Have you found yourself at a crossroads, contemplating the idea of setting off alone for the first time?
For years, you had a partner or friends to holiday with but there’s a new horizon now and it looks like you’ll be setting off alone, or not all.
This unexpected situation can be both thrilling and daunting.
What lies on the other side is a journey filled with self-discovery, personal growth and new connections, all perhaps unexpected. And solitude through travel allows us that time that in our daily hustle may never seem possible.
If the idea of being alone feels overwhelming, remember that travelling solo doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.
Joining a group of fellow solo travellers can provide the perfect balance. You get to enjoy the independence of solo travel while having the comfort and camaraderie of a group.
Setting off alone can offer a whole lot more than just a holiday. Here’s why:
- Building Confidence and Independence: Navigating new places and making decisions on your own can significantly boost your confidence and sense of independence.
- Reducing Stress: Solo travel allows you to set your own pace, do what you love and take breaks as needed, leading to a more relaxed experience.
- Enhancing Social Connections: Joining a group of solo travellers opens the door to new friendships. Sharing experiences and stories with like-minded individuals can be incredibly rewarding.
- Sparking Creativity and Inspiration: Time alone often fuels creativity. Without daily distractions, you might find inspiration to write, draw, or engage in other creative pursuits.
Tips for First-Time Solo Travellers Over 40
- Start Small: Ease into solo travel with a short trip and even a nearby destination.
- Join a Solo Traveller Group: Look for tours designed for solo travellers.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with family and friends back home to feel secure.
- Day Trips and Events: If you need to warm up to the idea of leaving home alone to travel, then start with a day trip or event in your home city; and even better if you find an event for solo travellers.
For anyone over 40 pondering the idea of solo travel for the first time, this adventure can be life changing. I’ve had solo travellers tell me this after their first trip solo. They feel like they’ve hit the jackpot; liberated and ready to embrace a new version of themselves.
What they don’t know is they just delivered a beautiful message for me; knowing that I’d created that opportunity for them. And a valued reminder of why it is I get excited about creating groups for solo travellers.
My tip: embrace the freedom and introspection that comes with solitude, while enjoying the companionship of a solo traveller group.
Solo travel, especially with the support of a group, offers a rich and fulfilling way to explore the world and yourself.
It’s never too late to embark on a solo adventure, blending the joys of independence with the warmth of shared experiences.
“To travel solo is one thing, to travel solo, but not alone, that is something else.”
