Hi all:

I returned home late last night from 2 1/2 weeks of traveling. I’m tired and so very happy to be sitting on my couch, drinking a cocktail (bourbon), and writing this note to you. I’ve traveled solo a fair amount (probably not as much as many of you) and there are both joys and challenges when adventuring independently (in my mind, all travel is an adventure). There are also pros and cons to traveling with someone (not you, AT – only pros!).

My vacation looked like this: four nights alone in the Florida Keys; six nights in a different Florida locale, solo in a hotel, but spending time with Maine friends during the days and evenings, and then seven nights on the island of Bonaire very much not solo.

It was fascinating living the range of alone time to partnered time and learning about myself through the experience.

What I treasure about solo travel:

1) Doing EXACTLY what I want, when I want.
2) Stretching my comfort zone and growing through challenges.
3) Knowing that no one is swooping in to save me and I must trust myself and be 100% self-reliant (see #2).
4) Discovering gems because I’m not committed to an itinerary (see #1).

What I appreciate about traveling to see friends, but not staying with them:

1) Enjoying friendship and company.
2) Gathering insider intel (E.g. awesome exercise studios and neighboring coffee spots).
3) Not being lonely.
4) Being able to say goodbye and retire to my own space.

What I value about traveling with a friend:

1) Sharing decision making.
2) Knowing there’s someone to listen to my anxieties and hopefully calm me down.
3) Appreciating cool things together.
4) Not being the only one to drive the rental car (I have a slight phobia about rental cars, but I am getting better).

Reflecting on the two plus weeks of travel, I wouldn’t change a thing. I had some hilarious moments, some quiet and reflective moments, some deeply connecting moments, some sad moments, and I felt awe and had lots of fun. This is what we want from life, right?

I’m fortunate to have had that time away and as I said at the start of this email, I’m really happy to be home. I have gratitude in heaps.

OK, that’s it. Get outside if you can, seek out pleasure and awe, and take good care of yourself.

Happy adventuring,