Rachael's Really Random Rambles: Why I believe everyone should try solo travel at least once in their life

Travel solo you say? Heck no...

This was my response to when the idea was first floated by me. I couldn't think of anything worse. I mean what if I can't find the right place to check in? What if I can't navigate around the airport? What if people look at me and think what a loser, especially if I have to dare I say it....eat alone at a restaurant? Or more than likely thanks to my baby face what if someone asks me where are your parents?

What if? What if? What if?

Do you know what helped put all my worries at ease? It was when someone turned round to me and said, so despite having already booked a week off and having saved up all your money to do this once in a lifetime trip your debating NOT going on this trip just because you will be alone? Think of all the positives that come with being alone, you get to make sure you do exactly what you want to do and when. For instance if you want to wake up at the crack of dawn to maximise your day or eat at that restaurant you read up about online you can do, as there is no one else to factor in or have to compromise with. A week of pleasing yourself how could this ever be bad?

This was a game changer for me.

Without two very special supporters who I shall name and praise now (Amelie my Disney roomie and Laura my Disney arrival group buddy) I wouldn't have gone through with this trip and would have regretted this for the rest of my life. So thanks girls you saved me from making a really bad decision!!!

So what was this trip I so feared doing solo?

Flying from Orlando to LA to visit DISNEYLAND in Anaheim which was celebrating its Diamond Anniversary and go and see the sights that was on offer in Hollywood, visit the Warner Bros Studio Lot and Walt Disney Studios where some of my all time favourite films were conceptualised and created AND where flipping Walt Disney the man who I worship so much walked around and worked. How could I ever think of not doing this is beyond me now.

What top ten things did I learn whilst travelling solo?

1) I'm far more capable than I ever give myself credit for.

2) I can function independently and don't need anyone else.

3) Having some alone time is actually really healthy and perfectly okay.

4) You can actually make friends far easier being alone than if you were with someone. Some of the friends I made on my trip I ended up learning so much from and going on spontaneous adventures with which will always stay with me.

5) It gave me confidence, something I have struggled my whole life with.

6) People may look and wonder what I was doing alone but either I was having too much fun to care or they would approach and strike up a nice friendly conversation. (Don't worry stranger danger is something I always think about so my guard was a little bit up on some of these encounters haha)

7) Doing what you want, when you want, free from judgement of others is quite liberating. Deciding to head out to iHop for dinner at like 10pm...why not? Live your life and do what makes you happy I say.

8) It's okay if you experience moments where you think what the heck am I doing out here all alone? Help! But these moments soon pass - thank goodness.

9) To paraphrase Pocahontas; you could learn things you never knew you never knew!

10) I ended up having the best time of my life and having what some may call a Party In The USA ;). And if this was possible then where would be my next Party? Hmmm...perhaps Canada (Blog post coming shortly on this, keep your eyes peeled!).