As I’ve discussed before, my first solo travel experience was sad. It was unintentional, I wasn’t prepared, and I wasn’t as experienced a traveler as I am now. I was in Paris, a city I always dreamed of visiting, alone in a heap of tears. I eventually broke free of my “woe is me” attitude and got out and explored the city for the several days I had there. While I didn’t have that great of a time, I still left feeling proud of myself for surviving alone in a foreign country and wanting to try it another time in a planned way.
On Saturday, I leave for Costa Rica for a full week, all by myself. I’ve never been there. I know nobody there. I’m trying solo travel with open arms.
I’m going to Tamarindo, a cute little surf town for a few nights. For what? To relax. On the beach. By myself. With a book. On one of the days, I’m going on a half-day boat tour that takes a large group around the coastal area. It will be a safe and fun way to see more of the area and hopefully see some wildlife. Then I’m taking a quick jaunt over to the nearby Playa Negra, where I will take part in the Authentic Life Retreat at Peace Retreat. It’s primarily a yoga and meditation retreat–something I have always wanted to do.
I have a busy day job in the travel industry, my husband is in law school, I do a lot of freelance writing, I don’t sleep well, and I am generally a big ball of stress. I have decided that it’s the time to give myself the gift of peace, quiet, and solitude. Meditation has always eluded me, and I’ve never really enjoyed yoga. I have a feeling that being in such a peaceful and welcoming environment will help me learn how to do both, and in a way that will help my body and mind moving forward. I’m going to go spend a night in Liberia before I head home.
Part of why I think this will be a good solo trip is that it’s not an urban vacation where I’m trying to see major sights and navigate a large, new city alone. I’m not going to worry about finding a nightlife activity to do solo. I’ll be in an environment that encourages introspection and relaxation. I don’t want to get on the computer at all, though I know I may need to check in here and there. I’m going to run some posts, but I’m writing them in advance.
I’m heading out to get my Zen on. I’ll be back with a clearer head and lots of great photos and travel tales!
