Embracing Solo Travel
Ever dreamt of escaping on a spontaneous adventure? I certainly did. My destination of choice was Portland, a city I’d always wanted to explore but hadn’t yet visited. One day, while browsing Frontier Airlines’ website, I stumbled upon an irresistible deal—round-trip airfare to Portland for a mere $88. Despite Frontier’s reputation for fees, I realized that this quick solo trip wouldn’t disrupt our family life or budget significantly. With no need for seat reservations and a Saturday-to-Sunday timeframe in mind, all I required was a personal bag to embark on this journey.
As I did the quick math, I set a budget goal for my adventure—approximately $300 for airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, meals, and entertainment. And so, my new travel method was born: the 1-2-3+. One city, going solo; 2 days, roughly 36 hours; and an estimated expenditure of $300+.
How did my journey unfold? Let’s break down the numbers:
- Roundtrip airfare on Frontier Airlines (with no extras): $88
- One night at the Hi-Lo Hotel in downtown Portland: $125
- Two one-day public transit passes: $10
- Entertainment expenses: $51.50 (a $30 World Culture Festival concert ticket and a $21.50 Portland Japanese Garden ticket)
- Visits to Portland Art Museum (free thanks to my American Alliance of Museums membership), First Congregational Church of Portland, Portland’s Farmer’s Market, Powell’s City of Books, and a riverside stroll: $0
- Food expenses: $87.50 (covering lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- $19 for GRANA Pizza a Portafoglio pizza and Draper Girl’s Country Farm pear cider from the Portland Farmer’s Market
- $27 for dinner at Mother’s Bistro
- $4.50 for a treat at the original Voodoo Doughnut
- $7.50 for a breakfast egg sandwich from Fried Egg I’m in Love food cart
- $19.50 for a vegan lunch at Petunia’s Pies & Pastries
- $10 for a hamburger dinner at Burgerville in PDX airport
An essential part of keeping my costs in check was packing very lightly, eliminating the need for a carry-on and allowing me to keep my bag with me at all times. This efficiency was crucial in maximizing my short visit to Portland.
Here are some items that made this all possible:
- Classic Anti-theft Travelon Backpack in Black: This backpack is minimal in size yet spacious enough to hold everything I needed for a weekend. It’s comfortable to wear, boasts travel and safety features like RFID protection, built-in locks, and numerous pockets, and proved to be an excellent organizer and stylish choice.
- BAGAIL Packing Cubes Set: Packing cubes keep your clothes neatly organized while traveling. I used one of the smaller ones for this trip, and it has held up perfectly over five years of use, making packing and unpacking a breeze.
- Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger: This portable charger has been a lifesaver on multiple trips. It’s lightweight, durable, and provides a reliable charge, even after years of use.
- Traveler’s Notebook: A gift from my partner, this leather-bound notebook with refillable inserts is portable and versatile. It’s ideal for sketching and writing while on the go, and the soft, durable leather adds a touch of luxury to my travels.
- Reusable and Packable Grocery Bag: A compact, foldable bag that’s always in my main bag, perfect for holding snacks and small gifts I collect during my travels.
- Travel Comb/Brush Combo: This compact yet highly effective comb is a traveler’s dream, especially for those with long hair. It has served me well on numerous journeys.
- Thermoflask Water Bottle, 18 oz., in Plum: This sturdy water bottle has become my go-to travel companion. Its rigid construction makes it easy to handle, and the double-wall insulation ensures a refreshing drink, even on hot and tiring travel days.
Embracing the solo travel adventure with only two days in one city can be both affordable and invigorating. You can embark on an exciting journey that rejuvenates without overwhelming your time, energy, or finances. Give it a try, and you might discover a newfound sense of freedom and exploration in your travels!
