Embracing New Journeys Alone

1. Considering solo travel? Check this off your list!
   Consider your emotions when thinking about stepping out on your own - fear tends to tighten the chest, excitement expands in the gut. Reflect on why you want to take this path and what’s holding you back; writing your thoughts down can make things clearer.
2. Face your fears - devlop a strategy
   My husband passed away suddenly in December 2024. While I've always been independent, I now handle challenges he once managed, such as transportation. I researched alternatives and created a plan.
3. How to, want to, chance to
   What if I miss my connection? How do I find my way at the airport? What and how much should I pack? Is it safe?Ask yourself: Do I know how to handle these situations? If not, can I ask someone or look it up?
4. Enlist a trusted friend
   Identify an individual who genuinely supports your interests, and engage them in collaborative strategizing. Communicate your ideas clearly and seek their perspective to ensure you are proceeding appropriately.
5. Let go of expectations
   Explore information about destinations that appeal to you and decide what you want to experience once you arrive. Don't feel obligated to join a tour unless it truly interests you—ask yourself if seeing only what's included on the itinerary is enough. Sometimes, catching a train to your chosen spot is all that's needed. If tours suit you, go for one! Ultimately, it's about pursuing what excites you, and tours can offer a wonderful introduction to solo adventures. Though you're setting out alone, you'll never truly be by yourself.
6. Ignore the pessimists and trust your intuition
   When you share a personal desire that challenges others’ perceptions, expect doubts and unsolicited advice. Their fears often reflect their own anxieties, not reality. To connect with your intuition, quiet your mind through meditation, breathwork, nature walks, journaling, or creative activities. These practices help you tune out overthinking and notice what your senses and feelings reveal about solo travel.
7. Do it your way
   Don't start with big trips; begin with day excursions or places you know well. Solo travel lets you choose what suits you best — go slow or take risks, and you'll gain valuable experiences either way.
8. Understand you will battle loneliness and grief

Your feelings of isolation and grief won’t take a vacation simply because you’re getting back to something you enjoy. You’ll carry both with you in your suitcase or backpack. Sometimes they will feel heavy. But you will find solace in being away from your home that holds memories, and eyes of friends and family you can see your own pain reflected in. Anonymity is an unexpected cushion. Go at a pace that allows you  to feel and process the emotions that come up.