Have you considered traveling solo but used one of the many excuses not to? I’ve heard them all; you’re too old, it’s too late, you’re afraid of this, afraid of that.. Take it from me, while you’re looking for reasons not to travel solo, I can give you a hundred more reasons why you should travel solo in midlife! Midlife is the best time to travel solo; you’re experienced, wiser, and you deserve to enjoy the amazing experience! I’ve had my share of girls’ trips and romantic couples’ trips as well. While most of them turned out fine, taking a solo trip gave me a new perspective on traveling. Don’t miss out on including a solo travel trip as part of your midlife journey. Here are 5 reasons why:
It's Empowering
Traveling solo is a confidence builder. It’s amazing what challenges you can overcome when you know you have to do it independently. Imagine traveling to a foreign country with your companions. You may not know the language or how to get around, but when you have each other to figure things out together, it can make things so much easier.
Now imagine having to figure things out when traveling alone. Asking for directions, ordering food, or navigating through a foreign city can be a scary situation. But when you depend on no one but yourself and you find your way through the cobblestone streets or order the paella without missing a beat, it brings out a world of confidence you never knew you had. I spent several months in Spain and ultimately learned on my own how to take the metro, ask for items in a store in Spanish, order food, even learning a few phrases in Catalan, and then suddenly saying to myself, “I got this!” It was a proud moment for me. Traveling makes you smarter, and traveling alone gives you a super-power that feels incredible!
You Can Go At Your Own Pace
Do you want to pack your itinerary with activities and excursions? Or would you prefer to do one or two things a day and spend your evenings relaxing? What if you wake up and decide you’re just not in the mood for the museum tour and would rather go for a morning hike? When you travel alone, you can change your mind – sleep in, or alter your plans, and no one will object! Spend hours at the beach instead of rushing off to the next excursion if you like! It’s only you, and you can enjoy your trip at your own pace!
You're In Complete Financial Control
Are you a budget traveler, or do you opt for the luxury? I love to do both. I’ve stayed in hostels, and I’ve stayed in five-star resorts, all on the same trip! Do you prefer to grab a quick bite from a street cart or dine in at a popular restaurant? Your spending habits may not be the same as whoever you’re traveling with. When you travel solo, it’s up to you to decide what you want to spend.
You Meet More Locals
When you travel with others, you’re more compelled to talk to them and not the locals. It’s unfortunate because you can miss out on so much by getting to know people who know about your destination the most. During the summer I spent in Barcelona, I learned so much from dining in restaurants alone. Having conversations with the locals dining next to me or the bartender fixing my favorite cocktail was one of the most fulfilling experiences. It was a great way to practice my Spanish, as well!
You Learn More About Who You Are
Getting caught up in day-to-day routines, work, errands, and taking care of other people; you sometimes neglect yourself. Perhaps you’re an empty nester, just coming out of a divorce – or need a break from everyday life. Now is the time to reflect, and what better way to do it than take some time away for some “me time”? Solo travel gives you the chance to figure out your likes and dislikes, the good and the bad about yourself. You’ll appreciate your alone time and learn the difference between alone and being lonely. Getting to know you is like getting to know your new best friend!
So, are you ready to take your first solo trip?
here Are A Few Ways to Do It:
Start With A Local Road Trip
Solo traveling doesn’t always mean getting on a plane and traveling overseas. Take a ride in your car and enjoy a weekend getaway somewhere close to home. You can check sites such as Get Your Guide to see places to visit in a town near you!
Reserve A Guided Tour
So you’ve reached your destination, but you can’t figure out which sites to see. Where do you begin? Viator offers guided tours to take you to the hottest spots and save you from wandering (unless you want to!) and missing out on cool stories about your destination. Meet with your tour guide and others at a designated location and get ready for a memorable day of exploring!
Book Your Next Vacation With A Tour Group
Would you like to go on a solo vacation, but you’re still afraid of doing it alone? Book a trip with a tour company such as TourRadar. There are tons of itineraries in the U.S. and all over the world to choose from. Book a trip for a few days or a couple of weeks. TourRadar coordinates all the plans for you and a group of other travelers together. You’ll make friends and lots of memories!
Whatever you do, take the first step in experiencing solo travel in midlife. You’ll be amazed to find what you’re capable of and the new things about yourself you’ll discover. It’s your time, your adventure, go for it!
Great post Len! I’ve never traveled solo, but your post is inspiring! I think it would be great fun to go on a tour and meet other people too!
Thanks! The best part is meeting other people. Thanks for reading!
Love this info! I have traveled a fair amount, mostly with my husband. But it’s usually in conjunction with a conference he is attending – leaving me with one or more days to entertain myself! Most recently I found myself in Naples, Italy in need of T-shirts (that said husband neglected to pack). I found my way – on my own, without a word of Italian – to a department store, found and paid for the shirts, found my way home but wandered through a gorgeous neighborhood and an amazing farmers market! So glad to have that experience on my own – you definetely learn about yourself!
That’s great! I hope you’re proud of yourself! Thanks for sharing!
Love this! i haven’t traveled alone, but I remember going on a business trip with my husband and I went off exploring while he worked. It was a really great day! Thanks for reminding me!!
I recommend trying it at least once! Thanks for reading!
Len,
Great post!
I am very comfortable in travelling alone.
When I was a flight attendant I explored cities a lot on my own and when I went on conference trips with my husband I always had time for myself.
It was fun to read about your experience in Barcelona! A great city was full of wonderful people!
I’m glad you had the experience for some solo travel. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely to find you through your interview. I have never travelled solo. But it has a lot of advantages!!
Yes, it does! Thanks for reading!
I love this post and I used to travel by myself all the time for all the reasons you mentioned. Since I got married my husband is joining me and sometimes I wish I could go by myself. But I get it, he smelled my sense for adventure lol.
LOL. Thanks for reading!
I haven’t traveled alone in a long, long time, but when I go on trips with my husband, I always find time to go shopping on my own (while he naps!) One day, I’ll do another solo trip. xo Nipa
Shopping alone is always fun too! Thanks for reading!