It's official... I'm solo...

[obsessedmuch]

Okay, well, long story short, my friend that was going to join me for 6 out of 10 days of my trip has cancelled. Something about needing to move her wedding date up and, ahem!, babies. ANYWAY.

Obviously, there's more detail than that but that's not really the point. The point is, I'm going it solo now which a) sort of freaks me out and b) sort of doesn't because I was going part of this solo anyway and also, I AM SO EXCITED!!

What I need from you all, if you'd be so kind, is some suggestions. I don't mind going to beaches, restaurants, etc. alone but I'd sure like to have some tips on a couple other things.

#1 being safety, of course. I travel solo often so I'm no dummy, still, cautions and places to avoid that I might not be aware of now might help.

#2 day sails- I'd been emailing with a couple different places but now that I'm a solo booking, they are probably not too inclined to take me (one said he'd have to charge me for two, which I understand). Anyway, any suggestions on how to crash someone else's trip? Ha, kidding. Mostly.

#3 Anyone want to meet up? Obviously I shouldn't say where I'm staying or my exact arrival times here but if you would like to, please PM me.

I was really bummed last night but after some reflection (ha) I can now see this as a great opportunity to meet some of my new friends and to have a really great, relaxing time.

Thanks, all! I appreciate it!

[waterguy]

If I was younger I'd be there for you. You should beable to get on one of those catamarans out of STT I think there is one that goes out of the westin they hold about 30 people.

[Xislandgirl]

I would call Connections and tell then that you are looking for a day sail. They book for a lot of boats and should be able to find you a trip that has room for one more. Just tell them what kind of day you are looking for and they will hook you up.

Cruz Bay is pretty safe. I would stay away from Larry's Landing in Wharfside after 9:00 but other than that you will be good. Just sit at the bar almost anywhere and you will meet a ton of people. Most of the great restuarants have bars that you can eat at too, so you can meet some people and get a great meal.

I ma actually a little jealous, after traveling with some needy newbiew, I would love a week alone.

[flip-flop]

It sounds like you are going to make the best of it and I am sure you'll come home with new friends. At least you are going somewhere familiar. I think STJ solo would be about the only place I'd be 100% comfy.

Just relaxing, eating, drinking, sleeping, reading ... whenever and wherever I wanted would be great!

[obsessedmuch]

Thanks for the encouragement. I know it will be great, I'm just in a brief stage of panic/reassessment I guess.

[sea-nile]

Did you look on the calendar to see who will be there when you are there?
I often thought I would go alone if I had no one to go with. I am sure that you will meet a lot of people.

[wontongirl]

do the new horizons II boar trip. You will like it and make some friends. Eveeryone is just having a good time. This would be a great choice for you.

[AnyTing]

Obsessed - I'll PM you. Check your messages!

[PA Girl]

I think you will have a great time. After doing three group trips, I would enjoy doing STJ at my own pace.

[liamsaunt]

We are going to be on island at the same time, right? Right now the only thing we have scheduled is a day sail with Captain Phil. I'll send your our sail date in case you want to call and see if he has room. Otherwise, I agree that the NHII would be a fun trip for you. When we went there was a solo woman with us and she was having a nice time. Everyone was very friendly and chatty.

Another thing that might interest you is the NPS guided reef bay trail hike. You'll be in a group so it would be a good opportunity to meet people, you might find some folks to hike with on some of the more secluded trails later in your trip.

[PA Girl]

Liamsaunt brought up a good point, my mom did the Reef Bay alone (meaning no one else in our group went with her) and she really enjoyed it. The ranger gave her some ideas on other solo things to do on the island.

She ventured out alone quite a bit on that trip. She was going through a divorce at time and the adventure was good for her.

She also went kayaking with Arwak Expeditions for the day. She was a beginner and had no problem at all keeping up with the group.

Another thing she did was go to Caneel early in the morning and walk the grounds. She felt safe as there were lots of other people doing the same thing.

There is a gallery in Mongoose that has receptions on a regular basis. We went in 2006 and met lots of interesting people. It was the type of crowd that talked to strangers.

[Kentuckygirl]

Obsessed,
I just sent you a PM.

[obsessedmuch]

Thanks, everybody, you really are great.

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[chicagoans]

Have a great time! I have a friend who frequently travels alone but never ends up alone -- she meets the coolest people all over the world. This may seem obvious, but when she travels alone she drinks much less alchohol than she does when she's with people she knows -- having a glass of water (or 2) between every drink with alchohol. She's more in control and thus feels safer.

You'll have a wonderful time!