A Journey To Remember

I have taken three intentional solo trips to Chicago, Dubai, and Mexico. Now that I’m a flight attendant, the journeys are unintentional but still fulfilling. All my trips were very different; the goal is to create a journey that meets your standards or aid in life-altering moments.

When I started traveling alone, I knew my first trip would be somewhere in the US. For me, it was knowing I wasn’t ridiculously far from home that provided a sense of comfort for myself and my family. I guess you can say Chicago was a trial run.

Chicago

The city of Chicago is beautiful, filled with so much history, inexpensive, and an experience I will never forget. It has some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, and all the skylines are dreamy. Every time I visit, the city gets better and better. There are many things to do, including tours, museums, food, etc. I stayed at Freehand Chicago for this trip, a beautiful, laid-back hostel in Chicago’s North River neighborhood. While there, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago, the Navy Pier, 360 Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Tour of Chicago River, a must-see. I walked around the city for hours, and after all that, I didn’t scratch the surface of everything Chicago offers. I also met some friends along the way; we had dinner and went to an elegant bar, concluding my trip.

Dubai

Dubai, Oh, Dubai, this is a trip you want to save all the coins to explore. It was a fantastic experience, the city, the culture, the excursions. Everything was so lavish and beautiful. Hot, but it is a trip I will plan again. Now, however, I know to visit in the winter for less scorching weather.

I flew in from Bahrain for this trip, so the flight was inexpensive and short and helped me cut down my cost. There is so much to do; it can be overwhelming but worth every penny. Just stick with things you wish to see at the top of your list; you honestly can’t do it all depending on how long you plan to stay.

While in Dubai, I stayed at Al Bandar Rotana, located in the entertainment district. If you plan to visit Dubai to shop for gold, you want to stay in this area. I saw the Mall of Dubai, the 2nd largest mall globally, where I also visited the aquarium. The mall has over 1000 retail stores, museums, VR parks, and anything you need you will find in this mall. I also visited the Mall of Emirates (massive as well), Burj Khalifa, and went on a tour that allowed me to ride a camel and ATVs and eat a traditional meal with a show.

There are still so many things on my to-do list for Dubai; next time, with more coins ready to check more things off my list.

Mexico

Mexico was by far my favorite trip. My love for Mexico has been steady since I first visited with my family for my grandparent’s 50th Anniversary in 2017. Since then, I have been there three times and will see again this year. The people are vibrant and welcoming, and they are considering making it a second home someday.

My comfort level was not a significant issue; this was my third solo trip. Check out my blog AKUMAL, TULUM, YUKATUN BIRTHDAY ADVENTURES to read more about my trip to Mexico. This was a dream vacation I know I will experience many times again. Also, I don’t think I wore shoes for most of this trip.

I have visited several places alone since starting my solo traveling journey in 2018. Some places I have been to several times now. I have had the chance to revisit a few places with family and friends, and I can say the two experiences are incomparable but unique.

Lately, I have been traveling with family and friends, and though I love it, a solo trip is soon to come because it is time to explore the things around me and continue this growth journey I started with my first trip to Chicago.

When I started this journey, I was going through a hard time, and to be honest, being home was always a drag. I learned new things about myself: I am resilient and can adapt and overcome obstacles thrown my way. The darkest time in my life, yet I managed to create the light by growing into the woman I am today. I also discovered that traveling alone can be a life-altering event.

Everyone should experience this journey of growth at some point in life! I hope this post has given you the push to show you that a solo trip can be one of the best decisions you can make for yourself.

If you are a solo traveler or just thinking about it, please comment below your experience, thoughts, fears, and any reservation you may have. I would love to hear from you!