I tried out traveling solo properly for the first time last September going on a wildlife watching holiday in Spain. First time I’ve flown alone! But it was a group trip with guides so that was less intimidating, a good way to gain some confidence. I hope to do much more solo travel soon. My partner and friends don’t want to do the same trips as me so I want to become more confident at solo travel so I can do the experiences I want without depending on others. I’d definitely love to try some of the Scottish islands!
I've been travelling solo for many years, both for work and for leisure. I love the freedom that solo travel offers. I set my own agendas and spend time exactly as I wish to. My next solo trip is next month to Sweden.
Hi there! It really annoys me that airlines penalise solo travellers by offering better fares to couples. The same applies to hotels. I wish they'd all catch a wake up call and realise they are missing out on more travellers who don't wish to be accompanied! I'm much older but have been on my own for quite a long time and travelling alone holds no fears for me.
Hi Rene, annoys me too. However, I booked a campsite at Ullswater last week which qualified for a discount as a lone traveller! I wish more would do the same.
As you say there is something very different about solo travel and for me it is different for personal travel when compared against travel for work. I used to do a weeks cycle touring every year and it was a chance to focus on something with no commitments or pressure and get away from the 24/7 work culture that is deemed acceptable by too many. The only requirement for me when cycle touring was to get to my stop for the night otherwise I was free to see what I wanted, when I wanted and be very much in the moment. I also enjoyed being fitter at the end of it:) I always made time to stop in places that appealed and to do a brief breathing meditation and then to just listen to the sounds and feel the breeze, sun etc. The scottish islands are lovely and my wife and I have not entirley given up the idea of moving to one.
I love this! I traveled solo to Amsterdam a few years back and it literally changed my entire life. I think traveling solo teaches you so much about yourself. Happy travels!!
A bit off topic but as someone whose grandparents lived in Scarfskerry, just along the coast from JOG, I hope you get a sense of the magic of the place. There'll always be a place in my heart for the north east corner of Scotland. The light is just other wordly different and the sunsets over Dunnet Head can be spectacular. And the cry of a curlew will always turn my head. My grandmother's friend used to go to Scarfskerry harbour and play her violin, allegedly with the odd seal or two watching on! And the Orkneys are probably my favourite place in the UK, but that's a different story. :)
Thankyou for this most relatable post ! I am currently travelling solo in your beautiful country and prior to this England .I am now 66 and can’t believe how exhilarating it is to explore from a solo perspective .. it’s so true - there are navigational blips and struggles but it feels pretty wonderful when I have managed it all. I also experience the land and people I encounter more fully along the way. The experiences are more rich and the memories linger ! When I was 21 I made my first backpacking in Europe trip with a friend for a summer . When we separated ( due to her meeting a guy) I had the journey of a lifetime . Fast track until now and it’s just as rich :-)
Wonderful read Molly. I can’t believe you’ve been on the Farne Islands - that’s very close to me!
Yes I’ve travelled all over the world alone - Australia, New Zealand and America. I found confidence in English speaking countries and got the bug and just went for it.
It feels big now to travel for work to LONDON or another city and I don’t choose it but I know sometimes some time alone especially on trains is especially magic for me.
Aww yay! I’ve always meant to go on the boat trip but never quite got round to it and now it’s all closed due to avian flu. Can’t wait to watch your YouTube. I think you’re so right about making space to go do the things that make your heart sing. ✨🍃
Inspiring in your confidence and willingness to make time for yourself and in nature. After reading your post and watching the companion video I am reminded of my own solo travels and the joys of experiencing the awe of nature on your own, as well as one of my favorite poems from Lord Byron.
I tried out traveling solo properly for the first time last September going on a wildlife watching holiday in Spain. First time I’ve flown alone! But it was a group trip with guides so that was less intimidating, a good way to gain some confidence. I hope to do much more solo travel soon. My partner and friends don’t want to do the same trips as me so I want to become more confident at solo travel so I can do the experiences I want without depending on others. I’d definitely love to try some of the Scottish islands!
That sounds amazing, good for you! It feels so empowering :)
I've been travelling solo for many years, both for work and for leisure. I love the freedom that solo travel offers. I set my own agendas and spend time exactly as I wish to. My next solo trip is next month to Sweden.
Amazing! Sounds wonderful! :)
Hi there! It really annoys me that airlines penalise solo travellers by offering better fares to couples. The same applies to hotels. I wish they'd all catch a wake up call and realise they are missing out on more travellers who don't wish to be accompanied! I'm much older but have been on my own for quite a long time and travelling alone holds no fears for me.
Hi Rene, annoys me too. However, I booked a campsite at Ullswater last week which qualified for a discount as a lone traveller! I wish more would do the same.
Such good points. I'm glad it doesn't hold you back!
Sounds wonderful, Molly! I'm desperate to do the NC500! It's been on my bucket list for years. Have lots of fun 😊
Thank you! I do highly recommend it! :)
Your trip description exudes confidence and fun. Definitely see more solo travel on your future diary.
Thank you! :)
How inspiring - I’ve travelled alone for work but never pleasure. You’ve got me thinking... 🤔💭 Thank you, Molly. 🙏🏻 I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Thank you!
As you say there is something very different about solo travel and for me it is different for personal travel when compared against travel for work. I used to do a weeks cycle touring every year and it was a chance to focus on something with no commitments or pressure and get away from the 24/7 work culture that is deemed acceptable by too many. The only requirement for me when cycle touring was to get to my stop for the night otherwise I was free to see what I wanted, when I wanted and be very much in the moment. I also enjoyed being fitter at the end of it:) I always made time to stop in places that appealed and to do a brief breathing meditation and then to just listen to the sounds and feel the breeze, sun etc. The scottish islands are lovely and my wife and I have not entirley given up the idea of moving to one.
That sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing :)
I love this! I traveled solo to Amsterdam a few years back and it literally changed my entire life. I think traveling solo teaches you so much about yourself. Happy travels!!
Aw amazing! Thank you! :)
Hi Molly,
A bit off topic but as someone whose grandparents lived in Scarfskerry, just along the coast from JOG, I hope you get a sense of the magic of the place. There'll always be a place in my heart for the north east corner of Scotland. The light is just other wordly different and the sunsets over Dunnet Head can be spectacular. And the cry of a curlew will always turn my head. My grandmother's friend used to go to Scarfskerry harbour and play her violin, allegedly with the odd seal or two watching on! And the Orkneys are probably my favourite place in the UK, but that's a different story. :)
Hope you have a great time!
Oh now wonderful! I adore that area and Orkney is next on my list! I heard curlews every day. It was such a privilege 💚
It sounds totally liberating 🌻 hope you have lots of fun 🤩
Thank you!
Thankyou for this most relatable post ! I am currently travelling solo in your beautiful country and prior to this England .I am now 66 and can’t believe how exhilarating it is to explore from a solo perspective .. it’s so true - there are navigational blips and struggles but it feels pretty wonderful when I have managed it all. I also experience the land and people I encounter more fully along the way. The experiences are more rich and the memories linger ! When I was 21 I made my first backpacking in Europe trip with a friend for a summer . When we separated ( due to her meeting a guy) I had the journey of a lifetime . Fast track until now and it’s just as rich :-)
That sounds wonderful! Good for you 😊💚
Wonderful read Molly. I can’t believe you’ve been on the Farne Islands - that’s very close to me!
Yes I’ve travelled all over the world alone - Australia, New Zealand and America. I found confidence in English speaking countries and got the bug and just went for it.
It feels big now to travel for work to LONDON or another city and I don’t choose it but I know sometimes some time alone especially on trains is especially magic for me.
✨🌞✨
Aw they are wonderful islands! I'd love to do more. I'll start with Scotland and work up from there! :)
Aww yay! I’ve always meant to go on the boat trip but never quite got round to it and now it’s all closed due to avian flu. Can’t wait to watch your YouTube. I think you’re so right about making space to go do the things that make your heart sing. ✨🍃
Inspiring in your confidence and willingness to make time for yourself and in nature. After reading your post and watching the companion video I am reminded of my own solo travels and the joys of experiencing the awe of nature on your own, as well as one of my favorite poems from Lord Byron.
"There is pleasure in the pathless woods;
There is rapture on the lonely shore;
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar;
I love not Man the less, but Nature more..."