Why I'm Travelling Solo
Opening up about why I decided to book a solo trip to New York City! Words & pictures by Hayley...
Around 3 weeks ago I wrote this post on embracing spontaneity, one morning I woke up with the feeling that I needed to travel solo, and all I knew was that it had to happen, and sharpish. The next day I woke up and booked a flight in the sales to my favourite city in the world; New York!In less than two weeks I head off on a six-day solo adventure to New York and I simply cannot wait. To some people six days is F all, friends of mine have travelled solo for a year or two, and I admire them and have loved following their journey; and I'm not saying it's not for me because oh my god I would love to do that, it's just not something that I've gotten round to doing just yet. My first solo trip was to Paris two years ago for two nights, I had an urge one day to take a solo trip and I honestly had the best time. I was gutted that last year I didn't get to travel solo so I knew that this year I needed to make it happen.Today I wanted to open up a bit about why I booked a solo trip to New York...First things first; I'm so incredibly happy with life right now - I have the most wonderful boyfriend, friends and family. I think that when I mention to people that I'm travelling solo; the first thoughts that cross their mind is 'maybe she's not happy' or 'maybe she has no-one else to go with', I can confirm that neither of those statements are true. In fact my best friend practically begged me to come along as she's dying to visit NYC, but I told her no, sorry but not this time. I want to travel alone, I absolutely adore travelling with other people but I also really love travelling alone.There's just something about waking up when you want to, eating when and where you like, spending hours in a museum because no-one is waiting for you and judgement-free shopping *dreams of Gucci handbags*. I had this feeling that I was overdue another solo trip and when I booked it, I had this feeling that I genuinely can't describe, a feeling of wanderlust and desire, a feeling that I can't wait to head back to my favourite city and finally do it on my terms.I flew from Gatwick earlier this week and when I arrived, I had this feeling of 'oh my god in two weeks time I'll be back here ready to head on my first solo adventure of 2017' and I literally felt like I was buzzing. I had the biggest smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach, I felt like I could have busted out a Hugh Grant dance from Love Actually (decided against it, but in my head I was dancing across the room to 'Jump'). I'm beyond ready to board that plane and embark on my adventure.Am I scared? Not really. I know that of course it's not always safe to travel alone, but I would never let that put me off. Never let the fear hold you back from chasing your dreams! I don't plan on wandering the streets late at night, or putting myself into stupid situations, I think you know when something doesn't feel right, and if it doesn't then leave or go with your gut reaction and remove yourself from the situation. Am I excited? HELL YES!
"Every time I heard a sound of unknown origin or felt something horrible cohering in my imagination, I pushed it away. I simply did not let myself become afraid. Fear begets fear. Power begets power. I willed myself to beget power. And it wasn't long before I actually wasn't afraid." - Wild, Cheryl Strayed
People keep asking what my plans are, but I honestly don't have any. I have one meeting set up and brunch with a friend but other than that, I want to take my laptop and work in the Public Library, I want to stroll down Bleeker Street in search of fab food joints, I want to shop at my own leasure, I want to make friends with strangers, I want to read my book in the bath until I turn into a prune, I want to watch the sunrise of over the city, I want to spend hours in galleries admiring the art work, I want to sit in central park and people watch, I want to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and soak up every damn second of this wonderful city that I would one day love to call home! New York, I'll catch you in 10 days Boo - recommendations as always, are so very welcome! <3
Have you travelled solo before? What did you think? Do you have any 'must do' trips for my New York trip? I'd love to hear them! <3