A (Not So) Solo Adventure

Hi! My name is Jessica, and this is my first Rick Steves’ tour (so far)!

I have wanted to see the world for some time, especially Europe, but for the last six years I’ve been limited to staycationing during my time off work. This was due partly to the global pandemic, but also my own reluctance to travel solo.

I had the travel bug, but no traveling companion. I finally decided to take the plunge and go on a solo trip before my passport needed to be renewed.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to go entirely alone. Instead, I got to travel with a welcoming group of people, who were all there because they love to travel and are open to meeting new people.

I feel so much more confident now about my own ability to travel solo!

“No one’s gonna stop this girl from having fun. I throw my hands up high and have a party for one!”

Lyrics from “Me Party”

Why London?

There were so many reasons that made London the perfect fit for a first time solo traveler, like me.

• It is a cultural mecca. There is so much to do and see (and eat)!
  
  
• There are so many museums, castles, and parks! You can’t swing your arm without hitting a piece of Western history or art!
  
  
• Between the Tube and buses, London has a robust public transit system, making it a breeze to get around during tour free time.
  
  
• It’s considered a safe city, which was important to me, since I wanted to check out the town on my own, occasionally after dark.
  

Why Rick Steves?

The others in the group (about 24 other travelers and our guide, Steven) were all amiable, open, and enthusiastic, just like me! I think that there is a good chance that most of us found out about Rick Steves from having seen Rick Steves’ Europe on public broadcasting for years.

My experience was of watching him hiking around Switzerland, trying a local specialty, or seeing how craftspeople preserve their cultural traditions, while chatting up a new friend. It made me believe that I could get out of my comfort zone and do that, too. And I believe we all have shared that feeling.

I enjoyed having someone else arrange most of the trip, from lodging, to arranging guides and timetables, to sightseeing. All I had to do was to show up, have a great time, and focus on the fun decisions, like whether to have a cider or an ale, or which group member to chat with, or which souvenir to buy.

The proposed itinerary, for the Best of London in 7 days tour, included many of the things I wanted most to see in London. We got to actively walk around the city, seeing the parks, and taking in the London that exists away from the soulless, commercialized, tourist traps.

During the tour, we were on the buddy system, to help our guide from losing anyone. As a first time solo traveler, I felt safer knowing that, wherever we stopped, my assigned buddy in the group was watching out for me (and I was watching out for her).

Our group leader, Steven, was so nice and accommodating for everyone, and available as a resource to offer advice on travel and dining arrangements, etc. Yet, we still had the freedom to chart our own course!