When you travel alone, it is more than likely strangers will ask you “who are you traveling with?” I’ve gotten so many different responses when I reveal that I am traveling by myself. One response that I received was “I’m sorry.” That one really threw me off. You are sorry for asking me who I’m traveling with, or you are sorry that I am traveling alone? I reassured the person that no apology was needed and I enjoy traveling solo. I found that reaction to be strange, but not as strange as what I found when I was escorted to my room at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
Imagine arriving to Cancun, on your first ever solo all-inclusive vacation at a 5 star resort. You get checked in, and your personal butler escorts you up to you room. We get to the door and I think to myself, “this can’t be right!”
Yup, that banner says “Happy Honey Moon!” I personally found it pretty funny, and I figured it was a simple mix-up that could easily be removed.
Then I entered the room…
I mean, it was lovely but… it was pretty awkward. I laughed it off, took some photos then asked the butler to have the balloons removed from the room.
For me, it did not bother me where I was upset that I was alone in the honeymoon suite. Although, I could imagine for someone that could have been vacationing to get over a relationship or the loss of a loved on, this simple mistake could have really affected their day.
I think the most valuable thing I learned from getting the honeymoon suite while traveling solo is; it’s ok to celebrate yourself and it is certainly more than ok to express your love for yourself. Laugh off the small stuff and get your mindset focused on the amazing things that surround you and the incredible adventure that awaits you.
Do you have any awkward moments while traveling alone? Tell me about them in the comments!
While traveling alone in Savannah, Georgia 20 years ago, I was asked by a doyenne at the Hidden Gardens tour, “Honey, don’t you even have a FRIEND who would come with you?” Fortunately, her dismay hit me as comical. Someone else might have been humiliated. She meant well. Bless her heart.
Oh my goodness, I apologize that I am so late in responding to your comment! I can absolutely relate to your experience! I don’t understand what people have trouble viewing solo travel as a choice rather than a circumstance.