Table for one, please.
Go out to eat.
It'll probably feel strange at first, and you might think every single person in the restaurant (especially your server) is staring at/judging/pitying you, but just relax. If they are looking at you, it's because they're thinking, Whoa, how cool, that person must be so confident and at ease with himself; one day I hope I, too, can dine alone. Bonus if it's a long and decadent three-courser.
Focus Features / Via thegoodfilms.com
Get a cocktail.
There are few things as exhilarating as going to a bar alone. Somehow it feels transgressive. Am I really doing it? you'll think to yourself, looking around. I'm just going to sit at this bar and order a drink and drink it alone and no one will stop me? And that is exactly what you'll do. Bring a book, notebook, crossword, knitting, whatever. You'll find it's surprisingly relaxing. Be warned, though, there are people who will read your solitude as an invitation for pickup lines. Shut that down immediately. (Unless you're into it, which, in that case, go for it.)
Universal Pictures / Via haidaspicciare.tumblr.com
Travel.
Let's be real, this one is definitely one of the scarier prospects. But the payoff is that much greater. Once you arrive, settle down into your hotel (or better yet a hostel, but more on that later), and venture into the city — you'll be overwhelmed by a sense of freedom. You can go anywhere you want, eat whatever you want, wake up and go to sleep whenever you want. There is no negotiation of itineraries, and you can either plan your whole trip to the minute or wing it as you go. If things go astray, you'll figure it out — and you'll leave feeling like you can take on anything.
Paramount Pictures / Via crushabledotcom.tumblr.com
Stay at a hostel.
When you do travel alone, it’s tempting to pamper yourself in a nice, private hotel. And by all means, treat yourself. But it’s worth going solo at a youth hostel at least once, if not only for the cheaper beds. Chances are you’ll find other independent travelers bunking next to you, and these roommates could turn into travel buddies and eventually, perhaps, lifelong friends. Also, hostels cater to young travelers and are great resources for local activities, day trips, or live events.
instagram.com
View Entire List ›