By 34, I thought I'd be married with kids. Instead, I just took a solo trip to my 90th country.
Instead, I developed a passion for — and made a career out of — solo travel. I love my life.
I wish people celebrated my travel achievements the way they celebrate wedding rings.
Growing up, I was always enamored with geography, so it's no surprise that I developed a passion for solo traveling.
In my 20s, I assumed I would solo travel for a few years to "get it out of my system" before settling down. Instead, my destination bucket list grew while my desire for things that felt like societal norms at my age — kids and marriage, for example — dwindled.
By 30, it dawned on me that both of those things are choices, not requirements. While some women successfully balance it all, I'm not personally willing to swap spontaneous trips for dirty diapers.
My solo ventures have led me to experiences like road-tripping in Madagascar and seeing all 20 regions in Italy. Recently, they led me to my 90th country, Mauritius, where I snorkeled with colorful fish and ate street dholl puri.
What Mauritius really provided, though, was a moment to reflect on all that comes with solo traveling as a single, childless 34-year-old woman.
The judgmental comments are relentless, but I don't let them deter me
I've built a business around solo traveling through my Instagram and blog, so I am no stranger to unsolicited comments.
My earliest trips were funded through my work as a bartender, and I quickly became skilled at traveling comfortably on my budget. I finessed systems like SkyScanner's "Everywhere" search feature to find inexpensive flights, and I slept in affordable hostels.
Still, everyone from strangers online to coworkers in real life constantly insinuated that a man was paying for my trips — or my parents were.
I was taken aback by how frequently people asked how I could afford to travel, when I would never dare ask how someone could afford to raise a child.
I received other nosy questions, too. Whenever I dated someone, people asked if my partner was mad that I traveled alone, or said it was nice that he "let" me go on trips without him.
It made me wonder how often solo-traveling men are told it's nice their partner "lets" them travel.
Naysayers aside, solo traveling has led me to a community of like-minded people
In my experience, it's much easier to meet people when you're traveling alone since you're not stuck in your own group.
Solo traveling has led me to plenty of friends that I've met naturally in hostels, bars, and even on airplanes, and through my online community via social media.
Although solo travel — like babies and marriage — isn't for everyone, I have found my footing in this world because of it. For me, it's empowering to be in an unknown part of the world with nothing but myself to rely on.
Even as a seasoned traveler, I still learn something new on every trip, whether I'm dismantling negative stereotypes about places I'd been taught were unsafe or reminding myself I don't need to wait for a partner to enjoy typical honeymoon destinations.
Solo travel has fed my curiosity, opened my mind, and given me the gift of enjoying my own company.
I wish that my life, passions, and career were celebrated in the way that marriage and kids are
If you had asked me when I was a kid where I saw myself in my 30s, "solo traveling the world" would not have been on my radar.
I assumed my life would consist of a stable career and a house in the suburbs with my husband and kids. However, looking back, I don't know that I ever actually wanted kids — rather, it was something that was simply expected of me.
Now, I know that I don't have the desire to have children, although I'm still open to marriage or a long-term partnership with the right person one day.
I recognize that for many, having a family is a dream come true. My dream life, however, is the one I'm living right now.
Perhaps that's why it's disheartening that my accolades, like visiting 90 countries alone, will never be celebrated by society the same way having a baby or a ring on my finger will.
Knowing this, I threw myself an "Antarctica send-off" party the night before leaving for my final continent — because, if nothing else, solo travel has taught me to be my biggest supporter and my own best friend.
Read the original article on Business Insider
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rail disruption as freight train blocks line
Dozens of trains have been cancelled after signalling issues led to a freight train blocking a line near Avonmouth. Disruption on the route between Clifton Down, Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach continued until 13:00 BST. Great Western Railway (GWR) said the train was moved by 10:00 BST though delays and cancellations continue to affect the service. Rail replacement buses in the form of 16-seater minibuses have been put in place but these will not run to the train timetable due to the extended journey time by road, GWR said. Train tickets are also being accepted on a number of local bus services at no extra cost. Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Related internet links Great Western Railway
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
American hidden gems: Travelers are sleeping on these 10 domestic destinations
Nothing can ruin a trip faster than running into too many crowds and being stiffed at tourist traps. When planning a vacation, many travelers consider the most trending or perennial destinations, only to find out everyone else had the same idea. As a result, their trip involves waiting in long lines or searching for a restaurant that caters to locals with affordable menu items. However, there are a slew of slept-on domestic destinations that provide the same level of activities, food, history, and arts and culture to enjoy – just without the crowds or high price tags. To help travelers decide on which hidden gem to visit next, the travel experts at luxury vacation rental service Wander released a ranking of the 10 most overlooked U.S. destinations. In May, the experts analyzed data from Google searches, TripAdvisor, Instagram and Numbeo to identify several hidden gems in the U.S., based on lists from media outlets like CNN and Yahoo. Specifically, the team analyzed the number of restaurants, museums, landmarks and more along with factors such as safety and cleanliness. From the arts and culture in Bentonville, Arkansas, to the slow-paced mountain town of Bozeman, Montana, here are the top 10 hidden gems in the U.S. 10. Springfield, Illinois Located three hours away from Chicago, Springfield is a history buff's paradise. Not only is the capital of Illinois set along the historic Route 66, but it was also the home of Abraham Lincoln when he became president. Travelers can visit places significant to the 16th President, like touring his former home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and seeing his final resting place at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. 9. Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg offers more than just being the capital of colonial Virginia and the epicenter of the American Revolutionary War. While there are plenty of museums and historic attractions to visit, the city also offers theme parks like Busch Gardens, ghost tours and several art museums. 8. Bozeman, Montana Bozeman may be known as a gateway town to the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park, but it's a destination all on its own. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the rustic city's endless adventures, such as hiking, fishing and mountain biking, before relaxing at the natural hot springs or one of the several locally owned distilleries. 7. Vancouver, Washington Not to be confused with the city in British Columbia with the same name, Vancouver, Washington, is a riverside city right above Portland, Oregon. As one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rocky Mountains, the city has a historic charm while also offering plenty of outdoor activities like hiking. 6. Bowling Green, Kentucky Located just 60 miles north of Nashville, Bowling Green is a vibrant city with the Southern charm Kentucky is known for. Besides exploring the picturesque downtown, travelers can enjoy some more unique activities, such as visiting the National Corvette Museum, where "America's sports car" is assembled, but also make a day trip out to the sprawling cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park. 5. Bentonville, Arkansas Bentonville has long been a beloved destination by mountain bikers for its year-round trail access, but it's quickly rising as an arts and culture hub. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal deemed the city "the new capital of cool" for its growing dining scene and numerous public art installations. 4. Helena, Montana As the second Montana destination to make the ranking, Helena draws in travelers for its charming downtown and slew of outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. One of the biggest attractions is to take a boat tour around the stunning Gates of the Mountain, named by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition but also known as the Missouri River Canyon. 3. Athens, Georgia Less than 100 miles from Atlanta, Athens is more than just a college town for the University of Georgia. "Athens prides itself on its rich performing arts scene, with live music events taking place almost every night, whilst constantly welcoming new experiences and creators," Matt Kowalewski, chief of staff at Wander, told USA TODAY in a statement. "From the botanical gardens to Sandy Creek Park, there's a wide range of activities and places to visit in the city.' 2. Eau Claire, Wisconsin Nestled right where the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers meet, Eau Claire is a vibrant city, especially for music lovers. "It's the hometown of the band Bon Iver and has a rich music and arts scene, with various festivals hosted in the city," said Kowalewski. "The spot is also the second-fastest growing major city in Wisconsin, so it likely won't be overlooked for long. Anyone hoping for a quiet vacation might want to get to Eau Claire sooner rather than later." 1. Tupelo, Mississippi "Tupelo, Mississippi, has been named the most overlooked off-trend travel destination in our study, with only 4,300 annual Google searches for the likes of 'vacation in Tupelo, Mississippi' – 150,000 searches less than the most searched off-trend destination, Rapid City," said Kowalewski. "This suggests that people often don't think to take a trip to the Mississippi city." Travelers may be attracted to the city for the legacy of Elvis Presley, but they'll stay for the vibrant nightlife and food scene.
CNET
5 hours ago
- CNET
I Found the Common Social Media Posts Burglars Use Against You
As we live more of our lives online, it's no surprise that burglars cruise social media to scout out their next victims. The obvious questions spring to mind: who's likely to be at home? Who's traveling? But while the Home Alone burglars had to get inventive to answer those questions, things are very different in 2025. The good news is that home security technology has led to a drop in burglaries over the past decade, but criminals are catching up. One of their latest tactics is eyeing our TikTok updates, new Insta pics and Facebook family updates for signs of when our homes are likely ot be the most vulnerable. Even if you think your social media feed is safe, it can be tough to really know who's watching your feed. With the right practices, though, you can start to protect yourself and give those bad guys the slip. Here are key social media mistakes to avoid, while still getting those likes -- take a look before you post. Read more: Best Ways to Keep Your Home Address Off the Web Sharing travel plans ahead of time leaves a house vulnerable Pay attention to the details you are sharing online to stay safe. Tatiana Lavrova via Getty Travel is exciting and the perfect opportunity to post your influencer-level photos in exotic new locations, but that comes with a hidden risk. Showing everyone that you plan to be away from home (or are currently on a trip) could give burglars or other opportunists the green light to take advantage of an empty house. You'd be surprised how many people have returned from a vacation to find an unwelcome guest. Preparing your home security for a trip can help with this, but it's best to avoid the risk by waiting to post your vacation photos. Take a tip from the pros and schedule your in-the-moment vacation pics for later when you're home. Everyone gets to enjoy photos from your vacation but at a slightly later date. Important note: The same is true if you're moving to a new address. Wait until the move is complete before you post. Tagging real-time locations shows exactly where you are (and aren't) Geotagged photos or automatic location tagging shows where you are in real time as you post. It can be fun to show friends you arrived at a venue or checked into a favorite restaurant, but that also shows everyone else you aren't home right now. The same is true about posting a pic with geotags, even if you're just out and about the town. This precise location data can give mischief-makers and thieves a tip that you aren't at home and your house may be open for trouble. Never post content that makes it easy to tell when you aren't at home. alvarez via Getty Talking about your routine can tell burglars when to show up Social media is packed with people listing out their daily routines and habits (do we really need to know about your 6am run?), but if you want to follow suit be careful just how much you share. Don't reveal the times of day you head to work or to the gym, for example. You don't want anyone to have a record of when your home or room will be unoccupied. Thieves are already using security cameras to spy on homeowner routines; don't make things easier for them. Posting a big new purchase could draw unwanted eyes Another common mistake social media users make is posting a pricey new item they recently obtained. Sure, it's exciting to show off and share big buys like a new TV, a new PC setup, a collection of expensive miniatures, fancy new tools or new jewelry, but that's the sort of thing burglars watch for online. Stay safe and keep those special purchases just between you and your IRL friends to cut down on the chances they get stolen. Read more: The 7 Most Common Home Security Mistakes to Stop Making Photos don't just give away your location, they also show people what you own. Feverpitched via Getty If you're not doing it, your kids could be Finally, keep in mind even if you're extra careful on social media, your kids (or your partner) may be less cautious. Younger social media users in particular may not recognize the dangers of posting all kinds of personal details, especially when a several-second video can get them a burst of recognition on TikTok. So make sure your family also understands these risks and knows that there are certain things they shouldn't post online -- at least, not right away. Does this stuff matter if your social posts aren't public? Keeping your social media restricted only to friends keeps your post much safer and we highly recommend it. But it's not a cure-all for these risks. First, it's hard to tell who is currently following you and if their acquaintances also have access to their social feed, especially if you have a lot of followers. Second, as mentioned above, other family members may not be as cautious and could reveal details to people outside their circles. Third, some enterprising burglars may even spam fake account requests to access a huge amount of social profiles at once and glean whatever information they can. It's pretty rare, but that's also why you don't accept random requests without some kind of connection. For more information on how to keep your home safe, you should stop by our tips on stress-free living alone, our broad home security cheat sheet and tips to prevent all kinds of break-ins.
