Embracing Solo Travel

2 real conversations about solo backpacking and travel I had this week: Convo 1: My partner’s mother: “I saw you’re traveling alone in the wild?!? Don’t do that! It’s dangerous. You’ll get hurt or stolen.” (The pictures were from old trips, wasn’t even a current trip.) Convo 2: A friend: “My partner doesn’t like travel and it’s hurting our relationship because I haven’t been able to go, plus my kids don’t want to go.” When I suggested going alone for a week or so, it was a completely foreign concept. The first story is one my own family told my entire life: “BE AFRAID, YOU CANNOT.” People who had never done the things I wanted to do were projecting their fears onto me. If someone isn’t doing the things you want to do, and you didn’t request their advice, you’re not required to listen and adopt their fears. Don’t let the fear of others become the voice that prevents you from stepping into the version of you that will take you to where you want to go. If something is calling to you, it’s because your inner voice is hinting that it’s an opportunity for growth and something you’re capable of trying. The second story is a trap many of us fall into. We wait our entire lives to do the things we want, see the places we dream of, and book the trips we desire, all because we’re waiting for someone else to go with us. We’re too afraid to go alone, even though doing so would ultimately make us better partners, parents, and individuals. It’s like the airplane mask analogy: we need to take care of ourselves first to be our best selves for others. Why Solo Travel? For me, solo travel isn’t about lacking people to go with. It’s about the time when I am closest to knowing how to follow my voice, desires, and likes, and growing to know and like myself. It’s when things become quiet enough for me to truly know myself and build a relationship with the one person I’ll spend the rest of my life with—myself. This ultimately makes me a better “together traveler” as well. I know how to handle myself and it only adds to time together with others. Can you relate? Talk to me about your solo travel experiences and/or where you’re at with it and how you feel about it.