Have you read about the recent increase in solo travel? It's becoming more prevalent, especially with women. I've read quite a bit about it. Now I'm getting a taste of it first-hand.
I love to see new places, and life keeps turning me into a person who is on her own. I realized I can either stay home all the time or take the plunge into solo travel.
So far this year I've taken a small plunge (a weekend at one of our lovely Indiana state park inns while attending a traditional music festival), and a big one:
Ten Glorious, (mostly) Sun-Drenched Days
From February 15th through 24th, I was on a motorcoach tour from Louisville, KY all the way to Key West, FL, and back--over 2,000 miles. We relaxed at St. Pete Beach and did the tourist thing in Fort Myers. We rode an airboat in the Everglades! We had two nights in Key Largo and saw the sunset at Key West. We were buffeted by cold wind at Kennedy Space Center (oh well, can't always have great weather, and it was 17 degrees back home!) and explored our country's oldest city, St. Augustine.
Since the coach was big but the group was small, everyone had plenty of room to stretch out and be comfortable. Most of my fellow travelers were married couples or pairs of friends or relatives sharing the trip and the expense. I was traveling solo--my first big trip on my own. Two other ladies were doing the same. (I'm very proud of us!)
Over the years, I had heard from many friends that Toby Tours does a great job, so I was confident that the trip would be fun and well-organized. Sure enough, the driver and tour director were terrific, and everyone on the coach was fun to be with. When you travel with a group, you have to follow the prescribed schedule, but this trip also allowed some free time. Two favorite memories were made when I struck out on my own: a lazy day and meandering stroll along St. Pete Beach, and days later, a brisk walk to St. Augustine Lighthouse.
I was fortunate to get a delicious dose of sunshine before coming back home to skies that are as gray and rainy as when I left.
Would I take another motor coach tour? Yes. I'd also like to try a solo trip by rail.
But since Selina missed me terribly, she and I have been discussing the possibility of an RV. That way she could come along on my next adventure.
For now, she's glad to have me home, and I'm thankful for the memories made.
Florida in February was just about perfect.
Is solo travel something you have done, or would be interested in trying?
USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.
Website: https://magdalenascott.com/
