Travels With Janet: The Thrill Of Solo Travel

Travels With Janet: The Thrill Of Solo Travel

People tell me that I'm brave to be traveling to foreign countries alone, but I disagree. Traveling with someone else--that's what can strain the best of relationships.

Admit it—you've always looked longingly at those who travel alone. Self-confident and self-contained, they're the ones hanging out in the plazas, peacefully reading and nursing an espresso or a glass of the local wine and watching the world go by.

You, on the other hand, are miserable--part of a horde of sweaty tourists climbing on and off a bus, shepherded around by an obnoxious tour guide in a goofy hat. I've never been able to figure out why people pay someone to tell them what they should see.

Traveling alone is not about being lonely or antisocial. Rather, you will find that traveling alone is empowering and opens you up to meeting new people. Those who travel alone tend to gravitate toward each other; it's a proud, unspoken fraternity. Don't worry about language, customs, currency, passports and visas--they're not a challenge anymore. The euro has significantly streamlined travel in Western Europe. Even in developing countries, you will find that everyone speaks English, because it's the language of commerce. Increased globalization has decreased social barriers.

I first traveled to Europe when I was young and we just kind of let it happen. Sleeping on trains and busses, ambivalent about the history of ancient cultures. Wandering from country to country without any real purpose beyond finding the best cheap beer, wine and food. The dollar was strong in those days and you really could almost travel on $5/day.

Fortunately, my tastes and interests have evolved significantly since those early years, and my wanderlust has never diminished. I can't wait for my next adventure and I can spend many happy hours poring over guidebooks to decide what my next trip will be.

Where to go?

If you've never been to France or Italy, these locales should rise to the top of your list. No one should die without seeing Paris, Florence and Rome. Or, for that matter, Athens or the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik. Spain's flamenco and Portugal's moody fado music. The post-communist countries of Eastern Europe or Turkey, the country with one foot in Asia, the other in Europe. The gracious, exotic countries of the Middle East. The teeming markets of Morocco.

Too many sites, too little time. Be thinking about places that have always held a special allure for you. Look for my articles, Travels with Janet.

About the Author

Janet Peischel is the owner of Top of Mind Marketing. More than 20 years of comprehensive marketing and business development experience. I work with small professional services firms, including attorneys and those in financial services. I am a writer and editor, develop branding and messaging and PR strategies. I help my clients increase sales by 15%/quarter.