Wow, it has been years and years and years since I've been here which means it's also been years since I've been able to travel at all! Aaaah! Grad school!
So, I've been invited to a childhood friend's wedding which is taking place in Austin in late August! When I asked off for the trip months ago I thought surely I'd be able to rustle up a date! NOT SO! But I'm planning to go ahead and take this trip alone to see my friend get hitched, even though I'll know no one else at the wedding!
Here's my dilemma: I'm cheap and broke, so I want to make sure I weigh my options. I'm definitely going to fly. The only hostel in Austin is in a state park and I've been told by friends that it's pretty essential to have a car if you stay there. So, I'm wondering if any of you all have any advice. Should I spend the extra money to stay in a hotel closer to downtown and take public transport? How is the public transportation for getting to touristy and local hot spots? Should I put my money towards a rental car and stay at the hostel to try to meet some folks? Has anyone stayed at the HI in Austin?
Also, any advice for places to go out? Should I be wary of trying to hit up night spots by myself? I'm into music, I'd say indie is probably more my thing. Any tips for cool venues? Or bars-- dive bars or good breweries? I'm a beer gal.
It's been a few years since I've done solo traveling and I'm trying to consider this an opportunity to reconnect with the strong, single girl I know is in there somewhere. I need to get my mojo back.
Edit: Also, if anyone has any advice or a pep talk for attending a solo wedding I'd love that. I'm hoping this one will be full of more single folks than the others I've attended, since it's in a larger city, but I'm still a bit nervous!