Portugal, Just Me & My Wanderlust: A Pre-Retirement Solo Mission!
I'm banking on the idea that this solo exploration will seriously boost my confidence and resilience muscles.
Portimão, Portugal
Image shot in Portimão, Portugal
The beautiful thing about fear is that when you run to it, you run away — Robin Sharma
Okay, so picture this: yours truly, about to hop across the pond... solo! While I've been to Europe before and traveled solo before, I have never traveled solo to Europe! Coming soon, I will be traveling to Portugal by myself! This blog focuses on three main things: travel, moving toward retirement, and positivity. This post focuses on travel and ways to manage different aspects of traveling abroad as a solo woman. While planning this trip, I realized that you must have the basics figured out, like booking airlines, where to stay, and transportation. Still, even before you get to that, you first have to overcome your initial hesitations and fears, recognize the incredible benefits you will receive from traveling solo to Europe, and, of course, you will need tips and encouragement to get this trip off the ground!
Let's talk about those pesky hesitations and fears. They tend to creep into your thoughts disguised as discomfort. "Will I be lonely?" "What if disaster strikes?" "Awkward solo dinners, anyone?" These fears and more have certainly come up for me! But here's the truth: recognizing those worries as plain old fear is the first step to kicking them to the curb. Fear's not the enemy, but letting it run wild? That's a confidence killer. For me, bring on the alone time! This people-person genuinely loves her own company. My inner control freak (aka, meticulous planner!) has likely already tackled most potential mishaps. And solo dining? Bring on the people-watching! This whole thing is a mindset shift, fellow solo travelers! I hear from many amazing women who've gone solo and discovered a newfound trust in themselves. I'm SO ready for that!
So, why Europe, why now, why solo? Well, you know the retirement dream: a cute little cottage in Portugal is calling our name! This trip is part reconnaissance mission and part house-hunting adventure in the Algarve. I need to see this potential future home, get the lay of the land, and kickstart the buying process. Each visit to Portugal just confirms – this is the spot! I promise to write more about the real estate rollercoaster in future posts! Beyond the house hunt, I'm itching to explore the Eastern Algarve on my own terms. Hello, ultimate freedom and flexibility! My agenda? Castle-hopping like a queen, ziplining across the Spain-Portugal border (yes, you read that right!), and hitting flea markets for future cottage treasures. I'm banking on the idea that this solo exploration will seriously boost my confidence and resilience muscles. And the chance to connect authentically with people along the way? Priceless! Being the sole captain of my itinerary – deciding where to go, what to do, and changing my mind on a whim? Sounds like pure bliss! Plus, this time around, Paul has to work. Someone has to go to Portugal!
Now, let's get down to the ever-important logistics – the stuff that makes the magic happen (and keeps you sane!). My flight research pointed me to Google Flights as a reliable source for decent deals from the US to Europe. Booking about four months out seemed to hit the sweet spot. And a significant lesson learned from past trips? Respect the layover! Our first Euro trip in 2023 had a tight connection that cost us two precious days. Never again! This time, I'm treating myself to a glorious three weeks – no rushed sightseeing for this travel lover!
Car rentals in Europe can be a thing. That potential $1500 deposit? Yeah, I remember that sticker shock from before. So, I’m ready for this trip, and I have also purchased the insurance. Some say not to, but the last time, they knocked the $1500 down to $300 with that purchase. Sevilla day trip? Bus it! Saving the rental car for a Lisbon jaunt. When it comes to crash pads, I'm mixing it up beyond the usual Airbnb. While some folks have strong opinions, not every rural spot is where the locals actually live in Portugal. Urban areas are where it's at for many. I have also heard locals in Portugal say they don’t necessarily dislike AirBnB. They pointed out that Portuguese people also own Airbnb rentals, and as such, the travel economy provides work for people who are locals. Portugal has taken steps to make sure it doesn’t impact people needing housing in urban areas. So, I'm diving into a diverse lodging experience: part Airbnb for a local vibe, a few nights in a social hostel, a touch of boutique hotel charm, and some well-rated budget-friendly stays. Gotta see what all the fuss (and the different price points!) is about. My realtor says the house closing could take at least two months, meaning more trips to come to get the house ready for rentals – hello, built-in future travel!
Tech Talk & Staying Safe in the Digital World: Speaking of logistics, let's chat tech! Your smartphone is your best travel buddy, but using it wisely and safely is crucial. Before you go, download offline maps (like Google Maps), so you're never truly lost, even without data. Translation apps (DeepL is better than Google Translate, as it offers European Portuguese) can be lifesavers for navigating language barriers. Consider getting an eSIM for local data to avoid hefty roaming charges – this also allows you to keep your regular number active for important calls or texts. Banking apps are essential for monitoring your spending and making transfers if needed, but always use secure Wi-Fi connections and avoid public networks for sensitive transactions. Set up strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, and consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), especially on public Wi-Fi, to encrypt your data and protect your privacy. Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home, and consider using a location-sharing app (like Find My iPhone or Google Maps' location sharing) so someone knows where you are. Finally, be mindful of your surroundings when using your phone in public – keep it secure and avoid distractions.
Ultimately, this trip is about more than just ticking off a bucket list. It's about conquering those initial jitters, embracing the sheer joy of solo exploration, and fueling that positive mindset as we inch closer to our retirement dreams. Knowing why I'm going and giving myself the time to truly soak it all in makes every bit of planning worthwhile. Trusting my instincts, past travel experiences, and ability to roll with whatever comes my way is key to making this an unforgettable solo adventure. And you bet I'll document every step (and maybe a few stumbles!) right here and on social media. Stay tuned – who knows, perhaps this will inspire your solo leap!
