Travelling on Your Own… Where Do I Start?
I finally pushed myself right out of my comfort zone and booked a trip away completely on my own.
Now, that might not sound like a big deal — especially considering I lived abroad for 15 years and travelled solo plenty of times. But there’s a twist. Every previous trip involved visiting family, friends, or travelling for work, which meant I was never truly alone once I arrived. This time? No plans built around anyone else. No familiar faces waiting at the other end. Just me.
And honestly? I absolutely loved it.
Don’t get me wrong — there were a couple of wobbly moments. Being out in the middle of nowhere on your own can do that to you. But did I get over them quickly? Yes. And more importantly, I haven’t once felt unsafe.
Why North Berwick?
So, why did I choose North Berwick? The short answer: Instagram made me do it.
I spotted Drift and Escape Sauna on Instagram and knew I had to visit. Everything else about the trip was planned around being close enough to get there. Luckily for me, North Berwick just happens to be utterly beautiful — so that worked out rather well.
Home for a Few Nights
After arriving, I checked into my Iglu cabin at Rock & Castle Escapes… and wow. I stayed in Seacliff, and the views are absolutely stunning. The attention to detail is something else. Lisa, I genuinely think you’ve thought of everything. From the welcome gift to the quality of every little thing inside the cabin — not a single fault. It was spotless, cosy, and felt incredibly special.
I will definitely be back.
Rock & Castle – Seacliff Iglu Cabin
Exploring North Berwick
Once I’d settled in, I headed into North Berwick for a wander — or a wee mooch, as we say in Scotland. This is such a pretty town, full of independent shops, beautiful beaches, and even a tidal pool (one for next time).
That evening I had my first official solo dinner date at The Law. The food was delicious (lobster mac & cheese — yes please), and the staff were incredibly friendly, which always makes dining alone feel that bit more comfortable.
Lobster Mac & Cheese at The Law
The Main Event: Escape Sauna
Now onto the real reason I ended up here.
Escape Sauna — oh my word. That view is going to take some beating. Even if you come just for the sauna, it is worth the trip in itself. Absolute magic.
Stunning view from the sauna
Afterwards, I headed to Drift for brunch, a gorgeous café perched high above the sea with stunning views. It was busy (always a good sign), the food was incredible, and I highly recommend the full breakfast — the beans alone deserve a mention. Once again, the staff were so friendly and welcoming.
Gin, Rum & a Very Happy Me
If you know me at all, you’ll know I enjoy a wee tipple — so imagine my delight when I discovered there’s a local distillery just a 10-minute walk from my cabin.
Gin and rum on my doorstep. What’s not to love? 😍
NB Distillery is a wonderful locally owned business that started in the previous owner’s kitchen. I won’t give too much away — you’ll need to book a tour — but Dorothy, thank you so much for looking after us. And yes… I may have bought a wee bottle of gin as a “souvenir”.
A Boxing Day Escape (and the Rumours That Came With It)
A little side note: I came away on Boxing Day for a couple of nights, and I’ve had quite a few comments about why I’d choose to go away at that time. Apparently, the only logical explanation was that I had arranged a secret rendezvous with some new fella 😂
The first time I laughed. By the fourth person saying it, I realised this is really a thing 🤦♀️
The truth is, I nearly booked a trip over Christmas but decided I might regret waking up alone on Christmas Day. So this was my compromise. I enjoyed a lovely Christmas with family and then gifted myself a couple of peaceful days alone before diving back into the festivities.
Best of both worlds, I’d say.
So… Would I Travel Solo Again?
Absolutely.
Travelling solo still pushes me out of my comfort zone — not helped by the fact that many booking systems don’t seem to like a table or reservation for one. That said, every place I contacted directly was incredibly accommodating, and it was never actually a problem.
So how do I get more comfortable travelling on my own?
By doing it more, of course 😁
I highly recommend East Lothian, and North Berwick in particular. I’ll definitely be back to discover more.
Px
💬 Leave me a comment with your solo travel tips, or tag us in your journeys over on social media @thisbookstravels.
