going on vacation alone for beginners

It is no longer news, but for those who are here for the first time on Amayzine (by the way, you should definitely come back forever) I will repeat that I am a big fan of going on vacation or traveling alone. Not that I do it every week (if only it were so), but I did it often enough to say something about it.

Now, of course, the first time can be scary, especially if you think you have to immediately trek through dangerous jungles with a backpack far from home. But that's not the case. Traveling alone doesn't have to be a big scary adventure and you can also do it closer to home. It's already exciting enough, so taking those first solo steps in Europe might be quite nice, and to add word by word (you know what I mean) I'll give you some options.

Interrailing

Done by many and I always hear good stories about it. I personally haven't done it (yet), but who knows, maybe someday. You buy an interrail pass and that's basically the only thing you need to do. Besides planning your desired route, of course. You meet a ton of people, the train system in Europe is generally well organized, functioning well, and extremely safe. A child could do it.

Roadtrip

Borrow, rent, or buy a car and navigate yourself across the continent. Go through Belgium into Northern France, zoom through to Paris, take in Southern France and head further down to Spain or Italy, or god yes whatever you want. The only thing you need to think about is that if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road, you need to know what to do. So either take a Cars for Dummies course (ha-ha) or make sure you have an international subscription with a roadside assistance-like organization so you have a number to call in any situation. The advantages are of course grand because you are not dependent on train schedules and can really go wherever you want.

Retraite

But it can be even easier, book a yoga retreat or detox week in Ibiza or another warm island and let yourself be pampered for a week or two while you do nothing more than walk from bed to lounge chair, and from pool to beach. Jet went to Thailand for two weeks a year and a half ago for such a retreat, alone, and she found it one of the most relaxing vacations ever.

Rent a house

Rent a house somewhere via Airbnb and chill there for a week or a long weekend. I know that Yara Michels from Chapter Friday someone recently did that, she just went for a long weekend alone to Ibiza. Why don't you do that? Then you are alone and thus at peace, but you don't have to plan complicated routes or keep looking for a new place to sleep. And who knows, maybe after that you want to do that jungle tour through Thailand.

Finally

Some time ago I wrote a piece about how to actually approach traveling alone. You can read it here, and for those who need tips on how to pack a backpack click here. Guys, have a lot of travel fun!