by
Heather C. Liston
 |
| Your
first trip alone doesn't have to be as far away as India. Start slowly and before
you know it, you'll be jetting around the world -- solo and loving it! |
It's
a funny fact of life that women who are used to taking care of everyone else sometimes
get a little nervous when they're suddenly taking care of nobody but themselves.
Even if you've planned family vacations for years, packing and driving and making
reservations for husbands, children, and groups, your first solo trip can be a
little daunting.
"Traveling alone for the first time can definitely provoke some anxiety,"
says Natalie Hurst, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in New York City. "It
challenges traditional roles and expectations, but breaking out of those stereotypes
is very liberating. And once you've achieved success in an unfamiliar situation,
you'll improve your self-esteem, and have more confidence to take on other projects
as well."
"Traveling
alone gives women practice in being independent, solving problems on their own,"
agrees Jeff Mitchell, Ph.D., a psychologist from Pennsylvania. "It is a lesson
in self-reliance that can undo a lifetime of lessons in dependence."
Where
do you go on your first solo trip, what do you do, is it safe, is it affordable
. . .? Actually, the first two questions are easy; the answer is: anything you
want. This time, you don't have to explain yourself, you don't have to compromise,
and you don't have to talk anybody else into anything. Always wanted to swim with
dolphins, pray with monks, sunbathe in the nude? Fine. Go to the library, search
the web, send away for information, and just do it. Answer questions later only
if you feel like it.
"Going on a trip by yourself is an important step," says Dr. Hurst,
"but planning it is also important. It forces you to examine your own wishes
and desires and many women have spent years subverting those things to the wishes
of others."
With
regard to safety, keep
in mind that basic common sense applies around the world. "You can be mugged
in your own home town and you can be perfectly safe just about anywhere,"
says Bay Area travel agent Bob Ensten. "I don't think any place is more safe
than any other, provided you do your research, follow local customs, and dress
and behave appropriately." (CONTINUE...)
