Happily Married But Still Hitting the Road Solo: Why I Choose to Travel Alone
Happily Married But Still Hitting the Road Solo: Why I Choose to Travel Alone - Spread Your Wings and Fly
As the old saying goes, “If you love something, set it free.” This rings true for many happily married couples where one spouse has the travel bug. Though you may deeply love your partner, sometimes you need to spread your wings and fly solo to discover yourself.
I used to only travel with my husband. While we had some amazing adventures together, I felt like something was missing. A part of me yearned to wander off the beaten path, have spontaneous encounters, and make my own schedule. I didn’t want to constantly compromise to fit someone else’s interests and preferences.
So one day I took the plunge and booked a solo trip. Those two weeks trekking through the Andes Mountains ended up being one of the most magical experiences of my life. I forged friendships with fellow backpackers from around the world, pushed my limits on long hikes to remote villages, and found silence and solitude while gazing at the Milky Way.
When I returned home, my husband saw how the solo journey had ignited my spirit. He encouraged me to make such trips a regular part of life. Now every year we each take a couple weeks to travel on our own. Those journeys have become sacred to us both.
I’m not alone in this experience. Many happily committed people need solo travels to spread their wings fully. Just browse the solo travel forums and you’ll find countless others doing the same. Spouses recognize that individual exploration strengthens their bond in the long run.
Traveling solo gives you the freedom to be completely spontaneous. I can’t tell you how many unexpected adventures I’ve had by striking up conversations with strangers and then jetting off with them to explore. Had I been with my husband, we likely would have politely declined such invitations. Solo, I can say yes to anything!
Finally, solo travel allows you to know yourself on a deeper level. When it’s just you and your thoughts, you connect with your core values. You learn how to sit with discomfort when plans go awry. You gain confidence handling new situations. These lessons carry over into your marriage, ultimately enhancing the relationship.
Happily Married But Still Hitting the Road Solo: Why I Choose to Travel Alone - Me Time is the Best Medicine
Life has a funny way of filling up all of our time if we let it. Between work, family, and social obligations, many of us struggle to find any time for ourselves. But carving out solo “me time” through travel can be the best medicine for your mind, body, and soul.
I used to think I was too busy to get away on my own. My demanding job kept me chained to my desk, while my spouse and kids required attention at home. The hours between sunrise and sunset flew by in a blur of activity and I crashed exhausted each night.
That’s when I realized I had to make “me time” a priority. I marked out a week on my calendar and booked a trip to Costa Rica. My family supported this self-care journey, even though it meant more work for them while I was gone.
The first couple days of solo adventuring felt strange, I won’t lie. I’m used to always being “on” for others. But I pushed past the discomfort and learned to let go. Slowly, almost meditatively, I surrendered to the rhythm of the rainforest.
By day three, magic happened. My mind stopped racing. I could finally hear myself think! Taking long walks alone let my creative juices flow in ways they hadn’t for years. Yoga came easily. Insights arose during relaxed conversations with fellow travelers. I had time to journal about my hopes, values, and priorities.
Many happily committed people have shared similar revelations with me. Making time for yourself allows you to show up as your best self for those you love. You can’t pour from an empty cup, as they say.
Solo travel provides a space where you can slow down, turn inward, and focus on your needs. You might spend lazy afternoons reading novels without interruption. Take relaxing bubble baths while sipping wine, with no kid pounding on the door. Wander aimlessly through new cities and have spontaneous adventures.
This time out fills your cup so that you can go back home refreshed. You have more patience, more vibrancy. You feel grateful for every shared moment with your spouse and kids.
Happily Married But Still Hitting the Road Solo: Why I Choose to Travel Alone - Keeping the Flame Alive by Time Apart
When you see happily married couples who are still madly in love after decades together, you have to wonder—what’s their secret? For many, it’s giving each other space to explore separately. Time apart keeps the flame alive in a long-term relationship.
I used to think being joined at the hip was romantic. My husband and I did everything together, from mundane errands to thrilling vacations. But over time, we started getting on each other’s nerves. Little things would trigger major fights. The spark fizzled.
That’s when we realized we needed to nurture our individual interests through solo travel. At first it felt uncomfortable, like we were growing apart. But the opposite happened—we grew closer.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, like they say. When you haven’t seen your partner for a couple weeks, you appreciate everything about them. Their smile, laugh, scent—it’s like falling in love all over again when you reunite.
Traveling solo also gives you new stories and perspectives to share. You’ll have adventures to recount and insider tips to suggest for the next trip together. You’ll also gain empathy for what it’s like in your partner’s shoes.
Many couples find they have more to talk about after solo journeys. The time apart paves way for deeper conversations about values, dreams, and relationships. You’ll learn something new about your spouse that makes you admire them even more.
Additionally, solo travel lets you cultivate your own separate interests. You’ll come home with fresh excitement about hobbies to enjoy alone or together. This prevents boredom and burnout in the marriage.
Of course, effective communication is key for solo travel to strengthen a relationship. Be transparent about your itinerary and check in periodically if you’ll be unreachable. Discuss hopes and concerns openly beforehand.
Many of the most solid couples I know integrate regular solo trips. They rave about the balance of independence and closeness this provides. While parting ways is bittersweet, their goodbyes are filled with anticipation for the reunion.
Happily Married But Still Hitting the Road Solo: Why I Choose to Travel Alone - New Adventures Create New Stories
Seek and ye shall find. When we push beyond our comfort zones to places unknown, we unlock new adventures that create fresh stories we carry for a lifetime. Solo travel lets us venture into the unfamiliar, where serendipity surprises us at every turn.
Janine speaks of her first solo trip to Morocco, where she threw caution to the wind. On a whim, she accepted an invitation for mint tea with a local Berber family. Though she spoke not a word of their language, they connected through universal gestures of hospitality. Janine laughs remembering the kids’ delight when she showed them photos on her phone. They had never seen a device like it! That evening over a tagine feast, music and dancing broke down all barriers between strangers.
Johnny describes his spur-of-the-moment detour to swim at the foot of Victoria Falls during a solo trip to Zambia. Dodging the heavy spray, he floated mere feet from the deafening cascade. Gazing up at the rainbows arcing overhead, he felt humbled by the raw power of nature. Moments like those expand our sense of what’s possible.
For Aidan, facing his fears created an epic tale. While backpacking solo through the Australian Outback, he decided to learn scuba diving. Throwing on a wetsuit for the first time, he questioned what he was doing. But slipping below the surface into a kaleidoscope of coral and fish amazed him. Now Aidan travels the world seeking underwater adventures.
Rachel fondly recalls getting lost and stranded overnight in the Romanian countryside when her phone died. A friendly farmer welcomed her into his home, where his family fed her fresh goat cheese and brandy by the fireplace. She went to bed laughing at the unexpected circumstance that gave her this chance encounter.
Sometimes misadventure rewards us with our most brilliant memories. On a solo hike through the Middle East, Alison took a wrong turn and got stuck atop a rocky plateau after sundown. Shivering alone under the stars, she was initially terrified. But gazing up at the Milky Way in its full glory took her breath away. The world feels boundless when we release the need for control.
Happily Married But Still Hitting the Road Solo: Why I Choose to Travel Alone - The World Is My Oyster
The world is my oyster – a common phrase, but when it comes to travel, how true it rings! Venturing forth solo with an open mind and heart allows us to appreciate the diversity of our human family. Immersing in unfamiliar cultures expands our perspectives. We return home with greater compassion and connectedness.
Jessica speaks of her life-changing experience volunteering with a nonprofit in Uganda. She lived simply with local families in a rural village. Though they had little materially, their generosity and joy astounded her. They taught Jessica about resilience and community. She says her worldview shifted profoundly. No longer does she take anything for granted.
James recounts his impromptu desert trek with nomadic tribal elders in the Sahara. As they traversed the endless dunes on camels, the men shared their traditional knowledge of navigating by the stars. At night, they welcomed James into their tent to sip warming mint tea. He was amazed by their self-sufficiency and oneness with nature. The trip opened his eyes to a disappearing way of life.
For Aisha, solo travel to the Middle East as a woman was daunting yet exhilarating. She connected with welcoming locals who expressed gratitude that Westerners wanted to experience the region’s beauty. Aisha was surprised by the region's rich history and modern metropolises. She cautions against judging a place before you visit it yourself.
Alejandro speaks wistfully of his backpacking journey across Asia using only local transport. Endless bus, train and ferry rides placed him alongside rural villagers and families. Observing their everyday lives allowed Alejandro to appreciate the vast spectrum of human experience. Simple moments – sharing snacks with a child, helping an elderly woman with her bags – meant the world to him.