I wasn’t always a serial solo traveler. I traveled as a volleyball player and coach, traveled with my husband in the early days, found myself willing to travel with my mom, and in recent years I’ve started leading women’s hiking trips. I evolved into a solo traveler when my interest (and my husband’s) switched from volleyball to hiking and his to pickleball/golf respectively. I loved hiking so much and he liked it so little it just made more sense for both of us to do what we wanted.
Although, to say I never feel lonely traveling alone would be inaccurate. There are absolutely moments where I wish there was someone to share something with. These instances are usually fleeting, but nonetheless they still happen. For example, on my most recent trip a couple anonymously paid for my dinner because I was alone. It was generous, but I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment that maybe they felt sorry for me.
How do I overcome loneliness? I keep myself so busy and entertained that it’s always onto the next thing! Challenging my body creates endorphins - and active people are happy people, I’m pretty sure that’s science. I also literally do exactly what I want when I want. The epitome of adulting in my opinion. Treat myself to a steak dinner? Yep. Get up early for sunrise? Done. Hike 10-15 miles only listening to my heavy breathing instead of my husband complaining? Glorious.
Solo travel is completely independent. You are in control of all decisions and time. That also means if you want to talk to other people or make new friends - guess what?! You get to choose to do that!
I love eating dinner out and sitting at the bar. I’ve had some profound conversations with 60 something year old men about life. I’ve chatted with business owners, locals, other travelers and those strangers turned acquaintances are always some of the highlights of my trips. There’s something freeing about knowing you just shared a moment with someone you will likely never cross paths with again. Unless of course you become friends on IG, which has also happened.
Here’s the thing, solo travel can seem inherently selfish. You’re putting yourself first. Doing all the things, checking off your bucket list. I realize it might not be for everyone, but I believe it’s something everyone should do at least once.
Commenti