Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you limit your travels to domestic travel, or do you also venture outside the United States? There are so many places worth seeing in our vast, beautiful country, and I know people who are traveling to every state, exploring them one by one. That’s dedication!
When I was employed, I often had to travel for work. I saw many US states I wouldn’t have been able to visit alone, just for the fun (and, frankly, desire). But I’m so glad I did. I’ve also lived in Illinois, Vermont, and Southern California; though not for long, it was a wonderful experience.
So far, I’ve visited 37 states, and I’d like to visit the rest, and I definitely will one day (I swear, I’m not just saying that!). But traveling alone for work is very different from traveling alone. My husband, Tony, and I have traveled the world together, and honestly, we’ve had a lot of fun.
Now that he’s gone, I don’t want to cut back on my international travel because there are still so many places I haven’t visited. Our 20th anniversary was in 2020, at the height of COVID, so our planned trip was canceled, and we decided to go as soon as travel restrictions were lifted. Unfortunately, I was already suffering from liver disease, and then my husband died of a massive heart attack.
After recovering, I decided to go to Sicily as planned. I couldn’t find anyone willing to accompany me, so I thought going alone would be like going on business trips. But that wasn’t the case. When you’re working, you don’t have much free time, so even if you eat alone, you’re more likely to eat in your room at the computer.
Going to a beautiful place with five-star restaurants and a city dedicated to tourism, without having to work, is a completely different experience. So instead, I got to know the hotel staff, who loved showing me around, securing the best tables in the restaurants, and giving me free cooking demonstrations in the kitchen.
I booked tours to places I wanted to visit, and I met and hung out with other people there a few times, but it’s the staff from that trip that I’ll always remember. When I was checking out, they all came to say goodbye.
The same thing happened with Egypt, as I was alone there too. I booked with Viking because I didn’t want to travel to a Middle Eastern country alone and unaccompanied. And being on a short river cruise gave me the opportunity to get to know everyone on the ship.
As you might have guessed, I’m not shy, so I had no trouble meeting people and making friends, and I never ate alone. It was a lot of fun, and I still keep in touch with many of them. But what if you’re an introvert? Well, there are plenty of online tours available for singles, and if you want (or don’t want) they’ll pair you up with another single person to share a room, and you’ll even have a built-in group for sightseeing and dining. This is a real bargain.
These solo travel groups are very helpful because they provide safety tips, and there are also cruise lines and tour groups that cater to solo travelers. This is helpful and informative because I’m eager to go, but I don’t want to be scammed by dishonest cab drivers or overpay for a tour because I’m alone. There’s a lot of support (especially among women, as safety is more important to us).
I have another trip planned to Southeast Asia in April 2026, and I’m going alone again. I’ve contacted a few friends, but most of them are still working. The cruise is about a month long, so I’ll do the same thing I did to Egypt and hopefully find some new friends there. People are more relaxed and open to new people during vacations.
Many people are surprised to hear that I travel alone, but I think it’s temporary. I hope to find like-minded companions, as I know several friends who are eager to travel with me after retirement. For now, I’m not ignoring the fact that I can’t find a travel partner, and I can’t stop myself from seeing all these new places, experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and enjoying unique music. The world is huge, and I’m eager to see it! Where would you like to go? article source from marbleheadweeklynews
FAQ’s
Q1. Is solo travel safe for women?
Yes, solo travel can be safe if you plan properly, choose reliable tour groups or cruises, and follow local safety guidelines. Many women-only travel communities also provide added support.
Q2. What are the best destinations for solo travelers in the USA?
Popular solo-friendly states include California, New York, Vermont, Illinois, and national parks across the country. Each offers unique culture, history, and natural beauty.
Q3. How is solo leisure travel different from solo business travel?
Solo business travel is usually time-bound and focused on work, while leisure travel allows you to enjoy local culture, cuisine, and people at your own pace.
Q4. Are there travel groups for single travelers?
Yes, many companies like Viking Cruises, Intrepid Travel, and Solo Travel societies offer group trips tailored for single travelers, including room-sharing options.
Q5. What’s the next big solo travel trend?
Cruises and cultural tours in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe are becoming popular among solo travelers, especially as travel communities are growing stronger.