SOLO-cation!

There are many reasons why one travels by themselves.  While blogging earlier this month the term solo-cation was typed and it may be my new favorite word.  Having had the opportunity to travel solo I must admit, I’m in love!  Many may believe that traveling alone can be lonely, boring and/or potentially scary. I’m here to tell you that one is not the loneliest number, in fact one can even be fun and empowering.

I am definitely a people person, however I do love my alone time as well.  It’s kind of like the best of both worlds when you’re comfortable enough to flow between the two.  I’ve always loved long drives alone..I put on my favorite music, can sing as loud as I want to and no one is judging me as I dance behind the wheel.  I also love to sit and enjoy a glass of red at a local winery if for no other reason than to imbibe while collecting my thoughts and of course to people watch. 

A while back, I had the opportunity to sail with Virgin Voyages at the last minute.  It was not really enough time to coordinate with someone else’s schedule, so I coordinated with myself and my first solo-cation at sea happened.  It was amazing.  There was solitude when desired. Selfcare that was much needed.  New destinations were explored and new friends that were made.  

Hopefully I have you thinking if a solo-cation is right for you!  You can start small with a few hour road trip, a day trip, or by just heading out to grab dinner or a drink alone.  If you know you want more, but are afraid of the unknown, I highly recommend a cruise for the opportunity it allows for you to truly be in your own space or surround yourself with others if you so desire.  If I had to recommend a place to dip your toes into the world of solo travel, I’d highly suggest a Virgin Voyage.  

From solo insider cabins (although I highly suggest a sea terrace complete with hammock) to Solo Sailor events, the new adult only cruise line lends itself to the solo traveler.   In all fairness, prior to sailing solo, I had sailed Virgin twice with someone else.  I knew from those experiences that the friendliness of other Sailors, the crew, and the plethora of activities available that I would never disembark without having met wonderful people, some of whom I still call friends today. 

So grab your favorite beverage and let me paint you a picture (optional onboard activity!) of what you can expect when you set sail on a SOLO-cation.  

First and foremost, Selfcare.  We all need it. We don’t get enough of it.  If you’re like me, you take care of everyone else.  Your family, your pet, your significant other, your work responsibilities.  It’s time to step on board for you.  From fitness classes, to spa time, to pool time to just laying in bed and watching movies (guilty!) while eating Ship Eats.  It’s doing whatever it is that makes you a better human and the time to focus on only you.

Moving on.  Only You!  Only you decide if you want the charcuterie board and wine at Extra Virgin or if the Mexican Street Corn and Mezcal is calling you at Pink Agave.  Only you decide if you want to venture out on a Shore Thing while in port or find one of the many secluded seating areas onboard to read.  And saving the best for last….Drumroll please… Only you in the hammock!  It’s important for us to not have to negotiate at times.  Time to truly Love Yourself.

When was the last time it was only you?  When was the last time you truly Loved Yourself?  If you can’t remember there is no better time to book a solo voyage and start your countdown to self love.  I can say without a doubt that Virgin is the most accepting cruise line I have sailed with.  The come as you are mentality is something that I wish could be bottled and brought back to dry land and sprinkled among society.  Creating a space for you to feel at peace with yourself, happy with yourself, is a reflection of the brand and a great opportunity for you to reflect on you. 

Lastly, Opportunity.  Earlier, I mentioned having the best of both worlds is when you’re comfortable enough to flow between being alone and being a people person.  This my friends may be what I adore most about Virgin.  I will never forget on my first sailing back in 2022, I was chatting with Ryan The Foodie and he said, “Every moment is a serendipitous moment”.  You never know what will happen.  It's just a matter of being in a specific place at a specific time that will give you that perfect experience.  

The ship is filled with opportunities to not be alone as well.  Befriend the person poolside.  Shore Things for me personally have led to sure friendships onboard and after sailing.  Go to the Solo Sailor events if you need a little coaxing, sign up for the Grog Walk or eat an Gunbae early on your voyage as a surefire way to meet others.  The opportunity to be a people person exists if that is what you prefer. 

I hope I've enticed you to at least consider a solo-cation. There is nothing better when Selfcare leads to Only you Loving yourself and creates the Opportunity for you to be a better human being.  It’s only a matter of time when you're back home negotiating who is going to walk the dog and who is going to cook dinner.  Cheers to solo-cations! 


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