Solo Travel

I just returned from a five day trip to New Mexico. I was sent by my job for a conference that ran from Sunday – Tuesday so I begged my friend Chrissy to join me for a few days of exploration the weekend before. I had a great time with Chrissy, but she left Sunday morning and then for three days and three nights, I was on my own.

During that time I learned a valuable lesson about traveling alone.

I don’t like it.

Actually, it wasn’t so much the “being alone” part as it was the “not having someone with me” part (yep, there's a difference). I didn’t mind the nearly three-hour drive from ABQ to Taos to visit the Pueblo. I relished being alone with the thoughts in my head, being able to turn the radio to whatever station I wanted, and sing along in my out-of-tune way at the top of my lungs with no one there to hear. I enjoyed the quiet solitude of the Pueblo and wandering alone, not just as the only person in my party, but as one of only three other tourists I saw there the whole day. I think the quiet made it more sobering and meaningful experience. I was even invited into the home of one of the residents, something I don’t think would have happened had I not been alone (of course, since I was solo I declined the invite, a decision I now regret). Even stopping to taste some wine and later dining at a local restaurant on my own didn’t bother me one bit.

What I disliked was that I experienced all those things alone - that later, though I could tell Chrissy what she missed and explain to Dan how I felt while there, I didn’t have anyone to share in the experience with me. I have pictures that prove I was there, but since no one else shares the memory with me, it feels like it could have just as easily been a dream. Without sharing the experience with another person, it seems like it only took place in my head.

I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity to explore a new place alone again in the future. And I’d rather go solo than not go at all. But while there are some people who prefer the freedom that comes from traveling alone, I realize that I am just not one of them.