I know, I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted, but life has been lifin’. Y’all know I’m all for a solo trip, but I didn’t know I’ll be traveling solo again. This time –as the title may have tipped you off–my trip to Houston was initially a group trip that eventually turned into a solo trip. Let me explain how I ended up traveling solo once again.
THE BACKSTORY
This particular trip was to Houston and was supposed to be a birthday group trip, but life happened. So, everyone had to back out. My plane tickets were non-refundable, and I’m not the type to waste or give away money, so I had to jump on that flight. The flight left on a Saturday, and I didn’t reserve or finalize any accommodations until Friday night. I know I was cutting it close, but I was still trying to figure out if I was actually going. I decided to just go because I’ve never been to Houston, and once again, I’m not throwing my coin away.
MAKING ARRANGEMENTS
Since it was only me going, I had to change my budget. I was no longer splitting expenses with other people. After figuring out my budget, which almost doubled, I thought about what I wanted to do and how I planned on getting around the city. Once again, there would be no one else to split the cost with me, so I decided to rent a car. I planned on going to several places in the city and Houston is huge. Using rideshare services to get everywhere would be more expensive than just renting a car.
The hotel was the most important to me as I knew I might be spending most of my time there. Sometimes the introverted part of me be kicking my ass (LOL) and I don’t feel like being social. I had to plan for those moments too. That meant i had to find a hotel that allowed me to partake in solo activities. The hotel I decided as in a central location to all the places I wanted to see, a bar (of course), and a pool (it was over 100 degrees).
I want to let everyone know that I usually book my trips online. I searched the prices of the rental car and hotel through various travel sites and directly through the hotel and rental car site. The best deal that I got was through a bundle for both on Expedia, so that’s where I booked my arrangements.
DAY ONE
I had a 6:45am flight, so I had to get up super early, and I’m not a morning person. The plane landed in Houston at 2pm after a layover in Dallas. I grabbed my rental car and headed to my hotel. I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria. The pictures online were accurate except for the pool area as it was small, super small. Don’t trust those picture angles! 😂
After settling in, it was time to eat cause my stomach was in my back. Luckily for me, it was Houston Restaurant week. I checked the website to see which restaurants participated and how close they were to my hotel. I decided to check out BB’s. For Restaurant Week, BB’s had 3 courses plus dessert for $39. Y’all know my greedy butt was all over it.
By the time, my second course came, I was full. The food was good, not one miss. I was so full i didn’t take a picture of the dessert. Mind you, i don’t waste food, so the leftovers were devoured, the next morning or later on that night. After eating and traveling, auntie was tired, 😫 so I turned in for the night.
DAY TWO
After eating my leftovers, watching a little TV, and doing nothing, I finally hit the streets. I did a self-led tour of the city. I downloaded an app, which played audio based off where I was in the city. It was different but fun as it allowed me to do things at my pace and allowed me to recharge. That’s one of the best things about traveling solo is doing things at your own pace.
After 2-3 hours of driving around, it was time to -you already know- eat again. I selected another restaurant from the Houston Restaurant Week. I made it to Bisou in the Galleria area, which is now permanently closed, according to Google. Look, this post was supposed to be done a year and a half ago. *Shrugs* I was a little taken aback when I walked inside the restaurant as they were in the middle of a burlesque show.
I was intrigued, so I sat on down. For one, I was hungry and for 2, I paid for parking. And I’m glad I did. Not only was the burlesque show good, the food and drinks were as well. The ambiance was great. The lights were dim, making it feel cozy and inviting. Due to the venue having a brunch event, the Restaurant Week menu was not available. I still stayed, ate, and drank, of course. The waiter was great and comped all my drinks. Yayyyy to me! I hope that’s not why the restaurant is now closed, but oh well! For the rest of the day, I decided to chill at the hotel.
DAY THREE
My last day in Houston was spent around the hotel. I ate leftovers from Bisou before hitting the pool. Pictures are truly deceiving because their pool did not look anything like on the website. It was super small and the cabanas were non-existent. Nevertheless, I chilled out there for an hour before heading in. I then ordered food and drinks at the bar. My gift of gab came handy as I had intriguing conversations with fellow hotel patrons. After spending some time at the bar, I headed to my room where I readied myself for my return back home.
THE VERDICT
So, how did I like Houston? The food was great. It probably would have been better as a group, but I don’t know. Traveling solo to Houston allowed me to make it a cultural/food trip vs a turn-up, which is what I’m for now. As I said earlier, Auntie be tired. Would I come back? Yes, I would love to make it to Trill Burgers-it was new and super crowded when I tried- and go to the Black Rodeo. It seems the city has more to offer than what I was able to see, so I wouldn’t mind spinning the block. I would like to not be traveling solo when I return, though.
As always, talk to you later, ladybugs!
