Finding my inner solo traveler

Three minutes after I said goodbye to my travel buddy and husband Glen, I posted this.

Hours later, I landed in Dublin.

Soon, I was making friends in Malta.

Then I got to stay in a cozy little cave perfect for one.

The following morning, I walked along these cliffs on my own.  I explored by myself, meditated, and pondered deep thoughts (like, no one would know if I fell – let me back away from the edge).

I got lost and found my way.

I got into a few more adventures.  I think the power of the sword got into my head a bit.

By the time I was supposed to go home, I found myself longing to stay a little bit longer.  And no, it had nothing to do with meeting Kit Harington (Jon Snow on Game of Thrones) in Belfast.  Well, maybe a little bit.

This guy, in case you didn’t know him.

Where was I?  Oh, yeah, solo travel.

This experience opened up the world to me in a way that my soul agreed with.  The freedom, the excitement, the challenge, and the adventure – they all found me on this trip, and I enjoyed hanging out with them.

Of course, there were also difficulties.  No one to take your photos (thank the heavens for selfie sticks and kind strangers).   No one to drag you out of bed to make sure you make it to your tour bus on time.  No one to tell you not to get too close to the edge of the cliff.  No one to sit with at a pub for a pint of Guinness (although I found this lasts all of 10 seconds in Ireland).  No one to pinch you to make sure you didn’t dream up Kit Harington walking up to you at a bar.

You’re on your own, for ill or good.

I’m glad that it was overwhemingly on the good side for this trip.  Too good that I want to go again. Soon.

So that’s the story of how I found the solo traveler in me.  I wouldn’t have met her if I didn’t try.

 

Have you traveled on your own?  Would you consider it?  What do you think about it?