Boldly Go Solo

In a few days, I’m setting out solo for a hiking and spa vacation in Tucson. Then, in January, I’m going to Park City, Utah, for a ski week with two good friends. I’m way more stressed about the ski week with friends.

For my hiking/spa trip, the company already has scoped out the hiking trails, the restaurants and the hotel, and given them the seal of approval. I just had to decide if I liked the company’s concept, and the location, and then sign on the electronic line.

The ski week, on the other hand, remains a work in progress after several months of negotiations. And dozens of exchanged emails. First, I made all the condo arrangements, after my friends approved of the choice. Then I paid the bill and my friends sent me reimbursement checks.

After that, we had to decide on room arrangements and whether the one who requested the master bedroom with private bath should pay more since the other two will share a room (the answer is yes). Now we’re deciding whether to rent a car to get to the ski resorts in the area or do without one.

Continued…

When we finally get to the condo, will our rhythms mesh? Who wakes early and who likes to sleep in? Will one person be antsy to get to the mountain, irritating the one who wants to linger over coffee? Will it be easy to agree where we want to eat each night?

The negotiating will end when we’re on our separate flights home. The funny thing
is, I met each of them on group trips. Two of us arrived solo, the other with friends. We let the organizers do the heavy lifting while we relaxed and got to know everyone. But now we’re all on the hook. With three of us planning this thing, we have to take into account each other’s wants, needs and feelings
(yeah, we’re women).

I’m still excited about the trip. I look forward to skiing with my friends, one of whom I haven’t seen in a couple of years because she doesn’t live near me. But it reminds me why solo travel is so much more
carefree.

Photo: Ellen Perlman