Just Me, London, and a ‘Press for Champagne’ Button
How a tiny solo detour turned into my biggest push outside my comfort zone.
About a month ago, I did something that pushed me out of my comfort zone: I traveled to a foreign country by myself. It wasn’t a work trip; it was just for fun.
It was just England, and it was just for a day. I was meeting a friend (Amanda - who also loves The Holiday) in Barcelona for a girls’ trip, and I realized I could get a really good deal on a flight to London the day before our trip started and have a whole day to myself to explore London.
There were a few reasons why this was appealing:
I had recently been to London with my family in the summer, and there were a few things that I didn’t get to do since I had my daughters with me, including visiting a champagne bar that doesn’t allow children
I wouldn’t have to worry about what anyone else wanted
It scared me a little, and the older I get, the more I appreciate pushing myself out of my comfort zone
Now, some of you may travel internationally on your own all the time, but I never have. I had always been with my husband, friends, family, or co-workers. The fact that taking this little detour gave me tiny butterflies made me determined to do it.
Of course, this was basically dipping my toe into international solo travel. I was going to an English-speaking country, a place I had been before, in fact had navigated that very airport (Heathrow) only a few months before, and I’d be on my own for a single day. My TripIt itinerary clocked it as a 23-hour layover en route to Barcelona, where I was meeting my friend. But baby steps.
I decided if I was ever going to try something like this, adding it to an existing trip to Europe seemed like the easiest option. I was already going to Spain, and my friend lives in another part of the US, so we would be meeting in Barcelona, versus traveling together. My flight from the US to London arrived first thing in the morning, and I found a flight first thing the next morning to get me to Barcelona just 10 minutes behind my friend. And then started booking my best London day ever.
My top priorities were simple: check off the things I missed during my July trip—like the National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery, and that adults-only champagne bar—and give myself a proper do-over on something I did manage last time: afternoon tea. I adore tea (and so do my daughters), but the spot we chose in the summer was all about convenience, budget, and kid-friendliness. It fit the bill, but it wasn’t exactly a story-worthy experience. This time, with just me to treat, I could finally do it right, and do it up.
In the end, it was such an amazing day. It was peak London gloom: misty, chilly, a little dreary. And I was so jetlagged I could’ve napped standing up. But somehow the tiredness and the weather only made it feel more surreal. I kept thinking, “Is this actually my life right now?”
I enjoyed the galleries and exploring Covent Garden on my own. I even meandered down a very specific street, which is supposed to be the inspiration for Knockturn Alley in the Harry Potter films, just because I could.
Tea service for one was absolutely delightful. I brought my Kindle and read a novel, and I noticed that quite a few solo travelers were doing the same.
Dinner at the champagne bar I’d been dying to try was such a highlight. I could have sat at the bar and chatted with whoever landed next to me, but I really wanted the full booth experience, especially because each one has a “Press for Champagne” button, which I absolutely tested… more than once. It ended up being just me and my Kindle again, with a prime view for people-watching in between chapters.
I didn’t get to experience any nightlife since my flight to Barcelona was so early, and I was already pretty tired. But I felt like I accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. And most importantly, I proved to myself that I could do it.
I haven’t planned my next solo trip yet, but now that I’ve dipped my toes in, I can definitely see another one on the horizon. Tempting flight deals keep popping up for places I’ve been dying to explore. Maybe next time I’ll pick somewhere completely new, somewhere with a different language and a little mystery. Who knows what opportunities will show up? After this little experiment, I feel more ready than ever for whatever adventure comes next.
Love,
Amanda
Zero F’s Favorites
A dear friend* insisted I try afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, and wow—she did not steer me wrong. The tea service was incredible, and I ended up buying several blends to bring home. My standout favorite was the Queen Anne blend, created back in 1907 when Fortnum & Mason first started making tea (and Queen Anne was on the throne). If you’re in London, absolutely go.
If you’re not in London but love loose-leaf tea, they actually ship internationally. I ordered… let’s just say more than a little… for gifts. I also discovered their tea advent calendar, which I had no choice but to add to my cart. With any luck, I’ll find even more favorites inside.
*This same friend (Cori!) also recommended the champagne bar. So really, this whole Best London Day ended up being the Cori Greatest Hits Tour.
Glad to see you had an amazing time in London. Next step Germany ? ✌️
How very special just for you.