Elizabeth Bennet is an independent and fierce woman, someone who wouldn’t shy away from a solo trip. But for others, taking a solo trip is something that seems terrifying. What if something happens? Will I feel lonely? What will I do? How will I have fun?
To help alleviate some of your fears, we’ve created this list of quick ways you can solo travel just like our favorite heroine in one of our favorite cities, London:
1. Travel to London in Style
Back in the day of ‘high society’, traveling to London meant packing only your finest muslin dresses and your very best bonnets so one could stand out among the ton in search of an eligible suitor. You can bet when Eliza Bennet rolled up in her horse-drawn carriage she was looking 100 percent, so there’s no reason why you can’t too. London has comparatively mild temperatures if you’re used to the North American climate. If you’re traveling to London during the summer, expect the highest temperatures to be in the 70s. We recommend some lighter, summer styled pants, cute but comfy ankle style boots for walking across the sprawling city, a cute blouse or button up with a light jacket to wear over it.
2. Enjoy a long walk (or run) in Hyde Park
For some reason, the Bennets and every Austen character for that matter were rather fond of long walks in the countryside. While London is far from the country, you can enjoy the enormous green space of Hyde Park with its wide walkways, tall trees, and beautiful ponds. You’ll even be able to stop on your walk and wave to the Queen at nearby Buckingham Palace and some of her other royal relatives across the pond at Kensington Palace too.
3. Pinch some pennies but travel comfortably
You won’t be able to get around in a horse-drawn carriage like Elizabeth, but you can enjoy the fast convenience of another, underground carriage in London. Introducing the London tube. The easiest way for a solo traveler to get around without having to ask for many directions. Most places in London are marked on a convenient map in the underground so you can easily figure out where you’re going.
4. Enjoy the delights of high society
London is the New York of Europe, with their long list of amazing Broadway shows. Whether you prefer a classic or a comedy, there will always be one for you to enjoy. If musicals aren’t for you, head over to the Globe Theater for the Shakespeare plays that they offer. Either way, get dressed up and feel like a queen for a few hours. Be sure to check online at www.londontheatredistrict.com to see what shows will be available while you’re in town.
5. From London with love
As a solo traveler, you’re family and friends are probably eager to hear from you and see how you’re doing. Take a bit of advice from our 19th-century gal and send them a postcard with some of your latest adventures.
6. Go to Church
You don’t have to be religious like Elizabeth and attend lengthy church services weekly to appreciate the grandeur of the most famous church in all of England, Westminster Abbey. Tickets are sold online and in-person, but we recommend ordering them ahead of time for a tour so you can avoid the hectic long tourist lines.
7. Enjoy some afternoon tea time
The Brits are known for their elegant, relaxing, and (sometimes) extravagant tea times in the afternoon featuring the best mini sandwiches and delectable desserts. Enjoy some quality R&R and treat yourself to some real earl grey tea and some quality cake as a delicious snack.
8. Delve into a good book
You may not be an avid reader like Elizabeth Bennet, but you can still enjoy some classic characters as your touring London because located at 221B Baker Street is the home of the world-famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. Of course, there’s a museum and tour you can take, but if you’d like to avoid another line and settle for taking a quick picture with the pipe-smoking detective’s statue around the corner from his apartment.
9. Take in some (free) fine arts
Another place to take enjoy the finer arts of society is the free British Museum full of art from the likes of Van Gogh to Monet. Hundreds of brilliant artists’ work hang in this museum and you can literally spend hours there taking in the brilliant work of classic to modern day artists.
10. Stay true to yourself
One of the main reasons we love Elizabeth Bennet beyond her fierce independence and witty retorts is her ability to stay true to herself and be aware of the nonsense and bad behaviors of others around her who remained fixed on their schemes to climb the social ladder, she stayed true to herself. Traveling solo is an opportunity to explore and connect with your true self too and discover what really matters to you too, don’t miss this chance by the constant worry that traveling alone makes you anxious that others may think you have no friends or are lonely.
Travel by the Book 