Open suitcase filled with winter clothing, accessories, and travel essentials for a winter getaway.

Start Planning Your Winter Getaway

Beth Glosner  | 

Late Summer has arrived, which means summer is slowly giving way to cooler mornings, earlier sunsets, and that unmistakable feeling that the year is moving along a little too quickly.

And if you’re anything like me, you may still be thinking about summer adventures, not winter travel.

But here’s the thing: winter is closer than it feels.

If you’re dreaming about a snowy escape, a sunny beach, a cozy city getaway, or simply a few days somewhere that isn’t your everyday routine, September is a great time to start putting those plans together.

You’re not necessarily too late. But I wouldn’t wait until December to decide where you’re going in December.

Let’s Dig In!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here

1. Your calendar is about to get very full

Summer can feel wonderfully loose. There are longer days, vacations, outdoor events, and maybe even a little more breathing room in the schedule.

Then September arrives.

Suddenly there are appointments, work projects, school activities, fall events, holidays, and approximately 47 things you somehow agreed to do. Then there is all the holiday shopping. I’m already exhausted thinking about all the shopping.

Trying to coordinate a winter trip when everyone’s calendar is already packed can turn a fun getaway into a scheduling puzzle.

Planning now gives you a chance to look at the calendar while there is still some room to maneuver.

And if you’re traveling solo, this part is even easier—you don’t have to coordinate with anyone else’s schedule. But you still need to consider your own work commitments, holiday plans, and everything else competing for your time.

2. You have more choices when you start early

One of the biggest advantages of planning isn’t always getting the absolute lowest price.

Sometimes it’s simply having choices.

Want a hotel in a particular neighborhood? Prefer a room with a view? Need a flight at a reasonable hour? Hoping to snag a popular tour?

The earlier you start looking, the more options you’re likely to have.

That matters to me because I don’t want to spend my vacation compromising on something important simply because I waited too long.

I’m not saying you need to book every single thing immediately. Start researching. Compare options. Watch prices. Figure out what matters most to you.

Then you can make informed decisions instead of scrambling later.

3. Winter doesn’t mean “off-season” everywhere

It’s easy to think of winter as a quiet travel season.

And in some places, it absolutely is.

That’s one of the reasons I enjoy off-season travel. Fewer crowds can mean a slower pace, easier sightseeing, and sometimes better value. If you’re interested in traveling when the crowds thin out, take a look at my guide to The Benefits of Off-Season Travel.

But winter is also peak season in plenty of destinations.

Think ski towns, warm-weather escapes, holiday markets, and tropical destinations. Add Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, school vacations, and long weekends to the mix, and suddenly a destination that seemed quiet isn’t so quiet anymore.

If you’ve had your eye on a particular place, check its winter calendar before assuming you’ll be able to find a room whenever you want one.

Popular places have a funny way of becoming very popular when everyone else has the same idea.

4. You can actually get the trip you want

There’s a difference between taking a trip and taking the trip you actually wanted.

Maybe you want to stay somewhere walkable so you don’t need a car.

Maybe you’re looking for a quiet little inn instead of a huge resort.

Maybe there’s a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try or a particular tour that caught your attention.

Those little details are often what make a trip memorable.

Planning ahead gives you a better chance of building the experience around what you actually enjoy instead of simply accepting whatever is left.

And honestly, that’s one of my favorite things about travel planning.

The little details count, but remember to leave a little time in your itinerary to explore the place you are vacationing.

5. Planning gives you something to look forward to

There is something wonderfully comforting about having a trip on the calendar.

Especially as the days get shorter.

If you’re heading somewhere warm, you can look forward to sunshine while you’re pulling on a sweater at home.

If you’re heading somewhere snowy, you can start imagining cozy cafés, twinkling lights, crisp winter air, and streets covered in snow.

And the anticipation is part of the fun.

I love having something to look forward to. Sometimes simply knowing that an adventure is coming can make an ordinary Tuesday feel a little less ordinary.

6. You have time to work out the details

Travel isn’t just about choosing a destination and buying a ticket.

There are all those little things.

Does your passport need to be renewed?
Do you need travel insurance?
Will you need a rental car?
What will the weather actually be like?
Do you need reservations for the activities you want to do?
What will you pack?

Starting early gives you time to answer those questions without panic.

It also gives you time to change your mind.

Maybe you discover that the destination you originally had in mind isn’t quite right. Maybe you find somewhere even better.

That’s much easier to do when you’re researching months ahead rather than trying to plan everything two weeks before departure.

7. You can spread out the cost

One of my favorite reasons to plan ahead is that travel doesn’t have to feel like one enormous expense landing on your credit card at once.

Depending on the trip, you may be able to book flights and accommodations separately, reserve activities in advance, or simply start putting money aside specifically for the trip.

Planning early also gives you time to watch for sales and compare prices rather than feeling pressured to book the first option you find.

And don’t forget to look at the whole cost of the trip, not just airfare.

Transportation, lodging, meals, attraction tickets and admission fees, parking, baggage fees, and little purchases along the way can add up quickly.

A little planning now can help prevent an unpleasant surprise later.

8. You can shop your closet before you shop for more

Winter travel can bring its own packing challenges.

If you’re heading somewhere cold, you’ll need layers. If you’re heading somewhere warm, you may need clothing that doesn’t get much use at home.

Before you go shopping, take a look at what you already own.

You might be surprised by what you can put together.

If you do discover you need something, having several months before your trip gives you time to find it rather than panic-buying something expensive or that is truly not your style the night before you leave.

And if you’re heading somewhere warm during winter, late summer can be a good time to see what summer clothing you already have before seasonal merchandise disappears from stores.

Where Should You Go This Winter?

Now comes the fun part.

Where should you actually go?

That depends entirely on what you’re craving.

Want sunshine?

Consider a winter escape to places such as Florida, Southern California, Arizona, Texas, or the Caribbean.

You don’t necessarily need to spend a week sitting on a beach. Winter can be a wonderful time for a city break, a road trip, a food-focused getaway, or a combination of sightseeing and sunshine.

For something with history and charm, Charleston, South Carolina is worth considering. You can wander the historic district, explore the city’s architecture, enjoy the food scene, and still find plenty of opportunities to get outside.

It you are looking for some ideas to start your warm weather daydreams take a look at my guide 8 Winter Getaways: Where to Escape the Chill

Want a cozy winter city?

Look toward destinations that embrace the season rather than trying to escape it.

Quebec City can feel wonderfully magical in winter, especially if you’re looking for historic streets, cozy cafés, and that storybook feeling.

Or consider a winter city trip somewhere like Madison, Wisconsin, where you can embrace the cold with good food, museums, history, and plenty of cozy places to warm up.

Want snow and scenery?

If snow is part of your ideal winter vacation, ski destinations aren’t your only option.

Look for places where you can enjoy winter hiking, scenic drives, snowshoeing, holiday markets, or simply sitting somewhere warm and watching the snow fall outside.

You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy winter.

In fact, sometimes my favorite part of a snowy destination would be the part where I’m inside with a warm drink watching everyone else brave the slopes. 

Hot Toddy, anyone!

Or maybe you want to go somewhere completely different

Winter can also be a fantastic time to experience another culture.

Depending on where you travel, winter may bring smaller crowds, seasonal celebrations, beautiful landscapes, or an entirely different atmosphere than you’d experience during the summer.

That’s one of the reasons I love travel so much.

There isn’t one “right” way to do it.

You can chase sunshine.

You can chase snow.

You can wander through a historic city.

You can take a road trip.

Or you can find a little place you’ve never heard of and see what happens.

And if a road trip is calling your name, my guide to The Best Road Trip Planner Apps can help you start mapping out your adventure.

Late Summer Is Your Reminder

I’m not saying you need to book a winter vacation tomorrow.

But the end of summer is a good reminder that winter really isn’t that far away.

If you’ve been talking about taking a trip, start looking.

If you’ve had a destination saved on your phone for months, check it out.

If you don’t know where you want to go yet, start making a list.

And if travel isn’t in the budget this year, there’s still something valuable about dreaming and researching. You can start saving now and have a plan ready for the next opportunity.

For me, that’s one of the best things about travel.

The adventure doesn’t always begin when you walk out the front door.

Sometimes it begins when you open a map, start researching a destination, and think:

“Maybe I could go there.”

So, where are you dreaming about going this winter?

Let me know where you’re headed—or where you’d love to go—in the comments.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth

A woman with a backpack walking through a charming, cobblestone street in a historic European city, showcasing cultural travel and exploration.

Be a Thoughtful Traveler: Why Courtesy Matters Wherever You Go

Beth Glosner  | 

There is something magical about arriving somewhere new.

The air smells different. The scenery changes. Maybe the pace of life feels a little slower, and for a few days, someone else’s ordinary world becomes part of your adventure.

I love that feeling.

But I’ve also come to believe that being a good traveler isn’t just about where you go or what you see. It’s about how you behave once you get there.

Whether you’re visiting a tiny mountain town, a bustling city, or a beach community, courtesy and patience should always pack a place in your suitcase.

Because here’s the thing: the places we visit aren’t just destinations.

They’re someone’s home.

People live there. They work there. They run the restaurants, shops, hotels, theaters, and businesses we enjoy. They drive the roads we’re traveling on. They shop at the grocery stores we’re visiting. They use the parks, trails, beaches, and public spaces we’re exploring.

We may be on vacation.

They’re not.

And I think remembering that simple fact can make us better travelers.

Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

The prettiest places we visit are often someone’s everyday home. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

What Happens When a Vacation Destination Gets Crowded?

When we’re on vacation, it’s easy to see a destination through the eyes of a visitor.

We’re thinking about where we’re going to eat, what we’re going to see, and whether we can squeeze in one more stop before dinner.

We’re excited.

We’re exploring.

We’re in vacation mode.

But what does that same busy season feel like when you live there year-round?

A 2026 survey commissioned by AMFM Healthcare and conducted through Cherry Data Signals explored some of the pressures tourism can place on communities during peak travel seasons. The survey included 3,042 U.S. adults and asked about issues including crowding, traffic, parking, noise, access to amenities, and public spaces.

The results are worth thinking about.

According to AMFM, more than six in ten respondents said they feel crowded out of their own town at least sometimes during peak tourism season. Twenty-three percent said they feel this way very often, while another 39 percent said it happens sometimes. Forty-six percent also reported feeling burned out by living somewhere other people visit for vacation.

Traffic congestion topped the list of tourism-related complaints.

And I think most of us who have ever lived in or regularly visited a popular destination can understand why.

When thousands of people arrive at the same time, the impact doesn’t disappear when the vacation photos are posted.

It becomes part of everyday life.

When everyone is headed to the same scenic overlook at the same time, the journey can get a little less scenic.

How Does Tourism Affect Small Towns Like Ashland, Oregon?

I live in Ashland, Oregon, a small college town with a bit of a seasonal identity crisis in the best possible way.

During the school year, Southern Oregon University brings students and energy to town. Then summer arrives, the college students head home, and you might think things would quiet down.

Not exactly.

Summer brings its own crowd.

Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and visitors arrive from all over to enjoy performances, explore the town, eat at local restaurants, browse shops, and take in the scenery.

And I love that.

I love seeing people discover Ashland. I love that visitors come to experience our little corner of Southern Oregon. Tourism supports local businesses and is an important part of the community.

But when summer crowds arrive, everyday life changes.

Roads become more congested. Restaurants get busier. Parking can become a treasure hunt worthy of its own Shakespearean subplot on a normal day but intensifies during peak tourism season.

A quick trip across town may take longer.

A trip to the grocery store might require a little more planning.

A restaurant that normally has an easy-to-grab table may have a wait.

A drive that usually takes ten minutes may take considerably longer.

None of this means visitors aren’t welcome.

It simply means we’re sharing the same community.

And that’s where patience and courtesy become important for everyone.

This is a snapshot of how tourism affects a small community. It’s amplified a thousandfold for vacation hot spots like Miami, Waikiki, Las Vegas, and many other global locations.

Ashland may be home to us year-round, but when the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, the whole town takes center stage.

year-round, but when the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, the whole town takes center stage.

Why Should Travelers Be Patient During Peak Season?

Let’s be honest: Nobody enjoys waiting.

We want our restaurant table now.

We want traffic to move now.

We want to park now, not circle the block ten times looking for a space.

But when you’re visiting a destination during its busiest season, it’s worth remembering that the people working there are dealing with the crowds, too.

The restaurant server may be juggling twice as many tables.

The grocery store cashier may have a line stretching toward the produce section.

The hotel staff may be checking in a wave of guests all at once.

And the person driving slowly in front of you may actually live there and know that the road gets tricky.

This is where a little patience can change the entire experience.

If your restaurant has a longer wait than expected, grab a coffee and explore nearby.

If traffic slows you down, turn up the music and enjoy the scenery.

If the store is crowded, take a breath.

You’re traveling.

You’re not late for a board meeting.

Well, hopefully not.

Sometimes, the unexpected pause is where you discover something you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Sometimes the best travel memories begin with, “The wait is about 45 minutes.”

How Can You Be a More Courteous Tourist?

Being a considerate traveler doesn’t require a complicated checklist.

It starts with remembering that the destination you’re visiting is a community, not a theme park built exclusively for your vacation.

That means following local rules.

Don’t block someone’s driveway because you found the perfect photo spot.

Don’t park in front of a business entrance.

Don’t stop in the middle of the road to take a picture.

Don’t wander onto private property.

And don’t assume that because you’re on vacation, everyone around you is, too.

Not every inconvenience is a personal attack.

Sometimes restaurants are busy.

Sometimes parking is difficult.

Sometimes the weather ruins your plans.

Sometimes the scenic road is congested because 500 other people also thought it would be a great day for a scenic drive.

That’s travel.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting a popular destination, build a little extra time into your schedule. If you have tickets for a performance, tour, or popular attraction, pre-book whenever possible and arrive early. You’ll be less stressed, and you’ll be less likely to take your frustration out on someone else.

A little preparation can make a big difference.

The best way to explore a place is with your eyes open—and your awareness switched on.

Why Should You Treat Local Workers With Respect?

One of my biggest travel pet peeves is watching someone treat a service worker poorly because their vacation isn’t going exactly as planned.

I get it.

You’ve waited for your table.

Your coffee order is wrong.

Your hotel room isn’t ready.

Your plans have gone sideways.

But the person standing in front of you probably didn’t personally create the problem.

As someone who has worked in customer service for years, I can tell you that yelling at or giving an attitude to the person helping you rarely makes the situation better.

Chances are, they’re doing their best to help you.

A little patience and kindness can go a long way, especially during a busy travel season.

Travel can put us in a strange little bubble where we forget that everyone else is having a day, too.

The person checking you into your hotel may have been working since early morning.

The server at your restaurant may be handling a packed dining room.

The cashier may have answered the same question 47 times that day.

Be patient.

Say thank you.

Treat people like people.

It’s really not that difficult.

And honestly, kindness often gets you much further than complaining.

A warm welcome starts with treating the people who make a destination special with the same kindness they’d offer you.

What Does It Mean to Be a Guest in Someone Else’s Community?

I’ve always loved the idea of traveling like a guest rather than a consumer.

When you’re invited into someone’s home, you don’t walk in and rearrange the furniture.

You don’t leave your garbage on the floor.

You don’t complain that their house isn’t set up exactly the way you would like it.

You respect the space.

Traveling should be similar.

Respect quiet hours.

Pay attention to local customs.

Stay on marked trails.

Keep noise down in residential areas.

Don’t wander onto private property for a photograph.

And remember that the people around you may be going about their ordinary lives.

You may be taking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

They may be trying to get home from work.

Both things can be true at the same time.

Being a thoughtful traveler means making room for both experiences.

Behind every postcard-perfect destination is a real community where people live, work, and go about their everyday lives.

Should You Visit During Shoulder Season?

If your schedule allows, one of the kindest things you can do for a busy destination is spread out your visit.

Consider traveling during the shoulder season or even the off-season.

I’ve written before about the benefits of off-season travel, and it’s something I genuinely love.

Traveling outside the busiest times of year can give you a completely different experience of a destination.

The roads are often quieter.

Restaurants may have shorter wait times.

Popular attractions can feel less crowded.

You may have more time to actually notice the details around you instead of spending your vacation trying to navigate through a sea of people.

And there’s another benefit that I think is just as important:

You’re giving the destination a chance to breathe.

When thousands of visitors arrive at the same time, the impact can be felt throughout the entire community. Traffic increases. Restaurants and local businesses become busier. Popular outdoor spaces experience more pressure. And the people who live there have to adjust their everyday routines around the seasonal crowds.

Traveling during the shoulder or off-season can help spread visitor traffic throughout the year.

You may also discover that you prefer it.

Some of my favorite travel memories have come from visiting places when they weren’t at their busiest. There’s something special about having a little more space to wander, taking your time over a meal, or striking up a conversation with someone who isn’t rushing to serve the next person in line.

Of course, off-season travel isn’t perfect for every destination.

Some businesses may have limited hours. Certain attractions may close temporarily. The weather may not cooperate with your plans.

That’s part of the adventure.

Pro Tip: Before booking an off-season trip, check the destination’s seasonal business hours and attraction schedules. If there’s something you absolutely don’t want to miss, pre-book tickets and confirm operating dates before you go.

Whether you choose the shoulder season, the off-season, or simply visit a popular destination during a quieter time of day, you’re making a small choice that can have a positive impact.

And who knows?

You might discover that having a little less of the crowd means having a lot more of the destination.

Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is to visit when the crowds have gone home.

How Does Being Eco-Conscious Fit Into Thoughtful Travel?

Being thoughtful isn’t only about how we treat people.

It’s also about how we treat the places we’re visiting.

Every trip has an environmental footprint. We use transportation, water, and energy. We create waste. We visit natural areas that can be vulnerable to heavy use.

The good news is that being a more responsible traveler doesn’t require perfection.

Small choices matter.

Carry a reusable water bottle.

Skip unnecessary single-use plastics.

Walk or use public transportation when it’s practical.

Stay on designated trails.

Respect wildlife by observing from a safe distance.

Pack out what you pack in.

Don’t take natural souvenirs from protected places.

Choose locally owned businesses when you can.

Think about how much you really need to bring with you.

And remember that responsible travel isn’t about never making a mistake. It’s about being aware of the impact our choices can have.

I’ve put together 10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler, with practical ideas to reduce your environmental impact while exploring the world.

Because being a thoughtful traveler means caring about both the people and the places we encounter along the way, there is only one Mother Earth, and we need to take care of her.

Exploring the world is a privilege. Let’s do our best to leave the places we visit beautiful for the people who come after us.

Is It Possible to Be a Good Tourist and Still Have Fun?

Absolutely.

Being a considerate traveler doesn’t mean you have to walk around apologizing for existing.

Tourism brings enormous benefits to communities. It supports restaurants, hotels, shops, guides, artists, theaters, and countless other local businesses.

We should enjoy traveling.

We should explore.

We should eat the delicious local food.

We should take pictures.

We should buy souvenirs.

We should absolutely sit in the sunshine and think, Wow, I am really glad I came here.

But we can do all of that while remembering that we’re sharing the destination with other people.

The relationship between tourism and local communities can be complicated. Many people recognize the economic value that visitors bring while also experiencing the stress that comes with seasonal crowds.

In other words, it’s possible to appreciate visitors and still feel overwhelmed and at times resentful of them.

I think that’s where courtesy comes in.

Courtesy shouldn’t stop with what your parents taught you as a child, nor should it disappear when you cross your hometown’s borders.

It should travel with you.

Whether you’re visiting Ashland, Oregon, Charleston, South Carolina, a tiny mountain town, or a bustling international city, the same basic principles apply.

Slow down.

Be patient.

Treat people kindly.

Respect the community.

Clean up after yourself.

Be mindful of your environmental impact.

And remember that the place you’re visiting is more than a backdrop for your vacation.

It’s someone’s home, and not just people but the local animals’ home too.

The Traveler I Want to Be

I don’t think we should feel guilty about traveling.

I certainly don’t.

Travel has given me some of my favorite memories, meals, views, and stories. It has introduced me to places I never expected to love and reminded me, again and again, just how big and wonderfully varied this world truly is.

More than anything, travel has changed my perspective on people.

It has helped me see how different and yet how wonderfully similar we can be.

But I want to be a traveler who leaves a place with more appreciation than I arrived with.

I want to support local businesses.

I want to respect the people who live there.

I want to protect the places I visit so they can still feel just as beautiful and special the twentieth time I return as they did the very first time.

I want to be patient when things don’t go according to plan.

And I want to remember that courtesy is not just something we owe the people who live next door.

It’s something we owe the people we meet wherever we go.

The more I travel, the more I believe the message is pretty simple:

Be the kind of traveler you’d want to welcome into your own home.

Because wherever you go, you’re a guest.

And a good guest leaves behind good memories, not extra work.

Sources & Further Reading

AMFM Healthcare — “Pressure in Paradise: Seasonal Tourism Impacts Locals.“ The AMFM survey cited in this article surveyed 3,042 U.S. adults in July 2026 through the Cherry Data Signals platform and examined perceived pressure from seasonal tourism, including crowding, traffic, parking, noise, access to amenities, and public spaces.

Bite-Sized Adventures — “The Benefits of Off-Season Travel.“ Discover why traveling outside the busiest times of year can offer a slower, more relaxed, and often more rewarding way to experience a destination.

Bite-Sized Adventures — “10 Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler.“ For more ideas on reducing your environmental impact while exploring the world.

Note: The AMFM survey findings are used here as a contemporary perspective on tourism pressure. The survey methodology and findings should be read in the context described by AMFM Healthcare and Cherry Data Signals.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth
A woman taking a photo of her meal at a cozy café window, with a notebook, sunglasses, and a bag on the table, capturing the essence of solo travel and enjoying local experiences.

Traveling Alone: How to Build Confidence and Enjoy Solo Adventures

Beth Glosner  | 

There is a strange expectation in our world that we should always have someone with us. Someone to grab dinner with, someone to explore with, someone to share every experience with. But what if no one is available? What if the only person ready to say “yes” to the adventure is you? As an introvert, I have always valued my quiet time, fewer distractions, and the freedom to move at my own pace. Growing up in a large family taught me to appreciate moments of calm, and growing up in a small town taught me independence. If you are someone who has been waiting for the “right person” to travel with, this is your reminder that adventure does not have to wait. 

I have always believed some of the best adventures happen when curiosity wins over hesitation. You do not have to jump on a plane tomorrow and spend two weeks exploring a country you have never visited (although I would never discourage that either). Sometimes confidence starts with something much smaller: a coffee date with yourself, dinner at a restaurant you have been wanting to try, or a weekend getaway close to home.

 Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

Quick-Glance Guide: Building Confidence for Solo Adventures

Best for introverts:
Learning how to enjoy your own company without feeling like you are missing out.

Best first step:
A solo meal at a restaurant or coffee shop.

Best confidence builder:
A staycation close to home.

Best travel preparation tip:
Keep a personal packing list and update it after every trip.

Best mindset shift:
Stop waiting for someone else’s schedule and start exploring when curiosity calls.

Best reminder:
Most people are focused on their own lives—not watching you.

Growing Comfortable Being Alone Starts Early

I was lucky that independence came naturally to me.

Growing up in a small town meant walking everywhere—the pool, the corner store, and around town just because. If I were bored, my mom would give me chores to do. (Although I sometimes wonder if those little corner stores still exist or if they have become another nostalgic memory from childhood.)

Being able to walk around my hometown, explore, and entertain myself helped me become comfortable being alone. I did not always think of it as independence at the time. It was simply life.

My first real challenge came later when I had to sit with myself in a new way.

Small-town adventures taught me that exploring does not always require a crowd. Sometimes curiosity is all you need.

The First Solo Meal: The Moment Many Travelers Fear

Let’s talk about one of the biggest hurdles for solo travelers: eating alone.

For many people, walking into a restaurant by yourself feels intimidating. It did for me too.

Growing up, going out to eat was a family experience. There were conversations across the table, someone to share a dessert with, and familiar faces sitting beside me. When I moved away from home and took a gap year, I quickly learned what it meant to be somewhere new without knowing anyone.

That was when I learned something important:

Being alone does not mean being lonely.

At first, I wondered if people noticed me sitting by myself. Were they looking at me? Maybe. But the truth is, most people are busy thinking about their own conversations, their own meals, and whether they remembered to order extra sauce.

(And honestly, if someone is paying that much attention to my solo dinner, I hope they at least appreciate my restaurant choice.)

The more I did things alone, the easier it became.

Your own company can be pretty wonderful when you give yourself the chance to enjoy it.

Stop Waiting for Someone Else to Be Available

After college, I moved again and found myself rebuilding my routines. I had family nearby, but my curiosity always seemed to win over my fear.

I wanted to try new restaurants.

I wanted to explore new places.

I wanted to see what was around the next corner. I still do.

Waiting for someone else’s schedule meant waiting to experience things I was excited about. Eventually, I had to decide whether to miss out or go anyway.

The answer was simple.

Go.

Solo travel is not about proving you do not need anyone. It is about realizing you are capable of creating meaningful experiences on your own.

Sometimes the best adventures begin when you stop waiting for the perfect travel companion.

Start Small and Build Your Solo Travel Confidence

If traveling alone feels overwhelming, do not start with the biggest adventure possible. Build your confidence gradually.

Think of it like building your “comfort zone muscles.”

Here are a few ways to start:

Go Out to Eat Alone

Choose the restaurant you have always wanted to try, but nobody else wants to visit.

Go.

Bring a book, journal, or simply enjoy the experience. Notice the atmosphere, the food, and the freedom of choosing exactly what you want.

Take Yourself on a Local Adventure

Visit a nearby town, museum, bookstore, hiking trail, farmers market, or coffee shop.

Pretend you are a visitor exploring your own area.

You might discover hidden gems you have driven past for years.

Book a Local Overnight Stay

Stay at a hotel in your hometown or the next town over.

This is a great way to practice solo travel without being far from home.

You will learn how comfortable you feel:

  • Checking into a hotel alone
  • Finding places to eat
  • Exploring without a companion
  • Solving small problems independently

And if you forget something? You are close enough to pick it up.

Where to Stay in the San Bernardino Mountains
A local getaway is the perfect way to practice solo travel confidence before a bigger adventure.

Create Your Personal Travel System

One of the best things about taking shorter trips is learning what works for you.

I have learned that every trip teaches me something.

Forgot your favorite shampoo?

The hotel probably has some, but if you are like me, you have that one product that makes your hair look fantastic, and you do not want to risk a bad hair day while traveling.

Forgot a sweater?

Add it to your packing list.

Forgot a charger?

That one goes on the “never forget again” list.

Keep a running travel checklist on your phone, in a notebook, or inside your luggage. Update it after every trip.

Your packing list becomes a personal travel guide created from your own experiences.

Here is a packing list to get you started https://canva.link/57mrh0o8ndkausf

There is a blank template https://canva.link/s0ua7ntq3s4jk9h

The best packing list is the one you create from your own adventures.

Learning to Trust Yourself With the Unknown

The biggest lesson solo travel teaches you is how to handle uncertainty.

Would I encourage someone to take a two-week trip somewhere completely new?

Absolutely.

But if that sounds overwhelming, start where you are.

Take a day trip.

Stay one night away.

Explore a place you have never visited close to home.

Every small adventure builds confidence.

The unknown becomes less scary when you realize you can handle unexpected moments.

Missed a turn?

Maybe you found a new place to explore.

Restaurant closed?

Maybe you discovered a better one nearby.

Forgot something important?

There is probably a store or pharmacy nearby.

Travel does not require perfection.

It requires curiosity.

The unexpected moments often become the stories we remember most.

The Little Things Are Usually Not the Things That Matter

Before a trip, we often worry about the smallest details.

Did I pack enough clothes?

Did I bring the right shoes?

Did I forget my sweater?

Did I remember my favorite shampoo?

Those things matter, but they are usually fixable.

The moments that truly matter are bigger:

Did I experience something new?

Did I try something outside my comfort zone?

Did I create a memory?

Did I follow my curiosity?

My travel style may be a little “go with the flow,” but I have learned that stressing over every tiny detail can take away from the adventure itself.

Sometimes the best memories come from the wrong turns, unexpected stops, and moments when you simply decide to see where the road leads.

You Are Capable of More Adventures Than You Think

Traveling alone is not about being fearless.

It is about being willing.

It is about saying yes even when you feel a little nervous, while also staying safe on your travels.

You do not need to wait for someone else’s vacation schedule, their interests, or their availability.

Start small.

Take yourself out for coffee.

Visit that restaurant.

Plan the weekend getaway.

Book the trip.

Because sometimes the best adventures happen when you realize the person you have been waiting for was you all along.

For more solo travel inspiration, check out my other adventures:

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth