An Independent Travelers Guide to Recreation
Explore the ways to make biking, hiking, and seeing live sports work for you as an independent traveler
Imagine the thrill of being part of that live sporting event you have always wanted to see, where the energy of the crowd electrifies the air and every cheer resonates with your own excitement. Picture yourself on a sun-drenched golf course, the gentle breeze brushing against your skin as you perfect your swing, surrounded by stunning landscapes that inspire both relaxation and competition. Envision the freedom of biking along scenic trails, the wind in your hair (or in my case, my bald head!) as you explore hidden gems and breathtaking vistas that only an independent traveler can discover. Adventure awaits at every turn, whether you’re hiking through rugged terrains, kayaking in crystal-clear waters, or immersing yourself in the local culture of a vibrant city. Attending these events and engaging in outdoor activities not only invigorates your spirit but also creates unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the call of adventure and let the world unfold before you, offering experiences that are as diverse as they are exhilarating. Let's dive into the various ways you can seek adventure and enjoy your favorite sports as an independent traveler.
Plan That Bike Trip
If cycling is your preferred mode of exploration, traveling on your own opens up a world of diverse landscapes and scenic trails waiting to be discovered. Picture it, you're pedaling through picturesque countryside, navigating coastal paths with breathtaking ocean views, or winding through vibrant city streets filled with culture and history. Whether you choose to rent a bike at your destination or transport your own, you can navigate through rail trails, urban belt lines, or dedicated bike paths, all the while immersing yourself in the local scenery and experiencing the destination in a way that few others do. While airlines typically allow bicycles as checked luggage, it’s essential to verify the specific policies of your carrier, as additional fees may apply. Some airlines may have restrictions on the type of bike you can bring or the dimensions of the bike box, so doing your homework ensures that you can seamlessly integrate your cycling plans into your travel itinerary. By planning ahead, you can focus on the joy of cycling and the thrill of discovery without the stress of unexpected hurdles.
Let’s Go On An Adventure
For those thrill seekers out there, independent travel can also cater to adventurous pursuits such as kayaking, rock climbing, paragliding, or scuba diving. Each of these activities offers a unique way to engage with the environment and push your limits. This type of travel provides the tranquility and solitude that many adventurers crave, allowing you to connect deeply with nature and your own capabilities. You can glide across a serene lake in a kayak, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, or scale a challenging rock face, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you conquer each ascent. However, if you find joy in camaraderie, there are numerous group events and competitions available that welcome independent travelers. These gatherings not only provide an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals but also enhance the experience through shared challenges and achievements. Whether it’s joining a guided kayaking tour, participating in a climbing workshop, or signing up for a diving expedition, these group activities can foster friendships and create lasting memories. The combination of independent exploration and group interaction makes your adventure even more memorable, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Yes, You Can Play Golf On Your Own
If you love golf, traveling independently opens up a world of possibilities to explore and play at an array of golf courses across the globe. Whether you find yourself in the rolling hills of Scotland or the sun-drenched courses of California, you'll find that each location offers a unique experience that can enhance your love for the game. Traveling alone allows you the freedom to create your own schedule, making it easy to book tee times at your leisure. You can choose to play early in the morning when the courses are quiet or in the afternoon when the rays of the sun spread over the landscape. This flexibility allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local golfing culture, perhaps even striking up conversations with fellow players who share your passion for the sport. Additionally, solo travel provides a chance to reflect and enjoy the game on a deeper level. With no distractions, you can focus entirely on your swing, your strategy, and the beauty of the surroundings. Each round of golf becomes not just a game, but a personal journey, allowing you to connect with nature and yourself while indulging in the sport you love. Although I typically don't play a full 9 or 18 holes of golf, I frequently make time during my travels to visit the nearest TopGolf in the mornings. I enjoy taking advantage of their lower rates and spending a few hours at the driving range while listening to good music through my earbuds. It's a relaxing and enjoyable experience, and I highly recommend it to you as well.
Take Yourself Out To The Ballgame
I have a confession to make, i’m a long suffering New York Mets fan. From 2009 until the pandemic hit in 2020, I made it a point to attend at least three Mets games each year, usually with my buddies. However, as time went on, life got in the way. Some of us got married and had kids, making it harder to gather a crew for a game. Not to mention, the cost of attending games kept rising, and it's not the most convenient ballpark to visit if you're not from New York City or Long Island. In recent years, i’ve pivoted to attending minor league games on my own, as the Mets have minor league teams that are based in upstate New York that will travel through my region through the year, and I will attend those games. When traveling, I also try to visit ballparks of other teams, even if my team is not playing them.
Even though I am a Mets fan, one of my all time favorite experiences was at Progressive Field in Cleveland back in 2021. It was a Friday night game between the Cleveland Indians (they have since changed the name to Guardians), and the Kansas City Royals. A few former Mets were on the Indians, so naturally I rooted for the Indians that night. I bought “standing room only” tickets, and walked around the ballpark, enjoyed a few beers and sampled the best parts of the game. The climax came when Cleveland secured a thrilling victory. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Throughout the game, I kept my college friends in the loop by sending them updates, photos, and videos via our group text. It turned the experience into a shared one, even though I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces. This serves as a wonderful example of how technology enables us to keep our friends and family informed while traveling. Above all, it emphasizes the significance of maintaining human connections.
I tell this story to illuminate the point that as an independent traveler, you can easily attend games for any sport you love and enjoy. It may be a more relaxed and unique experience compared to going with friends, but it's definitely doable. Thanks to mobile ticketing options provided by the team or through secondary sellers like Stubhub or SeatGeek, buying tickets has become incredibly convenient. You'll often find single seat tickets available, sometimes even more than group tickets! Additionally, many teams and leagues offer "standing room only" tickets, which are the most affordable way to enter the ballpark. With these tickets, you have the freedom to explore, find an open seat, and enjoy the game from a distance.
The Itinerant Fan blog had a great post on attending sporting events while solo traveling, and explained the “single seat” options available:
Ever heard of the single-rider line at Disneyland? Basically, if you’re willing to ride an attraction alone, you can cut the line. This way, rides enjoy a fuller capacity and don’t operate with empty seats thanks to, say, a five-person party getting into a car that can hold six.
The same principle can benefit you at sporting events. You’ve surely scanned the ticket portal for a particular game and seen only single seats. For most people, that’s a deal-breaker, but if you’re going alone — or, if you’re willing to break up your party for the game — now you can get in. And quite often the single tickets are in prime seating areas.
Not to mention, many teams will make single seats available at a discount for upcoming games (usually they’ll do this on the day of the game or the day before), and ticketholders looking to offload a single will post them on the secondary market at huge markdowns. Yup, attend a game alone and you can save!
In my experience, if you’re interested in attending a local game, check out the website of the team to see what type of seating options are offered. Personally, I find the "swivel seats" to be fantastic as they provide extra space for getting in and out, along with ample room for food and drinks. However, it's important to note that this type of seating is not commonly available. In most cases, I tend to book a "standing room only" ticket or, if the price is reasonable, a single seat ticket. I generally wear my Mets hat, and will often cheer on the local team, unless they’re playing my team of course!
Exploring the Citi Field Ballpark Tour Experience
As a long suffering New York Mets fan, I have attended over 20 games at Citi Field since it opened its doors in 2009. I have seen it all, wins, losses and everything in between from the cheap seats to the club seats. However, I had never done a ballpark tour and I always wanted the opportunity. So on an early Spring day as the hope and optimism of a new season was still in the atmosphere, I decided to go for it and book a ballpark tour and batting practice viewing prior to the game.
Make Use Of Group Tours
You can also make use of group tours to attend football, baseball, hockey, and basketball events, just like adventure travel. It's a fantastic choice for those who feel uncomfortable going to games alone, and you'll have the added bonus of being surrounded by other passionate fans. If you're planning a trip and your team happens to be playing at a nearby stadium, this option is perfect. Typically, it includes game tickets and transportation, and some even offer pre-game food in a "tailgate style" setup. Some companies also provide the option to include a hotel stay, which is worth considering and booking in advance. MyFunBus, Sports Traveler, and OnLocationExp are some great options to explore. However, keep in mind that these tours are usually for larger events, so you'll find more availability for games on weekends rather than during the week between non-rival major league teams.
Soaking in the Green and Gold: A Packers Game Experience
Growing up in the 1990s in western New England, I found myself surrounded by three professional football teams: the New England Patriots, the New York Giants, and the New York Jets. This was before Tom Brady's legendary era with the Patriots. Eli Manning, who was my age, was still finding his footing and hadn’t yet made his mark with the Giants. As for the Jets, they always seemed to trip over themselves (and I was quite correct about that!). None of these teams really captured my interest. You could say I was a "sports fan free agent," free to choose whichever team I wanted to support. It was during this time that a football team from a small Midwestern city with green and gold colors grabbed my attention. Every Sunday, a small rust belt city in the icy upper Midwest came together to support this team - win or lose. Through weekly national television broadcasts, I became captivated and intrigued by their rich history. I had always dreamed of vis…
Independent Travel Frees You to Explore Your Way
The beauty of independent traveling lies in the freedom to craft your own extraordinary adventures. These moments become integral parts of your overall solo travel story. Chances are, you're already embracing these incredible opportunities. Adventure travel can involve thrilling activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, or even teeing off at some of the world's finest golf courses. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the city or area you're exploring by strolling or cycling along its captivating "rail trails." Whether you're in a city for work, exploring museums, or visiting a Presidential Library or National Park, it's always a delightful surprise when the local baseball team has a home game during your stay. If you're visiting a friend, you can even persuade them to join you for a game, or simply enjoy the experience on your own. Regardless of the circumstances, you're likely already embracing all these adventures without even realizing it. That's the allure of solo traveling – it expands your mind and unlocks endless possibilities. Perhaps that's why it's gaining popularity.
Remember, traveling on your own doesn't have to mean always being alone.