My Strategy for Traveling Solo as a 30-Year-Old Who Can’t Depend on Group Chats

      + how I managed to explore Scotland in a week without losing my sanity during the planning process

      Our group chat is incredibly dependable for any request a girl might have. Need to check the criminal background of someone from a Hinge profile with just a first name? Jordan will have their mug shot ready for you in no time. Running low on mascara and need a recommendation? Maria will send you three links at various price points. Unsure if that leftover salmon is still good? Molly’s advice comes quicker than high-speed internet. Looking for a playlist to make your gym session less miserable? DJ Mayc is ready to roll.

      However, when it comes to suggesting a travel plan to hop on a plane and explore the world? Silence. We all turned 30 over the past year, and trying to schedule something amidst conflicting calendars, limited PTO, and the busy reality of raising children can complicate things significantly. As the slightly unhinged, adventurous aunt eager to tick off more bucket list locations before settling down, I’ve taken charge of my travel plans.

      Last month, I used Contiki for a (sort of) solo trip to Scotland, after years of dreaming about Edinburgh’s Harry Potter-themed Victoria Street, Highland hairy coos, and the stunning views of Glencoe Valley which I had pinned on my vision board. Before discovering group travel, the idea of wandering alone in an unfamiliar place with only a half-hearted itinerary, a translator app, and a short attention span was as nerve-racking as it was somewhat perilous. Sound familiar? Stop waiting for that girls’ trip that may never happen—here’s how Contiki allowed me to enjoy the benefits of solo travel without the stress, fear, or loneliness:

      What is Contiki?

      In previous attempts to plan trips on my own, the outcome was always the same. Imagine me hunched over my laptop just a week before departure, furrowing my brow with 42 tabs open, trying to devise the best plan for a destination I’ve never visited, relying on Google suggestions I blindly trust. Spoiler alert: the season finale of this saga typically ends with tears shed over an Airbnb that doesn’t exist, a “must-eat” restaurant that gives me food poisoning, or a taxi driver charging me triple just because I'm a tourist.

      Enter Contiki: my new secret that I wish I had discovered earlier in my 20s. After a week with Contiki in Scotland, I can confidently say it’s like engaging cruise control for your travel experience. Once you book one of their trips, all you have to do is arrange your travel to the starting point, show up, and let the experts handle the logistics. Traveling with Contiki provides you with:

      - An itinerary full of both famous attractions and rich local experiences

      - Quality accommodations

      - On-trip transportation via plane, coach, car, or boat

      - A Trip Manager familiar with the destination

      - Breakfast on almost every day, as well as a range of delicious local meals

      - A built-in group of new friends to meet along the way

      My Experience with Contiki:

      After nearly two years of planning and a somewhat stressful back-and-forth in our group chat, I had my first taste of international travel last year with a memorable girls’ trip to France. While it ignited my travel passion and solidified my desire for more international adventures, the language barrier, poor cell service, currency conversions, jet lag, and travel logistics left me overwhelmed and didn't boost my confidence.

      I knew I'd need to step out of my comfort zone to make progress on my bucket list, so when the opportunity to join the Scotland in a Week trip with Contiki arose, I jumped in whole-heartedly. With American PTO limitations, I always assumed I would have to visit Scotland on two separate trips to appreciate the Highland landscapes and the vibrant city life of Edinburgh and Glasgow, but this itinerary promised, “challenge accepted,” allowing me to experience both historic cities and scenic lochs. Plus, as someone who enjoys chatting but also loves napping, I was delighted (and relieved) to find that even with a packed travel agenda, there were ample chances to slow down, pause, and recharge. After all, no one wants to take a vacation to recuperate from a vacation.

      After booking my flight and packing, I met our travel group and followed our Trip Manager, Sam, as he guided me through Scotland to fulfill my Outlander fantasies. It may sound overly dramatic (what can I say, I enjoy a bit of flair), but this trip was a transformative experience that will stay with me forever. Here’s why I’d recommend it to anyone:

      It was the most efficient way I’ve ever traveled:

      My usual travel style involves winging it and hoping for the best. This works fine for domestic destinations I’ve visited before or may revisit, but with limited resources and those international trips that feel like once-in-a-lifetime chances, it often leads to missing out