Being a solo traveller in New York💁‍♀️

I’ve never been anywhere on my own. I’ve travelled to Australia on my own twice but I’ve always been en route to meet someone once I arrived. When I headed off to New York I knew I’d be getting on my plane and making my own way to stay in a hostel on my own for 9 days. Due to overbooking I ended up flying from Manchester airport rather than from Edinburgh airport and getting down to Manchester for my flight was the element that was taking up most of my energy. Focusing on getting through my journey successfully meant that I didn’t really think about the fact I’d be on my own in New York. Before I headed off I did do some research on the city; what to do, places to visit and how to get around. Once I arrived I made sure I got right back out again and threw myself into exploring the city. There are endless things to see and do in New York and I found that making a rough plan of where to start and what I wanted to achieve that day was the best way to structure my days. I definitely learnt a lot about enjoying my own company and appreciating sights and views without enjoying the fact that I was enjoying it with someone; it creates a different kind of appreciation to have to enjoy it for yourself. I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out the subway on my own, asking for directions - even things like going to a cafe and sitting on my own. The liberation of being able to walk where I wanted, stop when I wanted, turn around and walk the way I’d just come when I wanted, stop for something to eat or drink exactly when I wanted was my favourite part. I always wanted to prove to myself I could go out and travel on my own but I was glad when my mum arrived off the plane from Edinburgh and I had someone to show all the things I’d seen and done to!

Tip: I would recommend to anyone travelling in NYC to bring a portable phone charger. I was always on my phone looking at maps and it drained my battery so quickly.