People often ask her whether she is fearful or misses having companions.
Maybe a little, she says.
But the trade-off is huge: the freedom to experience a place how I want, when I want.
Like, blow off the vaunted art museum to drink beer in a pub?
No problem; I just do it.
Visit the famous church or the worlds largest ketchup bottle?
No judgment or compromises when I choose the latter.
Plus, when Im by myself, I meet more people and pay more attention to whats around me.
The feeling of self-reliance of doing it all solo is pretty cool, too.
WHY TRAVEL SOLO?
There are often single seats left, sometimes even with discounts.
In a similar vein, solo travelers often can score close-up views at concerts and sports events.
Embark on a personal journey
Solo travel can be transformative.
Javins relishes focusing on her own experiences, rather than chewing things over with a companion.
I experience the world best when Im only responsible for my own reactions, she says.
And I enjoy escaping from work where I am responsible for many others as well as myself.
Retirees are so busy these days, from yoga to volunteering, grandkids and lifelong learning classes.
When you go solo, it’s possible for you to travel wherever and whenever works for you.
These impulsive vacationers are on-trend, it turns out.
Appreciate flexibility and spontaneity on the road?
Consider apps that release last-minute deals, such as HotelTonight, Booking.com and LivingSocial.
There will be other people with whom I can engage if I need that.
Use the opportunity to grieve
The road also rises up to meet thosedealing with grief, Gordon notes.
Often, its the first trip they organized on their own or in decades.
It can be a very healing process.
The crew and guides frequently dont know the stakes until later.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
8.
Brands sometimes offer seasonal or last-minute deals that scrap the single supplements.
Cant find the right package for your budget?
Ask the operator about options, or see if a travel agent can negotiate.
Discover solo trips and deals
Tourism operators are creating more bespoke options.
Notably, travelers without companions have the run of entire ships on some Riviera River Cruises.
Singles Cruises and Tours also caters to folks who would like to vacation solo but not alone.
Dont be fooled by the name: These expeditions dont resemble speed dating with suitcases.
Instead, they connect people to the discounts and conveniences of group travel without a forced single supplement.
