5 SOLO GETAWAYS THAT CAN RECHARGE YOU

Have you ever thought of travelling solo? Here's five great ideas for getaways to recharge you.

INTRO

I was approached recently by a company who is keen to promote the idea that you don't have to be part of a couple to enjoy travelling. If you're single there is still a whole world out there waiting for you to explore, and solo travel may be the way to go. It may take a little bit of a mindset change, or maybe you need a few suggestions to get you started - today's post offers five different types of getaways to inspire you.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. I feel it is a guest post that is relevant to, and of interest to Midlife women and I was in no way influenced by the company.

SOLO TRAVEL

Some people think of solo travel as somehow sad, or even indicative of a midlife crisis - and this can certainly be the case if a trip is taken too far, or if it’s meant to launch a whole new chapter of one’s life. Dropping everything to become a permanent nomad may not be your ideal approach to Midlife, but sometimes it can be absolutely magical. It can help you to leave behind the stress factors of everyday life, do exactly what you want to do, be adventurous and enjoy new experiences. All of this can help to relax you, reset your mind, and return you to your normal life with a fresh outlook.

With this in mind, here are some ideas for solo getaways which anyone might benefit from when in need of a bit of a recharge.

1. NATIONAL PARK HIKES

If you’re the active sort, nothing can quite get you back in touch with your life like a national park hike. These parks are located in countries all over the world, and are set aside to protect the most beautiful natural areas in any given country. The U.S. national park hikes are perhaps the most renowned in the world, and include options like scaling Hawaii volcanoes, hiking the famous canyons of the American Southwest, and trekking the Appalachian Trail. But again, you can find similar activities just about anywhere and enjoy the chance to exercise, see gorgeous scenery, and reflect in solitude. For many, it’s an incredibly valuable experience.


2. ANCIENT WORLD WONDER TOURS

Seeing the ancient wonders of the world, and even the others that have been designated over time, works with just about any company. It’s romantic with a significant other, educational and uniting with a family, and a blast with friends. But going solo is a remarkable experience as well. The ancient world wonders, whether we’re talking about the Great Wall of China, the Giza pyramids, Machu Picchu, Stonehenge, or any number of other sites, can be humbling and awe-inspiring to see in person. And if you’re looking to go on a bit of a personal journey and gain new perspective, they really can help you to realize how small your own chapter in history is - not in a way that’s sad or belittling, but in a way that’s actually quite freeing and fascinating.


3. CASINO RESORT GETAWAYS

Computer- and mobile-based gaming has definitely taken some of the necessity out of these particular types of getaways. Casino websites provide everything from fortune-based jackpots to live and interactive poker tournaments. And according to a prominent gaming resource in Australia, gaming with mobile devices has been steadily rising as well, meaning those same online options are now even more convenient. When it comes to solo getaways though, this isn’t just about the games (though sitting at the blackjack tables by yourself can be a lot of fun, provided you take it easy and bet responsibly). It’s about pure relaxation. As much as they’re known for gaming, casino resorts tend to have some of the coziest rooms, best spas, and tastiest restaurant menus in the world. Altogether it can be just the thing to refresh you.


4. LEARNING A WATER SPORT

This is another good option for more active travellers, and something that’s probably better to do solo than with company in the first place. Simply put, watersports are difficult. They’re high on the list of things a lot of people wish they could do, but don’t want to bother learning. We’re talking about surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, or even activities like sailing or stand-up paddle boarding. Typically, as with a lot of adventure and action sports, the best way to learn how to do these things is to dive in completely for a period of study. Combining that idea with the concept of solo travel, you can connect the dots on a terrific vacation. Simply find a destination known for the sport that interests you (Hawaii for kiteboarding, for instance), block off whatever time you can afford, and go take lessons and practice every day. It’ll keep you busy, keep you active, and teach you an awesome new skill, all while giving you some time away.


5. MEDITATION RETREATS

Meditation retreats just about speak for themselves. After all, the whole idea is to go somewhere remote and literally learn to relax more effectively. When you browse through noteworthy retreat options though, this type of solo getaway takes on a whole new meaning. Retreats from California to the Himalayas offer stunning surroundings, calming facilities, and reputations for helping visitors to find a new level of inner peace. Particularly if day-to-day life has gotten a bit overwhelming of late, this can be just the thing.


WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Have you travelled solo? Is the idea daunting or exciting? After years of being part of a couple would you travel by yourself if the opportunity arose? All food for thought.


Have you ever thought of travelling solo? Here's five great ideas for getaways to recharge you.

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15 comments

  1. Hi, Leanne - I really had to stop to think about what solo travel I've done. I've done tons for work, and some for visiting family,....but what solo travel have I done for pleasure? The answer is sadly very little, and nothing recently. Out of the ideas that you have listed, Meditation Retreats would appeal to me the most. Thank you for sharing this.

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    1. I haven't travelled alone much either Donna - and more out of obligation than for pleasure. I think it's a mindset that we can move past if we have the right motivation - and a solo spa visit sounds good to me too!

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  2. My first and only OS travel was solo by choice at around 57 years old. I made all the plans with the travel agents, had the trip I wanted, never felt lonely or unsafe and took advantage of the fact that I only had me to please...so refreshing after all those years of being a family-oriented holiday taker. I would do this again easily. I have done lots of little trips away by car to places that interest me but not my husband and visit friends from on-line if I get the chance. Denyse

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    1. It sounds like it was a fabulous break Denyse - going overseas by yourself can be quite a challenge, so you did well to arrange it all and I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
      I'm finding that short local solo trips are working for me and maybe that will expand further down the track.

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  3. Other than traveling solo to visit family, I rarely do a solo vacation. I did one a few years ago - I signed up for a watercolor workshop in Scottsdale and I loved it! The structure of the day helped me enjoy it because I had a place to go to each day, but my lunch hours and after the course in the evening were free time. I want to do it more often in the coming years. I find it peaceful. I'm thinking about just reserving space at a pet friendly B&B and spend some time alone there - well, with my pup - that doesn't count as solo, does it?

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    1. I think a pet friendly B&B sounds pretty delightful Jean - I can just see you and your dog enjoying the sunshine and sipping tea somewhere restful and it would definitely be good for your soul.

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  4. I especially love the idea of the meditation retreat. I feel relaxed just reading about it!

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    1. I did too Diane - I can imagine a spa somewhere and being pampered - it sounds divine - I might even see you there :)

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  5. Leanne, solo travel sounds appealing. I would love to do a weekend photography workshop in an exotic location with other like-minded individuals. The retreat sounds nice too.

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    1. I think the idea of having a trip that is all about "me" and not having to worry about anyone else would be lovely Suzanne. Having one that caters to an interest is even more appealing - I can see you on a photography jaunt :)

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  6. I do travel solo - not for a couple of years, but I'm contemplating doing another me trip in 2019...if time and finances allows. I've been to new York alone, Bali alone, plenty of city breaks. I worked a bit in Hong Kong a few years back and had a ball exploring the city and Macau on my own. I've also done 2 of the great walks in NZ as a solo - I would have loved to have done them with my husband, but he isn't interested so the alternative would have been to miss out - and that is absolutely not an option!

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    1. You're braver than I am Jo - I can't imagine doing the great walks of NZ solo - that would be so far out of my comfort zone. But you're right - if we don't stretch ourselves then we miss out on so many opportunities.

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  7. Those are some great solo travel ideas Leanne. I'm not sure I'd do all of them on my own but most definitely the meditation retreat. That's something I've been wanting to do for a long time and I'd be happy to do one of those on my own. I remember the most exciting solo trip I've ever done and that was years ago when I went to Singapore to visit my sister. I went alone and it was my first ever time overseas. It was so liberating and exciting. The kids were still young. I think my youngest would have been around 10 or 11 at the time. Recently of course I had my solo trip to Melbourne/St Kilda. I think it's good for us to do things on our own as individuals! :-) xo #TeamLovinLife

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    1. Isn't it interesting that the things we do out of our comfort zones are often the ones that we remember the most and that hold the most significance? I think I need to make some braver choice in the future Min.

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  8. I love being alone. Mine is usually a quick getaway on my own to our coast house.

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