How to Truly Live in The Moment on a Solo Vacation

You may have heard that spending money on experiences instead of things is one of the keys to happiness. This maxim has scientific backing, although your life experiences are probably proof enough.

Think about past experiences with traveling. When you travel, do you cherish the souvenirs you bought or the time you spent with friends, partying, and flirting with strangers? Most people would say the latter.

A solo vacation is an investment in experiences. You get to experience new things without other people dragging you along to do things that are about as interesting as watching paint dry. A solo trip has the potential to be the vacation you’ve always dreamed about.

Here’s how you can actualize that potential.

Social Media and Living in the Moment

It’s okay to document your vacation on social media. You can meet new people, interact with old friends, and concretize your memories—all at the same time.

However, ask yourself this. Will you cherish the travel experience more or photographs of that experience? It’s akin to asking whether you’d prefer eating food or looking at it.

So, lay down the camera and take some time to ground yourself in the experience. Try to pay attention to who you’re with, what you’re seeing, and what you’re hearing. Make the following a vacation rule of thumb: whenever you experience something new, take a picture and then keep your phone away.

Talk to a Stranger

This can be an extremely stressful experience but trust me, it’s worth it. If it’s any consolation, the only scary part is striking up the conversation.

You’d be surprised by how many people enjoy talking to strangers. Just make sure the conversation is meaningful. You may learn something about the city you’re visiting, the person you’re talking to, the food you’re eating, etc.

It’s a new and fun experience. Plus, being able to talk to a stranger conveys a sense of confidence. That’s pretty useful if you’re looking to do more than just talk with a stranger.

Spontaneity

Having an itinerary is a good idea for all vacations; in fact, having a plan is a good idea for all kinds of situations. However, you don’t always have to rigidly stick to a plan. Being flexible gives you access to all kinds of new experiences.

Say you planned to go visit the neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. At one of the neighborhoods, you strike up a conversation with a stranger, and she seems interested in you. You could go visit the neighborhoods, or you could zone out your itinerary and head back to your hotel room. The neighborhoods aren’t going anywhere.

 

If you’re a guy who wants the most bang for your buck on your solo vacation, contact me at Julian Jones Travel. I offer consultancy on the top destinations for solo travelers, such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Medellin Colombia attractions. Get in touch, and I’ll help you plan the solo trip of your dreams.