Why do people embark on solo vacations? We know there so are many reasons — everything from individual empowerment to lack of a dedicated traveling companion. Somewhere in the middle of those reasons is that there are so many single men and women out there that can support a lifestyle full of excitement, good times, and interesting things – and they are looking for a certain someone that is like minded and equally capable.
Traveling solo, then, presents an inherent opportunity to meet someone that is much like you. Someone that is cultured, fun, well-positioned, interesting, and ready for an adventure.
Our nation’s newspaper of record, the New York Times, published an article entitled “A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Meeting People.” It begins with words of caution – and rightfully so. Single travelers should always be mindful of safety and take precautions when approaching a new person while traveling. This world is a crazy place. We hear it all of the time in news stories and in our social media. But, at the same time, the world is full of wonderful, kind, interesting, and thoughtful people. It’s just a matter of finding them and making those connections.
Connection
The word “connection” is a noun – and according to the Oxford English Dictionary – it means “a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else.” When two individuals are both traveling solo to the same place, it’s easy to see how a connection might happen. But what’s the best way to make that happen?
Here are a few simple things to do the next time you are traveling solo and thinking about meeting a new person – whether it be a fellow traveler or someone local to your destination:
- Talk to the hotel concierge about the local scene. These folks know the area, the restaurants and bars, even the local dating climate. And they know what the hotel bar is like around midnight.
- Think about the daytime. So many of us, especially those in urban environments, think about the nighttime as the best time for mixing and mingling. But the daytime, when everything is bright and happy and relaxed, can be an excellent time for connecting with others that are enjoying the same activities as you (think: exploring an art museum, hiking a mountain, or sipping espresso at an outdoor cafe.)
- Be yourself. Traveling to new places gives us time to decompress and to relax – it’s a time to easily be our best selves without the stress of everyday life. It may be tempting to pretend to be someone else on a solo trip (and, if so, okay, and no comment from here….), but just let the real you shine through. You’ve chosen a brave path – a solo adventure. That’s something. Own it.
- Be safe. Obviously. And always.
Meet cute
So, Wikipedia (the trusted source for everything, right?), says that the phrase “meet cute” has been around since our grandparents met in the 1940’s. It’s the “scene in film, television, etc. in which a future romantic couple meets for the first time in a way that is considered adorable, entertaining, or amusing.”
When and where will your meet cute be? It may be the upcoming office holiday party (but is that really a good idea?). Otherwise, it just might happen on your winter ski holiday to Jackson Hole or Big Sky; your spring break cruise to Puerto Rico; or that once-in-an-early-lifetime trip to Italy.
To find out more about all of our solo vacation adventures, contact us.
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