Solo in the States: Divya’s Thrillophilia Adventure Across the USA
While packing for my solo trip to the USA, I stumbled upon a dusty diary tucked in the corner of my wardrobe. I flipped through its worn-out pages, smiling as I revisited the innocent dreams I scribbled down as a child.
My heart skipped a beat when I found “Attend Lollapalooza” written under “Dreams to Fulfill.” It felt surreal and I cannot express in words what I felt at that moment. Here I was, just days away from living one of my biggest dreams.
I grinned at the thought of dancing in a crowd of thousands, my heart pounding to the beats of live music. I was about to embark on a solo adventure across the USA, and while Lollapalooza was the cherry on top, I had decided to explore a few cities along the way.
Little did I know, this journey would turn out to be more than just a trip- it would be a story of freedom, self-discovery, and unforgettable memories!
The City That Never Sleeps
My first stop was New York City, the iconic concrete jungle that had always been on my bucket list. Walking through Times Square felt like stepping into a postcard. The blinding lights, massive billboards, and the sheer energy of the place gave me chills. I spent my days playing tourist, exploring the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
But what I loved most was the local charm— the street performers in the subway, food trucks serving the most delicious hot dogs, and the aroma of fresh bagels wafting through the air.
One evening, I decided to experience New York’s legendary nightlife. I ended up at a bar in the East Village, where strangers became friends over shared laughter and rounds of cocktails. A group of locals even taught me how to dance to jazz— something I didn’t know I needed.
New York was loud, chaotic, and alive, and I was falling in love with every bit of it.
LA vs. LV
I dedicated a few days each to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and they turned out to be two entirely different experiences, each with its own magic.
Los Angeles welcomed me with its relaxed, sun-soaked vibe. I started exploring Hollywood, walking along the iconic Walk of Fame and hunting for the names of my favourite stars. The Griffith Observatory was next, offering breathtaking views of the city and the famous Hollywood sign. I could’ve stayed there forever, watching the city stretch endlessly beneath me.
Later, I made my way to Santa Monica Pier, where the lively energy was contagious— families enjoying rides, musicians playing soulful tunes, and the sky turning golden as the sun dipped into the Pacific. I also spent some time at a cosy beach café, sipping iced coffee and watching the waves roll in. LA had a charm that felt effortless, like a scene straight out of a movie.
Next, I stepped into the neon wonderland that is Las Vegas. From the moment I arrived, I was swept up in its high-energy chaos. I marvelled at the dazzling fountains of the Bellagio, explored themed hotels that felt like mini worlds, and even tried my luck at a casino (spoiler: luck wasn’t on my side).
The evenings here were the best part— watching the city come alive with flashing lights and endless music. I caught a street performance that had me clapping along and even shared a laugh with strangers who felt like old friends by the end of it. Vegas was loud, glamorous, and unapologetically bold— an experience I’ll never forget.
Two cities, two completely different vibes, that made me fall in love with the diversity of the USA.
Miami’s Magic!
After the chaos of Vegas, I craved relaxation, and Miami was the perfect escape. I spent the entire day on South Beach, lounging on the golden sands, sipping refreshing coconut water, and watching the waves kiss the shore.
The beach was alive with music— someone was strumming a guitar, kids were laughing, and the scent of seafood filled the air. I tried fish tacos from a beachside shack, which turned out to be the best meal of my trip.
In the afternoon, I joined a group of strangers grooving to a local DJ’s tunes, and before I knew it, we were all dancing barefoot on the sand. It was pure, unfiltered joy. As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, I sat back and marvelled at how beautiful life could be when you let yourself live in the moment.
Feel the Pulse of Lollapalooza!
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for arrived— Lollapalooza in Chicago.
I woke up with butterflies in my stomach and dressed up in my funkiest outfit (neon, glitter, and a whole lot of attitude) and made my way to Grant Park. The air buzzed with excitement as thousands of music lovers gathered, all sharing the same energy.
The highlight was watching Megan Thee Stallion perform live. I screamed, danced, and jumped like there was no tomorrow. The music was loud, the crowd was wild, and I felt so alive. At one point, I turned around and saw a group of people waving at me. They were the same strangers I’d met earlier while queuing for food, and we ended up dancing together for hours. It’s funny how music can turn strangers into friends in an instant.
The entire day was a blur of incredible performances, delicious food, and spontaneous moments of joy. I devoured churros, painted my face with glitter, and sat on the grass, watching the sky light up as fireworks marked the end of the event.
As I wrap up this story, I’m reminded of the little girl who wrote “Attend Lollapalooza” in her diary all those years ago. That dream is now a memory I’ll cherish forever.
This solo trip was more than just attending a music festival— it was about discovering new places, meeting kind strangers, and falling in love with life all over again. And Thrillophilia helped me a great deal in fulfilling this dream.
To anyone out there dreaming of a solo adventure, I say this- take the leap. The world is waiting for you, and so are your dreams.
Read More: Thrillophilia USA Reviews