How Long is Too Long to Travel Solo Based on My Week in Vermont

If you charged me for every time I used the phrase, “time flies” on this blog, I would owe a small fortune because…time flies. I went to Vermont back in May(!) and kept meaning to do a blog post on my trip and now here we are, four months later (but better late than never). Back for another addition of not-so-local travel and to answer your burning question: how long is too long when it comes to solo travel.

My road trip led me to the very small town of Wilmington in Southern Vermont. This is my longest solo trip (by 4 days) and let me tell you, as much as I love my own company, I was very happy to pack my bags and head home at the end of it. But first:

The Trip

The drive was about 5 hours from where I live. I love driving and anything under 6 hours is a good trip by me. This was my first visit to Vermont, despite being an avid New England fan and it did not disappoint. There were so many mountains, so much green. I definitely understand why people travel here for the fall foliage.

I stayed at the Crafts Inn, which I recommend. It was super cute and screamed New England. Plus, I had a nice view of the river from my room. I didn’t really use any of the amenities, but the location was great, right in the middle of everything. The staff was super friendly and helpful. My suite, though slightly dated, had everything I needed for the week – kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom.

Things to do in Wilmington

Even in this small town, there is something for everyone.

Food

A mere two-minute walk from the inn, The Village Roost beckons with its must-try maple coffee. There’s plenty of seating as well in case you, like me, need to work remotely. For a cozy breakfast experience, Dot’s is a quaint spot where the berry berry pancakes steal the show. For something more upscale, the Sawmill Bar and Table is a scenic 20-minute drive away. I went for breakfast because it’s the meal I’m the most comfortable doing alone but they’re also open for dinner. Finally, and arguably the top of my list, is the Creemee Stand. My last day in Vermont was the first day they opened for the season and thank goodness! Their maple soft serve was delicious. Heads up they are cash only.

Outdoors

I didn’t do as much outdoors as I had originally planned. Partly, because it was still very cold in Vermont in May and partly because I was a little bit hesitant to hike in an area I was unfamiliar with. I’m sure it’s not the last time I’ll be back to Vermont though. Molly Stark State Park is a 148-acre park with about 2 miles of trails. Harriman Reservoir, also called Lake Whitingham, is the largest body of water located entirely within Vermont. It has some beaches and a picnic area. There is a cute (but pretty short) walking trail through town and Hogback Mountain has an impressive lookout. There is also a 3-mile loop up the mountain.

Shopping

Personally, I am not much of a shopper. That said, I did check out Bartleby’s Books because I am a sucker for a 2-floor independent bookstore. Here is a page to all the other shops in Wilmington because I know you were wondering.

So, is a Week Really Too Long?

As I said above, this was my longest solo trip. In the past, I’ve mostly done long weekends because of work or school. This trip was fun (except for the time I pepper sprayed myself), but the town I was staying in was so small there wasn’t a ton to do. If I were going on another trip this long, I would pick an area that had more to do.

While social media often showcases the extremes of solo travel — backpacking through Europe or cross-country road trips — those experiences aren’t the only way to embrace solo travel. I really went into this week thinking that it would be a piece of cake given it wasn’t on that level and that I do travel solo quite a bit. I’m not sold on doing that long of a solo trip again. Usually I struggle more with the logistical aspects of trip planning, but this time it was more of a challenge just to have so much time to yourself. Even though I’m naturally more introverted, a week alone was just unnecessarily long.

That said, I do think everyone should take some kind of solo trip, but in whatever way is meaningful to them (i.e. could just be sitting at your local coffee shop alone for a couple of hours).

I am glad I did this trip. But all in all, my verdict is a week is just too long to spend alone. Have you done any solo trips this long? What did you think? I would love to know your thoughts in the comments. I haven’t done any solo trips since May – summer’s been busy with family and friends. I don’t have any solo trips planned until next July so get ready so some not-so-solo adventures :))