Traveling: My Version of “Going Out”
I’ve been traveling solo since I was 16—long before it was aestheticized on social media. My first solo trip was from Florida to Missouri to visit friends after I moved, and I’ve never really stopped since. Travel has always felt natural to me, probably because I grew up on road trips. I’m talking Florida to Maine and back, Missouri to California, plus endless California road trips that etched mountains, deserts, and open highways into my DNA.
That wanderlust stuck.
Why I Go
I don’t travel to party or “go out.” I don’t drink, and nightlife has never been my thing. Travel is my version of going out. It’s how I chase adventure, curiosity, and inspiration.
Living in Florida, I crave season changes—cool air, fall leaves, real elevation. As a California girl at heart, flat land just doesn’t do it for me. I travel for good food, local culture, walkable cities, and hiking spots that remind me my body and brain are meant to move through landscapes, not just routines.
Budget Travel (Without Sacrificing Experience)
One of my favorite examples? A solo NYC day trip. Price-wise, it cost about the same as going to Halloween Horror Nights—but instead of crowds and chaos, I got museums, Central Park and fall leaves, long walks, good food, and that electric New York energy.
A few tricks I swear by:
- Google Flights “Explore” using one-way searches for flexibility
- Traveling light to avoid luggage fees (and stress)
- Choosing experiences over extras
Planning Without Overplanning
Pinterest is great for inspiration—just double-check that the info is current. Some parks close in winter. Some destinations have monsoon or hurricane seasons. Weather and access matter more than aesthetics.
I always educate myself on:
- Seasonal closures
- Local transit systems
- Weather patterns
- Walkability vs. rideshare needs
In cities like NYC, Google Maps is my best friend—subways, walking routes, Uber backups. Learn the flow of a place before you arrive and you’ll feel far more confident moving through it solo.
Traveling With Health in Mind
Because my immune system doesn’t get to be ignored, preparation is non-negotiable:
- Stay hydrated (always)
- Pack emergency meds and extras in case of delays
- Bring vitamins and minerals
- Build in rest—travel doesn’t have to mean exhaustion
Travel smart so you can actually enjoy being there.
Safety, Always
I share my location with people I trust, especially when I’m solo. It’s simple, it’s smart, and it gives peace of mind without fear-based thinking.
And a bonus tip many people don’t realize: you can drop off your luggage at your hotel before check-in. Arrive early, explore unburdened, and start your trip lighter—physically and mentally.
The Takeaway
Travel doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version to be valid. For me, it’s mountains over martinis, both maps and menus, curiosity over comfort zones.
This is how I go out.
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