Solo staycation: challenge accepted!

By Kirsten | Where She Goes

Have you ever considered a solo staycation, or taking a trip on your own without your partner, children or friends? A night alone in your own tent or campervan or a weekend in a forest cabin or other unique accommodation could work wonders for your energy levels and creativity. What’s more, it’s a great way to reduce your stress levels. Challenge yourself and start small by planning a solo staycation in your own country.

The benefits of a solo weekend getaway

Our lives are often busy, rushed and full of responsibilities. Responsibilities to our job, our partners, our children, or family and friends. Balancing everything that is asked from us on a daily basis while taking care of ourselves can be a challenge. It’s important to create a little me-time every now and then. A night or weekend away on your own is one of the ways to create this me-time and works miracles. What are the benefits of a solo getaway?

• You give yourself time to do something for yourself

• You get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

• You have time to organize your thoughts and feelings.

• You have the time to do the things you like to do.

• There are no distractions.

• You can relax and recharge. Energy boost!

• You’re free to make all the choices.

• You become aware of your own abilities and wishes.

• You come out of your comfort zone.

• You find new inspiration, insights and creativity.

• You regain energy to pay attention to your loved ones.

Stop finding excuses to not travel solo

There are many good reasons to travel alone and create some me-time. You might argue that you have just as many reasons to stay at home. You might not find the time, you feel like you can’t ‘just’ take time off, loved ones would find it strange if you take a trip on your own, you have to be there for your family. You name it.

Maybe you love being on your own, but you don’t allow yourself the time and space. Or maybe you find it scary to go on a solo weekend getaway.

We challenge you to stop thinking of reasons not to go, grab that laptop and plan a solo trip. Look at it as an opportunity to get to know yourself better and to recharge. Who knows what else you might discover!

A solo getaway? Here is how to do it!

Ok, so you’ve made the decision to plan a solo (weekend) staycation. But how are you going to do this? How do you find a suitable and safe place to stay? And what are you going to do during your getaway?

Here are a few tips!

Where to go?

You don’t need to take a lengthy solo trip to recharge and find yourself again. There are many places to do so close to home. You can spend the night in a cosy forest cabin, a gypsy wagon, a glamping accommodation or in your own tent or camper van. On Campspace you can find all kinds of beautiful places to stay. 

Are you going on a solo trip for the very first time? Make sure you book an accommodation that is easy to reach by car, bicycle or public transport.

It is wise to have a look at the facilities: Is it a safe environment for a solo traveller? What facilities does the accommodation offer? Where can you eat in or take-out? Or can you cook your own meals? 

It’s also important to determine what you can do in the surrounding areas. Would you like to stay in the forest, at the beach or in the hustle and bustle of the city? On Campspace you can easily filter on what you find important when it comes to solo travel, such as prices, facilities, activities and accommodation types.

What to do during your solo trip?

If you like to be on your own, you probably won’t find it difficult to enjoy yourself. If you find it a bit of a challenge, think in advance about the activities that you would like to do. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Finally read that one book

• Experience nature by foot or by bicycle,

• Swim in nature

• Complete puzzles

• Have a picnic

• Write, draw or paint

• Take a yoga class

• Rent a kayak

• Watch a movie (and download it before you leave!)

• Cook a good meal for yourself

You could also combine your solo trip with a silence or mindfulness retreat, an outdoor weekend, or a fire making workshop. Do the things that you normally don’t have the time for and that make you happy. And try to ‘be’ instead of to ‘do’. Doing nothing is an art.

A few more tips to make a success out of your solo staycation

• It’ll take some time to get used to being alone and to have the time to do whatever you want to do. Even if you’re feeling lonely, try to let go and avoid checking your phone all the time.

• Bring some groceries with you. Once you know what facilities your accommodation offers, you can think about what you would like to eat and bring groceries with you. This prevents you from not knowing what to buy once you’re there and prevents you from snacking

• Are you going out for lunch or dinner? Take a good book with you and choose a nice and quiet spot.

• Take some personal items with you that make your stay even more cosy, such as a face mask, tea, books, a blanket and candles.

• Do you find it a bit scary to be on your own at night? Lock the doors before nightfall and keep some lights on at night.

Enjoy your solo weekend getaway!

For more stories about Kirsten's travels, follow her on Instagram!