How I started solo traveling
A few years ago, I was looking to rent a small home at the Jersey shore for a week during the summer. Since it was only me, I searched for a modest one bedroom condo near the beach. The prices for a run-down shack far from the beach were astronomical and much more than I was willing to spend to stay in a dark and drab spot far away from the water’s edge.
That was the moment I opened up Google Flights and entered destinations far, far away. Where in the world could I go that was warm, near water and less expensive than a week at the Jersey Shore? There were a lot of options. I narrowed it down to Belize. The flight into Belize was less than $300 and the travel time would be about the same as driving to the beach. I booked the flight, packed my bags and was on my way. I had no itinerary and no expectations and wanted to move with the ebb and flow of the ocean’s tide.
Looking back, It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I had the best time exploring the country, meeting locals and digging my feet into the sand. The best part was I spent less money for a 10-day trip to Belize than I would have spent at the Jersey Shore.
My first hostel stay
When I was making plans for where I would stay while in Belize, I compared nightly rates of staying in a hotel or a hostel. I quickly discovered that hostels are often 90 percent cheaper. I contemplated the obvious. Could I sleep in a room with strangers? Am I too old? Is it safe? Can I physically crawl up the ladder of a bunk bed? What if I snore? Or worse, what if my IBS decides it’s time to party late in the night? I weighed these possibilities against the tremendous cost savings and my choice was clear. I booked a bed at a hostel.
When I checked in at the hostel, I felt a bit awkward, not sure of the unwritten rules for a fifty-something solo female traveler staying in a room with three other travelers. Thankfully, I booked a small quiet hostel and quickly fell into the rhythm of hostel life.
No guidebook needed
Besides booking my flight and my first night’s stay, I rarely, if ever, have an itinerary for my travel. This may sound crazy to some, but I am happiest when I have little or no expectations and let the winds of fate guide me throughout my trip. If I love where I am, I stay longer. If not, I move on.
Most hostels have shared spaces and communal kitchens. It is here where you meet fellow travelers and exchange stories and learn about the best places to visit. Word of mouth is often much more colorful and more accurate than any outdated guidebook.
How I became the hostel mom
While in Panama, I met two young Dutch travelers who had signed up for a walking tour of the old city. It sounded interesting, so I invited myself to tag along. As we walked along the cobbled streets of San Felipe, a few locals asked the girls if I was their mom. The girls giggled and said “No, she’s not our real mom, she’s our hostel mom.”
The Blog
Combining a love of travel, photography and writing, I launched The Hostel Mom blog. The blog has three distinct sections: Essays, How to do it, Where to go. This blog as is with my life is a work in progress.
Essays
As a solo traveler, I rarely say no to someone who has invited me to join them for an adventure. I might even invite myself if it sounds fun.
While traveling, you will inevitably find the most unexpected surprises by keeping your mind and eyes open to what the world has to offer. The beauty of not having an itinerary is that serendipity is my travel agent. I have found the greatest adventures, beauty and friendships are available when I smile and say yes.
Essays, is a collection of short stories about my serendipitous misadventures, missteps and mistakes.
Blog
When sharing my travel adventures with friends, they always ask “Do you think I could do that?”
In the “How to do it” section, I have a few tips and tricks on how to start practicing, planning, and packing for your solo adventure. And for the record, yes! You can do it.
What to do
Not sure what to do when you get to where you are going? As a solo traveler, I love exploring and immersing myself into the local culture. In this section, I share a few of my favorite things in each city I visited.
