As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves start to change, I’m reminded of the beauty this season brings. It’s a time for reflection, this year I find myself thinking back to my first solo travel experience—Miami, Florida, for my 29th birthday.
To be honest, I didn’t do much on that trip. I spent most of it sleeping, eating, and strolling along the beach. It had been years since I’d taken a real vacation, and I hadn’t visited the beach in at least two or three years before then. Looking back, I realize how unbalanced that trip was—I didn’t explore, didn’t dive into new experiences. That was the last time I let that happen. Now, I live by a simple travel philosophy: equal parts rest and adventure. Life is too short to work endlessly without enjoying what the world has to offer.
Discovering My Travel Style: Slow and Intentional
After that Miami trip, my next big adventure took me across Europe. I spent a month traveling through Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Greece with a travel group. It didn’t take long for me to discover my personal travel style. I’m a slow traveler—a vacationer at heart. While I love waking up early to explore a new city and capture photos in the peaceful morning light, I don’t thrive on jam-packed itineraries.
You won’t find me waiting in long lines at the most Instagram-famous spots. Instead, I take my time strolling through streets, hiking, shopping, and maybe even squeezing in a Pilates or yoga class. A spa visit? Definitely. For me, travel is all about resetting and reflecting, not rushing from place to place. And yes, I’m always down for a staycation too!
Know Your Travel Style
One of the most important things I’ve learned over the years is that understanding your travel style is key to having a fulfilling trip. If you’re more of a slow traveler, like me, it’s important to acknowledge that, especially if you’re traveling with a group. You don’t have to match everyone’s energy, but communication is key. Setting boundaries and even taking a solo day during a group trip can make a world of difference. After all, we’ve all heard those stories about trips that made it out of the group chat but didn’t survive the trip itself!
Why I Prefer Solo Travel
This brings me to one of the (minor, but real) reasons I love solo travel: no group dynamics to navigate! You can make decisions without the pressure of someone else’s preferences. There’s no vibe killer, no added stress of coordinating, and no one to hold you back. Solo travel is truly a time to focus on yourself and pour into your own well-being. It’s also the perfect opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Plus, you never know who you might meet along the way!
A Perfect Fall Getaway: Cold Spring, NY
Speaking of reflection and slow travel, my most recent trip was a fall day trip to Cold Spring, a charming village in New York’s Hudson Valley. I spent the morning exploring the town, then hiked through the woods to Little Stony Point in the afternoon. My day ended with the perfect fall treat—apple cider donuts and apple picking at Fishkill Farms. It was the ideal fall escape, and I can’t wait to share more details with you soon!
What Are Your Fall Plans?
Fall is the perfect season to slow down, reflect, and enjoy simple pleasures. Do you have any fall travel plans? Whether you’re planning a getaway or just embracing the beauty of your hometown, I’d love to hear about it!
If you resonate with my travel style or want more tips on balancing work, life, and travel, subscribe to the blog, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for extra travel inspiration. Some of my favorite views never make it to the blog!
