How did I travel through Portland solo? I use several credit cards to pay for my vacations based on points I accumulate with airline and hotel rewards programs. For this trip, I booked the hotel on my Amex Hilton Honors. I charged the flight to my Southwest Rapid Rewards card.

How I Traveled Through Portland Solo 

What is in Portland? That was the first question when I told friends where I was going for my birthday weekend. You know the second question. Who is going with you? I started traveling solo almost 15 years ago. My son attended the University of Arizona. Go Wildcats! I guess visiting my son does not count as traveling alone. You can pick a place, book a flight, and select your hotel when traveling solo. No one can say, I cannot leave that day, or What hotel did you book? So, how did I choose Portland? It is simple. Look at the map. Planning this trip was the unofficial start to complete the 50 State Challenge.

Flight and Hotel Booked to Portland

As I searched for places, I found a nonstop round-trip flight to Portland on Southwest departing Saturday morning and returning Monday evening. I googled what to do in Portland and booked the flight using my Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card. I booked a corner room with a king bed for two nights at the Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District. As I searched for a hotel, I found less expensive accommodations. However, I used 34,000 Hilton Honors points to lower the cost. I pulled out a magazine for this four-hour flight, but I heard the pilot say look to the right to see Mt. St. Helens and to the left for Mt. Hood. I purchased a $5.00 Day Pass and hopped on the MAX Light Rail. A carry-on was enough for this trip.

Day 1 How I Traveled Through Portland Solo

It was 1:30PM, and my room was not ready. I dropped off my luggage and headed to the A Loop streetcar with my Day Pass to attend a local event. I learned the street signs were in alphabetical order. It was a great way to find my way around the area. As a school counselor, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at a recommissioned high school. After the event, I headed back to the hotel. My room was ready. I received a complimentary bag of trail mix and a reminder about free breakfast. There was also a free Evening Wine Tasting. I only had an hour left to participate. I grabbed my suitcase and headed to the room. 

Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District

When I opened the doors, I immediately noticed the flooring. The rug underneath the bed kept your feet from touching the concrete floor. A chaise positioned near a window allowed you to people-watch. There is no bottled water; instead, an empty glass jug is on the table with instructions to fill it with filtered water from the dispenser in the hall. The tea is organic, and the soap is all-natural. There is also a refrigerator. I placed my luggage on the chaise and headed to the lobby. After the tasting, I ordered a kale salad and prosciutto pizza from the Café to take to my room. Did you know there is no tax in Portland?

Day 2 I Traveled Through Portland Solo

After my complimentary artisanal breakfast made with fresh ingredients and local produce, I purchased a Day Pass and boarded the A Loop streetcar. The Holiday Food Gift Festival was at the Oregon Convention Center. I visited several booths. I picked up a few items and then headed back to the hotel. It was time to grab something to eat. There was a diner close to the hotel. I saw someone with a T.J.Maxx bag and searched for walking directions on my phone. Even though I wanted to buy more, I was limited to two items. Of course, I was rethinking my decision to be team carry-on, especially in a no-tax city. The Evening Tasting was over. 

Time to Go

I earned 1,170 Southwest Rapid Rewards and 5,157 Amex Hilton Honors points. I enjoyed my weekend as I traveled through Portland solo. Do you need something to read on a flight? Bring your tablet along. If you do not own a tablet, click here to purchase.