"Boarding all rows." Oh, this was it. My heart pounded. It was time to board the plane to Rome, and I had been waiting for this moment for months. Why was I suddenly so apprehensive? I had planned this trip down to the finest detail. I had packed and repacked for two weeks. I wanted to do this so badly, but as I rose from the plastic seat picking up my carryon, I suddenly had a feeling of dread. I checked my boarding pass for the eighty ninth time and took baby steps into the line of travelers. My palms were clammy and my throat was so very dry, despite drinking two bottles of water which I knew would avoid dehydration on a long overseas flight. I studied the other passengers and wondered about their stories. Many were speaking in fast Italian sentences but laughing in a universal language. This gave me comfort.
My boarding pass was inadvertently placed in my bag, and I fumbled for the flimsy paper and my stiff new passport as I reached the smiling attendant. I was stepping onto this huge plane and heading to a place I had only seen pictures of my whole life. I was going to travel across the vast Atlantic, a dream I had envisioned for years. What would Rome be like, who would greet me, who would take care of me? I was suddenly a little girl wanting the security of home. Oh. had I made a costly mistake?
I had made the choice to take a trip to Europe alone. I was in my fifties, and I had never been there. My mom had passed away at my age, and this was my indicator that I needed to fulfill my dreams now, and Europe was one of those dreams. My significant other could not take two weeks off, and the friends that considered accompanying me, had other obligations. I made the decision to go on this trip as I was painting a wall in my bedroom. I called my travel agent and chatted about tours and she gave me some excellent leads. I waded through several internet sites, but as I perused the literature from my agent, I found five different tours that appealed to me. Within a week, I had narrowed the trip down to the best prices and dates, and I had booked a tour of Italy and France.
I was excited to go alone. Since I am quite outgoing, I knew I would meet people and I also liked the prospect of a room all to myself every night. I had been divorced for ten years and had lived alone. I always had a man I dated and I usually traveled with him, some lady friends or with my adult children. I had experienced lots of alone time, but not a trip to Europe. For months, I had put this trip in the category of my adventure. I read the details every night and put a picture of the Eiffel Tower and The Bullet Train on my bathroom mirror.
As I took my seat, the announcement was made to spread out and take lots of room because this was not a full flight. The young lady next to me shared the fact that she was in her twenties and had been to Europe twice. She was meeting a friend at a hostel and hiking. Now wait, if she could do that, I could take a plush trip. I relaxed and got ready for the ride.
The two weeks were wonderful, and I was extremely fortunate to have gone on just the right tour. I felt that all of the forty people on the bus were hand picked to be my new friends. From the single teachers traveling together from New York to the couple who owned a fast paced international market, the people were friendly and excited to share their stories. I was free to mingle with everyone or no one if I wanted to be alone. Meal times were great and by the first evening, I found myself laughing and drinking wine with new friends who would share the next fourteen days with me. The pace was hectic, I slept poorly, I ate richly, I took in every optional tour I could, I bought souvenirs but not enough, I was silly, I was enthralled with the beauty and history of all I saw and experienced.
I learned some tips along the way. First, be informed about the details of your trip. Read and pay attention to details of what to bring. I knew I could not wear shorts all of the time and I needed a shawl or cover for the cathedrals. My walking sandals were attractive and comfortable and I had bought an expensive pair and tried them out before leaving. I knew the trip included bus time and train time, and I studied the cities before visiting so I had an idea of what to expect. I studied a few phrases of Italian and pulled out my high school French from the lost portals of my brain.
Second, be confident in your clothing and your looks. If you appear confident, you can feel confident. When I felt uneasy, I always had a great novel with me, a few magazines, some comfort food or mints, and a journal to record feelings. I had my cell phone and did call my children and my boyfriend from my room at night. I knew I would be a little scared and lonely at times, and I checked out a calling plan for calling from Europe.
Third, know there can be "bumps in the road." Oh yes, those minor travel details that get in the way of total relaxation: delayed flights, upset stomachs, forgot your swimsuit or in our case, a long train delay in Paris due to a hanging on the bridge ahead. (We played charades as we waited) You can't let the minor details get in the way of fun. You paid big bucks to get here, bite your tongue and take a deep breath. Pay attention to the wonderful experiences you are having. Indulge in some special souvenir maybe from each place symbolic of that place. Perhaps purchase a few gifts for birthdays or Christmas presents.
Last, focus on others around you. Listen to their stories and their thoughts. Get the details of their lives, so you are not so focused on yourself. Learn from the people around you. If you are a loner, sit back and enjoy the quietness of your thoughts and your world.
I felt I would never be the same after this trip. I was so empowered and felt like I could accomplish anything when I came home. I can't wait for my next trip! Take a bit of courage, confidence, planning and of course Visa or MasterCard, and be off with you! |
