Not Strictly Solo

With all this talk of solo travel, you may be surprised to learn that most of my trips have been with family, friends, and co-workers. Until I became an "empty nester", the closest I had come to solo travel was flying alone to meet up with friends on the other end of my flight or attending an out-of-town conference for work. These were training wheels for developing the skills to independently navigate airports, public transportation, and eating in restaurants alone. It exposed me to challenges with lost luggage, sketchy accommodations that don't look like the online booking photos, and the need to pivot mid-trip. None of these experiences compared to the amazing feeling of planning and executing a travel itinerary leading to a perfectly imperfect solo trip - making memories without the strings attached when traveling with your inner circle. Life is about balance, and traveling alone can be a valuable part of that delicate balance.

While I love my family, friends, and co-workers with whom I routinely travel, there is something truly magical and fulfilling about giving myself the freedom to:

• Go where I want, when I want

• Eat what I want, when I want

• Be open to meeting new folks along the way

• Try local activities that pique my interest (e.g., beach yoga)

• Book tours and activities that I will enjoy (i.e., an ATV tour of Zion National Park Slot Canyons, or a massage at a local studio)

• And so much more.

My point here is...allow yourself OPTIONS! Broaden your horizons and your experiences will be so rich.

Safe travels...