Reflections on Solo Travel
St. Pancras International
Outside of South Korea, I’ve never traveled alone internationally. And even when I did travel to Korea or domestically, I always had friends to meet at my final destination.
I unexpectedly ended up traveling alone to London earlier this year, and I was really nervous about it. Not only would I be traveling alone, but I’d also be traveling in my least favorite weather. The weather forecast was wet, cold, and gray all week.
Thankfully, this trip turned out to be a gift. I got to enjoy my time there in ways I didn’t expect to. I’d grown so accustomed to operating off of a clock while at home, that I forgot how to operate based on what I felt I needed. In London, I ate when I was hungry, walked around when I felt like exploring or being outside, and slept when I was tired.
This trip was a milestone. In fact, it might have been what inspired me to start this blog. I got to do something out of the ordinary, something that I was equally dreading and looking forward to. And it all turned out well in the end.
My most memorable moments include:
Purchasing macarons and chocolate hearts from the Pierre Marcolini in Marleybone
Visiting the Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly
Walking around Regent’s Park
Enjoying an excellent cup of cappuccino from Omotesando Koffee and Redemption Roasters
Passionfruit and rose macarons from Pierre Marcolini. I tried them for the first time when I visited Belgium and wow, they are my all-time favorite macarons. Lightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.
Side note, “Dancing in the Moonlight” was playing everywhere I went! I’m hooked. It’s now in my playlist and I’ll think of London whenever I’m listening to it.
Something about this trip was calming and healing, and I’m so glad I went through with traveling on my own. Would travel solo again.
Coal Drops Yard
Tips for London
Make sure you have a contactless credit card, preferably one that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees
It’s easier to pay with a credit card and is largely needed for self-checkout at grocery stores like M&S and Waitrose
You can use your contactless credit card for public transportation instead of purchasing an Oyster card
Public restrooms are hard to find, but clean ones can be found at the locations below. I’m sure there are more. These are just the ones I’ve visited
Selfridges
Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly
Carry a small umbrella with you if there’s any rain in the weather forecast
Bring layers. It might be cold in the morning and evening and milder in the afternoon
If you’re looking to purchase water to bring back to your room, try to buy the bigger bottles. They’re much cheaper, especially the ones that are sold in packs
Tipping at restaurants: If there’s no service charge included in your bill, add 10-15%. When included, the service charge usually comes out to 12.5%
Regent’s Park. One day I’ll come back when the roses are in bloom.
Original Post: May 3, 2023