by Meredith Siegel Cohen, Creator, Single and Striking Out
Two years ago, I traveled to Sydney, Australia, to visit my daughter during her junior year abroad. Truth be told, Australia wasn’t on my bucket list. Between the cost and the flight time – over 17 hours in the air – I wasn’t inclined to go. However, I have a dear friend who lives with ALS. A world traveler, she immediately questioned when, not if, I would be visiting my child. When I shared my hesitation, she responded quietly yet with conviction from her wheelchair,
“Mer, from where I sit, you go.”
That was it. I booked the ticket shortly thereafter and planned what turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. [The pictures are from the most magical place – Kangaroo Island]
It sparked a wanderlust I hadn’t known existed in me. It also triggered anxiety after my big breakup. Now that I was craving travel, I started wondering whether I could feel comfortable traveling alone in the future if I didn’t have a partner. After all, these are my years of opportunity. To some, it may sound silly. To me, it was a legitimate concern.
I tried to date with vigor, but as months passed without meeting Mr. Right, the question lingered:
Could I travel on my own?
I had undertaken a solo spa weekend in the Poconos a couple of years prior, which took some courage. But it was different – it was a short, 3-hour drive, and everything was all-inclusive, with other solo travelers around. All meals were eaten in the main dining room, so there was no need to make outside reservations for one. While there were still some ‘lonely moments,’ between the classes, spa treatments and meals, I was occupied and relaxed.
For my next challenge, I wanted to push myself further. I decided to start with a domestic trip – somewhere with a shorter flight, rich culture, delicious food, and a safe environment for solo female travelers. After doing some research, I chose Savannah, Georgia. The charm and flavors of the South, which I had missed from my college years in New Orleans, drew me in. The weather looked perfect – sunny and in the low 70s – and I have always found the complexity of the American South fascinating. For a 4-day trip, the city offered plenty of museums and house tours to indulge my love of history. It seemed like the perfect place for a short yet enriching getaway.
I booked a lovely Inn instead of a traditional hotel, hoping it would provide opportunities to mingle with the other guests, particularly at breakfast. I also liked that the Inn didn’t offer room service, which would force me to go out for lunch and dinner. Making reservations for one – and venturing out alone – would be a key part of this experiment. Plus, I couldn’t wait to dig into some authentic southern fried chicken!!
Why was this so important to me?
Because in my humble opinion, exploration and learning are signs of truly living! There was a time when my younger self was fearless in the skies. I couldn’t wait to buckle into my seat, eagerly anticipating takeoff, and watch the world shrink beneath me. That feeling of freedom and wonder was intoxicating. I miss her. The older I have grown, the more fearful I have become. I don’t want to avoid experiences just because I haven’t yet found ‘the guy.’ I don’t want to miss out on finding him, of course, but I want to continue living fully in the present, with the person I am now. This trip was one way to see if my younger self still exists within me.
As I readied for my trip to Savannah, I felt excited for the chance to reconnect with that adventurous spirit inside me. This isn’t just about exploring a new city; it’s about embracing solo travel as a way to build confidence, challenge my comfort zone, and find joy in what lies ahead.
I’m learning that being single doesn’t mean missing out on opportunities – it means having the power to define my next steps. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or transatlantic voyage, every solo trip is a chance for discovery, and to remember that my own company is enough.
I’m excited to share this journey with you – and I hope it encourages you to take your own leap too.
Where will you be going? Please share in the comments below. Wherever it is, adventure awaits!