Solo Travel: Embrace the Adventure

I recently got home from a trip to the midwest for a family reunion and a Chicago meet up. And as I navigated planes, cars, hotel rooms, pontoon boats (love a good pontoon), and restaurants - I was reminded that I THRIVE as a solo traveler. Because - let’s be honest - I do it a lot! Not always by choice, mind you. For some reason, when I get the urge to jet off somewhere fabulous or need to travel for work, I find myself alone.?

Cue the violins - woe is me, doomed to explore this amazing planet alone!?

Over the past decade, I’ve solo-trotted to Paris (three times), Kyoto, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Portugal, The Azores, Santa Fe, Ojai, Israel, Jordan, Utah’s Big Five national parks (where I solo-camped in Zion), Joshua Tree - you name it, I’ve probably been there, all by my lonesome. I’ve camped, glamped, AirBnB’d, and even stayed in palaces. When it comes to solo travel, I’ve seen it all.

People often ask me how I manage it, so here are five things I’ve learned on the road.

1. Solo Travel: It’s Not Weird, It’s Awesome

First things first: if you’re worried that solo travel is odd, stop right there. It’s not weird - it’s downright cool. Who said vacations need a plus-one to be worthwhile? If you’ve got a place you’re dying to explore but are hesitant because you’d be going solo, let me set you free: you’re a grown-ass adult with a whole life to live. Don’t waste it waiting for someone to join you. If the idea of traveling alone freaks you out, that’s all the more reason to go for it. Nothing builds bravery like stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, pack your bags and get ready to flex those bravery muscles. The world is your oyster, even if you’re the only one shucking it.

2. Dining Alone: A Feast for the Senses

Eating alone in a restaurant? Sounds lonely, right? Wrong. It’s a golden opportunity to soak in the world around you. Without the distraction of a dining companion, you’ll notice everything - the quirky couple at the next table, the way the light hits your wine glass, the subtle flavors in your dish. One of my most profound life lessons came from eavesdropping on a family planning a canyoneering trip. (Yes, eavesdropping. No regrets!)

Here’s how to make solo dining even better:

• Find a spot at the bar or a counter where you can watch the kitchen action. It’s like dinner and a show.
• Bring a book or journal. Not only does it keep you occupied, but it also invites curious strangers to strike up a conversation.
• Resist the urge to scroll through your phone. Be present, soak it all in, and let the world unfold around you.

Eating alone isn’t just acceptable—it’s a completely different experience that enriches your travels.

3. Embrace the Loneliness—It’s Part of the Journey

Let’s get real: there will be moments on your solo trip when loneliness hits you like a ton of bricks. Maybe your train gets canceled, or you’re overwhelmed by choices, or you’re just plain homesick. I’ve had my fair share of travel meltdowns, like the time I broke down in Buenos Aires’ Teatro Colon instead of admiring the stunning ceiling because it was raining and I didn’t feel like rain was fair. Been there, cried through that.

But here’s the thing: those lonely moments are a chance to remember that you’re never really alone. Call a friend, FaceTime your dad, or chat with a stranger at a café. Feeling connected to others, even from thousands of miles away, can be a powerful reminder that you’re part of something bigger.

4. Pack Light—Seriously, Ditch That Extra Outfit

Here’s a controversial take: there is never a reason to check a bag. Month-long trip to Israel, three weeks in Paris, three weeks in Indonesia, three weeks in Portugal (I guess I like a three week trip!), a trip that includes Geneva, Luxembourg, New York, and Indiana (all very different climates!), you simply don’t need THAT many clothes. Trust me, you don’t want to be the solo traveler lugging a giant suitcase through a crowded subway or struggling to fit it in an overhead bin.

Stick to one carry-on and cheat by overstuffing your travel tote. Repeat your favorite outfits, and leave the “maybe” clothes at home. Less stuff means more freedom, and who doesn’t want that?

5. Say Yes to Everything - Within Reason

You’ve made it to Petra after a grueling journey. Is now the time to debate whether the guided tour is worth fifty bucks? Should you skip the nine-dollar pomegranate juice? Or pass on a camel ride in the Wadi Rum desert? Absolutely not! When you’re on a trip, especially one you’ve dreamed about, it’s time to say yes. Yes to the tour, yes to the juice, and yes to the camel.

Of course, if you’re in financial dire straits, be mindful but also - is now the time to travel? Let’s talk about that off-line.? Generally, my advice would be: don’t let a scarcity mindset hold you back. Spend on experiences that make your trip unforgettable. Whether it’s the “fast lane” at an airport, a legendary pastry on the other side of town, or a photographer to capture the moment, treat yourself. You’re worth it and here’s the truth: you might never be to this locale again. Soak it in, honey.?

Are you planning a solo adventure? Need a little nudge? I want your questions, concerns, suggestions. Give me all of the solo-traveling thoughts please!?

T$ Hope Scroll:

• The “Be Kind To Her World” trend: parents posting their kids heading off to Kindergarten (and this one with a montage of her growing up). I may or may not be crying about kids that aren’t mine.?
• Kat Stickler’s TikTok of her daughter greeting her boyfriend at the airport with flowers - sometimes it’s the family you choose who make all the difference.??

Preview of This Week’s Glow Getters:

This week, the SEPTEMBER JOURNALING CHALLENGE BEGINS. And what better place to start than building your journaling ritual. We want this to stick, after all. I have all the best tips and tricks to make sure you get the MOST out of this month’s challenge. Let’s go!?

Click here to become a Glow Getter.