I have to admit, a New Zealand trip is starting to appeal. One with no more than mid-level activity required, and preferably part of the time on a boat. I could probably do it solo for about $10K, right?
I think that’s the alure of solo traveling. You may be tied to a group agenda in many respects (which adds a level of safety and fun in a shared experience) but then FREEDOM of worrying about everyone elses expectations. And as women and moms and wives and whatever other roles we play we only have to worry about ourselves for once. No kids. No husbands. And I hate to say it but even friends who you may love to have around but still have to coddle.
And it’s sort of scary. Women are trained in many respects to rely on others for some things and then take care of others all in the same space. Solo travel is a growing experience for most. (Except for you super women out there!)
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I think there is something to this. I am wrapping up a 4 day work trip today and while not all pleasure, every time o do this it feels like my own adventure. Only worry about myself. Don’t have to worry who is tired, hungry, uncomfortable, liking the activity choices, etc. Move at my pace. Keep track of my Own stuff.
Time and place for both together and solo travel but it can be fun and freeing to just accommodate a personal party of one!
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I just returned from a trip without my DH. He has some mobility issues and this trip was all about walking so not appropriate for him. I traveled alone, but met up with friends once there. Two of my friends went on to do a women-only hiking trip but I could not justify the cost for just myself.
In my case, DH loves to travel and definitely feels left out but also understands (mostly) that some trips are not possible for him. Having to grab a ride everywhere is a different experience than walking a city. We are going together on trip and cruise in the fall that will really help us figure out what he can do.
It is a balancing act for sure.
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My mom traveled without my dad some. He traveled without her some. They would be in their late 90s if they were still alive so definitely not a new thing.
I love to travel and would happily do so with my H, but if he doesn’t want to I’ll go with a friend or my kids or solo. We are in the thick of paying for college right now, though, and feeling the pinch a little bit so no solo trips scheduled right now.
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I love to travel too. My most recent favorite trips were three separate ones last summer - one with older kid, the second with my husband, on and a third trip with my younger kid. We chose that model because everyone had such different schedules there was no overlapping week for a family vacation for all 4 of us. I absolutely loved these one-on-one experiences, they were easy and fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat. While I love my family, traveling with only one other person was just so much easier. I think solo travel would be even more simple as one could pick and choose according to own preferences and not have to worry about the other people’s moods or desires. It’s intriguing to me.
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My mom had traveled to tons of conferences and meetings on her own and my dad had separate travel related to his work. Then when retired, they started cruising together, mainly traditional Caribbean itineraries. After he passed away, my mom (then in her early 70’s) cut loose and traveled solo all over the world - north Scandinavia/Russia cruise, Australia/New Zealand land tour, San Diego to Hawaii cruise round trip, Baja Peninsula cruise, and much more. I greatly admire her for what she did. The prayer scroll at the foot of her grave reads “Scholar, Trailblazer, Voyager.”
I only wish I was as intrepid! I did once go to Sanibel on my own to get away from winter for a few days while husband was on one of his many trips to help his mother. But I’m really just lazy. I do prefer traveling with son than with husband.
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Anyone want to go on a cruise with me?
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My husband has been encouraging me to set up a vacation with my sisters. I’d like to; we have a cousin who has been begging us to visit her in Germany for the past year. He mentioned it at our last get together, and one sister’s husband gave H the stink eye. She’d like it, but I don’t think he’s all that enthusiastic. My other married sister travels a lot without her husband as he’s just not much of a traveler.
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I saw a group Travel In Good Company which was all women and looked like a nice group.
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So who’s our CC travel agent who is going to put together a CC Women’s (sorry guys?) adventure?! 
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I think you just volunteered!
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That’s a FIRM NO!! 
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Who knows… maybe there is a travel agent in the CC population who wants to coordinate a trip someday.
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My hairdresser took a Virgin Voyage to the Caribbean a couple months ago. He thoroughly enjoyed it. He didn’t take a ladies-only cruise, of course. But he said that it was a very laid back, adult cruise & he was fine as a single.
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H just suggested I head out to Toledo to see a friend in early June after I get some heavy planning work done for the synagogue. (I’m president and it has been a hard road with several all-nighters lately and much angst. A break would be good.)
I’ve been into antique malls and murals lately. Have driven through a lot of small towns where local artists are revitalizing the old city centers with wall murals. BTW, Kansas City is fantastic in this regard. My trips tend to be loops, with stops to see friends/family along the way. I need to be in Pgh on the 7th to pick up S1 from a work conference and he’s going to spend the weekend with us, so H thought I could make that trip more fun and extend it a few days,.
There’s also a quilting exhibition I’d like to visit, though it’s a bit out of the way (as in Muncie, Indiana). I’m culling my quilting fabric right now, so don’t feel any great desire to hit the many quilt shops I’ll pass along the way (BTDT).
Back when H was traveling a lot for work and was allowed to add a vacation day or two on either end of his work travel, I would fly out and meet him after his meetings/conference ended. Did two days in London solo before meeting up with H, and another time three days in the Netherlands and he took the train from Basel to meet me in Amsterdam. Another time he had to leave in the middle of vacation for a day-long meeting in Zurich. He left me in Dublin; I rented a car and drove all over Tipperary, home of my dad’s paternal ancestors. One of the happiest days of my life. I am fine driving on the left, don’t need to be with a group, enjoy visiting places that don’t interest H, and I don’t get freaked out if I make a wrong turn. (Those often turn out to be the best adventures!)
I love traveling solo – I pack up my box of music and crank it up. I take the back roads. Usually bring my sewing machine for the evenings, but it often sits and glares at me as I ultimately ignore it. Haven’t done a completely solo int’l trip, but have definitely thought about it.
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I know this doesn’t really count, but I just booked a flight to visit son in Seattle over my birthday in September. Husband not interested, encouraged me to go. I saw a good price and grabbed it; first class so can always cancel and reuse the funds later. Like, for instance, if there’s a forest fire 
.
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Here’s one I would do myself, although may try to convince husband it would be good for our 40th anniversary in fall 2025. It’s actually somewhat drivable to get there.
This one I wouldn’t do alone but would cover the entire cost. A dream trip for me!
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Snorkeling Fiji? I’ll go! 
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My daughter is playing in an international tournament right now, and if she makes the next team, they will play in Hong Kong the week after Christmas and then on to Australia. It is so tempting but it is a long and expensive trip. She’ll be busy, of course, and I think her boyfriend is going, so it wouldn’t be solo traveling but a lot of solo time while there. His parents say they are going but I really doubt it (his mother didn’t even go to Maryland or Philly to see her play). My other daughter says she’s going, but I also doubt that as she’s getting married this fall and won’t have any money.
But I think sometimes you just have to jump at the chance.
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