27 Comments

So true, Ashleigh, better to be alone than in bad company. And also, a beautiful soliloquy on life in general.

Expand full comment

Thank you Jeanine, that means a lot 😌

Expand full comment

Many people don’t know how to be alone and content in themselves. It’s a gift when you can enjoy solitude!

Expand full comment

Megan, I agree! I definitely enjoy finding the right balance between solitude and company :)

Expand full comment

Alone but never really alone, when they ask me but you are going/went there alone? I answer no I will meet/met a lot of people!

Expand full comment

Flavio, absolutely, I tell people, you’re only as alone as you want to be when solo traveling. Met so many great people over the years!

Expand full comment

She sounds like a wise woman :)

Expand full comment

Lizzie, five years later and I still can’t believe we crossed paths!

Expand full comment

It's pretty incredible!

Expand full comment

I have travelled alone a lot in my life, especially in the last five years. There is no more freedom one can experience in life. I recommend for everyone to try it at least once. And I recommend to don't stop it even if you marry or have kids. You need to be alone for a while to better understand your choices and your life.

Expand full comment

Mateus, absolutely, I encourage people to try solo travel at least once in their lives, even if it’s a trip in their home state or country. Sometimes, you can’t find anyone who can go with you on a trip, so you choose not to go, but you’re really missing an amazing opportunity!

Expand full comment

This is so spot on! Loved reading it as I resonated with it a lot

Expand full comment

Thank you, Alisa! I’m glad it resonated with you 😊

Expand full comment

I had to learn to be a solo traveler as well because I just didn't have people to travel with and I didn't want to be held back. There are certain things that would be better with a partner- like splitting a hotel room and having someone to watch your bags while you go to the bathroom - but mostly I like having my own agenda.

When I do travel with people, it's about 50/50 on if we are compatible or not. Traveling together is a very unique experience and not all people are good fits.

Expand full comment

Elizabeth, I 100% agree with everything you said. It was, I either go alone, or I don’t go at all. Right now, I’m traveling with a friend who is really compatible with my travel style and I’m remembering how nice it can be to have someone to watch your things, decompress with. But I have traveled with people who made me remember why I value solo travel in the first place. We were definitely not compatible, and it put a damper on the trip.

Expand full comment

yes i’ve had both those things happen recently, the good and the bad companion. sharing a space with a dififult companion is soooo hard because there’s no escape

Expand full comment

Lovely read so inspirational. Have a great day from one traveling introvert to another.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Aggie, that’s so kind. Hope you have a lovely day, too 😌

Expand full comment

I used to love traveling alone!

Expand full comment

It can be so freeing!

Expand full comment

I think there are many people that enjoy traveling alone. Whether it is a choice or it was forced, it is difficult to say. But there is definitely a correlation between being an expat (i.e. having experienced moving to a new place and all the challenges that go with it), and feeling comfortable traveling alone.

And as you also explained, alone does not necessarily mean lonely.

Expand full comment

“Alone does not necessarily mean lonely.” I love that 😌

And, I definitely agree moving to other countries helps prepare you for solo travel.

Expand full comment

A profound look at the psyche of solo travel. I throughly enjoyed this. You made a bold choice in going to Slovakia and responded with courage to the unexpected events of being there alone. I think most people with the travel bug (me included) can relate to feeling stuck when not moving. A thoughtful read. Bravo, Ashleigh!

Expand full comment

Thank you as always for your encouraging words, Dan! Really appreciate you 😌

Expand full comment

I appreciate you too! Keep up the excellent writing Ashleigh.

Expand full comment

I just wrapped up 35 days on the Camino de Santiago Frances Way. I loved the solitude of walking and getting lost in the scenery and my own thoughts.

Expand full comment

Holly, that’s incredible! I really enjoyed my time on the Camino del Norte and Primitivo. Would love to walk the Frances route one day. 😌

Expand full comment