Solo travel is becoming a popular way to discover the world. A growing number of those solo trips are taken by women. Travel agents predict a record number of solo trips will be taken by women this year. The reasons are varied, but common denominators include larger disposable incomes, longer life spans, and increased independence as a result of divorce or death of a partner. Part of the allure for both men and women is the challenge of meeting new people, practicing language skills, and learning something about their destinations.
Most solo travelers end up learning something about themselves too.
There s the risk, of course, that when you travel alone, your trip may not be the magical experience you imagined. You may find that you need people around you more than you realized. Armchair travel won t give you the same experience, so it s pretty tough to try out a solo adventure vicariously. To those considering solo travel, expect a certain degree of loneliness. But the trade-off is you can come and go when and where you want, without having to consult a companion.