TLDR: Every year I take a solo trip, and you should too…if you can.
Hopefully I’m in Mexico by the time you’re reading this. I’m on my annual solo trip, heading to Tulum this year for one of my rituals & routines that I mentioned last week.
Over the years, I’ve made it a priority to take time alone and away, and I think you should too if your life allows it.
But why, you might ask…
Have you ever heard people come back from vacation say something like:
It was great, but I need a vacation from my vacation!
That’s why.
Even on vacation, we’re burning ourselves out.
If you’re anything like me, you care too much about stuff. By definition, everything can’t be important, but even I’ve been known to say “I have endless bandwidth for important things.”
Unfortunately, that’s not sustainable…
Even though I’m the kind of person who keeps “Critical Me Time” on my calendar, it’s rarely enough and I often end up double booking it.
But we, as professionals and humans, really do need thinking time. I mean not just time to ponder something, but to really think strategically.
And if you subscribe to “earn with your mind, not with your time” then thinking time & learning are two of the most critical things to hold sacred.
I’ll give you the structure of a great solo trip, but first a few examples from recent years…
Lake Tahoe & Squaw Valley
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
Maui
London, Amsterdam, & Croatia
Vermont & Killington
What makes these great solo trips, in my opinion…
New Environment
You’ve got to get out of your everyday environment and totally switch up your surroundings. For me it’s usually chasing the sun or the snow, but experiencing a new culture is a close second. Doing this alone can be daunting, especially the first day or two, but shortly thereafter there’s a total shift in mindset
Thinking Time
Dedicated time to read, write, meditate, think, and do nothing. I like to do this after a morning workout, before other people are up, and/or in that lull after a full day but before dinner
Something Active
There’s time for nothingness, but this isn’t a do nothing vacation, you’ve got to move. Skiing Squaw, hiking the Waihe’e Valley Ridge in Maui, logging 30k+ steps a day in Europe exploring, or even just going for a long run as a great way to explore new cities, you need to get the blood pumping—it’s a great way to feel great
Lists > Plans
Don’t make an agenda for yourself. Instead, star & label a bunch of recommendations on your maps app like restaurants, sights, experiences, etc. You might need a reservation or a ticket to some things, so if there’s a must-do then lock that in; but otherwise, commit to an early wake-up and see what you’re in the mood for that day. No expectations lends itself to exceeding them
That’s it. Nothing too crazy or too boring. Not underprepared but not overcommitted. Quiet the noise, focus on yourself, and feel good.
See you Monday.