If you have not travelled solo abroad before, consider taking your first trip not far from home.  See how it feels,  Are you inspired to work? Does that matter?  You are testing the water whilst in a more familiar environment. 

For creatives - start a journal.  See if you feel like doing any work.  Listen to yourself... Consider reading "The Artist's Way" (link below) whilst you travel, especially if you are feeling nervous about your first trip, as it will certainly give you some focus!  Its quirky and may take a bit of getting used to but I know many artists who have used it to give their creativity a boost, some on more than one occasion. 

My first solo trip was to the Peak District. (More info in Destinations Tab.) Because I was travelling by car, I took mountains of art materials with me. (I don't recommend doing this when you go abroad, but it was useful to have the space on this trip.) I went shopping for new files and sorted a huge pile of discarded prints and other art work into folders (by colour) ready for future use which was intensely satisfying.  I threw away a pile almost as big and caught up with my sketchbook.  I developed the habit of recording my day in a plain journal (see above), which didn't include many drawings, although I mapped out the glorious walks I took most days.  I missed my family, particularly in the evenings, but definitely the change of scene got me focussed on my practise again. After the sorting out stage, I made a series of A3 collages reflecting aspects of my trip, some of which I exhibited later in the year.  And I hate shopping - but quite enjoyed looking for art materials in towns I didn't know!

The Artist's Way - Wikipedia

PHOTO INFO

1) Collage (A3) inspired by my garden apartment. For sale, please email Marie@Lyndone.co.uk if you are interested. 

2) I took a very informative and excellent value for money tour of an amazing mill complex nearby. This is a digital enhancement of one the photos taken on that trip.  Strutts North Mill Belper - World Heritage Site Built 1804 (belpernorthmill.org.uk)  

After the tour I had coffee and a great chat in the local cafe with a solo lady (local rather than on holiday like me) that I met on that tour.  See travel tips - I'm an extrovert so I am happy talking to anyone and I appreciate not everyone finds it easy to chat to strangers, but in this case it was being on the same tour that started the conversation. 

Picturesque, good coffee and brilliant staff! - Park Life Cafe At The Swiss Tea Rooms, Belper Traveller Reviews - Tripadvisor

3) Opening page of my new journal.