When I was single, booking a nice hotel room was one of my favorite ways to treat myself.
I’d wake up without an alarm and order fancy meals. I’d catch up on my “to-be-read” stack of books and write as much as I wanted.
Now I have a lovely home with a fantastic partner, but I have no desire to give up the solo-trip tradition I’ve had for nearly two decades.
These trips — which I treat myself to at least once or twice a year — give me a break from my routine and everyday stressors. I don’t have to walk by laundry piles or look at the mail I haven’t opened.
Plus, having a few days of solitude gives me a more objective view of my day-to-day life, which helps me both appreciate it and identify changes I may want to make.
I’m not restricted by anyone’s schedule, including my own. I stay up late watching movies if I feel like it and wake up whenever I’m ready. I take unhurried walks and, when I want extra luxury, book spa treatments.
My tradition has evolved over time
I had traveled alone before, but my first solo trip purely devoted to relaxation was in 2008, when I rented a cute cabin in the woods. It was lovely when I got there, but the four-hour drive became stressful when a thunderstorm hit.
It was also a hassle traveling that far, and I realized my car time could have been nap time or pool time. All that gas money could have been used on a room upgrade. I was getting peace and quiet, but spending a lot of energy and money for it.
Because I loved the time away, though, I started planning more solo trips closer to home. Now, I usually book stays within a half-hour radius. I get much of the value of the cabin trip, with a lot less stress.
This doesn’t mean my trips aren’t true adventures, though — even though I’m staying near my home, I still make it a point to experience new things. I live in a large city with many distinct neighborhoods, so my tradition provides an excuse to check out different areas.
I book hotels in parts of town that are lesser-known to me. That way, I have new restaurants, stores, and parks to explore — that is, if I decide to change out of my jammies.
I always ask the concierge for recommendations to make sure at least one meal is a local favorite, and sometimes I’ll even invite a friend to join me.
This tradition is low-budget, high-value
Hotel stays are more expensive than an at-home staycation, but much cheaper than a plane ticket and car rental. I look for last-minute deals through Priceline’s Express Deals and save money by bringing my own snacks.
Since the costs are so much lower than out-of-town trips, I don’t mind splurging on luxuries like massages, upscale meals, or even souvenirs. These types of indulgences are harder for me to justify when I’m spending a lot on travel.
The extra sleep alone makes it worth it
When I’m home, I rarely sleep in, but at hotels, it’s easy: My sleep is uninterrupted by my partner tossing and turning or my cats pawing me for breakfast.
Even though I’m a big proponent of these “me time” vacations, I sometimes feel a little weird about going and second-guess my plans.
Then, my partner reminds me of what a great time I have — and he’s right. Plus, I know he likes to have his own quiet time while I’m away.
I return home relaxed, with renewed mental clarity and creative inspiration — not to mention tons of stories and date-night ideas to share with my partner.
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