I've been traveling quite often for a few years now. And while I have gone from point A to point B on my own several times, I've never actually traveled alone. Gone somewhere new and stayed with out any friends and family or specific group of people. Never.
Many of the people I've encountered on my travels have been solo adventurers and almost all of them loved traveling alone and have encouraged me to try. I am not sure what my biggest reservation was, but I decided it was time to kick it. Fall break was coming up and I didn't have plans, so I decided it was time to make some!
Because I've never traveled alone, I've also never fully created the plans. I've helped of course, but there has always been at least one other person with opinions and wishes for the trip. But this time, it would be all me. What I wanted, when I wanted, and if I didn't want, that's okay too! Good thing I'm not indecisive at all (sarcasm. So much sarcasm!)
I decided to visit Copenhagen, Denmark. It's a quieter city that you don't often hear about, but when you do, it's good things... except, maybe that time the zoo threw a giraffe in the lion's den...
Anyways. I didn't really believe I could handle a full week alone in a new city-- I am a true introvert, but I also have my limits. I decided a few days was good enough. The flight was a wonderful $150 and a super fast hour and half hop.
My first day there the weather was great! Blue skies, perfect temps... it was great! The next day was gray. And the following rainy. And then gray again. Not the ideal conditions for exploring a new place, but I have an amazing rain jacket and love an excuse to wear it!
The hostel I stayed in was just down from Tivoli Gardens. It's the second-oldest amusement park in the world, and was decorated for fall/Halloween. After visiting Disney Paris in October and now Tivoli in October also, I am beginning to think it's the best time to go to theme parks!! I wandered around and took in all the sights. Then decided to relax on a bench in the park and read... because I could! :) And so began my solo adventure!
The (seriously) Little Mermaid |
I spent the morning exploring the streets-- cobblestone, but not nearly as hazardous as Riga. I also went on a walking-tour with a humorous guide and fellow travelers. I ventured out to see Copenhagen's top tourist site-- The Little Mermaid. Why that is the 'top' feature in Copenhagen is a bit beyond me, but I guess any claim to fame is good...? I disappeared in the National History Museum for a bit which was great! They had some exhibits dedicated to other parts of the world... nothing like reading about your history from the perspective of someone else. I also found a place to play pool for a bit and some quiet cafes for more reading and work (yes, I brought work.).
In the end, I was ready to get back to Riga. Copenhagen was great, but I just love Riga. And if I am going to have alone time, it might as well be in my own apartment or city. I would definitely travel alone again, and probably will. Do I love it and hope to never travel with others again? No. :) But it's good to know that I can travel alone and it's yet another thing to cross of that bucket list.