What Does Solo Travel Really Mean to Me?
Questions I have often been asked.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026Someone recently asked me a question I get quite often: “Are you really travelling solo?”
And then came the follow-up: “What does solo travel actually mean to you?”
I had to pause for a moment because, honestly, the answer is both yes and no. Yes, I travel solo. But no, that doesn't mean I spend every single minute in complete isolation. And that distinction matters.
The Power of Being Responsible for Yourself.
For me, solo travel starts long before I land in a new country. It begins when I choose a destination based entirely on my own interests, whether that’s hiking, photographing quiet alleys, or simply seeing what is around the next corner.
Then comes the defining part: I get myself to the airport. I check in. I board the plane alone. And when I step off at the other end, nobody is waiting for me.
Navigating unfamiliar streets, figuring out local transport, checking into a hotel, and making every small decision on the fly—that is the core of solo travel. It is being entirely responsible for yourself from beginning to end.
But independence doesn't require solitude.
Alone, But Not alone!
There is a common misconception that travelling alone means being lonely. In reality, being on your own often makes it easier to connect with the world.
When I join a day excursion, I meet people. You can spend a few hours with complete strangers and, by late afternoon, find yourself sharing stories and laughing over coffee. Other times, sitting alone on a park bench invites spontaneous conversations with fellow travellers or locals who stop to chat for a moment before we both move on.
And when it comes to dining alone? I actually prefer it. It isn't out of loneliness; it's a deliberate choice. I love taking my time, enjoying a meal, and watching the city move around me without needing to maintain a conversation.
Freedom to Listen to Yourself.
If I had to sum up solo travel in one word, it would be independence.
It’s the freedom to change your mind without negotiation. If I discover an intriguing café or a hidden square, I can sit there for two hours. If I’m tired of a sight, I can leave. Nobody is asking, “What time are we leaving?” or “Haven't we been here long enough?”
Of course, safety requires common sense. I pay attention to my surroundings, trust my instincts, and make practical decisions. But I refuse to let the fear of what might go wrong prevent me from experiencing what could go right.
Image: Alone but not lonely
Image: Solo Travel- Finding your own
Creating a Legacy
People often ask if I miss my family when I'm away for five weeks. Of course I do. I miss my home, and I particularly miss my grandson.
But we talk regularly, and being away serves a deeper purpose. I want to pass down more than just souvenirs; I want to pass down a perspective on life.
I want my grandson to grow up knowing that life doesn't suddenly narrow as you get older. Curiosity doesn't have an expiration date. You can continue learning, exploring, and stepping into the unknown at any stage of life. In a small way, every journey I take is part of the legacy I’m building for him.
Finding Your Own Version
To me, solo travel means knowing I don't have to wait for someone else's permission or schedule to go out and see the world. It means enjoying my own company, making my own choices, and embracing the unexpected.
It doesn't have to look the same for everyone, and that’s the point. You don't have to travel the way I do; you have to find the version that works for you.
If you are a mature woman who has been thinking about travelling alone but still has questions, leave a comment below. There are no silly questions! And if you know someone who keeps saying, “I’d love to travel, but I have no one to go with,” send this her way. She might need a reminder that she can go on her own terms.