride and I’m so glad I did! Only 2 of us did, the others took time to hike/explore. The flight was incredible. After a couple hours exploring we were making our way back to
Las Vegas where we began. But first we stopped in Seligman, Arizona on Route 66 (the inspirational town for Disney’s animated film Cars). This place was the land where time stood still! Fun place. Most of us ate a light meal and walked around a bit before heading back to the bus.

I chose to arrive the day before the tour, and stayed overnight after in Las Vegas. This way I wasn’t rushed. I did go to Sphere and saw The Wizard of Oz, which was unique, and while I’m glad I did, it isn’t something I would say is a must do. And it’s my favorite movie. I walked around for a few hours afterward, before picking up my luggage (I used a Bounce luggage storage location) and making my way to the airport.

This journey for me was about getting an overview of the national parks, and seeing if there was anywhere I might like to explore further on my own. And yes, I would absolutely go back to Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and even Zion National Park! And now that I’ve seen the drive, I also know it’s totally doable and not at all difficult (although with gas prices these days…).

This is the tour I took - I have no vested interest other than as a happy customer. https://www.wakeuphere.com/tour/3-day-national-parks-mini-explorer/ - the actual tour company was Bindlestiff, but their prices are identical.

Happy to answer any questions.

[abasket]

Spectacular photos.

I love hearing about alternative trips like this that are simple yet satisfying. And for taking the chance solo. With a husband who doesn’t have interest in traveling, a piece of me wants to try a trip of my own.

[Youdon_tsay]

I am not at all opposed to traveling solo, and this is the exact kind of trip I’d take!

[JustaMom]

I can highly recommend this one. While solo, you’re still well connected and taken care of.

My love is a quadriplegic so travel in general is an ordeal - but supports my need to wander and explore worldwide.

The other female solos were 55, 50, 37 & 26. We also had a couple in their early 30s, from Russia. Our driver was 34.

[JustaMom]

@abasket

Spectacular photos.

iPhone 15 Pro to the rescue!

[StPaulDad]

We’re just getting to the empty nest stage, so the experiments have been irregular and scattered but pretty successful. Our youngest spent the last two summers working at a camp so we were able to do some traveling as a couple (no kids?!?) And my wife only works part time so she’s been able to get away in our teardrop trailer even more than I have, and she’s had a great time soloing.

There’s so much more support out there for individuals these days that Traveling Solo doesn’t have to be scary. There’s a ton of guidance online for planning, better communications for times you don’t feel safe, and more guided and shared trips for those who would never go out alone. The worst stories I’ve heard are usually medical stories wrapped in a travel tale, but most of the people I know doing this are either 60+ and not going stupid places or 20-25 and watched over by a benevolent god.

[one_two]

Were there any attempts at banding together by the solos? - let’s go to dinner together? What trail are you hiking, I’ll join you. do you want to see this show? etc. I’m not sure if I’d want that or not. Would depend on the personalities. Wouldn’t want to be stuck discussing politics with someone.

Also, those are stunning photos!

[scubasue]

I am getting ready to leave on a month long trip, the second half of which will be literal solo travel…just moi… on my first trip to Italy. No tour. I am super excited, but it will be interesting being soley responsible for getting myself to 5 different cities, on all of my excursions, etc on time and in one piece.

I have never been interested in doing an organized tour trip before, but after planning a 28 day trip covering 8 cities, I can see the upside of a tour. Ha. I think I’ve made 38 reservations for thr month so far (planes, trains, automobile, ferries, day excursions, etc.) Fortunately there is plenty of time sitting on the beach or just strolling the towns factored in. Once I get to each destination, I will not be running from one place to another too much. We’ll see how it goes. I am accustomed to having a chauffeur and a beach Sherpa at my disposal.

My DH will be spending his own solo getaway on his ultimate birding adventure. I think we are both equally glad to be excused from the other’s plans.

[1214mom]

I used to enjoy planning trips within the US, but I’m kind of tired of even that. Although we still do just sometimes pick a city and not do a lot of planning before we get there, or go someplace for a specific reason and then find other things to do once we get there. H and I have done several active adventure “group/guided” trips (mostly cycling, but some hiking, kayaking, etc. too) and I’m guessing that on maybe half of them there was at least one solo traveler. Often solo people have been invited to join others as interests align, or just people being friendly.
When we went to New Zealand we did a 14 day bike trip, but were there for 28 days. We thought we might plan it ourselves, but a person who does planning was recommended to us, and he was very worth whatever it cost us. (We didn’t have to pay him, but I know we would have gotten some better deals doing things on our own).

[HImom]

We’ve invited BIL to come along with us. He pays a single supplement because he wants his own room (though one time he did room with another guy whose wife didn’t like traveling with him). BIL has come on several trips with us and also goes on a few trips with his other friends. My S travels both with his wife and solo. His wife also sometimes travels with him & sometimes solo. They’re mid/late 30s.

[JustaMom]

Yes, the first night as I went to get dinner, I saw a solo walking and asked her if she’d had dinner yet, she had not, so we sat together. It was pleasant enough, we chatted about travel.

On the first hike (Zion) a solo asked which (if any) trail i was doing and said she was thinking to do it as well. I told her not to feel that she needed to keep up or be tied at the hip, and she agreed. Within 10 minutes i didnt see her again until the bus.

Most of us were cognizant of giving space, which I appreciated. By day 2 most were offering to help take photos, offering suggestions, taking strolls with others, etc.

[HImom]

I’m guessing people who travel alone enjoy their own space more than folks who sign up for large group tours. It seems important to strike a balance between alone time & socializing.

[FallGirl]

@one_two -I like to think most people would know enough not talk about politics! I have not travelled solo outside of the US ( yet) but have found on group tours people avoid talking about politics.

[busdriver11]

It does seem that people tend to not talk politics much on group tours. I have found that when traveling with people from other countries, it’s a fair bet that they have strong feelings about US politics, and we try to set their minds at ease pretty quick, that we are not the Americans they don’t like. We’re the ones who respect and appreciate them, and they seem to be more comfortable with us when we make that clear.

[itsgettingreal21]

Glad you enjoyed it. Solo is my preferred way to travel. I make friends all over the world, have an amazing time, and don’t have to worry about any one else’s preferences or budget.

[Data10]

@JustaMom

If you’re new to solo travel, or are on the fence about trying it

It sounds like a great trip. The title of the post and first sentence are about solo travel, so I’ll reply on that topic instead of the trip details.

Given that this is the parents forum, I expect most typically go on vacations with family, rather than traveling solo. I’m the opposite. The bulk of my trips are solo, and the minority are with others. There are advantages and disadvantages.

One key advantage I find for outdoor hiking trips, similar to one above, is more schedule flexibility. I find the experience is often far better if beating the crowds by hiking on weekdays, and choosing the specific weekdays days on which weather and recent rain/snow is closest to ideal. I can do this, but most persons I’d travel with don’t have this degree of schedule/work flexibility. If it’s a road trip, I can wake up without an alarm clock and start driving as soon as I naturally wake up and finish my morning routine instead of scheduling beforehand and/or waiting for someone else.

I can also choose the specific activities that I’d enjoy most, which are often different than others I’d travel with. I can choose the length of time I’d prefer on each activity, eat when I’m hungry at the location I’d prefer, etc. If on a hiking trip, I can choose a larger variety of hikes that involve longer distances and/or greater elevation change than I could if accommodating others; as well as walk at my preferred pace. It also usually ends up being far less expensive than traveling with others, even when measured on a per person basis, as I prefer more basic things than most and take pleasure in finding optimizations for improved value.

Downsides include not being able to share the experience with others I am close to. The best and most memorable trips of my life generally involve traveling with others. It’s often not the activity itself that is most memorable, but some kind of interaction or shared unique experience or occurrence. A few such trips have changed the trajectory of my life, in a positive way. This can involve exposing myself to something I never would have considered doing if the person(s) I am traveling with hadn’t suggested doing so.

If you are in a family or longterm relationship, another potential downside is hurt feelings, if the solo travel is not well discussed and accepted beforehand. For example, when I was growing up, my parents would sometimes have arguments about travel – whether they should take a trip, where to go, how much is appropriate to spend, etc. My dad became upset after one such argument, so he went to Europe for a week by himself. When my parents were visiting me as an adult, he did something similar a few years ago and suddenly declared he was driving to Las Vegas + Joshua Tree + … for a few days without discussion (that I had heard), in spite of being in poor health and having limited mobility.