I was the odd woman out on my recent girls trip as you can see in the picture.  It worked out that way because I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get off work and all though other people were invited, this is how girls trips work.  Sometimes you don’t have an even number for any number of reasons.  With such a small number of people and being that we chose an all-inclusive resort, there were only 2 people to a room.  Once I was given the solo rate, I chose to pay the up charge because I wanted to go and it was at an affordable rate in my opinion.  I didn’t think I was being dealt an unfair hand. Little did I know a Sister Traveling Secret was in store for me. FULL DISCLOSURE, I am super comfortable by myself and do desire to take a solo vacation one day, so I don’t have any issues being solo.   Well this trip kind of sprinkled what it would be like and it did not disappoint.  Before I get all into this, let me make it VERY clear that I enjoyed my friends immensely and would have been just fine rooming with them.  I always have been cool on girls trips rooming with my friends and family.

Ok, so here are the details on why I loved rooming solo so much…

 

1. Climate Control – You can keep the temperature on whatever you like without being conscious of the other parties.  I had it on the North Pole and it felt so good to me. This is a luxury that you might not even have at home due to multiple people living in your house.
2. Don’t have to worry about towels – Towels are such a thing at hotels and resorts.  It’s like they can’t get it together to have enough sometimes.  Well when you’re in the room by yourself.  The couple of sets they usually start out with will most likely hold you until the next service time.
3. Night Noise Controls – You can sleep with the TV, music, tablet or whatever, however you desire (on or off, volume up or down, etc.).  You can also watch whatever you want and listen to whatever kind of music you like without offending your travel partners. 
4. Restroom Courtesies are null and void – You can take a dump in peace for as long as you want.  Usually if you are one that legs go numb on the pot, you have to get up early to sit around in the bathroom for 30 minutes.  Other people need to use it!  Not a problem when you are solo.  You can turn the fan on or off. You can use Poo-Pourri/ room spray or don’t.  You can leave the door open or close it. There’s so much freedom.
5. Lengthy Showers – You can shower for as long as you want without worrying about steaming up the bathroom with the hot shower. You also don’t have to be conscious of the get ready time.  Long showers are inconsiderate the more people you have in the room.
6. Mirror Mirror on the Wall – It belongs to you to hog for as long as you want.  All rooms are not created equal and sometimes there is only one good mirror with the correct lighting.  If you take 30 minutes to get a beat face it might annoy your roommate that also needs a few minutes to glam up.
7. Leave when you want – When you’re ready, you can dip and wait on the girls on the property or at the bar without feeling guilty for leaving your friends.  Getting ready in shifts causes people to get anxious sometimes waiting around on the others to get ready.  With your own room at a  hotel or resort you can leave and go explore the property until everyone is ready!
8. Unpack how you like – You can unpack your bag  and use the closest space or throw anything wherever you want. When there is a group, you do have to claim a space and stay confined. On vacation maybe you just want to be free.  You can throw clothes on the bed when you have a wardrobe meltdown, lay them out to see how they look, dump your jewelry etc.
9. Private Time – When you want private time to check in with your family, you don’t have to leave the room or talk low out of consideration.  Sometimes you have personal non  friend family or business to discuss while on vacation.  You can handle all of that while you get ready using your earbuds without keeping up annoying distractions to others.  On another note, you could have been invited on a trip with people who you don’t necessarily vibe with every individual in the group.  To prevent killing the vibe, you can break away for private time but even if you don’t, you know the night belongs to you to get a break from whomever. This solo room is truly a sweet spot.
10. Embarrassing Noises – You don’t have to worry about snoring, farting or medical conditions that your friends can’t help but you might find bothersome when trying to sleep.  If you are the friend that snores, farts or has a medical condition and you are self-conscious about sharing that with others, this solo room also solves that problem.

 

I’m sure you can think of other reasons.  I mean, I worked out in my room using my #InThePaint #OnDemand.  I wouldn’t have wanted to take over the space with my workouts with other people in the room.  The air was so good vs the air in the property gym that I took advantage and did my Barre and Cardio work in my room.  I closed the blinds when I wanted and opened them when I wanted.  I took up all the electric units to charge all of my personal devices.  I used the items out of the courtesy minibar that I preferred.  I mean the list just goes on and on.  If any of this sounds like Self-Care on steroids to you, then I hope you’ll give it a try while keeping safety a priority!  Let me know how you like it.