I recently went on a Girls Trip to St. George and it reminded me why I am a solo traveler for the most part. I’ve never really been great at making friends. Since childhood, the people I call friends have always just kind of… found me. For some reason, it never naturally occurs to me to walk up to someone and say hello. I see people, of course—but in my head, I assume they probably want to be left alone.
It’s something I still struggle with.
I spend a lot of time wondering if I’m a good person or not. I try my best, but I often feel like I’m falling short. And while I have no problem being alone, that doesn’t mean it isn’t lonely sometimes.
So when my sister-in-law invited me on a girls trip with her and her friends to St. George… I said yes. Because what was the alternative? Stay home and do nothing like I usually do?
Honestly, that wouldn’t have been the worst choice—I spent about $300 that probably should’ve gone toward my truck. But I still walked away with something valuable.
The Reality of Traveling on a Sunday
I’ll admit—I’ve always been a little defensive of Utah when people criticize it. Even if I’m not from here. All of the religious hate has always been a bit “much” even if I am anti-religion myself. People are still allowed to have their beliefs – just don’t go forcing them on others.
So I’m going to say this: having everything closed on Sundays (when that’s the only day many people have off) is… frustrating. Two out of the four of us usually have Sundays off, so it made sense to plan the trip from Sunday to Monday. It meant fewer days off work.
But it also meant a lot of our plans didn’t happen.
The small bookstore I was really excited about—The Book Bungalow—was closed. So instead, Barnes & Noble got my money.
The Italian restaurant we planned to dress up for? Closed. So instead, we ordered in and stayed at the condo. Not everything was a miss, though.
We did make it to The Biscuit Fix—and I would absolutely drive four hours round trip just to eat there again. It was that good. Sometimes all it takes is one place to redeem an entire trip.
The coffee however, was not it. We also tried a couple of local coffee spots. And I wish I could say I found a new favorite—but honestly? Most of it was terrible. I don’t even remember if there was a single place I actually liked. Spending close to $10 per drink (after tip), just to throw it away? That hurt a little.
What The Girls Trip Taught Me About Myself
This trip reminded me of something I already knew—but maybe needed to accept again: I am better off traveling alone. When I travel solo, every decision is mine.
If I miss something, it’s because I chose not to go—or I was too tired. If I want to leave early, I leave. If I want to stay another day, I stay. I don’t have to coordinate meals, compromise on plans, or worry about whether everyone else is happy.
There’s a kind of freedom in that. And while spending time with other people can absolutely be fun… I realized I genuinely enjoy the control and peace that comes with solo travel.
I’m still glad I went.
I said yes to something different. I spent time around new people. I got out of my routine—even if it cost me a little more than I planned. But maybe that’s the point. Not every trip has to be perfect to be worth it. Sometimes, it just reminds you who you are.
