Table For One

As I write this I am 8 days into a solo road trip along the NSW South Coast.

It’s not the first time I have holidayed alone. That was last year when I went away for 5 days to Port Stephens. It was that first time that was an epiphany for me in more ways than one. At 29, I was holidaying by myself for the first time ever. And it was by far the best holiday of my life. I was free to do what I wanted to do. Free to go where I wanted to go. Free to wake up when I wanted to wake up. And more importantly, free to change my mind as and when I wished. Not that I am a control freak or anything.

When I told people about the current road trip, most were surprised. I got comments like “You’re so brave” (especially as it was a trip with nothing booked…seeing where the universe takes me and all that…) or “Don’t you like your friends?” (tongue-in-cheek but still…), or just “Wow!” In fact, during that Port Stephens holiday last year, at a whale watching cruise, the guy checking our tickets mentioned to me and another girl travelling solo “So it’s just a table for one, huh?” I remember not being too pleased with that comment and made a sarcastic remark back.

I think people find it intriguing that someone would actually want to holiday on their own. And not even with one of those tour groups where you end up meeting different people anyway. Don’t get me wrong. I love my friends and I love adventures with groups. I go on weekend trips with friends every few months, go camping with groups every few weeks and I absolutely love it. And trust me; I wouldn’t want to do those on my own. It’s more fun with groups. But since last years’ experience, I realised that once in a while, I do need to have a solo holiday. To recharge my brain. To learn about myself. To be comfortable with who I am.

It’s not an Eat-Pray-Love-finding-myself journey. Although I have enjoyed my eating! {No praying and sadly, no loving).

But I do believe that time alone and away from the usual routine is good for all of us. I think we need that time to reflect and deal with stuff in our heads and in our lives. I know my social life can be a way to distract myself from some of my uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. It can be a way to forget things for the moment. When you are by yourself, there is little escape. I’m not saying I’ve sorted all my problems but I certainly have learnt to be okay with some of the uncomfortable feelings without needing to escape it all the time. Having said that, when you are on holidays, these feelings do not occur that often!

Solo holidays also help you learn more about yourself. You are more likely to step out of your comfort zone and interact with people you wouldn’t normally interact with. You will be amazed at all that you are capable of when by yourself.

At the end of the day, I believe if you are happy with your own company and with yourself, only then can you be truly happy around other people. The confidence will shine through.

My solo holiday comes to an end soon. I have enjoyed every moment of it. Just as I will continue to enjoy the camping trips and holidays with my friends in the coming months.

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

You can have the best of both worlds!

Have you ever been on a solo holiday? Would you holiday by yourself?