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Ann Foster's avatar

Hell yes!! My recent euro trip was 100% more fun because I was on my own. I could skip museum wings that didn’t interest me, eat whenever and wherever I wanted, or just chill in my hotel room if I was feeling like it. Super validating, made me feel so strong and capable, recommend it for everyone.

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Anita Holeczy's avatar

Wonderful piece Amanda. I’m also a big fan of solo trips for many of the reasons you mentioned - the self reflection, eyes open wider, colors brighter. Your mind and senses are fully engaged in the experience

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Amanda Matta's avatar

Yes! The immersion!

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Orianna Aldridge's avatar

Awesome post! I LOVE travelling alone. I did it back in 2017 to Paris and London and loved it! Being fully immersed is, I feel, only really possible when you’re alone. I speak French, but if I’m also constantly speaking English with my travel buddy (either bestie or hubs, neither of which speak French) I find it doesn’t come back as well/quickly. But alone? Give me 18 hours and it’s like I live there.

There’s also something to be said about putting yourself in a new environment where you are really able to learn about yourself.

I’m very lucky that both my travel buddies allow me to plan everything (control freak, party of one) but being able to do it solo is a blessing and a gift. I recommend everyone try it at least once.

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Kim Kohrt's avatar

I love vacationing alone. I don’t have to worry about someone else’s fomo. When I’m tired I can be done for the day. In January, I’m going on my 4th solo trip abroad to the French Riveria.

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Amanda Matta's avatar

That sounds like a dream trip! I did a French winery trip solo and I remember living my best life while all the couples and mother/daughter duos had to waste their bandwidth on compromising. Not for me! 😅

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Kim Kohrt's avatar

Thanks! I’m excited. Last January we had a week long ice storm in the pnw. All I could think booking the flight was ice won’t fall from the sky for a week in the south of France. I was supposed to go to Scotland w/a friend in 2022. It fell apart & I ended up going solo. It was for the best. She was making a lot of demands I had to compromise to & wouldn’t reciprocate. I didn’t want to spend nearly 2.5 weeks focused on Harry Potter activities or listen to complaining when I wanted to go inside a church.

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Madalyn's avatar

Great post! I felt like it was calling out to me as I procrastinate booking my first solo-travel to London, I’ll be with a travel group (EF) but doing the whole plane thing by myself which has me more nervous than I’d like to admit! I’ve never been on a plane or out of the country 🥲 It’s like ripping a band-aid off, just gotta do it!

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Amanda Matta's avatar

Yep! You truly just take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask ppl questions if needed!

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