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I Began Traveling Alone After My 20-Year Marriage Ended. I’ve seen 21 countries and learned the best tips for solo trips.

I Began Traveling Alone After My 20-Year Marriage Ended. I’ve seen 21 countries and learned the best tips for solo trips.

Ark
March 23, 2025

Hey there! It’s March 21, 2025, and I’m sitting in a cozy café in Lisbon, sipping espresso and reflecting on a wild ride. Three years ago, my 20-year marriage ended—messy, raw, and totally upending. I was 48, newly single, and staring at a life I didn’t recognize. Instead of wallowing, I grabbed a backpack, booked a one-way ticket to Iceland, and started traveling alone. Since then, I’ve roamed through 21 countries—Italy’s coastlines, Japan’s temples, Peru’s mountains—and picked up some hard-earned wisdom along the way. Solo travel’s been my reset, my therapy, and my joy. Here’s my story and the best tips I’ve learned—maybe they’ll spark your own adventure.

The Leap That Changed Everything

Divorce hit like a freight train. After two decades with my ex—raising kids, building a home—I was lost when it crumbled in 2022. The house felt like a ghost town; my kids were off at college. One night, scrolling X, I saw a post: “Solo travel healed me.” I thought, why not? I’d never traveled alone—always with family or friends—but Iceland’s geysers called. I landed in Reykjavik in January 2023, 48 and terrified, clutching a guidebook. That first night, watching the Northern Lights solo, I felt alive again. Three years later, I’ve hit 21 countries—Spain, Thailand, Brazil, you name it—and I’m not stopping.

Why Solo Travel Became My Thing

Alone, I call the shots—no compromises on where to eat or what to see. After years of “we,” “I” felt liberating. X posts like “#SoloTravel—best decision ever” echoed my vibe. Sure, it’s scary at first—navigating Tokyo’s subway with zero Japanese was a panic attack waiting to happen—but it’s also empowering. I’ve learned I’m tougher than I thought. Plus, the world’s kinder to solo travelers than you’d expect—strangers become friends fast. Here’s what 21 countries taught me.

Tip 1: Pack Light, But Smart

Lesson: Lugging a 50-pound suitcase through Rome’s cobblestone streets in 2023 was a nightmare—sweaty and swearing by day two.
Fix: Now, I stick to a 40L backpack—essentials only. Three outfits, one pair of shoes (comfy sneakers), a rain jacket, and a power bank.
Why It Works: Less baggage, more freedom. TSA lines are a breeze, and I’ve never missed the extra jeans.
Pro Move: Roll clothes—saves space and wrinkles.

Tip 2: Book Flexible Stays

Lesson: In Greece, I locked into a week-long Airbnb—hated the noisy street and couldn’t bail.
Fix: Now, I book hostels or hotels with free cancellation for the first night or two, then extend if I vibe with it. Booking.com’s my go-to.
Why It Works: Solo means adapting fast—I’ve left towns in 24 hours when they didn’t click (looking at you, Milan).
Pro Move: Hostels aren’t just for kids—private rooms are cheap and social.

Tip 3: Eat Local, But Scout First

Lesson: A sketchy curry in Bangkok landed me in bed for two days—solo and sick is no joke.
Fix: I check Google Reviews or ask locals for spots with buzz—clean, tasty, cheap. In Peru, I found a $3 ceviche gem that way.
Why It Works: Saves money and stomachaches—street food’s fine if it’s busy (crowds mean fresh).
Pro Move: Carry Imodium (thanks, Dad’s advice from my last article!).

Tip 4: Master the Art of Day Plans

Lesson: Wandering aimlessly in Paris was fun—until I missed the Louvre because I didn’t book ahead.
Fix: I sketch a loose daily plan—two must-sees (museums, hikes), one meal spot, rest is free. Apps like Google Maps pin it all.
Why It Works: Keeps me moving without feeling rushed—solo travel’s about balance.
Pro Move: Buy tickets online—skips lines and stress.

Tip 5: Stay Connected (But Not Too Much)

Lesson: In Morocco, my phone died—no map, no Arabic skills, pure chaos in the medina.
Fix: I carry a power bank (Anker, 10,000mAh), a local SIM or eSIM (Airalo’s clutch), and text my kids daily—“I’m alive!”
Why It Works: Safety first, but I ditch X scrolling to soak in the moment—connection’s a lifeline, not a leash.
Pro Move: Share your itinerary with someone back home.

Tip 6: Embrace the Solo Dinner

Lesson: First solo meal in Spain—awkward, me staring at my plate while couples chatted.
Fix: Now, I bring a book or journal, pick a bar seat, and chat up the bartender. In Lisbon today, I swapped stories with a local over codfish.
Why It Works: Turns “alone” into “adventure”—some of my best nights started this way.
Pro Move: Time it early (5 PM)—less crowded, more chill.

Tip 7: Trust Your Gut—Always

Lesson: In Brazil, a “friendly” guy offered a “tour”—my spidey sense screamed no. I bailed; later, I heard he scammed others.
Fix: If a street, person, or vibe feels off, I’m out—no second-guessing. Solo means you’re your own backup.
Why It Works: Instinct’s sharper than any guidebook—I’ve dodged pickpockets and worse.
Pro Move: Keep cash split—some in a sack, some in a hidden pouch.

What 21 Countries Taught Me

Iceland sparked it—standing alone under those lights, I found peace. Italy taught me to savor—pasta in Rome, no rush. Japan showed me silence—temples quieter than my thoughts. Peru proved I’m strong—hiking Machu Picchu at 50, breathless but beaming. Each spot peeled back a layer—of fear, of doubt—and built something new. X posts like “#SoloTravelHeals” aren’t hype; they’re truth. I’m not the same woman who left in 2023—I’m better.

Spring 2025: Your Turn?

March is prime travel season—Easter’s coming (April 20), and the world’s waking up. Divorce kicked me into this, but you don’t need a crisis. Solo travel’s for anyone craving a reset—20 or 60, heartbroken or just curious. Start small—a weekend somewhere—or go big like me. I’ve got Portugal now, maybe Croatia next. My best tip? Just go. You’ll figure it out—I did.

What’s your solo travel dream? Drop it below—I’m cheering you on from Lisbon!

Must-Have Amazon Items for Solo Travel

Osprey Fairview 40L Travel Backpack
1. Why It Helps: The article’s “Pack Light, But Smart” tip stresses a 40L backpack for essentials only—no 50-pound suitcase disasters. This Osprey bag (~$180 on Amazon) is a top seller in the Travel Backpacks category, designed for women, with a comfy harness and just-right carry-on size.
2. Benefit: Fits three outfits, shoes, and gear—perfect for dodging Reykjavik’s icy streets or Rome’s cobblestones without breaking your back.
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 1,” after “40L backpack,” add: “Grab the Osprey Fairview on Amazon here—and pack smarter.”
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
1. Why It Helps: “Stay Connected (But Not Too Much)” warns of dead phones in Morocco’s medinas. This tiny, lipstick-sized charger (~$25, 10,000 mAh) is an Amazon’s Choice pick with over 70,000 reviews—charges your phone twice on one go.
2. Benefit: Keeps you navigable in Tokyo’s subways or texting “I’m alive” from Peru—solo safety net activated.
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 5,” after “power bank,” add: “Get the Anker PowerCore on Amazon here—and charge.”
Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrheal Softgels (12-Count)
1. Why It Helps: “Eat Local, But Scout First” recounts a Bangkok curry gone wrong. This travel-sized pack (~$10) is a must for sketchy eaters—compact, TSA-friendly, and a top Health & Household seller.
2. Benefit: Saves you from sprinting to bathrooms in Thailand or beyond—peace of mind for solo food adventures.
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 3,” after “Imodium,” add: “Stock up on Amazon here—and digest.
Veken 8-Set Packing Cubes
1. Why It Helps: “Master the Art of Day Plans” implies staying organized—cubes helped the author avoid Paris mishaps. This set (~$20) includes four sizes, a laundry bag, and over 50,000 reviews—Amazon’s #1 in Packing Organizers.
2. Benefit: Keeps your bag tidy for quick switches from Lisbon cafés to Croatian beaches—no Louvre regrets.
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 4,” after “loose daily plan,” add: “Grab Veken cubes on Amazon here—and organize your trip.”
She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
1. Why It Helps: “Trust Your Gut—Always” flags Brazil’s shady “tour” guy. This alarm (~$30) blares 130dB and flashes—10,000+ reviews, a solo traveler’s fave on Amazon’s Safety & Survival list.
2. Benefit: Deters creeps in Rio or Rome—confidence when instincts scream “nope.”
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 7,” after “I’m out,” add: “Get She’s Birdie on Amazon here.”
Moleskine Classic Notebook (Pocket Size)
1. Why It Helps: “Embrace the Solo Dinner” suggests a book or journal—solo meals in Spain got better with notes. This iconic notebook (~$15) is portable, durable, and a top Office Products pick.
2. Benefit: Jot thoughts over codfish in Lisbon—turns alone time into reflection gold.
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 6,” after “journal,” add: “Snag a Moleskine on Amazon here—and scribble!”
Airalo eSIM (Global Plan)
1. Why It Helps: “Stay Connected” praises eSIMs for Morocco’s chaos. Airalo’s digital SIM (~$20 for 7 days, 3GB) covers 200+ countries—no physical swap, just scan and connect. Popular on Amazon’s Cell Phone Accessories.
2. Benefit: Instant data in Japan or Iceland—solo navigation without the SIM hassle.
3. Link Fit: In “Tip 5,” after “eSIM,” add: “Get Airalo on Amazon here—and connect!”

Why These Are Must-Haves

These items tackle the article’s pain points head-on: heavy luggage, dead phones, bad food, disorganization, safety scares, lonely meals, and spotty connectivity. They’re lightweight, affordable (most under $30, except the backpack), and top-rated on Amazon—perfect for a solo traveler hitting 21 countries or your next trip. The Osprey keeps you mobile, Anker and Airalo keep you linked, Imodium saves your gut, Veken cubes streamline plans, She’s Birdie guards your back, and Moleskine fills quiet moments. Together, they’re a solo travel survival kit.

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