Solo in St Helier, Jersey

My first ‘proper’ solo trip was going to happen at some point. The fact that I always travel with Mr E would not have deterred me from going solo when I felt like it. The usual narrative with solo travel is going to find oneself and all that deepness. However, with my solo trip to St Helier (Jersey), I simply wanted to get away for a few days. Let’s just say it was an opportunity for me to spend time with myself and breathe some fresh sea air.

I will not go into much detail as to why I needed to spend time with myself. To have a bit more insight to what I have been dealing with, my 2019 in review should be a starting reference.

I totally understand how daunting it can be to board a flight, check into a hotel and wander by yourself. Am I safe? Can people sense that I’m alone? Will I get bored? Another valid question is who will take my pictures? LMAO. I can assure you that it is actually an alright experience to travel solo and I will highlight my experience.

Travelling solo as a married woman

This is one question I think has come up more than once in differnt variations. “How were you able to go on your own?”, “What did your husband say?”, “How did he let you go by yourself?”

First it is important to reiterate that before I became Mr E’s wife partner, I was my own self. This means that getting married has never taken that away. I was more worried about missing bedtime cuddles tbh than I was thinking of if he’ll “let” me. Another worry was that I’d be holed up in my room for the duration of the trip because Mr E is usually the one who gets us moving. But I totally understand. Once you are married, most decisions are made between the both of you. It is no longer just getting up and leaving but a conversation between you two. Communication is a big part of marriage, I would hope. Therefore, a conversation suggesting that you would like to travel solo should suffice. No?

Telling Mr E that I wanted to travel solo did not seem to surprise him. He just wanted to know that I would be ok. In his words “take whatever time you need and I’ll hold the fort at home”. Holding fort was of course looking after Bobo for the weekend solo. Bless him!

I know this wont apply to every married woman so maybe I should be grateful that I am able to have an independent life outside my marriage? I don’t know. It just seems like you should want your partner to be happy. If going away solo is what might make them happy in that instance then why not? If your marriage is based on trust, why exactly won’t your partner be ok with your solo travel?

Why Jersey?

I wanted to go somewhere that was fuss free. No need for a visa but I wanted the feeling of going away; preferably flying. I wanted somewhere close enough to home. I also wanted a relatively safe destination with a sea or beachfront where I could take long walks. One last criteria was that I wanted somewhere I didn’t feel like I had to do and see everything.

It was either a city in the UK or one of its crown dependencies. Enter Jersey! I scanned the British Airways website for group deals and found a really amazing one. Flights, 4* hotel on the waterfront, with breakfast and airport transfer all included in my booking.

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Solo in St Helier: What I got up to

This trip was actually decided and planned exactly a week before. So I had zero time to plan anything in depth.

I did a lot of fun things actually. I slept a lot and read a book. Actually, attempted to read a book. My concentration is at an all time low at the minute so I didn’t get very far. However, I read Kate Fforde’s A Springtime Affair. I have decided to keep going; need to get into my reading once again.

Anyway, I had a 1hr 20mins full body massage. I took myself to fancy dinner on 2 nights; to Little Italy and to the Waterfront. There was a whole lot of wandering and pondering on the bay. I even had an evening swim aka lounge by the pool and attempt to read that book I was telling you about. So yes, I did get up to a few things actually!

A sequel to this post, 5 things to do in St Helier gives more insight into where I wandered!

Solo in St Helier: Where I stayed

I stayed at Radisson Blu Waterfront hotel, which I highly recommend.

They allowed the earliest check in I have ever had in history. Their check in is usually at 3pm but they managed to check me in at 9am. They also allowed me check out an hour later, at 1pm.

The receptionist gave me all the tips and tricks to navigating the island on my own. I really felt like they looked after me knowing I was on my own. The room was massive; the bathroom had mirrors big enough for me to practice my dance and music career. The indoor pool was heated and although the gym was never used, it was quite attractive lol.

Radisson Blu Waterfront was in the best location; just off St Aubin’s Bay and was quiet. In general, it was a lush stay.

Read More – 10 Things to check before you book your Hotel

To Solo Travel or not?

The ultimate question – solo travel or travel with my husband, which is my preference? I think everyone should travel solo at least once in their lives. or so they say. I’m sure I’ve heard that a few times and maybe I agree. In all honesty, I don’t think it is something I’ll be doing frequently. I really love travelling with my husband and feel like it’s our thing. It’s something we sort of discovered together. However, I am grateful that I can take some time off and spend it selfishly with myself alone.

Bisous, ‘Bugo x