A Simple Solo Journey
In February 2018, I embarked on my first solo trip to San Diego for four days. I was a mix of fear and excitement, eager to prove to myself that I could have a fantastic time exploring a new city on my own. I booked a hotel and rented a car, though navigating an unfamiliar city alone was nerve-wracking.
Dining solo and participating in activities without a companion was initially daunting, but it turned out to be incredibly rewarding. I spent leisurely hours on the beach in La Jolla, engrossed in a good book, and explored the city, discovering charming shops and dining spots. Highlights included a visit to the San Diego Zoo, where I had the chance to get up close with some incredible animals, including my favorite, a giraffe. I also joined a food tour, sampling diverse dishes and mingling with new people, mostly couples, which was a liberating experience. Overall, the trip was an empowering journey of self-discovery and adventure.
Have Confidence in Yourself and Treat Yourself to Rewards
My next solo adventure didn’t come until December 2021, after a year of working A LOT. With a few weeks off for the Christmas holidays, I decided it was time for a much-needed vacation. I booked a 12-day trip to Costa Rica, which allowed me to explore four different cities (Starting and Ending in San Jose, I travelled to Tortuguero, Monteverde, Arenal & Manual Antonio) and extend my stay by two days to ring in the New Year. The extra time turned out to be absolutely worth it.
The trip included several excursions, accommodations, transportation, and some meals, but I also had to manage a few meals on my own and add some extra activities to pass the time. I went kayaking, hiked the Cloud Forest Suspension Bridges, zip-lined, horseback riding, explored the towns I was in, and enjoyed relaxing beach days. Throughout my journey, I met fellow solo travelers, families, and locals, each adding to the richness of the experience.
Despite occasional feelings of loneliness, I embraced the adventure and the opportunity to enjoy traveling exactly as I envisioned it. The trip fueled a newfound confidence in my ability to explore and try new things independently, without waiting for others. While some people thought I was “crazy” for traveling alone, others were excited and supportive, and a few expressed concern—all valid responses. Nonetheless, I refused to let doubts or fears dampen my spirit. Positive vibes only!
Embracing spontaneity often leads to the most unforgettable experiences.
In May 2022, I decided to embrace spontaneity and booked a four-day getaway to Chicago, one of my all-time favorite cities! I only shared my plans with one person before I arrived, choosing instead to keep the rest of my itinerary a surprise until I was on the ground.
After checking into my hotel and freshening up, I set out to explore. My first stop was Navy Pier, where I rode the Ferris wheel to take in the stunning views—definitely worth it! I then used my map to locate the iconic “Bean” (officially a cloud-shaped sculpture but affectionately known as the Bean). I also snagged a last-minute ticket to a White Sox baseball game and asked the hotel staff for the best subway route—it turned out to be easier than I’d anticipated. The energy at the stadium was electric!
The next day, I visited the Willis Tower and continued exploring Chicago. I indulged in a lunch of Giordano’s famous deep-dish pizza, then strolled along the Lake Michigan boardwalk. As the weekend rolled in, I decided to treat myself to some fun. I checked out a comedy club on the pier and later explored a lively strip of clubs and bars. Chicago’s nightlife did not disappoint—I felt safe and ended up dancing and mingling with a friendly group of locals who invited me to join their night out. It was an absolute blast!
On my final afternoon, I went kayaking on the river, soaking in more of Chicago’s stunning architecture, and enjoyed a delicious meal at Gordon Ramsay’s Burger Restaurant—highly recommended! Chicago has a special place in my heart, and I find it hard to explain the connection I felt while exploring the city on my own. It’s a place I could visit time and again.
In 2023, I treated myself to a VIP concert experience at Wrigley Field to see Morgan Wallen and his guests—a highlight I’ll share another time!
Embrace the City you live in
One of my favorite holidays to celebrate is New Year’s, filled with the excitement of a fresh start and the promise of 365 days to reinvent yourself. New Year’s Eve is always a blast—glitzy parties, dancing, fireworks, countdowns, and confetti. In 2022, having just moved to a new city for a job opportunity, I was eager to celebrate, despite knowing most of my friends were staying in with their families or were too far away.
Determined not to spend the evening alone in pajamas or watching the ball drop, I decided to embrace the night on my own terms. I found a sparkling dress, booked an Uber to enjoy some champagne, and did a little makeup to complete the look. With party tunes playing and a glass of wine in hand, I was ready for a fun night out.
At the bar, I mingled with people my age, eventually finding a lively group to join. As the music heated up, we hit the dance floor, and I connected with other fun women who kept the party going. We did the countdown, toasted with champagne, and danced some more. After midnight, I took a cab home, slept off the festivities, and spent the day reflecting on an incredible start to 2023. It was the perfect kickoff to what turned out to be an amazing year.
Take the First Step Toward a More Fulfilling Life
Are you eager to elevate your life but feeling stuck and uncertain about how to begin? My one-on-one coaching services are designed to help you overcome self-limiting beliefs and guide you toward a path of confidence and fulfillment. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and transform your life.